Impact Magazine, Angie Stone

1 TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 EDITORIAL 3 THAT SUITS YOU 5 ANGIE STONE 6 BE INSPIRED 9 KNOWLEDGE IS POWER 13 BRELY EVANS 14 EDITORIAL BECOMING…. 2015 has made its way to the forefront! Yessss…and I know the resolutions have begun. Are you like many who make and break them within the first week of setting the goal? Don’t be embarrassed; we have all done that. What has given me a greater sense of this is to become a better me. In becoming better, we are called to assess who, what, and where we are in our lives. To better know the necessary changes that are needed on the road to becoming a greater you! After this self-realization, we can do what is necessary, one step at a time. Tunisha C. Brown The IMPACT team is so proud to have THE one and only Angie Stone grace our cover! Angie spoke to us about her musical career, her time on R&B Divas, and her decision to wean herself off of Prednisone for her Sarcoidosis condition. We have the honor of highlighting some who have become great through the obstacles life has thrown in their path! Take Marjoriet Matute, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s as a teenager, to now being the Founder of ‘Devin and Tristan Give Back’ and contributing writer for CNN & Huffington Post. Gerard Kersey saw a need in the community for males who were trying to gain employment, but not having the tools necessary to move forward with a greater IMPACT. Gerard founded ‘That Suits You’ to help them succeed; no matter what has taken place in their past. LaShawn Thomas is one of the prominent lawyers in Miami who worked with the Business and Legal Affairs for Black Entertainment Television’s (BET) in the production of its annual Spring Bling broadcast and the S.O.S., Help for Haiti campaign, and our special look at African-Centered schooling. BE COM Editor-in-Chief We have a full year to become greater than who, what, and where are! It is up to us in taking the necessary steps on a daily basis. While we do what is needed to in order for us to become, remember to be an IMPACT! 3 @FINALDRAFT 4 THAT SUITS YOU Considering the obstacles the majority of our men face, it is a relief that there are programs geared to helping them succeed; no matter what has taken place in their past. That Suits You (TSY) is one of those programs that have taken on this tumultuous task of equipping men with the necessary tools needed to gain employment. Founded by Gerard Kersey, That Suits You, is a nonprofit organization which accepts new and gently worn professional attire and provides it to qualified job trained men entering the workforce. In addition to working with men, TSY also work with HS seniors on their prom. Partnering with programs in the New York area as Workforce One, NYS Manhattan Educational Opportunity, Exodus Transitional Community, NYC College of Technology, Covenant House, and many others, TSY understand the suit is a gateway into employment; who you are keeps you there. Their passion is to assist men to get better and do better. It is a top priority for TSY to speak to the men about first impressions. This is why they offer training, presentations, mock interviews, business ownership training and various other activities to assist them in becoming better prepared for the workforce or entrepreneurship. The attire is provided FREE of charge to the clients and organizations because of the generous donations from individuals, churches, and businesses who share the vision and passion to help men get to work! It is TSY’s aim to be there for men in the tough times, in order to forge a lifelong alliance and see the men they assist come back to assist others. This group, which is called the Circle of Life, is crucial to keep the momentum going and affect the next generation. For more information, or if you would like to make a donation to That Suits You, you may contact Gerard at [e-mail]. 5 AN IMPACT EXCLUSIVE ANGIE 6 STONE “Don’t you give up, A-keep goin’, a-keep goin’, a-keep goin’, ah. We’re gonna funk you right on up. We’re gonna funk you right on up” is what I remember coming out of the blaring speakers at our house parties back in the late 70’s! No, it was not Salt N’ Pepa, it was the group Sequence formed by Angie Stone, who was called Angie B back then. Remembering distinctly her funky style when she broke through the album saying: Yasssssss! This classic on the Sugar Hill Records label reached number fifteen on the I said Angie B is what they say I got chocolate hips and a Milky Way And I feel like a millionaire in space Flyin’ on a go-cart with a silver lace Everybody calls me never wrong ‘Cause I’m a best style freak with a funky song Do you hear me talkin’, do you hear me singin’ On the microphone, won’t you sing along (You go do it, you go do it, you go do it, do it, do it) I got two great partners standin’ by me That’s guaranteed to jam to the beat One is Blondie and she’s right on time She calls herself Miss Super Fine I said Cheryl the Pearl is the one with the eyes She’s guaranteed to hypnotize…. US Top Black Singles chart. The song was an instant hit within the community and is significantly the first