Trendsetters to Trendsetters Magazine Sept Oct 2011

2 TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | SEPT/OCT 2011 www.TRENDTOTRENDMAG.com

3 TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | SEPT/OCT 2011


Willie Stewart CEO / PUBLISHER

PUBLISHER’S NOTES

I ’m sure that many of you would agree this life which we are blessed to live can be filled with chal-lenges and adversities. I’m also sure that you would agree, it‘s how we approach the challenges and ad-

versities we encounter that will either make us or break us along the journey. I, like many of you have had my share of struggles (adversities) as I travel through this life; however, I have found that the tough times don’t seem so tough when you have a support system to lean on. Whether the support comes from family, friends, colleagues, or perhaps a kind word or two from a stranger, support is the foundation needed to sustain us in times of despair.

As always, as CEO and Publisher of Trendsetters to Trendsetters Magazine (T2T Magazine) it is my endeavor to provide my readers with inspiration, encouragement, and support through the articles which grace the pages of T2T. It is my sincere hope that this particular edition is no different and that it is in fact “just what the Doctor ordered”.

I salute the many people who have allowed me to show-case their journey in this powerful September-October issue. Many have experienced the dreaded “C” word and are blessed to share their story with us. Through their eyes, their challenges, their adversities you will discover tough times don’t last forever but tough people do. Others have shared their success stories with us, showing us that with hard work, dedication, preparation and a strong support system (there goes that word “support” again) one can achieve their heart’s desires. ■

Willie Stewart


A Strong Support System is Key to Your Success


Willie Stewart / Chief Executive Officer Lukiether Willingham / President

Derek Payne / Executive Vice President Lindsay Powell / Vice President of Business Development

Our Mission It is our mission to be the premier source for positive news and information among trendsetters around the globe and to build strong relationships among individuals, corporate companies, businesses, and organizations in the communities that we serve.

About Us Trendsetters to Trendsetters Media Group, Inc., (aka T2T Media Group and Trend to Trend Media Group) is a minority-owned, pri-vately-held, national media group headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

T2T Media Group started as a single magazine and through strategic planning has grown into a multifaceted media company which now includes a Publishing Division with two magazines (Trendsetters to Trendsetters Magazine & Trendsetters to Trendsetters La-tino Magazine); and a Digital Division which specializes in graphic design, marketing, and social media. Companies in our Digital Division include DPI Graphic Design, Lukeither Multimedia & Design (Internet and Social Network Marketing), T2T TV (Internet TV Show), FYI Blast (Eblast), and numerous interactive websites and blogs (entertainment, food, and technical).

Through our divisions and various companies, it is our goal to provide excellent returns to our shareholders, and provide support to the community and businesses where we live, work and play.

Our company motto is “Together Building Strong Relationships.” We pride ourselves in building strong business relationships and offering services that help businesses reach their target audiences. Trendsetter to Trendsetters Media Group, Inc. specializes in B2B relationships and offers strategies and solutions for every budget.

“Together Building Strong Relationships”

TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS MAGAZINE TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS LATINO MAGAZINE T 2 T TV LUKEITHER MULTIMEDIA & DESIGN

TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS COVER TO COVER AWARDS TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS NETWORK BUILDING TRENDSETTERS FOUNDATION Young Minds On The Rise DPI GRAPHIC DESIGN



CEO / PUBLISHER T2T MEDIA GROUP, INC. Willie Stewart / Canton, OH - Atlanta, GA PRESIDENT / T2T MEDIA GROUP, INC . DIR. OF SOCIAL NETWORK MARKETING & WEB DEVELOPMENT Lukeither Willingham / Atlanta, GA VICE PRESIDENT/ T2T MEDIA GROUP, INC. CREATIVE ART DIRECTOR Derek Payne / Columbus, OH VICE PRESIDENT BUS DEVELOPEMENT Lindsay Powell /Atlanta, GA CELEBRITY CORESPONDENT Carol Courtney Anglin / Brooklyn, NY EDITORS Carla Daniels / Columbus, OH Cheryl Lynn Iszard /Atlanta, GA LaLisa Leary / Atlanta, GA CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mechelle Bowser / Atlanta, GA Dr. Leslie Ashlock / Atlanta, GA Gigi McCrary / Columbus, OH Camela Douglass / Dayton, OH Teri Miller Barker / Dayton, OH Angela Thomas / Miami, FL Dr. Linda Amerson / Arlington, TX Dr. Dorothy Flake / Houston, TX Tammie Seldon / Atlanta, GA SOCIAL MEDIA INTERN Kimberly Willingham / Tampa, FL

TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS MEDIA GROUP RESERVES THE RIGHT TO PUB-LISH ANY MATERIALS RECEIVED. WE APPRECIATE ALL MATERIAL, HOWEVER, SUBMISSIONS MUST BE OF A POSITIVE AND INFORMATIVE NATURE. PLEASE MAIL OR EMAIL ARTICLES TO [email protected] | TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS MAGAZINE, 3007 PANOLA ROAD | SUITE 283C | LITHONIA, GA 30038 (404) 437-4311 OR 1-866-958-7363.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS MEDIA GROUP, INC.

TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS STAFF

SALUTES ALL OF THE ORGANIZATIONS DEDICATED TO

ADVOCATING, EDUCATING AND SUPPORTING WOMEN AND MEN ABOUT BREAST CANCER AND ITS AFFECT ON FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE USA!

WE APPRECIATE YOU!

KNOW THE FACTS:

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among African American women. An estimated 26,840 new cases of breast cancer are expected to occur among African American women in 2011.

Breast cancer is the second most common cause of can-cer death among African American women, surpassed only by lung cancer.

At this time, there is no guar-anteed way to prevent breast cancer, which is why regular mammograms are so impor-tant. A woman’s best overall preventive health strategy is to reduce her known risk factors as much as possible by avoiding weight gain and obesity, engaging in regular physical activity, and mini-mizing alcohol intake.

For more information about breast cancer, see the Ameri-can Cancer Society publication Breast Cancer Facts & Figures, available online at cancer.org.

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contents SEPT/OCT 2011 TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS MAGAZINE


26 Charlie Wilson Is

Indeed a Legend

what’s inside 04 Publisher’s Notes 10 Education Trends 12 Up and Coming

Trendsetters 14 Health and Wellness 21 Fitness Trends 28 Inspirational Trends 36 Business Trends 37 Legal Trends 39 Fashion Trends 41 Beauty Trends

t2t spotlights 08 Education Spotlight 16 Health & Wellness Spotlight 20 Fitness Spotlight 32 Corporate Trends Spotlight 34 Business Trends Spotlight 38 Fashion Spotlight 40 Beauty Trends Spotlight 43 Arts & Entertainment

Spotlight 49 Real Estate Trends Spotlight

special features 18 They Survived

Amazing cancer survival stories!

22 Author’s Corner Some of today's best releases

26 Cover Story Charlie Wilson is indeed a legend and a cancer survivor!

42 Beauty Profile Introducing plus-size model “Supasekcee”

10 101 Year Old Historic Herndon Home

12 Tia P. is a Legend

in Training

18 Amazing Cancer Survival Stories!

22 Up and Coming

Authors

EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT

A Woman On

C rystal Celestine Shep-herd, President of Brown Mackie College in Atlanta, Georgia is

also a mother, a wife, a goal setter, a woman who is on a mission. With her feet planted firmly on the ground, she knows where she is headed and there is no stopping her. This powerful African American woman has proven with hard work, dedication, and determination any-thing is achievable. Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Crystal is the middle daughter of three children from the union of Cor-nelious and Carolyn Celestine. Crystal’s parents were high school sweethearts, married in 1972 at the tender age of 16 and remained married until the passing of her mother in 2002. With the Louisiana school system not being up to the expectations of her par-ents, and their seeing her potential, her parents both worked diligently in order for Crystal to attend a private school. Crystal’s zest for learning was not just for knowledge but for what a higher edu-cation would afford her. With aspirations of becoming a nurse she enrolled in Dil-lard University only to see her focus quickly change; instead she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Social Welfare. Crystal had a “by the time I’m thirty list” which kept her focused, striving toward her goals. In fact, because of her focus she was able to achieve all of her goals just before turning thirty which included making a six-figure income, owning her own home, and obtaining her MBA from the University of Phoenix. Crystal is currently 36 years old and also has a “before I am forty list” which in-cludes obtaining her Doctorate of Educa-tion in Organizational Leadership from Argosy University in Atlanta, GA which she hopes to obtain in the very near fu-


By Cheryl Lynn Iszard


EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT

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a Mission ture. When Crystal decided to go back to school, it was not just her decision but a family agreed upon decision. Each member of the family was brought into the loop to discuss how Crystal was going to not only achieve this goal, but how she was going to do her research, ace every test, still maintain balance in the home and be successful as a family, which was a number one priority. Her children understand the goals of mom and Crystal says if she has not given her children anything else, she has given them a work ethic; nothing is going to be handed to them in this world. They will have to work for everything that they want. “You have to work and balance life in the process. That’s how life is . . .” Crystal feels that coming to Brown Mackie College was nothing short of “divine interven-tion”. While she was in school she started her professional career in the hotel industry where she worked her way quickly through the ranks; the last four years before coming to the education industry she worked with Wyndham Interna-tional, a five-hundred room five star hotel, as the front desk manager and eventually a Director of Room Operation at the age of 28. Crystal says what sets Brown Mackie College apart from other schools of higher education is the smaller class sizes, the environment is friendly and family oriented and maintains an open door policy for all students. Although their college is small, students come to Brown Mackie to find a career and change their lives. “Just like Katrina, one day your storm may come; you must be prepared. Don’t let Brown Mackie be the stopping point of your education” is her message to the students. “You must be your own profes-sional representative, people are watching so always dress appropriate”. Crystal states, her focus with Brown Mackie is two-fold; one is to increase enrollment and two to ensure that her students get their careers going. “I love being a part of changing the lives of the students of Brown Mackie. I am very proud of the fact our accrediting body holds us account-able to ensure that 65% of the graduates of Brown Mackie College are placed in their field of study and working. I welcome anyone to check us out and meet some of the absolutely fabulous

people working here”. I asked Crystal if she thinks the educators in Atlanta are doing a good job, her reply was, “Yes, I believe the educators in Atlanta are doing what they are suppose to do; it is all about the students, their attitude and what they take from their learning experience.” When asked her thoughts with regards to the recent CRCT testing scandals, which rocked the Atlanta school sys-tem, Crystal states, “It’s difficult to pull some-thing of that nature off without many people hav-ing some knowledge of it. I believe the main fo-cus during testing was lost in the transition; the focus of ensuring the children come to school and get the proper education was lost. It’s unfair to promote our youth to the next level if they have not acquired the foundation they need to suc-ceed.” Crystal Shepherd is the proud wife of Jason Shepherd and mother of four, three daughters and one son (Celeste – 13, Chelby – 12 Camille – 3 and Jason II – one year old). When asked how she is able to balance being a wife, a mother of four, a business woman, a college President, and attending school to obtain her PHD, Crystal’s response was, “Because her home is ran a bit like the military, a well oiled machine” and that she has an awesome support system. Her hus-band Jason is a “God-send,” a huge support of her goals, and he is also an awesome cook. Along with her many other responsibilities Crystal is a member of the Atlanta Business League, the Urban League, the South Fulton Chamber of Commerce, and the National Council of Negro Women where she is extremely excited about being invited to be the keynote speaker of the National Council of Negro Woman’s 55th Annual Founder’s Luncheon (Detroit, Michigan). Crystal Shepherd was selected by the Trumpet Foundation, the presenters of the Trumpet Awards, to receive the 2012 High Tea With High Heals Award; this award will be presented to her during the 20th anniversary of the Trumpet awards January 2012. Crystal will also be fea-tured in the upcoming publication of Who’s Who in Black Atlanta, and states what a huge honor it will be. Crystal Shepherd is truly a Trendsetter in motion! ■



T he Herndon Foundation paid tribute to the leg-acy of the Herndon Home and to the Hern-

don family with a Centennial Celebra-tion on Sunday, September 11, 2011, at the Atlanta History Center. The home celebrates its 101st anniversary this year. Honorary chairpersons for the gala occasion included Herman Russell, Ambassador Andrew Young, and Ingrid Saunders Jones.

