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This Founder Makes $25,000 A Month Through Her Multiple Income Streams
Money Talks is an xoNecole series where we talk candidly to real women about how they spend money, their relationship with money, and how they get it.
Schelo D. Collier is the founder of Black Women Invest, a membership organization created specifically to help her community create wealth and discover more about investing. Through the company’s retreats, panels, helpful online content, and more, she helps many women with varied goals and backgrounds grow their income and knowledge on investing. And unlike the plethora of “coaches” on the gram, she has the background to prove it.
Finance has been part of Schelo’s life for years. Before starting Black Women Invest, she was working diligently in her “dream job,” where she helped thousands of investors build their real estate portfolios. And by 24, she had already purchased her first investment property. However, the tides turned when she unexpectedly lost her job and was forced to find another path. Throughout this journey, she began to build a community of like-minded women with a focus on investing.
This small online group is now a member-based community of over 14,000 women. In our conversation, she walked me through a little bit about what propelled this journey and what important insights she’s picked up along the way. For Schelo, her goal has always been to inform her community that to build wealth, saving money is important, but investing is crucial.
Tell me a little bit about yourself. When did you become interested in investing?
Man, how far do you want me to go back?
Let’s start at the beginning.
Well, I had an interest in finance and investing since I was a kid, but I didn’t know the term for it. The interest just kinda sparked from being first-generation Haitian-American. We never needed things; God always provided for our family. But I will say, I was very mindful that there were certain things I didn’t get that I desired. That’s how it began. Also, my parents were big on teaching us money habits. So in middle school, they paid me $1 a week. You know in those days, that’s big money! But I remember at some point realizing it wasn’t enough for the things I wanted to do. So I started to buy chips and candy at the store, which was 25 cents at the time, and sell it to my classmates. That became my thing. Like, every week, my goal was to double my money.
I went on to go to a technical high school where I studied finance and went to college and studied finance as well. The route I was on, I was on track to become a financial advisor. But at the time, I felt like financial advisors were specifically focused on finding wealthier clients. My goal has always been to help my people, Black women, and immigrant families, get into investing and create real wealth. I ended up getting a mentor in college who worked at a big bank, and he had a really large pile of clients. They were all in real estate. So I decided I wanted to get into it, and that’s how the journey started.
"The route I was on, I was on track to become a financial advisor. But at the time, I felt like financial advisors were specifically focused on finding wealthier clients. My goal has always been to help my people, Black women, and immigrant families, get into investing and create real wealth."
It seems like you've always had a hustler spirit. But have you always been good with money? Walk me through that journey.
I wasn’t good at budgeting, but I’ve always been good at making money. There’s a benefit in that. But then the negative for people like me is that you spend too quickly. I had that mindset for quite some time. I’ve just always worked and felt like, “I’ll make it back.” Like in college, I had a job at the mall but I’d use my paycheck in the mall. It was a routine every two weeks. I’d get my check and then use it in Forever 21 (laughs).
What other unhealthy habits or mindsets about money did you have to unlearn to truly prosper?
Well, after I was doing that mall routine over and over, a good friend of mine called and asked what I was up to one day. I told her I was shopping, and she was like “Again?” When I answered her, she said: “the spirit of poverty is on us.” That still sticks with me. I think that was my wake-up call. I wasn’t saving money correctly, and even friends were able to see that. Around that time is when I started taking investing and budgeting more seriously. But it’s still a struggle for me, honestly.
I can tell just from your tone that it was a process. What’s the lowest you’ve ever felt when it comes to your finances?
Hearing that question takes me back to 2017. I had started investing, and I had a negative balance of $5. And I couldn't figure out how to cover the overdraft fees. So I had a few hours before I got charged. And I'm texting my younger sister, hey, can you send me some cash so I don’t have to deal with the fee? And she sent me $7. I actually took a screenshot of the Cash App just to remind myself of where I was. I look back at that now, and I can laugh. But, in the moment, I knew I never wanted to be in that place again. It still happened, but little by little, my mindset started to shift from pivotal moments like this.
I love your honesty. Because let’s be real, we’ve all been there. Plus, things have clearly changed now. Actually, would you mind sharing what your finances are like today? How much do you make in a year?
Let’s do the math. *pulls out calculator*
I average around $25,000 a month. But, I mean, it fluctuates. Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever said that publicly.
Well, thanks for sharing. We love a full-circle moment. I want to get more into the investment realm, though. Can you tell me about the first one you made and what the process taught you?
