I knew to expect a “you remind me so much of her” when watching episodes of Blood, Sweat & Heels. My friends were talking about Demetria Lucas D’Oyley. My guess is the comparison stems from her more serious demeanor, disinterest in the extra and often even tone. Whatever the reason, it was cool with me because I adore Demetria. For me, she represents intelligence, poise with a bit of edge and a similar mindset about navigating the world and relationships.

Demetria’s rise began when she founded her first blog ABelleInBrooklyn.com. She shared her experiences as a New York transplant, building a substantial following and eventually becoming Relationship Editor at my favorite publication, Essence. She has authored two books, both of which I would recommend. I read A Belle in Brooklyn: The Go-To Guide for Advice on Living Your Best Single Life a few months after moving to New York. It was an entertaining read and gave a glimpse into dating as an adult in the city. Don’t Waste Your Pretty: The Go-to Guide for Making Smarter Decisions in Life & Love was released in 2014. Written in a question-answer format, it covers an array of relationship topics. It has become a bible of sorts for me that I reference when I don’t have the answers for myself or my friends.

In late 2015, Demetria shuttered A Belle In Brooklyn and launched seesomeworld.com. #seesomeworld was originally a hashtag she used for travel related photos. It is now the home of her new blog that features more of the places she visits and things she does. I love her willingness to evolve and explore new passions.

For more of Demetria’s writing, check out her articles for The Root here. You can also follow her at @demetrialucasdoyley on Instagram and at @abelleinbk on Twitter.

Not many people can say they were a business owner at 19 but Lauren Maillian can. After spending her earlier teenage years modeling around the world, she made her first foray into entrepreneurship with Sugarleaf Vineyards and never looked back. She has since left the winery business and is the founder of a marketing consultancy, Luxury Market Branding, as well as an investor and startup advisor.

I had the pleasure of meeting Lauren as she was being honored by Uptown Magazine and KIA Motors as an Inspirationally Crafted entrepreneur. I thought this was spot on as Lauren is indeed a huge inspiration to me. I came to the event with my copy of her book, The Path Redefined: Getting To The Top On Your Own Terms, hoping she would sign it. The book was one of my first reads for 2015. It provided valuable advice for pursuing my goals and determining what success means to me leaving me feeling capable and motivated. We had a pleasant exchange and the next day she posted our picture to her Instagram with an awesome note. It made my entire week!

I am amazed by Lauren’s ability to balance being a single mother with her many obligations. Somehow she manages to do it while always looking fabulous. Visit laurenmaillian.com for more information about Lauren and to read her blog. You can follow her at @laurenmaillian on Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat. Also, be sure to check out Lauren’s new TV show, Quit Your Day Job, when it airs on March 30th at 10pm on Oxygen.

Myleik Teele is the CEO of curlBOX, a subscription service for natural hair products. She is also known for her straightforward with love style of advice given through her podcasts. When you listen to Myleik, you know that she genuinely wants her audience to achieve great things. You also find out quickly that she is not the one that will tell you what you want to hear. She’s keeps it all the way real and tells you what you NEED to hear.

Myleik is very transparent about the path she has taken and is generous with the lessons she has learned along the way. She usually focuses on personal development and finance but surprises us from time to time by touching on other topics like relationships. Her most recent podcast called “Maintaining Momentum” was right on time for me.

Myleik is super accessible around the web. MyTaughtYou.com is an inspiration hub featuring quotes, book recommendations, links to her podcasts and more. She shares her favorite things and random tidbits on medium.com/@myleik. When I was taking a break from Snapchat, Myleik’s was the only feed I went in the app to watch. Between the chronicles of settling into her new home, dishing about her everyday life, delicious looking meals, endless travels and sneak peeks into the work life of a boss, it was too interesting to stay away. She’s @myleik on Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat.

She’s the only one I haven’t met in person yet. Have to make that happen soon! Maybe she’ll sign my “Over Here Being Excellent” mug.

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Originally published at www.chasingdestinee.com.