We get to the heart and soul of entrepreneurs, connect them with resources to grow their businesses and teach them how to balance work, life and play!

We focus on the health and wellness of your business!

Our work life balance trainers help clients project manage their busy lives and get to the heart and soul of their business and their life! We help clients execute well so they can escape back to what makes them feel great! Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc….the ”just ask us” therapists!

You talk, we listen. We share, we collaborate, You breathe! 

Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc., a Certified NYC & NYS Minority Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) 

Stay connected with us for us via our website, www.aerobasoul.com, email or social media!
Happy MWBE Tuesday to our Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. Community Family!

We hope that everyone was able to get some “downtime” and do their best to be safe and healthy.
This month there were and continue to be many Martin Luther King, Jr. celebrations. Last evening at 7:00pm we proudly attended The City of Peekskill Youth Bureau’s Annual Virtual MLK Ceremony, Theme: The Service That We Give.  The event was MC’d by the phenomenal Peekskill Youth Bureau Executive Director Tuesday McDonald.

The honorees were:
  • Peekskill Youth Bureau Board Member and Officer Jonathan Saintiche
  • Peekskill Youth Bureau Student Leader and Scholar Kyle Cousins (son of Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc.’s Kecia Palmer-Cousins and Kevin Cousins)
  • Peekskill Youth Bureau Student Leader and Scholar Malik Culberson.

Congratulations on a job well done serving the community of Peekskill, NY.  Special congratulations goes out to our amazing son Kyle Cousins. Kyle has been attending the PYB since the age of 10 years old and has participated in many community service projects in the Peekskill community. Check out the video on Facebook to see why he, Officer Saintichi and Malik are receiving these awards.
As we all navigate the cold weather, the increase in Covid-19 and Omicron Variant case, the Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. team sends our love, prayers and support to those who were affected by this Global Pandemic and lost loved ones to it as well. It is touching everyone’s life. Let’s continue to be there for each other. Please check on your loved ones and mask up. We are each other’s keeper!
All business owners, especially minority and women owned business owners need to focus on their health as well as the health of their business. Click on these helpful links to stay informed and up to date regarding this global pandemic.



Get free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests

The federal government has announced every household can order four free at-home rapid antigen COVID-19 tests through a new website, www.covidtests.gov.
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests. Kecia and Kevin orders their free tests. We encourage everyone to order yours today!

The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Order your tests now so you have them when you need them.
If you need a COVID-⁠19 test now, please see other testing resources for free testing locations in your area.

Westchester has added COVID-19 vaccine clinics in Yonkers on Mondays to help reduce the virus's spread, County Executive George Latimer said in a statement.

The new vaccine clinics, available for free by the county Health Department, begin today from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., in Yonkers at 20 South Broadway, 2nd Floor. They will continue to be held during the same time on Mondays, with the exception of Feb. 21 when there's no clinic.

Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome, according to the county.

The county said people can click on these links to schedule Yonkers appointments:

The county has also been providing PCR tests for COVID at the County Center and will continue to through February.

To schedule a test, go to www.westchestergov.com/health. New appointments will be added every three days, the county's statement said, as follows:

  • Mondays and Tuesdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to noon
  • Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Fridays, 8 a.m. to noon
Honorable Reginald A. LaFayette,
Westchester Elections Commissioner and
Longtime Civic Leader dies at age 69

MOUNT VERNON, NY — The Hon. Reginald A. LaFayette, a longtime leader in the civic life of Westchester County, died Saturday, January 15, 2022 at the age of 69.

The news shocked County Legislator Terry Clements, chair of the Black Democrats of Westchester. "Reggie was not only a friend, but a powerful figure in Westchester. Reggie was tough, hard-working, dedicated and passionate and I am going to miss my friend deeply."

Born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, Mr. LaFayette moved to Mount Vernon in 1972, according to his bio at the Westchester-Rockland Guardians Association, which honored him in 2002. His involvement in the community began that year, when he became a Democratic district leader.

He held a number of civic offices in Mount Vernon in addition to serving as in Mount Vernon City Hall, serving as a deputy comptroller and as City Clerk:

  • Democratic Chairman of the City of Mount Vernon
  • Member of the Westchester County Democratic Executive Committee
  • Former New York State Committeeman, 84th AD
  • Member of Black Democrats of Westchester
  • Former Member of the United States Selective Service Board No. 104
  • Former Member of the Mount Vernon Postal Service Board
  • Former Executive Vice-President of the Mount Vernon Chapter of the NAACP
  • Former Treasurer of the Independent Citizen's League
  • Former Member, Board of Directors of the Mount Vernon Day Care Center
  • Former President of the Mount Vernon Lion's Club
  • Former Member, Board of Directors of the Westchester Opportunity Program

He was a member of the Greater Centennial A.M.E. Zion Church, Progressive Lodge No. 64, F&AM, Prince Hall Affiliation and a member of Terrace City Lodge #1499 I.B.P.O.E. of W.