Entertainment for the evening’s fes-tive event included excerpts from the opera, “The Herndons,” which was writ-ten, and produced by Sharon J. Willis. The wedding scene from the opera was performed by members of the Americolor Opera Alliance. The Herndon Founda-tion’s Legacy Award was given to Dr. Edward D. Irons, chairman emeritus of the Herndon Foundation.

The Herndon Foundation is the guardian of the Herndon Legacy. “We invite you to carry forth this proud heritage; safeguard the legacy of this fine edifice; and help us to perpetuate the mission of the Hern-don Foundation by joining us in our vision to restore the museum. With your help the Herndon Home can be restored to its original grandeur. Our plans also include expanding the hours of operation so more students can tour the museum and be inspired to become entrepreneurs like the Herndons,” says Wil-liam J. Stanley, III, chairman of the Hern-don Foundation. “Come and visit the Home for Christmas on Diamond Hill; Kwanza; Black History Month; and book your next family reunion outing or other events with us.”

The Herndon Home, designated a National Historic Land-mark in 2000, is one of those historic properties in America that gained exceptional value for its unique heritage as a great American home. This family mansion of Alonzo Franklin Herndon built in 1910 is located on Diamond Hill at one of the highest elevations on the Westside of Atlanta, GA. The house was designed primarily by Adrienne Herndon, wife of Alonzo, and was built exclusively by Black craftsmen. The two

-story 15-room house, Italiante Beaux Arts Classical in style, is an example of high society dwellings at the beginning of the last century. The Herndon Home will forever serve as a lasting tribute to the entrepreneurial spirit, hard work, and talent of one of Atlanta’s most ex-

traordinary African American families. More than one million visitors have toured this mansion to

experience firsthand the life style of the Hern-don family and to gain a better understanding of Atlanta’s Black culture and history. The house contains the original furnishings as well as those acquired later in the century

by Alonzo’s son Norris. He was the second Black graduate of the Harvard Business School, and traveled extensively through-out Europe and Africa where he collected antiquities and deco-rative arts for what he envisioned as a museum in honor of his parents.

Born a slave, Alonzo Herndon went on to establish and operate more than one successful barber shop on Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta after the civil war. One of these emporiums was elaborately decorated with marble flooring and a crystal chandelier as well as furnishings and fittings acquired during his excursions to Europe. ►

The Herndon Home, 101 Year-old Historic Atlanta Landmark in the African American Community,

Celebrates Centennial Anniversary at Atlanta History Center

“Come and visit the Herndon Home for Christmas on Diamond Hill; Kwanza; Black History Month; and book your next family reunion outing with us.”

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1. Adam Herndon, Great, Great nephew of Alonzo Herndon (left) , and Atlanta Business-man Herman Russell, one of the honorary co-chairs of the Herndon Home Centennial Gala 2. Inside the music room of the Herndon Home. (left to right) Egbert Perry and Nancy Boxill, members of the Board of Directors of the Herndon Foundation; Roberta Phillips, docent and manager of the Herndon Home; and William Stanley, Chair-man of the Board of Directors of the Hern-don Foundation

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EDUCATION TRENDS

Dale Brown leading the combined groups

A t the request of one of its

teachers Kia Fisher, the Em-manuel SDA Church Youth De-partment held a benefit concert to support a local Christian School. Kia, a member of the Emmanuel Music Department, is a lead educator at Solid Foundation Christian Acad-emy for at risk children. Solid Foundation (Academy) works with each child, transform-ing obstacles and weaknesses into strengths and opportunities. For the student, the outcome is not only improved academic performance but also better self-esteem, greater confidence and a renewed joy in learning.

Bishop Darius and Dr. Leslie Ashlock founded the Solid Foundation Christian Acad-emy in 2003 in Stone Mountain, Georgia, as an “in touch” and “out-reach” ministry to meet the needs of the “whole child” - body, mind and spirit. We teach from a Solid Foundation of the uncompromised Word of God with the belief that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.” (Solid Foundation Academy. Retrieved May 5th, 2011, from http://solidfoundationinc.net/). Kia had an idea to help raise funds for her school and also to show her students and co-workers that they have community support from the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. She shared her idea for the fund raiser with Dale Brown, the Emmanuel Music Director, who decided to pay the school a visit. Dale said that he was blown away with the almost 30 minute

recital of their “Morning Affirmation”- a collection of Bible texts, proverbs, famous quotes and affirmations, which each child is required to memorize and repeat every morning. Dale Brown was the master of cere-monies that evening and he took ad-vantage of his position to share the goodness and blessings of the Sabbath with the audience. The Emmanuel Praise Team and several groups from around the area ministered in song.

The program was concluded with the students of Solid Foundation Christian Academy repeat-ing their Morning Affirmation which totally amazed the audience and applause of support was shared by all. Brother Brown then asked all participants to come on stage to join in a group song. A l l w e r e blessed at the overall success of the concert and the chance to fel-lowsh ip wi th members of the community, the students and staff of Solid Founda-t i on Chr i st ian Academy; there were approximately 200 peo-ple in attendance. The school raised $1000.00 in ticket and refreshment sales. ■

Dr. Leslie Ashlock

Herndon became a de-veloper and major property owner in At-lanta and later founded the Atlanta Life Insur-ance Company. He is widely considered to be Atlanta’s first Black millionaire. He was also an organizer of the Niagara Movement, the forerunner of the NAACP. After Hern-don’s death in 1927, Norris Herndon as-sumed the presidency of Atlanta Life, with J e s s i e H e r n d on , Alonzo’s second wife, as Atlanta Life’s Vice President. During this period, the company experienced tremen-dous growth.

The Centennial Celebration of the Herndon Home repre-sents the kick-off of the first major capital cam-paign initiated by The Herndon Foundation to support the expansion of services and the on-going restoration of the Herndon Home. The foundation has plans to complete the renova-tions thereby providing a larger facility in which to host social events at the home. The Herndon Home is located at 587 Univer-sity Place, NW; At-lanta, GA 30314. Guided tours are con-ducted hourly from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and by ap-pointment. There is a fee for admission and special discounted rates are available for groups. For more in-formation about the Herndon Home and to schedule a tour, please telephone 404-581-9813. ■

The Emmanuel Youth Department Holds Benefit Concert for Local School


UP & COMING TRENDSETTTERS

n an instant the course of ones life can be forever altered. Such a cross road came to eighteen year old urban/pop artist and songwriter, Tia P. A car accident in 2010 that lead to a diagnosis of

Polyarticular Juve-nile Rheumatoid Arthritis was the turn-ing point in Tia P.’s life. With the sup-port of her family and an unshakeable passion for music her destiny was not altered but intensified and she became an inspiration to her generation. In her short career, Tia P. has per-formed at the LA Live Conga Room/The Foxxhole Live with Mark Curry, The Underground Girls of Hip Hop

Honors where she opened for female hip hop legends and the cherry on top was opening for Hip Hop pioneer KRS – One at the Roxy Theatre in L.A. “Meeting

KRS One was phenomenal, and when he welcomed me to Hip Hop, I think my dad had to pick me up off the floor”, says Tia P. giggling as she explains the experience. Performing live with her band Shirts & Drawlz is guaranteed to shake the roof and bring the walls down. Tia P. also performs and speaks at charity and fundraising events and schools. In May, 2011, Tia P. was named the winner in the Teen category for the

International Songwrit-ing Competition of which she was also a finalist in the Peoples Voter's Choice and a semi-finalist in the Hip Hop category. Compet-ing amongst 15,000 entries, her song Music is Fundamental was voted on by artists such as Tom Waits; Kelly Clarkson; Timbaland; Robbie Williams; Peter Gabriel; Ri-hanna; Robert Smith and Jerry Lee Lewis as well as entertainment industry executives. For the win Tia P. was awarded several prizes including a five week scholarship to the Berklee School of music. Tia P.’s single, N.O.B.O.D.Y. was also released in

May 2011 and is getting spins on radio stations around the coun-try. N.O.B.O.D.Y. is an upbeat dance track that brings back the old school style of battling at the microphone. Her message, no-body is better than you if you don’t allow them to be. Infusing the vibe of the music pioneers who inspire and came before her can be usually found in a Tia P. song In August 2011 she began her freshman year at Howard University and introduced her-self to her DC community by performing at a back to school

rally, she will speak to the children of domestic violence in October, 2011 and is tentatively scheduled to perform at the Black College EXPO. Tia P. is also completing her album “Legend in Training” and preparing for concerts on the East Coast. The video to the single N.O.B.O.D.Y. is in development. Living with Polyarticular Juve-nile Rheumatoid Arthritis has not de-terred Tia P. from enjoying and pros-pering in life. “Through prayer and medical and family support I am able to push through the pain and write great songs and perform my music be-cause I know that is what I am sup-posed to do”, says Tia P. "If your vi-sion doesn't cost you something, then it's only a daydream" so dream big and keep your focus and it will happen. ■

For more information on Tia P visit www.tiaparchman.com, Twitter @iam_tia_p and Facebook: Tia P. Booking or speaking

inquiries contact [email protected].


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UP & COMING TRENDSETTTERS

W hat are the bee’s buzzing about? It’s Khijo Products made straight from the honey comb. Khijo Products is a one of a kind com-

pany that is featuring a miracle worker for your hair and body. Khijo Cream is an all natural solution that brings form and a beautiful shine to a dull and boring hairstyle. You can also use Khijo on your skin to help heal those dry and ne-glected areas. Whatever your needs may be, Khijo Products strives to find a way to keep your hair and skin healthy and strong; Most of all, it helps you to be a natural you!

Khijo was created by two owners and friends, Khiara Washington and Katy Jo Holton. Combining Khiara’s education of cosmetology and passion for helping people feel and look their best, and Katy Jo’s interest in natural products and love for honey bees, who she keeps near her home in Savannah, Georgia, these innovative ladies birthed a product that everyone has been talking about. What is special about this team and this company is a commitment to ethical business practices and the ability to bridge what many companies see as racial boundaries. Khijo Cream can be used on virtually every skin and hair type, therefore it has a goal to bring people together while helping foster people’s individuality.

Staying chemical free is Khijo’s goal. Did you know that adding chemicals to your hair or skin can absorb through your body? We are living in a time where health is a major issue. Ingredients that are from the earth leave you happy and healthy. Most hair and skin products have a chemicals or alcohol contents that damages and dries out skin and hair, Khijo Cream contains deeply healing and moisturizing humectants that surpasses high end products that are narrow in their application.

