AFRICAN AMERICAN NEWSWIRE - What started as an eight-page newsletter in Pittsburgh has grown into a full-blown career, entrepreneurial and financial empowerment magazine exclusively for women of color. Onyx Woman magazine offers practical information on career development, money management tools, as well as steps for growing entrepreneurial enterprises.

Ola R. Jackson, founder and publisher of Onyx Woman magazine, says the mission of Onyx Woman is to help African-American women on their adventures up the corporate ladder and on their journey through entrepreneurship. Our goal is to provide women of color with information that will empower them financially, politically, and spiritually. Onyx Woman offers a no-nonsense magazine where women of color can now read about professionals, as well as aspiring and successful business-owners just like themselves.

Jackson says, "Onyx Woman was created to address the needs of the rapidly growing number of African-American women business owners, and their increasing interest in the world of finance and investing. Our goal is to present practical techniques of owning and operating a business and offer basic steps to money management."

According to a study conducted by the National Foundation for Women Business Owners and IBM, women of color are one of the fastest growing segments of business owners. "Many women want to venture into the world of entrepreneurship, but they just don't know how to make it happen. Onyx Woman serves as a platform for women to ask questions, share ideas, and discuss their personal experiences exclusive to women of color in business and financial management; while receiving expert advice from a diverse group of professionals." says Jackson. Business planning, financing, home-based businesses, marketing, networking and investment groups are just a few of the topics that are addressed in what many say is a long overdue publication.

Jackson says that she sees more evidence that African-American women are gaining interest in investing. Women will also learn how to make the most out of both their business and financial resources. Readers will find an abundance of relevant information, resources, banking advice, borrowing techniques, and access to business assistance programs; information that will help lay a solid financial future.

Jackson says that she is particularly proud to showcase some very dynamic women who show all of us that we can exceed our own expectations and go from struggle to success. These exceptional women are happy to share their trials and tribulations of how they succeeded against the odds in their careers and in the world of entrepreneurship, or how they overcame financial incarnation and entered a world of debt-free living.

Early in the magazine's infancy stages, Jackson says she was asked if Onyx Woman was for all black women, her answer was a resounding, "NO". "I learned over the years that success is a mindset. Every one isn't ready and willing to let go of bad habits, make sacrifices to change their lives and take risks in order to make it happen. When you change your mind, you change your behavior, when you change your behavior, you change your life. At the end of the day, what we all want is a Better Quality of Life. Our slogan is, You're Not Just Any Woman…You're an Onyx Woman."

What Jackson enjoys most about her career as the creator of Onyx Woman is having the opportunity to speak to women across the country about how they can turn their visions into successful ventures and dreams into reality. "It doesn't necessarily have to be entrepreneurship, says Jackson. "Every one isn't cut out to run the show. There are those who would rather forego the responsibility of having the bottom line dropped at their feet, and that is perfectly fine. It is all about individualized choices."

The highlight of Jackson's endeavor is the creation of a new radio talk show that will debut on her web site in June and eventually will be syndicated. The show is a magazine format talk show with a variety of hosts, with some of the columnist serving as guests and panelists.
If you think you have a story to share, or you believe that you typify the Onyx Woman, email Ms. Jackson at: ola@onyxwoman.com. The magazine is targeted in 10 highly populated African-American cities, and many are distributed at special events catering to professional women. You can subscribe at: www.onyxwoman.com.
For advertising information: contact adv@onyxwoman.com
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