hip-hop song recorded by a female rap group! It is no surprise that Angie Stone was one of the pioneers! When Sequence parted ways as the hip hop industry evolved, Angie worked with Mantronix, singing background vocals for Lenny Kravitz’s fifth album, 5, and then joined the group Vertical Hold and Devox, but it was in 1995 she collaborated with then boyfriend D’Angelo by penning songs on his two studio albums, Brown Sugar (1995) and Voodoo (2000). Angie says about this collaboration: “In my case, I came from a hip-hop success story to a songwriter that ended up getting a second chance with another group, ended up falling in love with a superstar sex symbol. And within that pivotal moment of my career, it’s almost like I lost myself because the relationship overshadowed Angie Stone, the singer, the songwriter, the producer. It reduced me to just being a woman with a baby from a superstar.” In 1999, Angie Stone emerged with her solo debut gold album Black Diamond, where the automatic hit, “No More Rain” stormed the charts! In 2001, Angie hit us with Mahogany Soul which stayed on Billboard Top charts for R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. Only Angie could put out the song for our men entitled, “Brotha”, and the classic “Wish I Didn’t Miss You” which infused the elements of the O’Jay’s “Backstabbers”! Her music is impeccable, empowering, and magnetic! 2 Soul Train Music Awards, 3 Grammy nominations, 2005 Edison Music Award, 2 Black Reel Award nominations, and a nomination for the 2008 BET J Award is under this mega superstar’s belt! She has been successful on the R&B charts, with 4 Top 10 albums, including a #1 album, 10 singles and 1 Top Ten. She has sold over 1.4 million albums in the U.S. and over 5 million albums Worldwide. Angie Stone has become one of the neo-soul’s ultimate illuminations of razor-sharp insight to the black community with songs like “Brotha” and romantic relationships hits such as “Wish I Didn’t Miss You”. 7 In addition to her successful recording career, Stone is also an actress appearing in numerous Film, Television and Theater shows. Stone appeared on VH1’s Celebrity Fit Club for the 4th season and played a strip-club owner in the 2009 film, Pastor Brown. She then performed as the Head Matron of an all-girls school in the 2010 film, School Gyris, directed by Nick Cannon! Alongside of Atlanta Housewives NeNe Leakes, Stone co-starred in the play “Loving Him Is Killing Me” that opened to sold-out audiences in Washington DC, Philadelphia and Miami in 2011. Starring next to Brian McKnight in 2013’s Chicago on Broadway and went on to star together in “Love Lies” April 2013 at the Warner Theater in Washington DC. In 2013, Stone also appeared on season two of TVOne’s, R&B Divas. Having the desire to have Angie appear on the program as a mentor and life coach, Faith Evans asked Angie to be on the TV One network show. Giving advice is definitely what she did! Hitting head first with the issues that plagued the ladies, Angie was a force to be reckoned with during her run on the show! Calling the ladies out on the issues not many would speak up about and ultimately trying to bring solidarity to achieve the goals they all set from the initial onset of the 8 show. 2014 had been very eventful for Angie, appearing on Celebrity Wife Swap, switching roles with Laila Ali, appearing in the film Ride Along with Ice Cube and Kevin Hart, and was a guest on Celebrity Ghost Stories. Nothing can stop the vigor within Angie Stone. Being exposed to a sap while working in a lab when she was 26 years old, Angie developed sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that affects multiple organs in the body, but mostly the lungs and lymph glands. The treatment of this condition gave Angie health problems and weight gain, much of it due to the strength of the Prednisone dosage they gave her. She was on Prednisone for 12 years, eventually weaning herself off and losing the weight she acquired while taking the medication. “People ask me all the time how did I lose so much weight. The weight was on because of the Prednisone. After weaning me off of it, the Angie I knew before came back. So, who people see now, is who I had already been.” Over 2 decades ago, Angie found out that she had Diabetes. “I was always on the go, and thought I was too busy to develop something like this,” Stone told BET.com “I thought at the time that diabetes went along with bad habits, but I was the last one in my family to eat junk food.” More than 20 million Americans suffer from diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. African Americans are 1.8 times more likely to have diabetes than non-Hispanic Whites, the association says. “My mom was a diabetic. Her sister was a diabetic, so I was already a candidate,” said Stone, who has not only been working on ways to keep her own diabetes under control, but she has been helping others become aware of the disease by teaming up with organizations like Eli Lily. Angie Stone say’s that she is at a great place in her life right now. Working on her new album and continuing to tour she says she is feeling phenomenal! Whether it is the music, TV, or