That is why Khijo is here to save the day! Khijo promotes healthy hair growth, and conditions while it styles the hair. It can be used to slick down those crazy eyebrows to make them uniformed. You can also use Khijo on your feet as a foot balm or on your elbows to reduce dryness and peeling. Instead of using hair sprays to hold thermal hairstyles such as spirals and flat ironed styles, use Khijo as a healthy hold without the use of harsh ingredients such as Sprits and holding sprays which contains alcohol. Nail techs like to use it to heal the cuticles and to soften calluses. Hey gentlemen, how about shaping your mustache or keeping your beard neat and healthy? You can use Khijo for almost anything you can think of. Khijo is already an online success, but we want to bring it to neighborhoods across the country. Expect to see it soon near you; these women are determined to get the word out. ■

For more information or to order your Khijo Cream online today, visit www.khijo.com, like Khijo on Facebook at Khijo Hair Products LLC, or drop them an email at [email protected]. ■


HEALTH & WELLNESS

By Having Regular Screenings

and Knowing the Symptoms you can

Protect Yourself from Breast Cancer

W hen breast cancer is found early, the cure rate is much higher. Finding it early often means finding it before you have any signs, or symptoms, of the disease. That's why screenings are so important.

A screening is a test or exam used to find a disease, such as breast cancer, in people who do not have symp-toms. But many women still do not get screened or don't get screened as often as they should. Screenings for

breast cancer are mammograms and breast exams from your doctor or other healthcare provider. They can help you find breast can-cer even before you have symptoms.

Being aware of the signs of breast cancer is also very important. It lets you spot any changes as soon as they happen so you can get care right away.

Risk factors for breast cancer As the American Cancer Society (ACS) tells us, breast cancer is the second-most common cancer among women in the United States. Only skin cancer is more common. Breast cancer is also the second-leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. Here are some of the things that may make it more likely that a woman will get breast cancer. The list shows facts from the American Cancer Society and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Please note that having a risk factor does not mean you will get the disease. All risk factors are not equal. Some have a higher association with breast cancer than others. For example, prolonged exposure over more years to internally produced estrogen or hormones in pills, have a higher association with breast cancer. Remember a risk factor doesn't mean that it necessarily causes cancer. Most women have some risk factors, but most women do not get breast cancer.

RISK FACTORS

Growing older - three-fourths of cases are in women 50 or older

Being younger than 12 when you had your first period

Having your first child after age 30

Never giving birth

Not breastfeeding

Menopause after age 55

A personal history of breast cancer

Treatment that where you had radiation to the chest

Being overweight

Long-term use of hormone replace-ment therapy

Using birth control pills

Drinking more than one alcoholic drink a day

Not getting regular exercise

15 TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | SEPT/OCT 2011 15

HEALTH & WELLNESS What screenings should women have? There is no unanimous set of recommendations for cancer screening. American Cancer Society, the United States Preventive Ser-vices Task Force, and leading universities have not reached agreement on recommendations for women to follow for screening for breast cancer Mammograms.

Mammograms are simple, low-radiation X-rays of the breast that can detect areas inside the breast that don't look normal. Some studies suggest that having a mammogram as often as your doctor says can reduce breast cancer related deaths by 30 percent-but other studies cannot verify that. There are recommendations by some groups for women 40 and older to have a mammogram screen-ing every year to look for breast disease when there are no symptoms. Other scientific bodies make that recommendation for women over age 50, as long as there is no family history of breast cancer.

It all can be very confusing. Women with a higher risk of breast cancer should talk with their doctor about what the best screening plan is for them, such as starting mammograms at an earlier age.

When you do have your mammogram, you will be asked to undress above the waist. The staff will give you a gown or wrap for cover. A technologist, most often a woman, will position your breast for the test. During the mammogram, the breast is placed be-tween two plates to spread the tissue. You may feel a little pressure or pinching but only for a few seconds as each picture is made. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.

Sometimes, more pictures or tests may be needed. This means the doctor wants to take a closer look at something. It does not neces-sarily mean you have cancer.

Clinical Breast Exams These are exams done by your doctor or healthcare professional and may be part of your physical. For women in their 20s and 30s, this screening should be done at least every three years. For those in their 40s and older, it should be done every year. This is also a good time to talk to your doctor about breast self-exam. Breast Self-Exam (BSE)

Checking your breasts regularly helps you get to know how your breasts normally look and feel so it will be easier for you to notice any changes.

What are the signs of breast cancer? If you have any of these symptoms, talk with your doctor as soon as possible.

Your breast feels different - A woman may have a painless lump or thickening in the breast or under the arm. Also, note any pain in one spot that does not change with your monthly cycle.

Your breast looks different - The breast may dimple or start to look like an orange peel. Or there may be a change in its size or shape.

You see a change in the nipple - It may become red, sore, itchy, or scaly. Or fluid may come from the nipple. It may start sud-denly and affect only one breast.

You notice swelling - redness, or warmth in the breast How can you reduce your risk? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these tips for lowering your risk of breast cancer.

Get screened for breast cancer whenever your doctor says

Exercise and control your weight

Know your family history of breast cancer and ask your doctor what you can do to lower your risk

Find out the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy

Keep your alcohol to one drink a day or less The easiest, most important steps you can take to protect yourself are to have regular breast cancer screenings and to watch for any changes in your breast.

To learn more, visit the Women's Health Center on MyHumana.com or the American Cancer Society

16 TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | SEPT/OCT 2011 www.TRENDTOTRENDMAG.com 16 www.TRENDTOTRENDMAG.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS SPOTLIGHT

DR. MacKENZIE PAMER POWELL, OH

P amer Family Chiropractic is one of the fastest growing chiroprac-tic offices in the state of Ohio thanks to Dr. MacKenzie

Pamer’s commitment to her patient’s health and well being. She started her practice Sep-tember 2001 in Powell, OH, and since then she has helped change the lives of thousands of people. Dr. Pamer and her team take care of patients ranging from a few days old to the eld-erly with an emphasis on spinal correction and wellness care. Dr. Pamer believes in the princi-ple the power that made the body heals the body and helps educate the community and her patients that through the power of a specific scientific chiropractic adjustment patients are able to experience increased health, energy and alleviation of countless ailments including mi-graines, sciatic problems, allergies, numbness, back pain, just to name a few. Those who visit her can expect a miracle and leave telling oth-ers. ■

Pamer Family Chiropractic ■ 218 W. Olentangy Street ■ Powell, OH 43065 ■ (614) 798-1419 [email protected]

16 TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | MAY/JUNE 2011 www.TRENDTOTRENDMAG.com

Barb K.

“She has changed my life. When I began treatment I had a lot wrong. I was dealing constantly with sinus

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take just one. This is like a miracle to me. I don’t have sinus problems or infections anymore! I don’t feel “old” anymore. Even though I just turned 70, I feel younger and more energetic than I have for probably

8 or 9 years. I have so much en-ergy! Dr. Pamer and chiropractic

care have given me a renewed and healthy life.”

Jennifer B.

“Our infant son had reflux and

wheezing when he was born… that is GONE! Dr. Pamer truly cares

about the health and well-being of each and every one of her patients,

something we value a lot!”


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M y name is Jeanette Brown and I was diag-nosed with

breast cancer May 2010, at that moment my whole world went blank. I couldn't hear nor could I think; thank God my sister Kattie was there with me cause I couldn't drive home, all I kept hearing in my head was I'm dying. I cried and I couldn't stop crying; the doctor's explained to me that I had a rare breast cancer and that by the grace of God we caught it early in stage two and that we needed to start treat-ment right away. The doctor's also informed me that my hair was going to fall out. Well on June 9, 2010, I went through my first treatment of chemotherapy which took a lot out of me. On Friday I was throwing up everything, whatever was in me came out of both ends and worst of all, I started to ache in my bones; it's a feeling I can't explain . . . And the pain pills didn't help. After my sec-ond treatment all my hair fell out; I cried all night because I had to get a buzz cut and wear wigs; this took my spirit even lower and I wouldn't and couldn't get out of bed; I felt like I was lay-ing there waiting to die. As I talked to God asking him why, what have I done to deserve this disease and feeling sorry for my self, I started thanking God for healing me, thanking Him for giving me strength and I thanked him for giving me life and life more abundantly. I decided I'm not going to wait to die anymore! If I'm going to go I'm going to do something; so I got up and got out the house just about every day. I still went to work part time and I prayed and I thanked God for sparing my life and I thanked God for placing in my life my family, my friends and my cli-ents, who stood by me and encouraged me and prayed for me and with me. I can say that I am a living testimony that my God is still in the healing business! It's been a year and I am cancer free. Please ladies, young women, please check yourselves on a regular basis and go for your mammogram check up. It could save your life, it saved mine. ■

O ctober 7, 2007, I was pouring over the financial affidavit for my pend-ing divorce when I reached to scratch my neck, my hand came

down over a lump the size of a golf ball, on my collar-bone. At first I didn't know what to think of it, so I chalked it up t o be i n g s t r e s s e d . Eventually, I went to see

my physician. After months of be-ing prescribed different antibiotics and steroids, nothing was working. It wasn't until January of 2008 that I had a bi-opsy, then ultimately diagnosed with Hodg-kin's Disease Stage IIIB. After enduring 6 cycles (12 sessions) of chemotherapy, a nine day hospital stay for pneumonia, and nine months of being on oxygen, I can honestly say I feel healthier than I have ever been! Needless to say, I'm divorced now, but life goes on. Although I had some extremely bad days during my illness, I never questioned God with the "why me". In my heart, I knew God had a plan for my life; He does not make mistakes. I know He uses the trials in my life for His perfect will (Romans 8:28). Besides that, He spared me to see my two beautiful sons grow up. I have also re-enforced my appreciation of life's simplici-ties. Cancer is not always a death sentence, it is possible to enjoy and celebrate your life, even when you are compromised by illness, and it is possible to defeat illness. Most important, being ill taught me how precious living is. It's the greatest miracle of all and it is ours to savor each and every day. ■

Yolanda Clements

Jeanette Brown

Read amazing stories about four women and their ordeal

with breast cancer…

coping and surviving!



I underwent a Bi-lateral Mastectomy with a Tram Flap Reconstruction procedure on February 12, 2009. My prognosis was very positive since my Breast Can-cer was discovered astonishingly and unpredictably in

both breasts with stages 0 and 1. Initially, I received this devastating news over the telephone from a complete stranger. As my world decelerated and I began to process the information made available to me, these words echoed into my psyche. “What doesn’t kill you will make you stronger.” Only God knew this expression would literally have a profound impact in my life. Please review this alarming news report using Mozilla Fire-fox browser: http://www.wendysaltzman.com/network/newadmin/videos/52-Botched+Breast+Surgery.htm What makes this incident more of a tragedy is that it was PRE-VENTABLE and LAWFUL because no attorneys would pro-vide me legal representation. As a result of this turbulent experience and extensive inju-ries, I am permanently Disabled. Because of the disastrous events that have affected my entire life I am determined, compassionated, and dedicated to swirl lemons into lemonades! I plan on launching several campaigns that will eventually create a development to permit an irrevocable bond to foster a global sisterhood. This enhancement will motivate and provide a spiritual strength that resonates among a group of courageous women to have an authentic platform to be encouraged, em-powered and engaged. The information recycling within the medical industry regarding the pitfalls of Breast Cancer Recon-struction options have been stifle, limited and purposely unre-ported. As a righteous advocate and ambassador of goodwill, I pledge to you this must and will change. Please join me in this crusade endeavor! Stay plugged in reading Trend2Trend, the best is yet to come. ■