Among his many awards, on Jan. 17, 2000, the United Black Clergy of Westchester presented him with the Martin Luther King Service Award.

Mount Vernon is mourning his loss, said Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard. "His work has stretched over decades and paved the way for so many people in this community. My heart and love goes out to his family at this time."

Lafayette was chairman of the Westchester County Democratic Committee from 2004-2020.

"Reggie had a long and distinguished career as a public servant," said Westchester County Executive George Latimer. "He was politically brilliant, and it is without doubt that no person did more to bring diversity to City and County government than Reggie. He was insightful and tempered; he was my friend for nearly 50 years starting when we were both young men in Mt. Vernon – where we both first became active in the community. We shared meals, advice and even coached a little league team together ... I grieve with his children, his many friends and colleagues."

He was the longtime Democratic commissioner of the Westchester County Board of Elections.

"In an era of intense partisanship, Reggie had close friends in all political parties who mourn this loss," said Republican Elections Commissioner Doug Colety.

Ken Jenkins, Westchester's Deputy County Executive, called LaFayette's death "a tremendous loss" to everyone in the state of New York. "Reggie's public service was exemplary as well as his dedication to ensuring that people of color and women were elected at every level of government."
Commissioner Lafayette was a family friend to the Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. team. Kecia’s dad Leroy and Commissioner Lafayette were district leaders in Mt. Vernon years ago as they went door to door encouraging Mt. Vernon residents to vote. Leroy’s cousin Henry Flagg introduced them to each other back when Kecia and her family moved to Mt. Vernon in the 1960’s. 
They developed a kinship since Commissioner Lafayette was from Charleston, SC and Leroy was from Mt. Pleasant, SC. Mr. Lafayette was also a strong, Democratic supporter of Kevin’s mother NYS Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. We were thankful for his words of wisdom that he provided to Kecia and Kevin’s son Kendall as he registered to vote at The Westchester County Board of Elections last summer before he headed off to Howard University. May he rest in peace. Our deepest sympathy goes out to all of his family and friends.
Book your appointment today with the Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. Team to get your business back on track in 2022! We provide business coaching, workforce development training and help MWBE’s get certified as they navigate the government and corporate procurement process!

MWBE’s, Government Agencies and
Non-Profits are our favorite clients!

Thanks to and congratulations to all of the MWBES that are doing all that they can to keep the doors of their business open! You are the true VIP’s!
MWBE MONDAY RESOURCES on Wednesday
Below are some networks and resources that Minority Women Owned Business Enterprises and small business owners can connect with to help them get through these challenging times. We’ve got your back!
Many minority and women business enterprise entrepreneurs use their local, County and State Agencies to stay current and tap into potential resources and procurement opportunities for their businesses and their communities. Getting MWBE Certified and procuring government contracts can help MWBEs build their businesses! Grants and loans are also parts of MWBEs portfolios to grow their businesses.
AERO-BA-SOUL, INC. partners with Westchester County to provide Technical and MWBE Assistance to Westchester based MWBEs
Calling all Westchester-based MWBES. Westchester County has partnered this year with Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. to provide business coaching, workforce development training, help MWBE’s get certified and register on the Westchester County Minority and Women-Owned Business Program directory as they navigate the government and corporate procurement process!  MWBE’s, Government Agencies and Non-Profits are our favorite clients!

Book your appointment today with the Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. Team to get your business back on track in 2022!

Westchester County Minority and Women-Owned Business Program

Minority and Women-Owned Business Program (westchestercatalyst.com)

When it comes to small business, Westchester County is committed to creating a level playing field and helping everyone succeed.

The Minority and Women-Owned Business Program is an excellent resource for minority- and women-owned businesses, which may be just starting out or have long been established in the local economy. Reap the most benefits of this program, register today.

Looking to hire an MWBE? Search our two databases by clicking here:
Search for minority and women-owned businesses registered in 2020 or later.
Search for minority and women-owned businesses registered before 2020.

Attention: There is a new system. Effective immediately all MWBEs who are NYS Certified will be required to fill out a short registration form. MWBEs who are NOT NYS Certified will be required to fill out a long registration form. If you registered your company before December 31, 2019 you will have a year to re-register.


By registering your minority or women-owned business, you'll receive:

  • High visibility to county departments, contractors, and anyone interested in doing business with Minority and Women-Owned Businesses
  • E-mail notifications of contract opportunities
  • Special invitations to workshops, seminars and training and other information to help your business succeed

Contact the Minority and Women-Owned Business Program office with your questions about the program.

Want to sell your product or service to government agencies? The Procurement Technical Assistance Center can help you understand the competitive bidding process and find opportunities appropriate for your company.

