

Whether you work a 9 to 5 or run your own business, life still happens. There are going to be ups and downs in your professional journey, and it can be tricky trying to navigate through it all. To speak more on that topic, I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Karlet Hewitt, a full-time entrepreneur based out of NYC. I met Karlet through a mutual connection who shared her story with me, and I knew I had to learn more.
Karlet graduated in 2009 and worked as an Executive Assistant for 10+ years at an investment bank. During that time, she was the go-to person everyone turned to with the smallest of tasks to the biggest of tasks. It wasn't until she heard God's voice telling her, "You don't belong here," that Karlet believed she could offer the world much more. It was time to step out on faith and start her entrepreneurial journey. Karlet started the Purpoint Group back in 2015 as a side hustle and finally decided to leave her corporate job in May 2019.
"I remember sitting at that desk in January 2019. I was making $100,000 a year and they'd just assigned me with the additional responsibility of sorting out the Poland spring water and snacks in the pantry. And I was like, 'Who, me? You want me to maintain the pantry, run the office, manage client reporting, do research, and plan events?' That's when I started to develop a strong nudge in my spirit, saying, 'Is this what you're worth? I have more for you.' That's when I decided to jump out on faith and resign. They were shocked! Immediately after, God flipped my world upside down. Literally upside down."
Instagram/@karlethewitt
"I remember sitting at that desk in January 2019. I was making $100,000 a year and they'd just assigned me with the additional responsibility of sorting out the Poland spring water and snacks in the pantry. And I was like, 'Who, me? You want me to maintain the pantry, run the office, manage client reporting, do research, and plan events?' That's when I started to develop a strong nudge in my spirit, saying, 'Is this what you're worth? I have more for you.'"
The Purpoint Group is an agency that provides front to back business solutions and strategies, inclusive of event planning, publicity support, branding, and technology support. Even though The Purpoint Group was the successful new venture Karlet needed, she was facing life-changing news. During the height of COVID-19, Karlet found herself going through a divorce, still grieving the loss of her mother, all while trying to maintain a business and be a mother herself. With 2020 happenings, grief is something people have been dealing with lately, especially in the black community.
Karlet was able to share her story about coping with her grief and the lesson it taught her:
Navigating Grief During a Career Change:
Instagram/@karlethewitt
Death is the one thing in life that is certain. Death is an eye-opener for anyone that we are all on borrowed time, and we should not waste it. What helps with grieving after death is using the time you still have wisely, and continuing to have faith. For Karlet, the news of her mother becoming ill hit like a ton of bricks and left with a feeling that she notes as "indescribable". She shared, "As soon as I put in my two weeks' notice, my mom had just been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. I remember feeling like, my gosh––I am losing my mother undeniably to this monster, cancer."
"I'm watching her wither away, my number one supporter, my best friend. The feeling is still indescribable."
Karlet expressed that her faith in God as her source to not stay in the pain that grief brings. She still has support from her family members and friends to lean on during the "not so good" days. She understands that this loss is something that she will never get over, but Karlet has faith in God that she can get through any dark tunnel. "I'm very rooted in my faith, so I went directly to God and said, 'Alright, God, I don't know what you are doing, but I trust you. You have put all these pillars in front of me, and I have no choice but to wiggle through this obstacle course.'"
Navigating Grief During the End of a Marriage:
We experience grief from relationships because it is still considered a loss. In a relationship, there is a sense of support in times of life's peaks and valleys. When a person no longer serves you or can no longer be that support you need, you can feel a sense of loneliness and even betrayal. "I had a moment where my emotions were very raw; naturally, I was mad. I was angry," she told xoNecole.
While you should welcome those emotions because you have every right to feel them, Karlet reminds herself of her value and her strength, daily. "I think, as women, we still get things done on our own, especially when you are goal-driven. Before I was married, I was a single mom. As a black woman, no matter what's happening around us, we are always going to take care of our home, our children and get things done."
Karlet knows that whoever stays or leaves in her life, she is her most important support system, and no man can take that away from her. "My mother always taught me one man don't stop, no show. So whether you are in or out, friend, partner, husband, client, employer, Karlet is always going to be OK," she added.