movie industry, Angie Stone has proven to be a legendary force and a mighty rushing wind! TO GIVE IS TO RECEIVE BE INSPIRED DEVIN AND TRISTAN GIVE BACK FOUNDER MARJORIET MATUTE BRINGS AWARENESS TO MUSIC, ART, CELEBRITY, CULTURE AND PHILANTHROPY where people can come together, share information and learn about paramount topics in society. They inspire people to give back in various ways to causes and organizations throughout the year that need their help and support. More importantly, the foundation serves as a teaching tool for her young boys to teach them the value of giving back and the tremendous difference it makes. Marjoriet has sought out and landed partnerships with Tomorrow’s Children Institute in Hackensack University Medical Center, Hawaiian Airlines, Proud To Be Latina, and Smile Design Gallery. In February, Marjoriet once again leaped out of the typical mommy box and began writing for the Huffington Post as a contributor and CNN. She also serves as Editor in Chief of the highly anticipated father inspired M magazine, Dapper Dads Magazine. In just over a year, the stunning Latina has written features with famed artist Angelo Romano, two-time EMMY atute is a true survivor. Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lym- Award winner Damien Escobar, up-and-coming artist Robert Peterson, phoma her junior year of high school at the fragile age of ANTM’s Nigel Barker, comedian Wil Silvynce and rapper Somaya Reece. 17, she underwent an extensive amount of chemothera- Her article “Latinas Unite Por Fin” was highlighted and eagerly accept- py and radiation over the course of a year. Thrown into ed by Latina Magazine, LATISM, Red Shoe Movement, Ella Leadership, a lifestyle of questionable uncertainties, Marjoriet found a silent strength Proud to Be Latina, LaFemme Latina and more. within her to fight and persevere through her body’s battle with the deadly diagnosis. She finished treatment in July 2000 and went on to complete her senior year of high school as a completely transformed person. During her stay in the hospital, Matute experienced life on the other side and witnessed children endure and agonized parents suffer for their children. With hospital bills and medical treatment costs piling up, Marjoriet’s parents were confronted with a great deal of financial and emotional battles. But with the help of volunteers and hospital staff, they were somehow always able to make ends meet. Gratitude for their support and love cannot be measured, but by sharing her story with families in the same situation today and keeping her promise to give back, Marjoriet has initiated a movement: Devin and Tristan Give Back. After chemo and radiation, Marjoriet was met with the devastating news There is never a dull moment for this mom but with her passion to GIVE from doctors that she would not be able to conceive. Medically speaking BACK she finds time, energy and resources to make DTGB the success it this might have been true, but life had a bigger plan for her. In 2009, just has been thus far and is positive that its success will be highly influential. “I 10 years after her life-threatening diagnosis, Matute and the love of her believe in miracles. I am a miracle, my boys are miracles, and it’s a miracle life were blessed with their first son Devin, and shortly after, their second that in less than a year we have been able to accomplish so much by giving son Tristan was born in 2011. Both beautiful baby boys are her miracles back through DTGB,” Marjoriet says. “Never give up, always persevere, and serve as reminders everyday to never lose hope. and your dreams will flourish too!” In September 2012, she launched Devin and Tristan Give Back, raising For more information and to stay up to date with Marjoriet and Devin and awareness, toys and anything else that is needed. DTGB organizes nu- Tristan Give Back, please log on to www.devintristangiveback.com merous fundraisers, events and focus groups throughout the year like the Crayola Sensation Donation, Hurricane Sandy Teddy Bear and Balls, and Twilight Family Fun Night to name a few. DTGB has created an outlet 9 Daisy Kimbro is the CEO/Founder of Aromaology. activism was born out of these ideas as well. In Artisan Brands, LLC, a conglomerate house headed Daisy was born in Los Angeles, CA, a city well addition to soy candles, came the eco-friendly creation by Robert Montgomery has added the company to known for its health consciousness, fitness and of incredible aromatic diffusers, body butters, all-in- its stable of many private enterprises turned global beauty. Growing up within such social constricts, one bath-body-hair and massage oils, serums, and powerhouses. backed with the strong sense of moral fortitude cleansers. There is no doubt that Aromaology will closely and entrepreneurship taught by her mother and grandmother, it is no wonder that Daisy’s influences would lead to success. aroma (a·ro·ma) Aromaology is an all natural handmade bath, body, a distinctive, typically pleasant smell. and home fragrance line. Daisy started Aromaology ology (ol•o•gy) in October 1998 with no training or experience in botanicals. Up until then, she had simply made