REGISTER AS A MINORITY AND WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS
When you register your business as a minority and women-owned business, you're opening your firm to business opportunities you may not have otherwise known about.Benefits include e-mail notifications about timely workshops and training.

THE MINORITY AND WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS PROGRAM DATABASE
Upon registering as a minority- and women-owned business, your information will be entered into the Minority and Women-Owned Business Program database and will be accessible by county departments and the public. This database organizes companies into 10 distinct business categories.

WESTWORKS
WestWorks is a weekly synopsis of advertised contracts, bid opening results and awarded contract and agreements. This free publication is an additional source to locate business opportunities and access to weekly bid books released by the Board of Acquisition and Contract.

DOING BUSINESS WITH WESTCHESTER COUNTY
The county has a system for posting active business opportunities, such as requests for proposals (RFPs). All county business opportunities are categorized using the same 10 business category definitions, as for the MWOB database.

WORKSHOPS AND TRAINING
Ongoing workshops and trainings are available for registered minority- and women-owned businesses to build and enhance their skills. Workshops will be presented by content experts, economic development experts and other seasoned business professionals.
PEEKSKILL YOUTH BUREAU’s TRADE GRADE
(4 week Construction Course)

Register today for The City of Peekskill’s upcoming Trade Grade (4 week Construction Course). This “1” course provides “7” certifications. Don’t miss out! Sign up today!

If you want to learn more, please contact Emily Bender at 914-862-5347 or ebender@cityofpeekskill.com.
Join the Women's Chamber. | Grow your business success through networking events, educational resources and advocacy. Join the Chamber Today
By the End of this Workshop, you will learn:

  • How to become M/WBE certified with NYC
  • The benefits of an M/WBE City certification
  • Learn about FREE advertising in the NYC M/WBE Online Directory
  • MORE opportunities to bid on contracts and subcontracts
  • About other programs your business may qualify for & More!    

Wednesday, January 26th, 2022 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
HCDC Workshop:Choosing The Right Entity For Your Business

Join our partners for this free seminar and learn about the various legal structures you can use to define your business.

Wednesday, January 26th, 2022 from
3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Apply for the State’s Grant for Small Businesses Now!
New York State's $800 million COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program was launched in June to provide grant assistance to small businesses in the State of New York who experienced economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The New York Women's Chamber of Commerce has been working with the State to assist applicants submitting their applications.

Applications will only be accepted for as long as funds are available, and now the program has been running for several months. Funds are still available but if you have not applied for the Small Business Recovery Grant yet and you are interested in applying, we strongly recommend that you do so soon. Contact us for assistance before funds run out!

Please contact Steve Paguay at spaguay@nywcc.org for more information and how to apply.
Have a safe and great week! Stay connected with us so you stay connected! Follow us on our social media! We will get through 2022 together! We thank each and everyone of you for your continued support and business!

Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc! We help MWBEs focus on the health and wellness of their business! Let’s us help you make your dreams, business and professional and goals come true in 2022!

We are here for you! Just give us a call at 914-737-7237 or schedule a consultation with us at www.aerobasoul.com.

You’ll be glad that you did!

Stay safe and continue to reach for excellence! Special shout out to our parents, family and friends for your continued love and support to us!

Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc! We help MWBEs focus on the health and wellness of their business!
See you on Philanthropy Thursday!
Let’s us help you make your dreams, business and professional and goals come true in 2022! We are here for you! Just give us a call at 914-737-7237 or schedule a consultation with us at www.aerobasoul.com. You’ll be glad that you did!
 
Sincerely
Kecia and Kevin
Contact Kecia with questions about
starting or growing your business!

At Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. we bring dreams to life with heart and soul! Like a trusted friend and confidante, our personal project managers tap into their vivid imaginations, hearts and souls to analyze clients’ projects, processes and people training. Stop suffering in silence! Rent our brainpower and we will connect you with the resources and technical assistance to address your needs and build your business.

Entrepreneurs and non-profits constantly juggle projects and their own self-care. Breathe! We can relate! We are small business owners who have survived and thrived by collaborating with a “think tank” of other socially conscious businesses/community partners! Our work life balance trainers help clients project manage their busy lives and get to the heart and soul of their business and their life! We help clients execute well so they can escape back to what makes them feel great! Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc….the ”just ask us” therapists! You talk, we listen. We share, we collaborate, You breathe!

Our services include:
  • Business Management Consulting Services
  • Life Coaching
  • MWBE Consulting/Prepare NYC/NYS MWBE Certification Applications
  • Public Speaking
  • Project Management
  • Training
  • Career Preparation
  • Customer Service
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Leadership
  • Networking
Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc.,
a Certified NYC & NYS Minority Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE)
Kecia Palmer-Cousins, MBA

Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc.

Office: 914.737.7237
Cell: 914.512.4373