Again, I started in real estate, but the first investment I made was in my education. I took a $25,000 class, and that lesson taught me so much. I was in the investment space, so I learned about flipping, wholesaling, contracts, etc. The investment class opened the area to work at a firm because I was so full of knowledge. The first deal I did was with a developer. We also worked in wholesaling with a few people. Within two months, we closed on over $100,000 in profit.
"I started in real estate, but the first investment I made was in my education. I took a $25,000 class, and that lesson taught me so much. I was in the investment space, so I learned about flipping, wholesaling, contracts, etc. The investment class opened the area to work at a firm because I was so full of knowledge."
How important is investing to you today? How do you invest?
Investing is so important because I do not want to work for every dollar I earn. The goals I have require me to be intentional about where every dollar is multiplied! Traditional ways I invest are through index funds; these are simple and offer diversity to investors. I also invest in real estate through REITs and in startups.
You clearly have a lot going on. What are your savings goals, and what does retirement look like to you?
Financial independence is my ultimate motivator for my savings. I’m currently saving to own real estate internationally. This summer, I’ll be viewing properties in three different countries, and I’ve invited the Black Women Invest Community to join me and search for opportunities together. I’m currently pursuing an early retirement. This would grant me the freedom to travel the world, connect with loved ones on my own terms, and pursue passions that ignite my soul, such as theological studies. I can see myself living by the ocean with the sound of waves as a constant companion, no alarm clocks, no rush in the world, just the space to pursue what is important to me.
First, that sounds amazing. Second, you brought up Black Women Invest, so we have to dig in. When it comes to structuring your business, what are your streams of revenue and how did you go about establishing them? What was the intention behind having multiple ways to make money?
When I first started my business, I was only really exposed to one stream of income: selling courses online. I did this for some time, and it worked. But it was always capped by my time and ability to sell. Things shifted when I became extra intentional about answering my community's needs. Some of my streams of business income include revenue from our international real estate trips, our national chapter membership, partnership deals, and course sales.
I think everyone should have more than one way to earn money in their business. You never know if an industry will change and cause a product of yours to become irrelevant overnight. Having other options your community can come to you for builds trust and reputation and it allows you to target different needs within one community.
Finally, please tell me more about your past event in California. What was the experience like for attendees, and what can we expect from future events?
The Black Women Invest Conference was an empowering atmosphere surrounded by financially savvy women. It was a three-day retreat-styled conference at a cozy winery in Temecula, California, and it extended beyond investment education. Attendees gained actionable strategies for stock and real estate investing, dived into business development ideas, and connected with financial experts through panel discussions and breakout sessions.
But the heart of our experiences lies in community. Guests can always expect to build lasting connections with like-minded Black women as they share goals, celebrate successes, and forge a supportive network that will propel you on your wealth-building journey. We strive for our events to be filled with inspiration, education, and authentic sisterhood.
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Feature image by @investwithschelo/ Instagram
Kirby Carroll grew up in VA but now calls Atlanta, GA home. She has a passion for creating content and helping brands grow through storytelling and public relations. When not immersed in work, you can find her sipping a mimosa at brunch or bingeing a new TV drama on Netflix. Keep up with her on social media at @askKirbyCarroll.
These Newlyweds Found Love Thanks To A Friend Playing Matchmaker
How We Met is a series where xoNecole talks love and relationships with real-life couples. We learn how they met, how like turned into love, and how they make their love work.
Jason and Elise Robinson’s union is a reminder that kind people still get their happily ever after. The pair had their first date in October of 2021 and tied the knot on June 15, 2024. Both of them have dedicated their lives to celebrating and supporting Black culture so it was only fitting they get married in what's considered the Black Hollywood of America during the Juneteenth celebration weekend. From the florists to Elise and Jason's gown and suit designers to the table signage and so much more, everything was Black-owned. It's no wonder their love for Black culture was the jumping-off point for their love story.
When they met, Jason had just moved to Atlanta for a new job opportunity, and Elise was living happily in her career and had put dating on the backburner. But luckily, a mutual connection saw something in both of them and thanks to a yoga-themed baby shower and a chance text message, they found their forever. Check out their beautiful How We Met story below.
I’ll start with the easiest question. Can you both tell me a little bit about yourself and your background?
Elise: Sure, my name is Elise. I’m actually from Atlanta, GA – not a transplant. I grew up here and left right after college to pursue my career. Now I’ve been back going on eight years, and I’m in my early 40s.
Jason: And I’m Jason. I’m originally from Racine, Wisconsin. I went to school at Florida A&M University, so I am a rattler. I went back to the Midwest for a period of time, in Indianapolis. Now, I’ve been in the Atlanta area for a little over two and a half years.
Jason and Elise Robinson
Photo by FotosbyFola
Wow, that’s nice because Atlanta gets a bad rap when it comes to relationships. So you have to give us the deets. How did you two find each other?