candles from soybeans as a hobby. At the persistence a subject of study; a branch of knowledge. of a friend, Daisy showcased her candles at a local exposition, and sold out of her inventory! It was then that Daisy conceptualized the idea of an all-natural handmade bath, body and home fragrance product line. Daisy, a vegetarian, who has always lived a holistic lifestyle, even creating her own household cleaning products from natural resources, founded the Aromaology brand based on personal organic recipes. The company’s mission of environmental 10 Believing that businesses have the power to do good, she launched her own website www.daisysaromaology. com and maintains that the past few years were the most exciting period of her life – leaving her career as a health professional and creating a vision board that is now a vision come true set to affect consumer health, animal welfare, the environment and community trade. As Daisy continues to create new and innovative health conscious products, strategic partnerships continue to support Aromaology’s growth. In 2014, identify within the public mind as the company grows. Daisy’s overall goal is for the company to evolve into a global operation with thousands of people working towards common environmental values that will set Aromalogy apart from mainstream competitors. BE INSPIRED LaShawn Thomas, Esq. Negotiating and/or representing most well known entertainment companies is nothing new for LaShawn Thomas, Esq. Her repertoire includes names such as Simon & Schuster, one of the world’s largest publishing companies; Zola Books, publisher of the bestselling novel, The Time Traveler’s Wife; Fremantle Media, producers of shows such as American Idol, X Factor, and America’s Got Talent; and Monami Entertainment, creator and producer of the hit reality television franchise, Love and Hip Hop, the Purveyors of Pop and ThinkFactory Media, Viacom, MTV, Black Entertainment Television (BET), the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), and Scripps Network (HGTV), among others. LaShawn Thomas, Esq., a graduate of Florida International University College of Law, is the founding attorney of Miami Entertainment Law Group (MELG), an Entertainment, Arts & Media law firm located in Miami Lakes, Florida. While attending law school, Ms. Thomas worked with the Business and Legal Affairs for Black Entertainment Television’s (BET) in the production of its annual Spring Bling broadcast and the S.O.S., Help for Haiti campaign. Ms. Thomas also received an academics based internship from the Caribbean Bar Association, which allowed her to clerk for the Honorable Judge Victor Tobin, former Chief Judge in and for Broward County, Florida. EMPOWER. Working with a full range of clients throughout the entertainment industry, her clientele includes several promoters, performing artists, actors, authors, and music and film producers. Ms. Thomas plays a vital role in the organization of the corporate structure for many of her clients, from setting up their business entities to protecting their intellectual property, i.e. trademarks and copyrights. Ms. Thomas is responsible for the business affairs of several clients. Her duties include drafting, reviewing and negotiating agreements, coordinating relationships with outside counsel and providing due diligence for investment opportunities. ENCOURAGE. EDUCATE. 11 BE INSPIRED H ave you ever thought about owning your home? Did you know now is the best time to purchase real estate because interest rates are extremely low, and it cost more to rent than to buy? The average rent for a 3 bedroom home in the City of Atlanta is $1300. Doesn’t it make sense to own a 4 bedroom house averaging at $950 a month? If you ever wanted things better for your family why not purchase a home. “Think about it, you pay a full month deposit, if not first and last, than the prorated rent to purchase someone else’s property. When you could use that same deposit as your down payment, ask the seller to pay your closing cost, and pay a mortgage on something you can borrow from and pass down to your family. People continue to rent based off learned behavior and lack of knowledge. Partnering with me in your purchase will give you the knowledge needed to acquire your new home”, says Monique Fanfan, Real Estate Professional with Solid Source Realty GA. Monique says you will need a credit score of at least 580, 3.5% saved, and a stable 2 years of stable income. DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN GOOD/BAD CREDIT Good credit helps you obtain anything you desire to have when you do not have money needed for your purchase. “Having a solid credit rating will save you thousands of dollars over the period of your loan because lower interest rates will allow you to pay the minimum on the loan amount,” states Monique. Fico considers good credit to be 660 and above. When your rating has been established, it is imperative to pay your bills on time. “35 % of your credit is based off of how you pay your bills,” says Monique, “Another 30% is based off the amounts you owe. If you own a credit card, making your payments can make or break you. Never charge your cards to the max and always pay above the minimum payment amount”. 