Today on The Mag we have Dalijah Franklin. Dalijah is the founder of Black Girls Pole, a US Pole Dance Champion and a brand new mama. Learn more about Dalijah and what inspired Black Girls Pole, why representation is so important and some wisdom for new parents during the pandemic!

Introduce yourself, your family and your businesses.

Hi! I am Dalijah Franklin, new mom to a very precious baby boy who is 6 weeks old, and founder of Black Girls Pole!

What inspired you to educate women, specifically women of color, about pole fitness with Black Girls Pole? And why is representation so important in every industry?

I have been a pole dancer for over 12 years. What started as just a pole class that a friend of mine dragged me to slowly become my career over the years. I fell in love with pole and how it made me feel physically as well as mentally. I have competed in competitions, am a pole dance champ and also a pole instructor in New York City. After years of being in the pole community and noticing a lack of diversity, I started Black Girls Pole in 2014. BGP is a global movement diversifying the pole community by inspiring and educating women of color about pole fitness. It was created to celebrate women of color in the aerial community and also give women a platform and space to be seen and highlighted! Representation is so important. Seeing someone who looks like you in the room or seeing someone excel in the thing you are interested in makes goals seem more relatable and attainable! Since 2014, BGP has hosted shows, events and Pole retreats around the world from Bermuda to London!

Congrats on recently giving birth to your Young Prince! Do you have any words of wisdom for other expecting parents who are going through the pandemic?

Thank you! Being pregnant and giving birth during these times can be super overwhelming and emotional. We did our best to remain calm and try to stay positive. There are so many things that are out of our control. The quicker we accepted that and focused on our own health and well being the less stressed we were. I felt very safe and taken care of in the hospital. I also made sure to have several conversations with my OBGYN about my fears of Covid and what precautions they were taking. Communication is everything. Use your voice if you feel unsure about something. At the end of the day, you want to feel as safe, calm and secure as you can going into labor and delivery.

Do you have any tips about how to throw a virtual baby shower?

Yes! I recently worked with Evite on planning a virtual shower and it is so easy to do. My friends threw me a virtual baby shower and had really great games that everyone could engage in and play! If you do want a shower, be sure to have a friend who is great at hosting and can keep everything flowing!

Name up to three small businesses that you admire.

I admire so many small business. Seeing so many Black Women excel in becoming entrepreneurs makes me so happy.

1. The Lip Bar - a black owned cosmetics line with the most beautiful shades and colors of lipstick I have ever seen!

2. Aerial Therapy- a black owned pole studio in Bermuda. The studio owner Marilyn Allers runs her business with such finesse. It is also where BGP has had pole retreats the last 3 years.

3. The Frugal Feminista- a black owned business run by Kara Stevens. Her coaching style on finances and course called "Slay Sallie Mae" which is designed with emotional and financial realities with Black women in mind is nothing like I have ever seen before.

And finally, where can we find you?

Website: www.dalijahamelia.com

Instagram/social: @dalijahamelia