Today we’d like to introduce you to CeCe Marie.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I got to where I’m at today because of passion, faith and love. By loving myself, having faith that anything is possible and following my passion,I have been able to continue to elevate myself and my brand. Writing was my first love that turned into my passion. It’s an outlet that has allowed me to express my feelings and that has challenged me to tap into my creativity. Writing laid down the foundation for me to get my Masters of Arts in journalism. But, I began to learn that I was more than just a writer. I’ve always been curious and interested in hearing others stories. My late uncle Kevin always dreamed big. Let him tell it, he danced with kings and queens. He had a great imagination along with a great attention to detail. Uncle Kevin could envision things and one thing he envisioned before his death was that I was going to be the next Oprah.
At the time, what he was saying seemed ludicrous. But my uncle believed in me even before I believed in myself. When my uncle died I wrote his obituary and this got me back into writing. I’ve always wrote through my pain as a way to heal. I went through some more difficult situations after the passing of my uncle and I felt myself looking at life different. I began to refocus and to look at the bigger picture. I wanted to get back into my writing and I wanted to be happy. I followed my passion, started to love myself more and most of all I started to believe that I could share stories and become an influencer like Oprah. This led me to creating my media platform Coffee, Tea or Tequila. As the host of Coffee, Tea or Tequila I’ve worked to not be the next Oprah, but to be the next authentic influencer. That’s how Oprah has got to where she is, by being her authentic self. Same as Cardi B and even Charlemagne that God. I mean Kanye did just call him the next Oprah. Hard work, following my passion, taking opportunities as they come and being my authentic self is what has ultimately gotten me to where I am today.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My journey hasn’t been a smooth road. There have been a lot of ups and downs. The biggest struggle I’ve faced is staying motivated and focused. There are times when you get frustrated because things aren’t falling into place as quickly as you anticipated. You have to learn how to keep yourself motivated and how to evaluate situations so that you can find the good in them even when there seems to be nothing but bad. My advice for other women, particularly young women, is that you should take opportunities as they come to you. You never know what will come out of a situation until you open the door and choose to take a chance on yourself and the opportunity at hand. Even if the situation doesn’t turn out to be a blessing, it can turn out to be a learning lesson that will make you wiser and stronger for the next opportunity that presents itself. Be flexible and take risks. Also be curious and ask questions. Curiosity has gotten me very far in life. Children grown and learn through curiosity. They ask the why and how behind everything. Don’t lose that characteristic as you become an adult.
What should we know about Coffee, Tea or Tequila? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Coffee, Tea or Tequila is a media platform. The purpose of my brand is to share intimate conversations that satisfy the soul. This platform focuses on reflection, renewal, and growth. Through my written blogs, video interviews, and hosting of events I want to have a setting where people can network and engage. I want this to be a platform where people can dig deep and get inspired. Coffee, Tea or Tequila spills the tea on a variety of topics and events. It allows you to take a sip of inspiration and it will make you want to take a shot at sparking more intimate conversations in your life. As a brand, I’m most proud of the creativity that I have been able to showcase, the people who I’ve been able to connect with, and the fact that I’ve been able to engage followers who join in on the conversation.
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
Reading has always been a resource that has helped me to do my best in life. Hearing the stories of others has been a source of inspiration. Recently, I’ve enjoyed reading the content from Girl Boss because it provides different tools for success. I subscribe to their newsletter and check their website at least once a day. I just finished reading the book “The Big Life: Embrace the Mess, Work Your Side Hustle, Find a Monumental Relationship, and Become the Badass Babe You Were Meant To Be. It is written by Ann Shoket, former Editor-in-Chief of Seventeen Magazine. The book takes a look at the value of relationships and it shows that success looks different for everyone. This book was amazing and I highly recommend it to all my female bosses. “In The Company of Women” is a book that I keep on my coffee table as a daily resource. It provides experiences and advice from artists and entrepreneurs in a Q&A format.
Contact Info:
- Website: coffeeteaortequila.com
- Email: coffeeteaortequila@gmail.com
- Instagram: cecemariebrown
- Facebook: coffeettequila
- Twitter: coffeettequila
Image Credit:
Nostyelgixpix, Mo Parker, Josiah “Jay” Jones
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