12 Anything below a 560, Fico considers poor credit! Lenders consider you as risky or a high risk when you have an inadequate credit rating. Being placed in these categories will cause you to less likely receive a loan or have the inconvenience of paying a higher deposit or down payment. “It is not desirable for your credit to fall below a 600 rating. If you do not have the cash and without credit, you are considered broke. I can advise you on how to fix your credit and join the 740 club!” Be sure to follow Monique on Instagram @repair_ur_credit or call 770.475.1130 ext 4155 Knowledge Is Power, K RIGHT? nowledge is power, right? According to Fairtest (The National Center for Fair and Open Testing), nearly ten percent of the nation’s schools – 8652 of some 91,000 – already face the first level of sanctions under the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). According to a July 1 press release from the U.S. Department of Education (DoE), the schools failed to make sufficient progress on state assessments. The 3.5 million students in those schools – all of which received ESEA Title I funds – are eligible to transfer to other schools. Fairtest reports, the number of schools on the list varies greatly from state to state because each state has its own assessments and sets the difficulty levels on them. Michigan had the most schools labeled failing, 1513, or 40 percent of all its schools, while Arkansas and Wyoming had none. Yet, Michigan performs above average on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, while Arkansas is near the bottom. In many states, schools in large cities with substantial portions of poor and minority students make up most of the state list. For example, 179 of Illinois’ 232 “failing” schools are in Chicago. Of the 179, all but one are predominantly minority; and at every one, 75% or more of the students receive free or reduced lunch. My question to you is where would you send your children to receive a quality education? Do you understand that behavior and outside of the box thinking is critical in a successful education. Have you considered an african-centered education? The National Black Education Agenda states the African Centered Education places the African American student at the center of the educational experience as a subject rather than an object. This placement of the student at the center allows for an inclusionary process which gives equal representation of all groups rather than one group over or below any other group. African Centered Education is holistic, meaning that the student will be involved in cross discipline learning, meeting state core curriculum goals and guidelines, critical and creative thinking, self-concept development, character development and moral education. The African American student will be exposed to a world-view experience that relates to all people, cultures, and traditions from the context of their reality which will enhance their own self esteem, positive self imaging and higher standard of educational excellence. The Council of Independent Black Institutions (CIBI), defines African-centered education as the means by which Afrikan culture -- including the knowledge, attitudes, values and skills needed to maintain and perpetuate it throughout the nation building process -- is developed and advanced through practice. Its aim, therefore, is to build commitment and competency within present and future generations to support the struggle for liberation and nationhood. In his article, “African American Students Are Thriving in Afro-Centric Schools”, Stanley Scott of the Florida TimesUnion conveys across the United States, dozens, possibly more than 100 black-focused schools have existed for decades and get rave reviews from students and teachers.”Public schools have failed African-American students, which is shown in lower graduation rates and lower achievement,” says education professor Carol Lee of Northwestern University, founder of the Betty Shabazz charter school in Chicago, whose three campuses boast 825 students from kindergarten to Grade 12. “More than 77 per cent of our students achieve at or above normal on Illinois state tests,” Lee said. “We’ve had grads go on to Princeton, Stanford and in international relations at The Hague. They all work very effectively in their professional lives because they assume the world is open to them.” Whether private, public or the independent “charter schools” so popular in the United States, the goal of an African-centered school is to create a black community of positive adult role models; a kind of urban village that feels like family, say educators, where children are guided to look past the negative caricatures of blacks in pop culture and see their future as players in the wider world. Isn’t that what we desire for our children when we send them to be educated at the schools? For more information on African Centered schools, visit The Council of Independent Black Institutions (CIBI), www.cibi.org. 13 A ctress, vocalist, comedienne and voice over talent, Oakland native Bre’ly Evans is the epitome