Navigating Motherhood While Grieving:
Instagram/@karlethewitt
Black women are regarded as superheroes, and rightfully so, however the terminology can play the role of a double-edged sword. The world expects us to wear multiple hats and in the face of pain, the word 'strong' acts as an unlikely adversary to the necessary act of addressing our own needs. Karlet agrees that we are capable of showing up for others, especially for our children, but we have to be mindful of showing up for ourselves first. "This past January, I was battling depression. My son, who is seven, looked at me and said, 'Mom, you must get up.' That's when I realized; he too is experiencing this loss. At just seven years old, if he can wake up every day, enthusiastic and hopeful and say to himself, 'I don't know what's going on, but I know my mommy's going to take care of me,' that encourages me to keep going every day."
"Although I don't know what's going on during this season of my life, I know my Father's going to take care of me."
The phrase "you can't pour from an empty cup" is more real than we think. When women can take a step back and check-in on ourselves to make sure we are in a good space mentally and spiritually, everyone else will benefit. "Mommies––detach your identity from your children. As long as you are well, your children are always going to well. I think it is important, as mothers, we learn that outside of our children, we still exist. We can't get lost in the title of 'Mom'. It's not an easy thing to do, but it's necessary."
Navigating Grief as an Entrepreneur:
Ultimately, as with anything in life, grief can offer a learning experience and if you let it, you can move through it having gained something amid your loss. Karlet is proof of this sentiment as well. "Grief has taught me that no matter what's happening in your business, life is still happening. We are all going through something. Grief has taught me to be still. As entrepreneurs, we are always trying to figure out the next thing. We need to learn to enjoy life for what it is right now."
"We need to learn to be present. I'm a big fan of journaling, and my self-care is to shut everything down. I had to learn to detach from the work and focus on being Karlet."
"Prayer is super important to me as well as mentorship." Karlet explained, "Having a healthy and consistent prayer life is a part of my business plan as well as mentors. Mentors help you connect with someone who has already been through what you're about to endure as an entrepreneur. They help you skip the unnecessary steps as you build your business. I encourage anyone experiencing grief in any way to find your people because it helps to have support and grounds you a little bit."
For more Karlet, follow her on Instagram!
Featured image by Instagram/@karlethewitt.
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'K' is a multi-hyphenated free spirit from Chicago. She is a lover of stories and the people who tell them. As a writer, 9-5er, and Safe Space Curator, she values creating the life she wants and enjoying the journey along the way. You can follow her on Instagram @theletter__k_.
Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
Watch the full episode below:
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by YouTube/xoNecole
Traveling This Summer? These 10 Layover Hacks Will Get You Through.
With the current administration that we have, I’m sure it comes as no surprise that summer travel is in a bit of a slump this year. Still, that doesn’t mean that many folks aren’t going on some kind of trip that requires air travel, and, in order to keep a few extra bucks in their pocket, they are avoiding direct flights. Instead, they are booking ones that require some sort of a layover.
Layover. Although it isn’t exactly “music to our ears” whenever we hear the word, it doesn’t have to be a tremendous burden if you know some tricks of the trade that will make a layover more bearable. Luckily, I’ve got 10 that could actually make this your best year for summer travel yet, y’all!
10 Layover Travel Tips You’ll Be Glad You Know
1. Research Best Layover Airports (Yes, There Is Such a Thing)
If while planning your trip, if it looks like a layover is going to be more than 90 minutes, it never hurts to research the airports that are the most user-friendly as far as layovers are concerned. From what I can see, several studies reveal that George Bush Intercontinental Airport (Houston, Texas) gets a lot of props, thanks to the food options and the amount of frequent flyer miles that you can stack up.
Some other airports that top the list include Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Seattle–Tacoma International Airport and Denver International Airport. If you want to save money on your travel by having a layover, purposely landing in these cities can make the wait much more pleasurable for you.