W anda L. Brown is a single mother of 3 grown children (1 girl 2 boys) and 1 grandson and a Breast Cancer Survivor. In 2004, during a routine self breast

exam, Wanda’s discovery of a lump in her breast led to a diag-nosis of Stage 2B triple negative breast cancer. Her treatment plan included a lumpectomy to remove the tumor and 8 lymph nodes. Three of the eight lymph nodes were cancerous. She

participated in a clinical trial consisting of 39 weeks of weekly chemotherapy and 3d daily doses of radiation. “I was there for nine months,” Brown says. “One of the nurses announced she was pregnant the first week, and I got to see the baby when it was born.” It was also her nieces that prompted her to do the clini-cal trial, she says, something she encourages other black women to consider so there will be study results on mi-nority women. Wanda Brown is a pas-sionate advocate, promoting breast cancer awareness and resource information in a

variety of venues to reach the community, especially through her efforts as President and Co-founder of Columbus, OH affili-ate chapter of the Sisters Network Inc. a national African American breast cancer survivor organization, established March 2008. She is involved with the Columbus Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, volunteering on the education committee, speakers bureau, care and concern committee, grant review team, special events committee and the Survivorship Advisory Council. She is also a committee member of the Ohio State Cancer Caucus and a Trained Reach to Recovery Volunteer for the American Cancer Society. “I didn't know any black women with breast cancer,” she says. “I thought it was a white woman's disease. It was pure ignorance.” As a network administrator for the state of Ohio, Brown is working to change the attitudes about breast cancer among black women, who Brown says won't talk about things like cancer outside their homes. She says the group is making breast cancer part of the social conversation everywhere they can, including churches, AA meetings and beauty parlors. “There are women who have it and who won't tell anyone,” she says. “We also know that in the black community, the loss of a breast is seen as losing a part of your feminine self. I have met women who would rather die than lose a breast.” The Sisters Network of Columbus has a growing member-ship. Each year the group walks the streets of Columbus‟ black neighborhoods in the Gift for Life Block Walk where they edu-cate women about breast cancer and offer free mammography screenings. “We want them to see survivors. So we go out as a group to show them it‟s OK, and they can survive. It takes away the fear,” she says, adding that in her community, when

someone says they have breast cancer, the person often thinks of them as dead. “If it's diabetes, they'll tell you what to do to live. If it's cancer, they say, “I am so sorry.” “They have already killed you.” To read more about Wanda L. Brown, other cancer survivors and learn more about breast cancer awareness and detection, log on to The Sisters Network of Columbus’ website at www.sistersnetworkcolumbusoh.org. ■

Wanda L. Brown

Phyllis Sherard


S he is Andrea Riggs one of the nation’s leading health and fitness experts in the country. She is a fan and media favorite and been seen for 3 seasons on WXIA-11 Alive, TV’s Atlanta’s Biggest Loser. She has created the Get

Body Beautiful with Andrea Riggs brand for herself and spearheads the city-wide Get Body Beautiful campaign with over 15,000 participants and 4 million media impressions in Atlanta, GA in 2010. She hosts her signature health radi0 show on Radio One Atlanta and numerous other stations.

FITNESS SPOTLIGHT

ANDREA RIGGS Health and Fitness Expert

As a motivator and inspirer, Andrea utilizes her personal family health experiences with cancer and preventable illnesses to encourage audiences to do something different and focus on the principles of healthier lifestyle, nutrition, and fitness

Andrea has a 15 year back-ground in wellness and business, competing at the national colle-giate level in track and field and setting numerous junior national and state high school records in the 800 meters. She also held executive business consulting po-sitions in the corporate arena. Her commitment to excellence and passion for fitness turned into her second career, after seeing her family members suffer from lack of physical activity and poor nu-trition. She holds personal train-ing certificates from the Interna-tional Sports Medicine Associa-t io n, A me r ic a n Aer o b ic Assoc iat ion I nt er nat io na l, American Heart Association,

National Academy of Sports Medicine, and is CPR & A.E.D First Aid certified. Her expertise includes weight loss, strength training, nutrition, performance and interval training programs. Serving the community, Andrea is the founder of the Get Body Beautiful community service campaign to combat the obesity ep ide mic fac ing Afr ica n American women. She often volunteers for the American Heart Association, child-hood obesity causes, and contributes to numerous faith based events. She distributes her GET LEAN nutritional products, develops DVD’s, and is planning the national release of her first book, Get Body Beautiful, Lose Fat & Tone Your Body in 30 days. Andrea is a sought after speaker, spokesperson, and corporate wellness leader who passionately shares her “GET BODY BEAUTIFUL” message across the globe encouraging

individuals, corporations, and the community to achieve better health through LIFESTYLE, NUTRITION AND FITNESS. Andrea lives in Atlanta, GA with her husband Michael and two children, Amani and Malcolm. Body Beautiful studio is head-quartered in Atlanta, GA. ■

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FITNESS

S o, you have recently hopped on the scale and now you think you’ve failed. Your weight has gone up instead of down and you don’t want anyone around. No need to stress and be overly depressed – just keep at it.

Let’s face it: everything is not peachy and great …when you’re having trouble losing weight. Strange diets and magical pills may not help your weight loss goals be-come fulfilled. But, if you weight on it, eating properly and exercising will! Making small changes everyday will eventually help you to shed the pounds. You may just have to weight on it …your ideal size will eventu-ally come around!

One thing that you can do right now is to eat foods that help you to lose weight. According to www.delish.com, several foods, drinks, and spices rev up your metabolism to increase calorie burning. They include cinnamon, green tea, yogurt, coffee, chili peppers, chicken, and fish.

Eating these foods may increase your chances of burn-ing calories and losing weight. Remember, making small changes everyday will eventually help you to shed the pounds. You may just have to weight on it … your ideal size will eventually come around! After hard work and dedication, you’ll have cause for celebration! ■


T his book “Inspirations From the Heart- A Beauty From Within” was written from the heart in hopes of touching the hearts of those who need healing of the heart . . . whether they

are heartbroken, are dealing with matters of the heart, searching for the one to give their heart to, or just want to be inspired

from the heartfelt poetic pieces inside. Scripted on the pages you will find that God still answers, prayers, that families can con-nect, that love is what love does, love gets what love gives, and that memories never die, they are forever. This book is 116 pages of beautifully written poetry that reminds us to have hope and to follow our dreams and passions for living life to the fullest. The power captured in this book can give your heart wings to fly or bring tears to your eyes. This book will touch your heart, renew your spirit, inspire you to keep going even when times are tough, and teach you that the power of love is the simplest thing in life. It is truly a book that can be enjoyed by the entire family.

Cheryl has a talent to write on any subject and for any occasion. She has written customized poetry for many organizations and sev-eral political figures including the United States Congressional Club’s 100th First Lady’s Luncheon for 1st Lady Laura Bush.

www.apoet4u.com [email protected]

AUTHOR’S CORNER

Inspirations From The Heart A Beauty From Within


R oyalty Reigns: In the grand scheme of things – This is a story about Preston Carnegie and Celeste Zather. They share love, pain, joy, and grace. Celeste gets pregnant. They marry. Af-

ter much drinking and experimenting with drugs, sexual esca-pades, cheating, and idolatry, Preston becomes a preacher. They win family of the year award. But the enemy is upset; the vexation begins. Satan continues to deceive, manipulate and trick Preston, Celeste, their children, and the church. They divorce. Although it appears that they are defeated, their faith in Christ keeps them standing. Royalty Reigns. One Master: A call to bring prayer back into American schools. – We are a nation founded on holy and biblical principles. This foundation is what made this country the super power of the world. But America has erred. We have allowed the pollution of errone-ous thoughts and ideas to persuade us not to pray and give thanks to the only worthy and sovereign God. This action has negatively impacted our families, homes, and schools. In One Master, Angela Yvette makes a passionate and necessary appeal for the nation to fall back in love with their first love. One Master is a crusade to bring prayer back into American Schools. Books can be purchased online: Barnesandnoble.com, Amazon.com, Westbowpress.com Contact info: Angela Yvette, PHD Email: [email protected] Facebook: Angela Yvette Williams Facebook: Kingdom Pursuits, Inc. Twitter: ayw55 Bio for Angela Yvette, PhD.

Royalty Reigns: In the grand scheme of things

By Angela Yvette


AUTHOR’S CORNER

B randi Star is an up-and-coming author whose first book is Are You Looking For Mr. Right Or Mr. Right Now? from her aptly-titled The Common Sense Series.

Brandi has also penned articles for prominent Atlanta maga-zines like Rolling Out and 404 Connect. In those publications, she addresses everyday issues that affect lives and brings good ol’

fashion Common Sense to the forefront. Beyond the written word, however, Brandi Star also serves as a professional life coach, offering true perspective on self-improvement, relationship enhancement and couples spirituality. Brandi attended Paine College in Augusta, Georgia. She followed that experience with an on-air position at Atlanta’s Love 860 AM, a public forum where she could share her forthright relationship insight on a regular basis. An Atlanta native, Brandi Star is now a vice-chairperson for Atlanta Technical College’s Visual Communications Advisory Committee. She’s a passionate volunteer, too, helping groups like the Gail Davenport Foundation and 40 Girls and Some Shoes, a not-for-profit organization on a mission to equip every person in proper soles. Brandi Star also boasts an endorsement deal with the Ashley Stewart national retail clothier. The second installment in her Common Sense Series, The Secret of The Secret, will be published Spring 2012.

Are You Looking For Mr. Right Or Mr. Right Now?

By Brandi Star

G uilt is one of the deepest and darkest emo-tions in human condition. In many ways, we live a life imprisoned by our internal guilt, trapped by what we thought and

wanted to believe were good intentions that took a dreadful turn. Guilt can destroy your soul and eat away at your inter-nal organs like cancer. It will hold you captive until you have no fight left within. It controls

your every thought, decision, and move and brews self-hatred and self pity within your mind, heart, and soul. This book will help you leap the first of many hurdles you will encounter—the fear and skepticism you may feel when you consider the prospect of actu-ally forgiving someone who hurt you or forgiving yourself. Angela M. Thomas has crafted an essential read for all who wrestle with forgiveness and letting go. Angela sees a deeper need for many to learn to forgive themselves and others, so we can finally unlock the doors to our self-made prisons and receive freedom. She has struggled with forgiveness and here, Angela shows you that you can move forward in your life without having feelings of guilt, shame and lack of forgiveness. Visit: www.AngelaMThomas.com

Guilty Feet By Angela M. Thomas




By Cheryl Williams: Entertainment/ Life Style Reporter

COVER STORY

Charlie Wilson is Indeed a Legend

C harlie Wilson The musical superstar whose legendary voice has truly stood the true test of time. The timeless talent of a man who has profoundly influenced today’s R & B music through the passionate sounds of artists like R. Kelly and Aaron Hall of the 90’s group Guy along with countless others.

Affectionately known as Uncle Charlie by those who recognize his pro-found influence and revere his career in the changing music business is the respectful homage paid to him by many in the musical genre known as R&B. Charlie Wilson is a raw talent whose musical gifts and talents have al-lowed him the blessing of a long and stellar career despite many chal-lenges, both personal and professionally.