Elise: So I work in TV and I was on-air for a number of years and then transitioned into being a producer and then a manager. As a producer, I’d always have guests on. And there was a woman who came on frequently named Rosalynn (@Rosalynndaniels, often referred to as The Black Martha Stewart), and we connected instantly. Anyway, she got pregnant right before COVID and invited me to a “modern-day yoga baby shower.” I came to support, but was also just curious about that theme.
I had an amazing time. And when it was over a few of us stuck around and convos got personal. She ended up asking me the infamous ‘Are you dating’ question. When I told her no, she decided to set me up. So I should tell you, in both of my only two serious relationships, I was set up – so I was like no.
But she pointed at her husband, who was folding up chairs, and said that another friend set her up with him. Sometimes, it takes people outside of us to see what we need. A few months later, she reached out and said she had family relocating and thought I’d really like him. So she gave him my number, and I reached out with a text. He responded with a call, and that night, we talked for about 2-3 hours. So that’s how we met. I was a little nervous because me and Rosalynn were starting a friendship, and here I was, talking to her family!
Jason: It was new for me too. Remember, I was new to the area, and I had heard so many “stories” about how people have been done wrong in the dating world. Whether it’s by theft or scamming (laughs). Plus, I had just got a new job and wanted to focus on that. But I did want to be able to date someone in a more personal way and see where it led. I felt like who better than someone who I trust to connect me. Rosalynn knows I’m private, about business life, and my personal life is important to me.
So let’s get into your courtship. What was your first date like?
Elise: We had our first convo on a Monday, and he asked me out the next day. I didn’t have any plans, but I still said no. I was just playing hard to get (laughs). But we were talking every day, and he told me he wanted to take me somewhere I’ve never been. And I’m like, you’re in my city! But he sends me three options, and sure enough, two of the places I hadn’t gone to. So, our first date was October 1, 2021, and somebody was 45 minutes late.
Now Jason, why were you 45 minutes late?
Elise: It was me – in my own city. I just got turned around, and the traffic was horrible. I kept calling him and giving him permission to leave. Full transparency: I probably wouldn’t have waited if the shoe was on the other foot. But this was my first sign of what I now know and love the most about him. It’s his patience. When I got there, I was frazzled and everything, but he was just super calm. It ended up being a great first date.
Jason: I remember just waiting and being concerned for her well-being. Because I know how traffic can be, especially when someone is rushing. I was just scrolling through my phone and looking through the menu. It was cool.
Elise and Jason Robinson
Courtesy
That’s beautiful. Now let’s talk about the “what are we” convo? Did you have one of those and if so, who initiated it and how was it?
Elise: I initiated it. Jason was dating me – and still does. But by this time, we had been on a number of dates. We were on our way to a winery, and we had a bit of a drive. So I decided to state my intention. We were just a few weeks in, but we were spending a lot of time together and we are people of a particular age. So I told him, I know Atlanta can be a Black man’s playground. There’s so many beautiful professional women here. But I’m dating with intention. I don’t want to kick it or hang with a good guy even though he’s not my person. I was done with all of that. So I’m “laying down the law” in my eyes, and he didn’t flinch. He let me finish and basically let me know we were on the same page. He was not trying to sow his royal oats.
Jason: Yeah, I was not trying to be Prince Akeem. But also, it was more so about setting a tone and goal for myself. My mama always told me to set my goals. And having a family was always one of mine. I think the biggest thing of it all, was I felt blessed – in terms of moving for work and meeting Elise, now being married. There’s victories being placed in my life.
I love that you both shared that because sometimes I get feedback on these stories and it seems like sometimes we’re afraid to really voice what we desire, no matter what that looks like.
Elise: Yeah, I think sometimes women feel like they don’t want to put pressure on their partner. But it’s not pressure. Look, Jason and I are based in faith, and what is for us is for us. Being upfront and honest is best – and early makes sense. You don’t have to convince someone to be your person.
Jason: I think her sharing those values resonated with me, and hearing her “lay down the law” was fine because I was there, too. I would say to millennial women, don’t be afraid to tell a mate what you want. You never know what that would lead to. Time is a precious commodity. Elise saying that early on showed me that she values both of our time. It showed her heart, character, and integrity, and I was drawn to that and the mature conversation. In the social media world, we don’t have those pointed conversations face-to-face. I would challenge readers to have those conversations in person, and you would get more from that convo than any post or reel. Because you see body language reactions and have deeper communication.
Yeah, I think sometimes women feel like they don’t want to put pressure on their partner. But it’s not pressure. Look, Jason and I are based in faith, and what is for us is for us. Being upfront and honest is best – and early makes sense. You don’t have to convince someone to be your person.