2. Download Your Airline’s App
Whatever airline you plan on flying on, make sure to download its app before heading to the airport. There are many reasons why this is a solid hack including the fact that:
1) you can check-in and get a mobile boarding pass; 2) you can get real-time travel updates; 3) you can utilize the entertainment options that they have (including the airline’s Wi-Fi); 4) you can see how to best navigate through various airports; 5) you can easily contact their customer service support; 6) you can oftentimes track your checked baggage, and 7) some apps (like Delta) can even help you to store where you parked your car (if you put it in long-term parking) in your smartphone, so that you can easily find it upon your return.
3. Also Download Your Entertainment Beforehand
If you happen to be on a flight that either doesn’t have Wi-Fi or charges for it, you can still enjoy your movies ‘n stuff by downloading them before you leave. This can also come in handy at the airport when their internet access is running hella slow because so many people are accessing it.
4. Choose a (Layover) City Where You Have a Friend
Although I don’t hate to fly, I wouldn’t exactly say that it’s my favorite thing to do. And so, back when I used to fly to South Africa to see some family, it was common for me to stop over in London for a couple of days because it’s the halfway mark for me — and seven hours on a plane is a lot easier to endure than a whopping 14.
That said, if you’re planning on an international trip, you’re not the biggest fan of flying yourself or, again, you want to save a few coins by booking a flight that has a layover or two — why not use this as an opportunity to hang out with a family member or friend in another city? That way, you can get a break from air travel and get in some quality time with them as well.
5. Pack Some of Your Own Snacks
If you’ve ever wondered why airport food is so damn expensive, one of the main reasons is how much it costs for each restaurant to rent their space is completely insane. Plus, there are things like vendors, commission costs and all kinds of other “blah, blahs” that make the mark-ups so crazy. That’s why it can never hurt to bring some snacks along — non-liquid items that you can pack in your carry-on that will get you through your layovers without you breaking the bank in the process.
6. Put an Empty Recyclable Bottle in Your Carry On
Since a lot of airports have water refills stations available, you can stay hydrated while also keeping coins in your pocket by packing an EMPTY recyclable bottle in your carry-on too. Most TSAs will totally allow it. As far as refills on actual drinks, some airports allow those as well (after you purchase one drink from them, of course); never assume, though. Ask before making the purchase.
7. Have a Portable Charger in Tow
Maybe it’s just me but, even though airports seem to be filled with charging stations all over the place, it’s like only half of them actually work (and I’m being gracious on that!). That’s why it’s also a good idea to invest in a portable charger. I don’t know what took me so freakin’ long to get myself one; however, it’s basically my BFF at this point.
The one that I will cosign on is the ANKER Zolo Power Bank, 20,000mAh 30W Max Fast Portable Charger. It charges pretty fast and I’ve been able to get about three full charges on my smartphone before needing to charge the portable one all over again. Such a lifesaver!
8. Get Some Lounge Access
If almost everything about airports gets on your very last nerve, you definitely need to get some airport lounge access. It’s quiet(er); you have lots of room to stretch out; the food and drink that they have to offer is typically free; many lounges have spaces that are designed and designated for children; there are convenient work stations, and some even feature spas and showers (I know, right?).
And just how do you get your hands on all of this? You can do so by flying first or business class, using your frequent flyer miles, presenting your military ID or purchasing a membership or even a day pass access into your airline’s lounge.
9. Cop Some Duty-Free Samples
If you are going on an international flight, make sure to take advantage of the duty-free shops, not just because you are usually able to purchase items from there without paying local taxes but they oftentimes have free samples that you can stock up on as well; this is especially the case when it comes to beauty-related items.
10. Stay over a Night
Since a fair share of my friends are in the entertainment world, they tend to travel a lot. What is always funny to me is how most of them talk about flying to almost every city in the country while only actually visiting a handful of them. My point here? If you are headed one place and you decide to not have a direct flight, if the city where you are having your layover is one that you’ve always been interested in, stay over a night or even two.
You can find some hacks for how to find cheap hotel rooms by checking out “Hot to Get Cheap Hotel Rooms: 20 Tips and Tricks” on Travel Mums’ site.
BONUS: Get an Exit Row Seat
If one of the things that you hate about changing planes is how uncomfortable the flights can be, space wise, ask to be put in an exit row seat. You will automatically have so much more room without having to pay what first class passengers do. Brilliant. Happy (and safe) travels!
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