Charlie Wilson is indeed a legend. His talent won’t be denied or contained. What a pleasure it was to interview this amazing legend and feel his passion and enduring love for music, especially R&B, and hear firsthand some of the trials and tribulations he has endured to become respectfully called Uncle Charlie by millions who love his timeless music. Cheryl Williams caught up with the Legendary Charlie Wilson to discuss his incredible R&B career and so much more. CW: Mr. Charlie Wilson aka Uncle Charlie how are you and may I add what a pleasure it is to chat with you today. Tak-ing this time out with me is so greatly appreciated as I'm aware of your busy schedule. Charlie Wilson: It is my pleasure. I love my fans and will take the time to share with them any time I can. CW: I'm a true and lifelong fan and simply want to know who Charlie Wilson is from your career vantage point? Charlie Wilson: Charlie Wilson is a staple in the R&B com-munity. There aren't a lot of cats doing what I do for as long as I've done it. I feel very blessed to be in this business, never giving up on life, overcoming obstacles as I stood the

test of time. It takes courage and heart to stay in this business and I'm here to stay until they put me in the ground. I love what I do and hope to keep doing it for a long time to come. I make music now to encourage love, strength of a woman's love and support; overall respect for a woman. I've had some hard times with substance abuse and greatly credit my wife with her love and support to become the Charlie Wilson I am today. Where would I be without her love and my faith in God? Because of these loves in my life, I'm here today doing what I do best and feeling blessed to do it. CW: Your fans certainly hope you do stay around for a very long time as well. Please tell us more. You have several hits currently. As I'm driving I've heard three of your songs playing in an hour's span; that is wonderful. You are a hit and hit maker. Charlie Wilson: You know it is bitter sweet this time around. I'm not bragging but I thank God for my fans, radio, folks like you who write and tell people about me [and] my career be-cause I'm blessed and highly favored to have been through so much and have maintained this career is a blessing from God. I didn't have the career Lionel Ritchie had with the Commodores who left the group and became a huge hit or Chaka (Khan) who left Rufus young at 22. I rode the wheels [of the GAP Band] off the track to rise up from the ashes by the glory of God. A lot of people don't know that I do Vegas ten weeks a year. I do the old stuff as well as the new stuff. They say favor ain't fair and I'm shooting to stay on the side of favor. I executive produced this new album: "B Words" that I'm very proud of. From the album project: Just Charlie," U Are" stayed at number one for 15 weeks. From Outstanding with my brothers, [the GAP Band] to this! This is just amazing. Favor! Favor! CW: I know that’s right. Favor isn't fair but it's certainly quite favorable...lol! Charlie Wilson: LOL! CW: What an incredible testimony to share with us today about standing the test of time. How did you and your brothers, who formed the GAP Band, get started? Charlie Wilson: Well I come from a musical family. My mom played the piano and was the Minister of Music of the La. State

Choir and my energetic father was a preacher. So my home was filled with music. My brothers and sister and I all sang and played instruments. I remember my mom picking up a trumpet I brought home and I had expressed interest in playing it. She said: So you want to play the trumpet? She actually picked it up, played it, winked at me and walked away. I was blown away. She was amazing. LOL! Now my older brother, Ronnie had a band while I was in Junior High and I copied his band and created my own band. My band be-came very popular and everyone started coming to hear us and were talking about my band. Ronnie saw this and asked me to join his band and my younger brother Robert, who played

CONTINUED ON PAGE 47


INSPIRATIONAL

W e some-t i m e s s t umbl e , fall down,

get bitten, fall short, and get caught up in this fallen world. But, much of our internal suffering and shame is unnecessary. Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:32 to “forgive one another just as God, for Christ’s sake, has forgiven us.” I will re-peat this verse just in case you did-n’t hear it the first time. He has forgiven us. We must turn the knob and unlock the door to forgiveness. God declares, “I will not remem-ber your sins” (Isaiah 43:25). When He forgives, God lets us know that He will no longer hold our sins against us. God makes a promise. “I will bury your sins and not continue to beat you over the head with them later or bring them up in the future. I will never use these sins against you. You are forgiven!” So, let’s stop dragging around these guilty feet that pre-vent us from moving for-ward and begin by taking one step at a time, which will eventually be one step closer to receiving our freedom. It’s difficult sometimes letting go of the very things we held on for so long. It be-comes a crutch for us or a safety net. We want everything to end on a happy and positive note and sometimes that may not be possible. But if we choose freedom over pain and guilt, we

will find a way to find some closure and work our way through these things. I believe that we have reached a place where we have lost touch with our sense of joy, free-dom, pleasure, and fun when we’re buried in feelings of guilt and shame. Seek prayer in everything and about every choice, and deci-sion you make. First, I believe that until we are truly honest with ourselves about what lurks underneath our smiles and the things that are holding us back, then we cannot move past these guilty feelings that we experi-ence. It’s important to identify and acknowledge the real root of the problem that’s stemming from your guilt. We have to be willing to change and step outside our comfort zone to get the things that we need to become wholesome again. It’s time for us to manage the guilt that’s slowly killing us and no

longer allow the guilt to control and manage us. Today, I declare for all of us to no longer be a victim or live as a hostage filled with guilt. Re-move those chains and the guilt from the soles of your feet.

Angela M. Thomas is a certified speaker and author

of eight inspirational books. She is the founder and CEO of Teach 2 Reach Literary Program and Sheer-

Purrfection Publishing. To book Angela, please call (305)793-1347 or visit www.AngelaMThomas.com ■

“...let’s stop dragging around these guilty feet that prevent us from moving for-

ward…”

Freedom Is Around the Corner By Angela M. Thomas


A nd they took strong cities, and a fat land, and possessed

houses full of all goods, wells dug, vineyards, and olive yards, and fruit trees in abundance: so they did eat, and were filled, and be-came fat, and delighted themselves in thy great goodness Neh. 9:25 KJV

Lets not mistake anything! God did promise we would enter a land flowing with milk and honey, a land that flowed with wheat, bar-ley, and olive oil! However, there are a few woman that when trig-gered by aggravated emotions, eat. This is the spot where I have to disrobe and stand naked before him.

I started eating after my first miscarriage. When I lost my child, I was alone, for my husband was in the land, doing God knows what. I sat inside a doctors office wonder-ing, why my child within me was not moving. As I sat praying for life, the nurses argued outside the door over who would enter my room and tell me my womb was no longer carrying life. Angered by how I was treated, angered that my King’s behavior lacked royalty.

angered that I lost what I perceived to be mine to have, I found out that “Cool Ranch Fritos”, accompanied by orange pop and Knotts Landing was a way of escape.

So every Thursday, it was the same treat. Similar to the physical addiction of drug abuse, eating became a progressive obsession. My King’s behavior could be dis-missed with a sugary glass of red Kool-Aid, the stress of money problems were easily solved with chocolate. All night studying was a breeze with coffee and chocolate chip cookies. There where other tragedies and miscarriages that assisted in reasons for my eating. In my closest times with God, food was sought, before prayer, or after prayer.

Some teachings of Holiness makes it so unsafe to participate in this world we live in; their only activity is going out to eat! So you have a kingdom full of overweight people stretching their arms out to God in praise, wondering “where we gonna eat after church.”

God never intended his people to have a diet full of white flour, white salt, and sugar. We were commanded to eat the good of the land. Our eating has become pol-luted and gluttonous. We lack the knowledge of what the good of the

land is and our appetites have been changed to crave the chemically altered foods that we desire. We eat more than we pray and we have stretched are temples to the point that we are at risk for disease, all while requesting healing for the people in our land while ignoring our own need for deliverance.

Exercise is a form of worship! Know ye that your body is a tem-ple of the Holy Spirit, is a scripture that means more than keeping your body; it governs what we put into our bodies. I am an emotional eater. I am seeking my deliver-ance, as I understand that God is not pleased! My health is at risk! I cannot comprehend the complex deliverance for others from crack, alcohol, nicotine, meth, and oxyco-tin, if I ignore my own addiction! So I substitute with wheat, I put honey in my tea, I exercise to keep the weight down, as I understand that a house divided cannot stand. I will not hijack the God within me with an orange cupcake and hold my deliverance hostage with the sugary sweet snacks that slowly kill the God in me! ■

INSPIRATIONAL

The

Everyday Woman Vol. 2

The Eater By Chinaz Love


INSPIRATIONAL


The Cleansing. . .

It’s the dawn of the morning, the birds are asleep. The sun is still tucked away, yet I find myself awake, tossing and turning with the coming of this day. My body is going through changes which I’m trying to understand . . .

somehow I still struggle with this cleansing, perhaps it’s because I’m only human.

I’ve been through so much during my life and this Father I know you know, You’ve been with me through every mountain and through every valley low. The pains, the heartaches, the disappointments . . . , they haven’t been fun.

Father, if it were not for your grace and mercy I don’t know what I would’ve done.

I try so hard, but I just can’t ignore the facts that are facing me daily, the removal of my breasts, the loss of my locks, yes they do frighten me.

But through it all I’m still here and Lord you are still cleansing me . . . All this is temporary; soon I’ll have new breasts and locks thick and lovely.

Father please give me the strength to accept this cleansing, knowing all will be okay.

As I wake up may I rejoice in You daily and not let the evil one have it his way. For I know in you there is no death, only life and I want to live it to its fullest.

Father help me to rejoice while going through this cleansing toward my newness.

I thank you for this time my heavenly Father; I no longer need to understand. I just need to remember it’s you who holds me in the hollow of your hands.

There may be days when I feel I can’t do this all by myself and I may start to cry; On those days Lord let me be at rest in my cleansing and know it’s in you I rely.


[email protected] August 29, 2009

T his piece was written for one of my sisters, Janet Russell. Janet is a 57 year old African-American woman and in the last ten years has battled with several

illnesses from the common knee replacements, to Fi-bromyalgia, to liver disease and now was facing the battle of her life with a rare form of aggressive breast cancer called Metaplastic Breast Cancer and Her2 Negative. In the summer of 2009 she was in-formed that she had breast cancer and that the cancer was a rapid growing cancer that was located in her left breast. At that time it was recommended that she have surgery immediately to eradicate the cancer; it was also recommended that she consider not

just the removal of one breast but a double mastectomy. Janet has always been a fighter and has always loved life so the an-

swer was clear to her that she would have the surgery and so without hesitation she elected to have the dou-ble mastectomy. I have always been told that “I am her rock” and that she could always depend on me to comfort her when she was feeling low. Early one morning be-fore the crack of dawn, after she had gone through the surgery and was on the road to recovery, I re-ceived a call from her. This call was one of fear and heartache, one of uncertainty, one that needed

words of comfort. I could feel her anxiety; there was no ques-tion what I needed to do . . . so I pulled out my laptop and I began to write this piece of encouragement for my sister while we were still on the phone. It now hangs on the wall in her home in Houston, Texas as an inspiration for her. It is my prayer that this piece will serve as an inspiration to the readers of Trendsetters to Trendsetters who may be embarking on this same journey. I am proud to say that Janet is now doing well, has a head full of hair, new breasts and is two years cancer free . . . All praises to God on high! ■



INSPIRATIONAL

Dear Weight Loss Angel: My name is Rene. I was on a long emotional deadly roller coaster ride, holding on tight to depression, hopeless feelings, supersized with stress, anxiety, anger, bitterness and unfor-giveness. I shot myself in the head on June 12, 1992. I am legally blind, I live a dark life of drugs, alcohol, caffeine and nicotine. My parents passed. I have neither children nor husband. I weigh 306 pounds, and I am a size 28, and am unhealthy with grief and loneliness which caused me to become an emotional eater. My mind is like a washing machine on spin cycle to self-destruction and mental confusion with elevated emotions and overeating. What should I do, Weight Loss Angel? I am all washed out! Dear Rene:

I can relate to depression, weight gain with grieving and suicidal thoughts. Losing my mother to obesity-related dis-eases put me on a high-speed train going through an electrical thunderstorm with downpours of heavy rain and hail.

Rene, in my wingless days, I went through multiple emo-tions. One day an alarm went off in my head. I realized I was

almost out of breath running in the wrong direction to an early death.