You both have mentioned time, family, and integrity. I’m curious what other core values do you both share?
Elise: Early on, our faith. Not just do you believe in God. It had to be deeper in that. I needed someone who would lead me, our home, and our family. I didn’t want to be in a push-and-pull relationship about prayer, church, or have conversations about being better people. Also, we discussed finances. That doesn’t just mean going to work. We chatted about ownership and what it looks like for us. How do we support each other individually and together? I know I like having my hands in a few different pots, and I needed someone who was supportive of that and likewise.
Jason: My background is that I was raised in the church. My father is a deacon and my mom is a deaconess. They've been married for 55 years. Faith was very important to me and it was crucial that my wife have that relationship as well.
Elise and Jason Robinson
Photo by FotosbyFola
Can we talk about challenges? Big or small, what are some things you had to grow through together?
Elise: I have never lived with anyone – not a roommate, a sister, friend, boyfriend or anything. Now, I’m in my 40s and I'm living with someone. When you’ve been by yourself for so long that was a challenge for both of us. We weren’t pulling each other's hair out but I’m a bit extreme. Things are color-coded in my closet. For me, working in news is chaotic so I want my home to be peaceful and organized.
Jason: I’m a man, and she’s a woman. That dynamic alone adds a flair to it. She wants things a certain way. She’s a Capricorn. But just in terms of how she wants to keep a home was a big adjustment for me. It took time.
On a smaller level, what are some of the things you disagree about day-to-day?
Elise: Cleanliness and systems. Like, he recycles and I do not. But sometimes I just have to decide if it really needs to be a thing or if I can just take care of it.
Jason: This is where my organization takes over (laughs).
What are your love languages? Do you know?
Elise: Jason’s is an act of service which works because I love cooking for him. It doesn’t feel like a chore to me. I love when I’m out, picking up his favorite juice. The other day I saw he needed t-shirts while folding clothes. So I just like doing small things for him that he doesn’t expect. He’s very much that guy that will ask to help so it doesn’t bother me.
Jason: I’d say Elise is all of them, but physical touch would probably be the biggest one. I had to get used to that. She’s taught me it in a number of ways. I remember we actually talked about love languages, and I sent her this song called “More Than Words” by Extreme. That explained to her how I felt.
Finally, can we end with the proposal? Tell us everything!
Jason: It was at a restaurant. And again, I was trying to find somewhere she hadn’t been. Also, I didn’t want to do it on our anniversary because that would have been too obvious. I contacted one of the restaurant’s staff and decided to change up the dessert menu. Each item was something special to us.
Elise: We go on so many date nights, so I just thought it was a regular night. We had finished eating, and I had to go to the bathroom. They had a nice mirror, girl. So I’m in there taking videos and stuff.
Jason: While she’s in the restroom, I’m getting everything in place with the waitress.
Elise: So as I’m reading the menu, I realize it’s telling our story and he eventually proposed. It was so special; I actually had the menu framed! It was so beautiful and thoughtful.
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Feature image by FotosbyFola
This Is How To Make Essential Oils Your Ultimate Nail Health Hack
Something that I will forever back until the end of time is essential oils. One reason is that they are all-natural (essential oils are basicallyplant extracts). Another reason is that the (proven) holistic health benefits that come with using them (consistently) aredamn near endless. And lawd, don’t even get me started on how wonderful many of them smell — and how they tend to last longer than a lot of the perfumes and colognes that are out there. Definitely, for as long as essential oils are in existence, I’ll be singing their praises.
Today, the lane that I’m gonna be in is how you can apply certain essential oils to your nail care regimen. Since it should be the goal of all of us to be intentional about doing what we can to havestrong and healthy nails, I’m going to share with you 10 oils that are proven to help you reach that very goal (just make sure that youmix them with a carrier oil like apricot, grapeseed or jojoba first; essential oils are way more potent than they are oftentimes given credit for).
The Best Essential Oils for Nail Health
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1. Tea Tree Oil
Believe it or not,nail fungus is pretty common.Some studies say that 1 in 10 people will experience it; that number jumps to 1 in 2 for individuals over 70. When it comes to this, signs to look out for are nails that look white, yellow, or brown, nails that seem to rise up from your nail bed, nails that are cloudy-looking in areas, and/or nails that easily break or split in more than one spot. Depending on how serious the fungal growth is, your doctor may prescribe an oral medication, a prescription-strength topical one, or even try a laser treatment of some sort.
