Community Is Everywhere!

Hey friends!

To know me is to know that I’m all about cultivating deep connections. It has been such a delight to be able to strengthen my bonds with my family, clients, friends, and those who benefit from my non-profit, Green Mango International , during my time in the Philippines.

I’m very close to my family and it’s been really heartwarming to be able to see so many different cousins and aunts and aunties that I've known and I've grown up with. It’s been six years since my last visit though and this time feels different. Mainly because this trip has been a mix of work and play.

I came here to attend to some family business as well as personally engage with my non-profit to continue to foster a relationship that goes beyond financial support. The school I sponsor takes grades kindergarten through grade six so while the teachers remember me, the students had no idea who I was outside of my name. I got to take a tour of the school and visit each classroom, and even had a blast playing one of my favorite high school sports, volleyball, with them, and wow were they good lol.?

I was also fortunate to meet IRL for the first time with a past client and now friend, Corinne Aparis , who also happened to be in the area reconnecting with her roots. As second-generation Filipinas, our conversation about the transformation we observe in our parents when they return home was insightful. It provided a fresh perspective on their upbringing and the sacrifices they made for us so we can lead the lives we do.

You know I’m well aware of my parent’s advancing age and this trip has really inspired me to learn Tagalog. While many here speak English, I want to be able to continue interacting with the people in my homeland, particularly those from the provinces. Overall, despite being on the other side of the world, I've felt an overwhelming sense of community and belonging.

This sense of community and belonging is precisely what I aim to infuse into every experience of CONSCIOUSXCHANGE and The XCHANGE Community. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me.

In solidarity,

Carissa

What’s New at CONSCIOUSXCHANGE

I recently decided to put together all my very best strategies on using your LinkedIn profile to attract high-quality leads, into an easy-to-implement guide.

I’m calling it the LinkedIn Limelight Playbook: The Ultimate Guide for BIPOC Entrepreneurs on Attracting Leads through Your Profile!

From live events, endless connections, and unique ways to highlight my journey throughout the years, I find that there’s really no other platform like LinkedIn—especially for BIPOC entrepreneurs who want to elevate their online presence and make a massive impact with their offers.

But what I find so surprising is that so many entrepreneurs DON’T yet know the power of LinkedIn. Or the ones who do know aren’t willing to spend the time to harness it.

But I know that isn’t you. Because you’re going to download the LinkedIn Limelight Playbook and use it as a powerful tool to amplify your business, attract high-quality leads, and close the very best clients into your world, right? Get the free playbook here!

Upcoming Events & Programs

Mark your calendar for Friday, February 23rd! You’re invited to an empowering event that embodies everything the CONSCIOUSXCHANGE community stands for – connection, exchanging wisdom, and a supportive BIPOC space.

Starting at 12PM PST/3PM EST join us for a special Guest Expert session with Aja Evans, LMHC , the “Feel Good” Financial Therapist ???? Sign Up Here!

As a board-certified therapist, speaker, and author, Aja navigates the intersection of mental health and all things “money.”? With over a decade of experience in mental health, Aja has made it a pillar in her work to help others feel supported in their financial journeys.

Join this live discussion where Aja will be diving into “The Impact Of Our Money Story”, exploring how our financial beliefs shape our realities, such as:?

• Worry about how much money we can make
• Fear of selling our offers and pricing our worth
• Anxiety around looking at our spending and budgets

This event is your chance to gain new perspectives, and break through the barriers, ideas, and constructs that hold us back from experiencing true financial freedom! For current XCHANGE members, this event is complimentary as part of your membership.?

XCHANGE members enjoy guest speaker events like this, live coaching, access to resources, expert support, and a BIPOC community of entrepreneurs for just $99/month.

Not a member? No worries! You can still sign up for this event and get a taste of what it is like to be a part of The XCHANGE for $50. All are welcome to join, so feel free to invite a friend. ???? Register HERE!

CONSCIOUSXCHANGE Community Highlights

Meet Grace Yung F. , Founder & CEO of The Inclusion Initiative and one of my dear clients.

When we first started working together Grace was adamant about avoiding social media and unsure if LinkedIn would work for her. Yet, driven by her dream to grow her business and create her own freedom, she took the leap and leveled up her LinkedIn.

The results? Mind-blowing! ???

During just 3 months together, Grace built a massive 700+ engaged network on LinkedIn. These weren't just numbers – they were potential clients, collaborators, and supporters who resonated with her message.

Here's the proof:

• Paid contracts ????Within 3 months, Grace turned passion into income, thanks to her engaged network!
• Speaking opportunities & podcasts ????She was able to share her expertise on a wider platform, fueled by her newfound LinkedIn presence.
• Growing community ????She grew to over 700 people on LinkedIn, eager to join her world and support her mission.

Grace's secret? ???

"Sharing my story, being authentic to myself and what I believe in and value has been the best way to build a network for my business."

It's not about "likes" or trends. It's about connecting with your ideal audience, just like Grace did.

Want to see her journey in her own words? Check it out HERE!

About The First, The Only, The Other newsletter: The First, The Only, The Other newsletter is a weekly LinkedIn newsletter designed to help BIPOC entrepreneurs build their businesses and design their liberatory futures. If you found this newsletter to be helpful, please share it with others you feel would find value in it.

There's always a lot going on at CONSCIOUSXCHANGE so come say hi! To make sure you don't miss anything, join the CONSCIOUSXCHANGE email list here for more programs, events, and tips on product development, marketing, and sales.

This newsletter is curated by Carissa Begonia, a 2nd generation Filipina American daughter of immigrants and the first and only in her family to run her own business. Carissa is the founder of CONSCIOUSXCHANGE, a business coach for BIPOC entrepreneurs, a LinkedIn strategist and Top Voice, a certified Emotional Intelligence (EQ) coach, and a keynote speaker with a focus on Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) in business and entrepreneurship. Her work has been featured in TIME Magazine and she has spoken at companies, institutions, and non-profits including Eventbrite, Calendly, Johns Hopkins, KPMG, and the YMCA.

Carissa's equity work is centered around revolutionizing how we work and creating an alternative to toxic workplaces that don't support those of racialized and marginalized identities by making entrepreneurship accessible and sustainable for BIPOC. Her vision is to create an ecosystem of BIPOC entrepreneurs who are pursuing time, location, financial, and occupational freedom for themselves, their families, and their communities. If you’re looking for coaching on how to build your business to 6-figures and beyond, visit the CONSCIOUSXCHANGE website to learn more about our individual and group services or book a call to discuss your specific needs.