I brought a pair of spiritual sneakers and ran a 10-K race to the higher power.

Recharging my spiritual life with prayer and relaxing and meditating CDs which ignited my faith, hope and strength and self-power.

The Weight Loss Angel has a new set of gold wings flying with positive thoughts, landing on the clouds of a total mind and body makeover. The spiritual power sent my stress and overeating into the galaxy of the stars.

Rene, I work out with boxing gloves to relieve stress, walk-ing with positive friends, enjoying praise dancing and sitting in a hot tub. I have a massage, listen to the radio, go to a com-edy show or play and I enjoy going to a film festival. I also listen to jazz.

I learned that foods from the earth such as whole grains, beans, fruits, nuts, water and fiber nourished my body. The powerful combination of food choices and physical exercise, relaxation and meditation can save your life instead of taking your life.

Rene, remember be not conformed to this world but trans-form by the renewing of your mind. I will give you a set of wings because I believe you can fly.■

Write to: [email protected]

ASK THE WEIGHT LOSS ANGEL

32 TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | SEPT/OCT 2011 www.TRENDTOTRENDMAG.com www.TRENDTOTRENDMAG.com

CORPORATE TRENDS SPOTLIGHT

Automotive Trailblazer Rodney O'Neal to Pen Foreword for Second Edition of DRIVEN: A Tribute to African American

Achievement in the Automotive Industry

W ho's Who Publishing is proud to an-nounce that Rodney O'Neal, chief executive officer and president of Del-phi Automotive LLP, will be the fore-

word writer for the second edition of DRIVEN: A Tribute to African American Achievement in the Automotive Industry.

As CEO and president of Delphi, O'Neal runs the leading global supplier of electronics and technologies for automotive and commercial vehicles. He began his automotive career at General Motors (GM) as a student at GMI (currently Kette-ring University). Over the years, O'Neal has held such posi-tions as General Director of Warehousing & Distribution for GM Service Parts Operations, GM Vice President and Gen-eral Manager of Delphi Interior Systems, Delphi Vice Presi-dent and President of Delphi Interior Systems. He was named to his current position in January of 2007 and named to the company's board of managers in May of 2011.

O'Neal holds a Bachelor's Degree from Kettering Univer-sity and a Master's Degree from Stanford University. He serves on the board of directors for the Goodyear Tire & Rub-ber Company and Sprint/Nextel. He is also a member of the Executive Leadership Council, an organization comprised of the most senior African-American corporate executives in Fortune 500 companies.

"Our foreword writers are an integral part of the success

of our publications, especially so for custom books such as DRIVEN where authenticity and connectivity to the industry is of vital importance," says Hiram E. Jackson, CEO of Who's Who parent company Real Times Media. "Rodney O'Neal is the embodiment of the type of achievement our publications celebrate and we are honored that he has chosen to champion this publication."

Developed in 2011 DRIVEN is a unique publication that gives historical perspective to the contributions of African Americans in the auto industry. The second edition will dig deeper into several aspects of the industry and detail how African Americans were integral in the initial success and current resurgence of the automotive industry. The upcoming publication will pay special tribute to the women in automo-tive who overcame great odds to leave their mark on the his-torically male-dominated industry. Founded in 1989, Who's Who Publishing Company highlights the achievements of African Americans and other minority groups across the country through it's brand of Who's Who publications and signature events. DRIVEN is one of 25 pub-lications published annually across the country. Who's Who Publishing is a subsidiary of Real Times Media, a leading source of African-American related news, entertainment and lifestyle information. ■




BUSINESS TRENDS SPOTLIGHT

From Sharecropper to Sharing the By Cheryl Lynn Iszard

A fter the Civil War many slaves, now “freed” men and women, decided to stay on the plan-tations and work. They felt they were actually better off than when they were enslaved.

Now they were able to stay together as a family, not be split up and sold, and were paid (a share of the crop) for the work they had been doing for years without pay, thus the term “sharecroppers”. President and CEO of the Atlanta Business League (ABL) Leona Barr-Davenport was in fact a sharecropper. As she put it, “I came from humble, humble beginnings . . . I use to always say that my parents were sharecroppers and then I realized, if they were sharecroppers then that means that I was one too. While sharecropping came with an agreement one had with the owners, they really were entrepreneurs, but I didn’t think of it along those lines until I started focusing on what a business owner was, what they did and how they did it”. Leona’s mother taught her to take what you have and make something of it . . . Leona used this to lay a foundation that is unshakeable. A native of Johnson-ville, South Carolina, born in 1957, Leona has no doubt found her place and made her mark in Atlanta after receiving her B.S. Degree in Business Administra-tion & Economics from Benedict Col-lege in Columbia, South Carolina and moving to Georgia in 1979. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a con-centration in Marketing from Clark Atlanta University and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Introduced to Atlanta during the civil rights era, her eyes became more open to the inadequacies between blacks and whites from being exposed to people such as Andrew Young, Maynard Jackson, and Julian Bond. In the early 80’s Leona worked with a company who asked her to represent them with the Atlanta Business League, which exposed her to black business owners. She began to gain a great deal of respect for black business owners because of their pas-sion, discipline, and self-sufficiency.... and for being kicked down on a daily basis while trying to do business in an arena where there were a number of companies and people who did not care about whether they were successful. On November 1, 1988, because of the passion for minority businesses Ed Menifee, then President of Atlanta Business League, showed, Leona stopped volunteering and began work-ing for ABL. She became President of ABL in December 1997. (Ed Menifee is still involved with the organization today which

started in 1933 and has withstood the test of time through the years including the civil rights movement.) As President of the Atlanta Business League, Atlanta’s old-est minority business development and advocacy organization, Leona works with the board of directors to provide increased access to business opportunities for minorities with specific emphasis on the development of businesses owned and oper-ated by African-Americans. When asked her thoughts about economic development initiatives such as the Atlanta Belt-Line Project and where the ABL fits into the picture, Leona’s response was, “What we do is work with various entities to make sure that our members are kept aware of business opportunities. This is a twenty year pro-ject and someone is going to do the work; the Atlanta Business League and black business owners want some of the work”. When asked about some of the challenges she has seen as an organization leader, Leona finds that funding is much differ-

ent. She feels the battle is more difficult than ever. Black business owners paved the way for other minorities and made it better for them to walk into business op-portunities. However, now-a-days there has been a change in the funding as well as contracting. It is not that the dollars aren’t there; the marketplace is saturated with organizations making requests from the same pool of money, which makes it harder to get funding today. ABL is not an automatic source of investment. There are those who do not necessarily believe that there needs to be an Atlanta Business

League that focuses strictly on African-American business. The deck was shuffled and the rules were changed. When it comes to getting corporate and government business, Blacks have to be certified to prove they are black; someone has to say, “Oh that’s a black person”. I was impressed with the fact that ABL empowers our youth to be entrepreneurs, which sets the ground work for their future. The youth are being totally immersed into the business world from Monday trainings to discuss resume building and public speaking, to shadowing a business owner for eight weeks, and getting an idea of what it takes to be a business owner. They are linked with a senior employee, African American, so they can see themselves doing the same type of work. ABL membership is comprised of home based businesses with one employee to businesses as large as 200 to 300 employ-ees. The organization works with various entities to make sure that the members are made aware of the opportunities that exist in Atlanta for entrepreneurs. When looking at the numerous awards and recognitions, Leona is humbled and proud to say the one accolade that stands

“I came from humble, humble

beginnings…” Leona Barr-Davenport



BUSINESS TRENDS SPOTLIGHT

Vision of Entrepreneurship

out for her more than any is “The History Makers” organization which interviewed her in April of 2010 for its archives. The major-ity of the history makers have been over sixty years old. It made her stop and take notice of her family history, some of the ex-periences she went through as a younger person and realized how some of those experiences have guided her footsteps as she walked through this world. When asked what she wants our readers to know about her. Leona responded, “It is very sim-ple, I am committed, committed to the cause; I believe in what I am doing, I believe in the people I am doing the work for (African-American Entrepreneurs); and I believe in the importance of ABL. Economically, we can’t exist without small business owners and we can’t exist without Afri-can American business owners. We need both; when it comes to employment, an African Ameri-can business owner is more likely to hire another African Ameri-can”. The Atlanta Business League is an organization that has been very good to her and she has been very good to ABL. Through the ABL she can touch people at al-most any level. It has been a good marriage for her and if she had it to do all over, she would do it again. It became evident through my interview with Leona that she does not take anything for granted! She was taught that every day you must have a pur-pose; therefore this “Trendsetter” has no room or patience for ex-cuses. ■


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BUSINESS TRENDS

F ounder, CEO, philanthropist, and renowned event planning

expert, Elaina M. Whitley, has been in the event industry for more than fifteen years. Start-ing out in New York City, Elaina’s professional career began in the event industry when she was hired as an event coordinator for a high school friend’s entertainment company. Born with natural talent to coordinate events, Elaina es-tablished herself as an event planner in NYC and wanted to a c c o m p l i s h more. Taking management and business courses at The Wedding Planning Insti-tute, George Washington Uni-versity and Uni-versity of Phoe-nix, Elaina was able to gain the confidence she needed to be the ultimate event planner and entrepreneur... In 2006, Elaina relo-cated to Atlanta for a change of scenery, where she founded ‘Enjoy Yourself Events’, a lifestyle event management and entertainment firm. Effortlessly blending right into her new environment, she began to coordinate celebrity and VIP events as well as large-scale events such as Sweet Auburn Festival thanks to the founder, the late Charles Johnson. The distin-guished event planner is determined to not only host events for clients but the community as well. E.Y.E. has produced a num-ber of events to collect goods for charities such as ‘Hosea Feed

the Hungry and Homeless’ and ‘Genesis Children’s Shel-ter’ in Atlanta. With her expertise in the event industry, Elaina began hosting corporate event plan-ning workshops in 2007 which lead to the creation of the highly regarded 1-day certificate workshop, Event Planning 101, where aspiring event professionals learn the ins and outs of planning events and starting their own small businesses. Since the first workshop was conducted publicly in 2010, Elaina has been asked, via social media connections, to share her ex-

pertise through-out Georgia, Charlotte, Las Vegas, Houston and New York just to name a few. Today, ‘Enjoy Yourself Events’ is man-aging, hosting and producing public, social

events including: Its My Party Event Planning & Bridal Expo, Multicultural Book Fair Showcasing Indie Artists, We Love The Kids Holiday Toy Drive, Networking For a Cause-Thanksgiving Food Drive and the annual Valentine’s Day event Sweet Touch Pamper Me Party. Due to the current state of the economy, E.Y.E. has introduced budget-friendly Signature Party Packages, offering clients in Georgia and Charlotte the opportunity to host fabulous events at an all-inclusive rate. In September 2011, Elaina expanded E.Y.E., officially launching in Charlotte, to offer full-service event planning, training work-shops as well as social events in the Queen City. ■

Elaina M. Whitley - Atlanta's V.I.P. Event Planner

To learn more about E.Y.E., please visit http://EnjoyYourselfEvents.biz.


LEGAL TRENDS

I n these hard economic times, many non-custodial parents are without means to pay the child support they were paying when they were gainfully employed. This does not mean you are no longer willing and desiring to contribute, but financially you do

not have the same ability to pay. If you are under a court order to pay a cer-tain amount per month for child support, your obligation to pay the court ordered amount does not automatically go away or decrease with your new financial situation. You MUST petition the court to modify your child sup-port obligation based upon your current financial situation.