However, if what you’re going through is minor, you might only needsome tea tree oil to get everything under control. Since it’s the type of essential oil that contains potent antifungal and antiseptic properties, applying it to nail fungus can significantly reduce fungal growth in a relatively short period of time without over-drying your nails in the process.
2. Myrrh Oil
Since myrrh oil contains so many powerful antioxidants and is able tokill harmful bacteria quickly, that already makes it a great essential oil for nail care. Also, since it contains properties that help to keep your skin healthy, it’s also a wonderful cuticle oil (especially if you mix it with a carrier oil like sweet almond oil, plum oil, or sesame oil). Another thing to keep in mind is if you’ve recently injured your nail(s) in some way, myrrh oil contains properties that help to reduce swelling at a pretty accelerated pace.
3. Juniper Berry Oil
An essential oil that has a good reputation for both healing as well as protecting your skin is juniper berry oil. In fact, if you’ve got a bit of foot odor going on or you’ve noticed some nail fungus creeping up, if you apply the oil to your feet (or nails) while you’re in the shower, it can help to eliminate the smells and speed up the healing process.
Another bonus about this particular oil is it has astringent properties that can help to keep your nails nice and clean.
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4. Lavender Oil
Another oil that’s ideal forfighting nail fungus is lavender oil. In fact, in Healthline’s article, “Can You Use Essential Oil for Toenail Fungus?” lavender is on the list. That’s not all. If you happen to havenail eczema,the properties of lavender oil have the ability to soothe and heal the symptoms that come along with it, including nail softness and shedding. It’s also a good idea to keep in mind that if you want to addmoisture to your nails or cuticles, lavender oil is one that can hydrate your nails without a ton of residue.
5. Clove Oil
Since clove oil is considered to be an antimicrobial oil, it’s another one that is able to kill bacteria. Something else that’s cool about this oil is it can bring quick relief to pain and discomfort if you’ve broken a nail or you’ve got a hangnail that’s getting on your last nerve.Two other big wins about clove oil are it can help to even out any skin discoloration that you may have around your cuticles and it can help to keep your nails and hands looking youthful too (because, yes,nails do age).
6. Sage Oil
Sage oil also has some pretty impressive antibacterial properties in it. It also has the ability to condition your skin as well as your nails. This means that if you happen to struggle with brittle nails or nails that seem to peel, applying this oil to it can help to naturally reverse those issues. Also, if your nails seem to look a bit on the dull side, sage nails can give them a natural sheen if polish isn’t (really) your thing.
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7. Geranium Oil
An essential oil that’s great at fighting off all types of infections isgeranium oil. What I especially like about it,as far as nail care is concerned, is that it’s got a solid reputation for moisturizing your nails so that they’re able to grow stronger and longer. Since it’s an oil thatcontains anti-aging properties, geranium oil can help to keep your hands (and feet) younger-looking for a longer period of time as well.
8. Lemon Oil
Hangnails are the absolute worst. Typically, those annoying things come as the result of having dry cuticles or constantly picking (or biting) the skin around your nails. If you make a cuticle oil out oflemon oil, not only can that help to nourish your cuticles and nails, but it can also repair any tissue damage that you may have as well as deeply cleanse your nails too. This, as a direct result, can help your nails to become stronger over time (plus, it doesn’t exactly taste the best, so it can help to keep your mouth off of your nails…which is a good thing).
9. Eucalyptus Oil
One of the most potent ways to treat a nail fungal infection is toapply some eucalyptus oil to it. In fact, one of the best things about taking this particular all-natural approach to a nail infection is it can kill the fungi without totally drying out your nails in the process. Also, if you’re looking for an oil that will protect your all-natural nails frompotential environmental damage, eucalyptus oil totally has your back as far as that is concerned.
10. Vanilla Oil
Now,I’m definitely preaching to the choir when I say that you should take a break from nail polish every once in a while. Just like your skin needs a mini-vacation from cosmetics and your hair needs one from the product (build-up), your nails need time to breathe on occasion, too; otherwise, the chemicals in the polish can lead to breakage, peeling, and weak nails overall. And while you’re on the break, try applying some vanilla oil to your nails and your nail beds.The antioxidants in the oil can help to speed up the healing process of your nails as well as reduce inflammation (if you’ve got any of that going on). It can also help to nourish your nails as they prepare for another few months of nail color.
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I’m telling you, although there are all kinds of nail products on the market, if you get your hands on a few staple essential oils, you can feel confident that you’re giving your nails some chemical-free, holistically beneficial oils that will get your nails right in so many ways. I’m looking at my nails as I’m typing all of this out, and I can certainly attest to it. Try it — ain’t no way that you (and your nails) won’t like it!
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Featured image by ozgurdonmaz/Getty Images