Many courts have family court assistance centers that will have the nec-essary forms for you to begin this process. However, with the nuances of the child support calculation guidelines it may be necessary to hire an attorney to at least review your petition and assist you with putting the necessary infor-mation in the child support calculator to ensure that your petition is submit-ted properly. Do not allow your child support arrearage to continue to accu-mulate without taking steps to alert the court to your current financial situa-tion. You may have your license suspended or be incarcerated for failure to make timely child support payments! While it may not be your fault you are not currently employed, it is still your responsibility to make sure that you alert the court not just the custodial parent of your current situation. Even if the custodial parent agrees you can stop paying until you find new employ-ment, if this agreement is not reduced to writing and properly filed with the court you may still be considered in arrears. Also please note unemployment benefits are considered income that can be used to determine your current ability to pay support for children. ■ For more information or legal assistance please contact us at: Crystal James & Associates, LLC 201 17th Street, Suite 300 Atlanta, GA 30363 (678) 538-6448 (Voice) (678) 658-1122 (Fax)

Do You Owe Child Support and You Are Currently Unemployed?

Crystal M. James, JD, MPH Managing Attorney/President



FASHION SPOTLIGHT

RAE BOUDREAUX CEO of REAL BOUGIE

By Ms.Garesia Randle


T here’s only one thing that could make Rae

Boudreaux, trade in her tennis shoes and pair jeans for a stunning dress and pair of stilet-tos – a relentless pas-sion of fashion. Look-ing at the former, self proclaimed “tomboy” turned “fashionista” these days, you can’t help but wonder how anyone has ever called her “one of the boys.” “I did everything

the boys did in regards to sports. I didn’t embrace my femi-nine side until a little later on in life,” she says flashing her gor-

geous smile. But it isn’t just the beautiful accessories and dresses she

dons these days that capture the real essence behind why many call her “thorough-bred” or how her views on a woman’s body changed. The statuesque, former model went from a size eight in high school to recently wearing a size 18. And while most women find that significant body change horrifying, Boudreaux embraced her inherited blessings. “I honestly would have to say I feel more beautiful and sexy and confident now than I did when I was smaller. And I have to say, the attention that I receive now ain’t bad either.”

What did frustrate Boudreaux was the fact that she could never find “cute” clothes that fit her body. She saw it as an injus-tice to plus-size women who do not seem to get the same treatment as smaller women do from the fashion industry. So her long wind-ing curves led her right down the path to launching one of her most treasured jobs besides being an educator, mother of three and a wife. She is now the owner and CEO of Real Bougie – an upscale clothing boutique for curvaceous women with style and sense of fashion. This is where Boudreaux is able to carry her love for fash-ion and runway into a company that caters to her fellow “thorough-bred” women. But she still shows love for the smaller women. “Don’t get me wrong if you are small, still love yourself. All I am saying is let’s be true to all women, not some.” With this company, Boudreaux has been able to turn years of sketching into shopping experiences plus-size women have been dreaming about. And she even has a line for men, featuring tailored suites and other pieces of one-of-a kind menswear. Rae and her team travel the globe looking for those unique, eclectic pieces that leave her clientele coming

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back for more. She has even taken the company a step further by sup-porting other pas-sions of hers -- nonprofit organi-zations such as the Juvenile Dia-betes Research F o u n d a t i o n , Susan G. Ko-men Breast Can-

cer Foundation, among others. “I urge every American to get involved in the edu-cation and support of a credible founda-tion,” she said.

The 36-year-old triple threat has just begun her journey with her company, but sees a long journey of fashion in her future and she doesn’t plan on slowing down. “I love modeling and love the runway, and I will continue to represent the women that are not being taken seriously in this mar-ket.” ■

FASHION


BEAUTY SPOTLIGHT

T his “Teen Mom” from Jackson, TN never would have guessed the plans God had for her but two decades plus later, Tracy Wiggins is More Than Blessed! With many testimonies under her belt, Tracy has one to share for sure for those who think owning a DEBT FREE business is farfetched. A licensed hairstylist of 12 years, Tracy thought owning her own salon would be

an expensive and worrisome task. Yet with the convincing and belief of others and a WIDE open door of opportunity, God made a way in November of 2009. Believing God for a salon full of equipment and with challenged credit and naysayers all around, she asked 50 people to sow a seed of $100 into her vision of this Debt Free Salon. Within minutes of the request, money poured in from everywhere! Clients and strangers gave from service up to $1000 each!! It was a mighty move of God during an upcoming Christmas Season and an “American Received So-Called Recession”! God’s People rallied around her and blessed her beyond belief!! Fittingly enough, she named her salon “Divine Interventions Beauty Emporium” because God certainly intervened through the hearts of many! Tracy fondly refers to her donors as her “VISION KEEPERS” of which their names are printed and framed to be seen by all who enter her establishment. Tracy opened her 1st location within 1 month of signing the lease, December 2009! She is even prouder to announce how God has intervened again and provided a NEWER and BIGGER location (per a vision of her own building and parking lot) that opened this past July 2011! Tracy wants everyone to take into their hearts to NEVER give up on your dreams! Never count yourself out! This “Teen Mom” is not only a double business owner but also the proud Mother of a TSU College Graduate and a 12yr old! Yes, that baby of a teen is approaching Graduate School this Fall! Look at what God can do when you NEVER GIVE UP! Trust Him, Ask Him, and RISK being called “foolish” for believing and watch God not only show up and show out but INTERVENE and make it happen just for PRESSING ON! Romans 3:3—“So what if some don’t believe? Does that make the Word of God untrue? By NO MEANS! Let every man be a liar and God the Truth!” He CAN and WILL provide! ■ Tracy Wiggins Divine Interventions Beauty Emporium 2711 Anderson Rd. Nashville,TN 37217 (615) 361-2828

Tracy Wiggins Salon Owner /Sales Director, Mary Kay Cosmetics


BEAUTY TRENDS

HAIR WEEVING GLOSSARY STANDARD WEFT/TRACT WEEVING: Wefts/tracts are created with natural grow-ing hair. Commercial hair is sewn on the weft/tract TREE BRAIDING: Individual hair strands are picked up and braided into the cornrow. STRAND BY STRAND: Micro weev tied directly to the scalp for invisible detection. FUSION: Silicone glue is applied onto a weft of human hair and the weft of commer-cial hair and weft is applied to the base of the scalp with a heated small flat iron. BONDING: Silicone glue is placed on commercial hair placing close to the scalp. Should look natural and flat working well with straight and relaxed hair. FUSION ON THE WEFT: Silicone glue is applied to the commercial hair and applied directly to the scalp. EUROPEAN WEEV: Glue-based or clip individual strands of hair applied to the hair on the head with a heating device like a slim flat irons. MICRO EXTENSION: This procedure is done with strands of hair individually tied in knots for an indivisible effect. This is a long and expensive process. INTERLOCK INVISIBLE: The commercial hair is sewn directly to the base of the scalp with a flat roll technique. INTERLOCKING WITH A LATCH HOOK: Commercial human hair is hooked into a base cornrow with a latch hook needle. KNOT WEEV: Individual pieces of commercial hair are knotted together and sewn to the weft/tract. For more Information and Recommendations: Dorothy Flake PhD International Expert-Women's Hair Loss Cranial Prosthesis-Hair Weev and All Beauty Services www.ekalfhairrestoration.com email: [email protected] (281) 517-6145

I t is important to maintain the condition of your natu-ral growing hair when wearing weeves,

they should last six to eight weeks depending on the hair growth rate. Any style can be achieved, straight, long, short, curly or wavy...FANTASTIC!! Wefts/tracts should be touched up depending on the method monthly by a profes-sional/stylist. Keep your scalp healthy by massaging and oiling it with herbal and botanical oils, unless the technique was done by bonding or fusion. DO NOT remove the commercial hair from natural growing hair. Remove split ends monthly. The spelling of WEEV is a patented technique.

Dr. Dorothy Flake PhD


HAIR WEEV POINTERS:


Supasekcee.com: Defining a pathway to the Elite and Sexy women

W hat one person may view as being sexy another may not. “Supasekcee” is truly in the eyes of the beholder.

“Supasekcee” is not only in the walk, the talk, the laugh, the eyes, and the voice . . . it tran-

scends far beyond what the eyes can see or the ears can hear. It is in the deter-

mination, the inner strength, the for-titude, the unwillingness to com-prise ones beliefs. Supasekcee is found in all shapes and sizes, in all nationalities; “Supasekcee” can be found in you. My name is Ameshia Jones and I am “Supasekcee”.com. I would like for you to join me on

this magnificent journey to the world of Supasekcee.com

where the average woman is allowed to express her sexi-

ness --and capitalize on the talents and abilities she has acquired along her journey. Supasek-cee.com will feature beautiful women along with their stories of success. I am a success story and so are many of you. I invite you to log on and become a part of our “Supasekcee” com-munity. ■ PHOTOGRAPHY BY DJ BING - ATLANTA, GA



ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT SPOTLIGHT

S ince the release of her first a l b u m ,

“ S p o k e n S o u l ” , JagWonder has enter-tained and touched au-diences of all ages. Her genuine personality makes fans fall in love with her. Jag is free spirited and down to earth. However, her music has a soulful richness that mixes real-ity and spirituality with fantasy and idealism. She makes us laugh, smile, love, think, pon-der and wonder. She reminds us how impor-tant it is to believe in ourselves. This US Virgin Islands native is a songwriter, singer, poet, spoken word artist, visual artist and motivational speaker, who now lives in Atlanta, GA. Her work fuses jazz, hip hop, reggae, new age, neo soul and R&B into a collaboration of art, music, song, poetry and spoken word. Through her company, NextUp Enter-tainment, she works to help other artists as well. Her style is unique, classy, sassy, easygoing and fun. Her music is entertaining, easy listening, yet funky, exciting and daring. Where does she get her material? She writes every-thing. She incorporates what she feels, what she experiences and what she observes. Her passion for her craft transforms the audience through the energy in her music. JagWonder, is poised for the release of her sophomore al-bum. “Thoughts of a Dreamer”, is set to be in stores Novem-ber, 2011. This album is filled with poetic, melodic spoken word and also includes two beautiful, motivational, songs, “Just B” and “Brick Wall”. The music is artistic, abstract, easy lis-

tening and filled with that JagWonder flair and soulfulness. Complete with the artist’s savvy, unique style and creative p l a y on w or d s , “ T h ou g h t s o f a Dreamer” is an album filled with love, soul and inspiration. Currently in progress is a third al-bum, “I Am Love”. For this album, JagWonder teams up with 2011 Grammy Award win-ning producer, Felton Pilate. Jag also works with several non-profit youth organization, such as Unity Children Founda-tion for Liberia (UCLF), and the Right Path Youth Foundation. She is the founder of the Open Mic Club, an or-ganization created, at Oglethorpe University,

to allow students and members of all ethnicity, cultures and background the opportunity to create and participate in creative events. Through her work JagWonder is able to realize her own dreams by helping others realize theirs. Her goal is to give oth-ers an outlet to express themselves through their art. “Music is emotion. It encourages motion. I want my audi-ence to be encouraged and inspired when they listen to my words. I want them to look at me and say if she can do it I can follow my dreams too.” ~JagWonder NextUp Entertainment is honored to present this artist on the rise through our proud affiliation with Trendsetters to Trendset-ters Magazine. ■

Jag Wonder


ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

T he Force M.D.’s is a group that deserves a place in the history books regarding the sticky twists and turns of the music biz.

This is a group that I’ve come to know a lot better, thanks to our publicist Lyn K. and my House Partying, Gulpfish oriented, music coffee brewing friends in Full Force. Musically speaking, there’s no way we can properly deliver a full story of the Force M.D.’s codename New breed Temptations to you, here; there are just too many highs and lows for us to cover. But like Ice-T said in the new jack flick New Jack City, “I got your back,” by recommending that you check out their documentary film, The Force M.D.’s Relived. It features a few classic characters, and many great interviews conducted on the ferryboats this group once song on for tips.

Question: What would you get if you were in NYC in the early 80s and threw a bunch of alphabet letters into a bucket, along with the B-E-S-T singers on Staten Island? Answer: The FORCE M.D.’s. While we’re throwing all these acronyms around, let’s point out that the “M.D.’s pot to simmer and stew up new fans everyday. But before they were M.D.’s, this very vocal Doo-Wop-R&B-Hip-Hop group was known simply as the LD’s.

Formed in 1981 around the Staten Island zone of New York City and originally comprised of brothers, Stevie D and An-toine “TCD” Lundy, their uncle Jessie Lee Daniels was later

drafted into the unit—this caused a chain reaction and crew-members Trisco Pearson and Charles Nelson then came aboard. Nelson had acquired the nick name of Mercury, due to the “speed of his feet.” The group also performed with DJ Dr. Rock (Roger Daniels) as Dr. Rock & the MCs. Although Rock gui-tars and the word “Rock” is a part of Hip-Hop, the word was mainly used to describe what DJs and MCs would do to a party, once they took charge of the stage.

FAST FORWARD: Taking it to the streets, the family ori-ented unit performed on Greenwich Village corners, just to be heard. STOP: Refusing to let a little thing like water stop them, many performances were made on the Staten Island ferry, where they also did interviews for their real-life documentary, The Force M.D.’s Relived.

REWIND: During the first incarnation of Doo Wop’s first Hip-Hop vocal group “Reppin’ Staten Island,” their name went from The LDs to the Force MCs, before landing at its final po-sition.

RECORD: When they finally signed on with Tommy Boy Records in 1984, their niche had ‘forcibly’ been established. PLAY: Taking on airplay from urban R&B, Quiet Storm and Hip-Hop formats in huge gushes, the group sailed straight to the bank—with top hits like Tears, Tender Love and Love Is A House, the Force M.D.’s were unstoppable! Being the first Tommy Boy group with a major label distri-

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

bution deal through Warner Brothers Records, the Force M.D.’s felt the rush of adrenalin after hearing their music on the radio for the first time. And it wouldn’t be the last, because heavy-hitting producers like, ‘lab pro’ Marley Marl and The Time’s Monte Moir stepped in with slick sounds for the Force M.D.’s to ride their vocals on top of. With newfound success, misery and unavoidable tensions sometimes has a way of creeping in to separate the nucleus. After the messenger of misery paid the group a visit, Mercury and Trisco left the group and went on to

new experiences. They were replaced by Khalil Lundy and Shawn Waters and in 1994, the Moments In Time album was released to starving fans. The year 1995 was a tragic one for the group—it took with it the life of Mercury, who suffered a critical heart attack. This was later followed by Antoine “TCD” Lundy’s passing in 1998 from Lou Gehrig’s disease. Under a shroud of mystery, DJ Dr. Rock also went on to the next phase to join his two partners in rhyme. The remaining Force M.D.’s had not just lost their friends; they lost family. Coming together to mourn their losses led to a renewed commitment to keep the group moving for-ward. What resulted in 2000 was a brand new album, appropri-ately entitled, The Reunion. Roughly twenty years had passed by since the iconic sound of the Force M.D.’s was deployed as a musical offensive and the story doesn’t end here, because special events, tours and other demands keep the group in ‘drive’ mode. With their mo-mentum going into cruise control, the group released Music For All Occasions on their own Force M.D.’s label, in 2010. They also guessed on B.E.T.’s The Mo’Nique Show in April 2010. In August 2011 the group released a motion picture documentary that chronicles the unstoppable musical force of Staten Island’s original Doo-Wop-R&B-Hip-Hop act: The Force M.D.’s Re-lived, which was screened to a standing ovation in NYC and in Atlanta, a single “Sent For You” and an album Forces Join Forces with music pioneers and producers Full Force. Also in 2011 after a cancer remission, original member Trisco returned to the group and he has not lost a beat to bring his harmonizing and vibe back to the group. By 2011, revelations revealed in the documentary showed

how the group initialized a trend that lasts till this day. Some-one once said all artists who fuse elements of R&B vocals with Hip-Hop sounds to create their own style owe the Force M.D.’s for their early contributions relative to the initialization of mu-sic and dance styles that still perpetuates itself among our youth. Before there was an Usher, Chris Brown or even Boyz to Men the Force M.D.’s made their mark in music biz history by lacing Hip-Hop beats with tight lyrical harmonies to create a fusion that more people than me still recognize, some thirty

years later. After watching their touching life story, I had a much better perspective of what these guys have experienced through their trek to fame and fortune but after meeting them at Atlanta’s Peachtree Village International Film Festival and Terry Bello’s International Soul Music Summit in August 2011 ‘sealed the deal’ for me. They had flown down to “A Town” to join forces in a classic performance with Full Force. Full Force is another “Class A” group that fused tight vocals with Hip-Hop sounds and went on to stardom. For the last few years, The Force M.D.’s and Full Force have been offering a glimpse of days gone by, coupled with things yet to be in the new model music industry. In their uncovert operation known as “The Force Meets the Force,” each group entertained the Woodruff Arts Center audience with their catalog of hits and then mesmerized them with their collectively classic rendition of singing, dance-stepping Motowners like the Temptations. Watching the Force M.D.’s Relived documentary and lis-tening to the Forces Join Forces album was a great way to wrap up my weekend. But if it weren’t for those folks who have worked with and have known the group from the beginning I would never have been able to understand the true depth and diversity of the inimitable, Doo Wopping R&B/Hip-Hoppers named The Force M.D.’s. As to how The Force stuck-n-moved with me throughout the ‘good and bad of the industry, this au-thor takes away from the Force M.D.’s this belief; Never give up or turn away from the gifts or people God has given to you and to maintain class, integrity and the closeness of family at all times. ■




INTERNET MARKETING MANAGER & STRATEGIST www.lukeithermd.com

bass, to join as well. We formed as a band and became the Greenwood Acher Pine Street Band named after the first black Wall Street area in the 20's. After a typographical error in a sign one day, the initials just jumped out and we shortened our name to the GAP Band. Back then guys like George Harrison, Bob Dylan, and Eric Clapton would come hear us play. We played in a little club on the south side and Eric Clapton would often come. We met him and he would bring his friends. He would say 'I got this band for you to hear called the GAP Band’, and we grew a following as we played around town. CW: What a legacy? Now I understand where the love and joy comes from when I listen to Uncle Charlie and the GAP Band. All from a place of faith and love. It is heard and felt when lis-tening to you and your music. Charlie Wilson: You know, I'm told I work too hard. I give 110 percent. That is what I was taught to do and I will continue to give my audience my best. They have to be satisfied with my show. I've performed when my audience had no idea I was sick. Sick with strep throat and dizzy while leaving the stage. Got off the stage and woke up in the hospital with tubes and everything. I've never cancelled a show because I was sick. I've never let the people [audience] know what was happening. CW: Now you are a real example of professionalism at all times. So many new and young artists can benefit from your level of performance excellence. Interestingly enough, I heard of a recent account of an artist making a comeback, who was alarmingly late and then chastised her audience who stayed because most left due to her tardiness--unbelievable would you say? Charlie Wilson: You can't get upset with people when they get tired of you. You can't fool your audience. They know when you aren't delivering 100 percent. I know of some rappers who have private jets, get so much money and are so nonchalant about everything. They don't understand that it can all end to-morrow. If no one shows up, you have no career. I remember one rapper telling me “my people don't like the sound in the stadium” and he won't perform a full show because of this. Now just imagine a stadium of 40,000 people and they will only do 30 minutes because of the sound? I was so blown away.

Now they are saying if they had another chance they would do it just for the fans. They are saying they would walk away, [because they] made the millions and just do it for the fans only. Sometimes, you can't do it over again. If you are so blessed to have a career, give God the praise and glory and don't take this business and your audience for granted. It truly can all be gone tomorrow. The career, money, fans and lifestyle can disappear. Everything gone! CW: As a person of faith, I can relate and as part of your audi-ence, I can absolutely appreciate your candor and level of ex-cellence as a performer and musicianship. Charlie Wilson fans know we are going to rock out with you and leave satisfied. Before we conclude, can you please share any thoughts on your journey as a prostate cancer survivor with your audience? Charlie Wilson: First I'd like to say with prostate cancer prayer changes things. Most men don't like to go to the doctor and because they don't know, they are dying. Knowledge is power. African American men are two times more likely to die of pros-tate cancer [which in most cases is preventable, treatable and curable] simply, we don't go to the doctor. Girlfriends and wives get your man to the doctor. Take him to the doctor if he won't go alone. I know all the signs. Some are frequent urina-tion, swollen prostate, burning when urinating; all of this is treatable. I want to say to my brothers 'Man up, go to the doctor and get your exam.' It's called an exit point exam that can be a little uncomfortable but necessary to save your life. Many of us have shame to do this exam. I'd hate for anyone to die of shame. CW: Powerful words of encouragement to our men, all men, to get their prostate checked. I pray they take heed. I do thank you for your time with me and your loyal audience who love and adore you. Your professionalism is a testimony to emulate for all who call themselves performers and entertainers alike. Your faith walk to include healing is incredible and inspiring. We look forward to new upcoming projects and this wonderful new project with so many new hits just waiting to kiss our hearts with musical love only the way Uncle Charlie can. May God bless you, keep you and make HIS face to shine upon you and yours. Charlie Wilson: Awe, thank you so much! The pleasure was all mine. ■

CHARLIE WILSON CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27


TRAVEL TRENDS

V acation like a rock star without breaking the

bank! The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino franchise is celebrat-ing the one year anniversary of their first all-inclusive hotel and casino in Punta Cana, Do-

minican Republic. Vacationing at the Hard Rock is ideal for families, couples and friend getaways. For the little rockers in the family, the resort has 3 kid’s pools with flume waterslides, state of the art arcade and a rock climbing wall with 3 levels of difficulty. Adults get to experience the rock star vacation lifestyle with access to 12 pools surrounded by a Venetian style canal, exclusive boutique shopping at

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and a cutting edge ice treatment room. Ladies will also enjoy a mani-pedi treat at the Moon Beauty salon while the guys workout in the exclu-sive Body Rock fitness facility. A great feature of this resort is the signature Hard Rock casino. Named the best casino on the island, it has 386 slots, 40 table games including Bacca-rat & Roulette tables. Play celebrity style poker in the fabulous poker room. All this and more while being

surrounded by total luxury and unique Rock-n-Roll memorabilia. Our favorite feature of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Punta Cana…its’ all-inclusive! That means every-thing is included, from accommoda-tions to meals to select drinks. What a fabulous way to vacation! For information on current specials/vacation packages or to just vacation

like a rock star, please visit www.hardrockhotelpuntacana.com or call 1-888-ROCK-002 (762-5002). --The Travelin Diva (Kirstin N. Fuller of Reservations Travel Guide) Follow me on twitter for unique vaca-tions & travel deals…@thetravelindiva ■

All-Inclusive Luxury @ The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Punta Cana!

Kirstin Fuller, Senior Travel Contributor


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Documents

Trendsetters to Trendsetters Magazine Sept Oct 2011