of what the industry dubs a triple threat. Her versatility puts her in a class of her own; whether she’s making you cry in a drama, buckle over with laughter in a comedy or challenging your wit and intellect with thought provoking discussions as a radio personality. “After a winning season that included wide critical acclaim, the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special and being the No. 1 Tuesday primetime show on any network, expect another steamy, satisfying second season full of nuanced characters, stellar performances and brilliant writing,” says Tahj Rani of the hit show, Being 14 Mary Jane where Brely plays Nichelle. Nichelle is a publicist and close friend to Gabrielle Union’s character Mary Jane Paul on the successful BET show! Brely shines brightly with her quick wit and charm! With a host of film, theater and commercial work under her belt, Bre’ly has been spotted opposite Oscar Award nominee and media mogul Queen Latifah, as “Sabrina”, in the romantic comedy “Just Wright,” starring Common, Paula Patton, Pam Grier and Phylicia Rashad. Bre’ly Evans’ silver screen debut in the role of “Sabrina” was expanded as a result of her comedic timing and ability to bring unexpected life to her character. This same power packed persona BRELY EVANS GET TO KNOW THE TRIPLE THREAT has afforded her an opportunity to star in the remake of “Sparkle” playing “Tune Ann”, best friend to lead actress Jordin Sparks. The film is produced by Debra Martin-Chase. Bre’ly Evans’ talent is showcased alongside an all-star cast which includes the legendary Whitney Houston, comedian Mike Epps, Tyler Perry’s “Meet the Browns” Tamela Mann, Tika Sumpter, Derek Luke and Omari Hardwick. “Sparkle” is the most anticipated big screen musical since the Oscar nominated film “Dream Girls”. Cortes, (executive producer, Monster’s Ball; Precious, based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire). Bre’ly’s talent has been commanding attention since the 90’s. Her faith, drive, and commitment to excellence continue to reward her with career opportunities, both of her own making (She’s a bonafide online star thanks to “The Bre’ly Show,” her sketch comedy web series) and because her multi-dimensional talent is constantly in demand. With a host of nationally syndicated commercials for numerous brands under her belt this friendly-faced girl next door is sure to sell “snow to Eskimos”. Prior to starting her television and film career, this songbird was the sultry alto/tenor of R&B trio “Emage”, signed to Mercury/PolyGram by Black Sheep founder Dres and then A&R executive Lisa 15 SUBSCRIBE NOW! SUBSCRIBE AT WWW.IMPACTWINTERISSUE.EVENTBRITE.COM 16 17 TABLE OF CONTENTS 18 FLAWLESS BEAUTY/JUST GLAM 20 TOP 5 GLAM LOOKS OF LEDISI 22 FLAWLESS FRESH FACE 26 SPIRIT OF THE HUSTLE 28 TINY’S TEQUILA 30 EVOLUTION OF A SIDECHIC 34 @FINALDRAFT 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Photo: Zax Photography 26 FLAWLESS N I C O L E LO N D O N Plus Model/Actress Nicole London, from Trenton NJ, is signed to IPM Model Management Agency of New York City. As a part time Plus Model, her most recent works includes a 2014 Spring Ad -Campaign for Plus sized clothing store Ashley Stewart. Nicole London has also walked in fashion shows for Plitz Fashion Show, Ashley Stewart clothing store, and appeared in a wedding look book campaign for VainGlorious Brides. Nicole was most recently casted for the lead role as “Nookie Black”, for the hit stage play “Fixed” written/produced by Debbie Williams. As Nicole continues to pursue her journey as a plus model and actress she hopes to work with more high-end designers, as well as, seasoned actors in a stage drama/movies. As she prepares for her 2015 jewelry launch, she remains positive for her future endeavors in the entertainment industry. Nicole’s interests includes: Philanthropy; jewelry design, writing and fashion blogging: www. theplushchica.wordpress.com is where you can catch up on some of her fashion blogging reads. Nicole can be reached for modeling opportunities by way of IPMMODELS.COM; her email address: [e-mail]; she is also on twitter @NecoleLondon, as well as, on Instagram @sojunoesque Enclosing “Having a dream is easy, pursuing it, now that takes guts” 27 28 29 30 TINY’S TEQUILA B usiness is never usual for Tameka (Tiny) Harris! Whether it is winning Grammy awards for her singer/ song writing, being a member of the musical chart topping girl phenomenon Xscape, or reality TV star, not on one but TWO major networks setting rating records, or being the wife of the infamous rapper T.I., Tiny never disappoints! Well now, get to know the power broker behind the premium brand liquor known as Tiny’s Tequila. Tiny admits to not being an avid, but social drinker. She wanted something that was smooth, light on the burn, and taste delicious for all to enjoy! The Food & Beverage magazine had this to say about the new brand, “When it comes to great tasting tequila with a subtle finish, Tiny’s Tequila definitely hits the right note for people looking for the perfect blend of strong but sweet. It proves that synergy can be found between traditional, all natural ingredients and modern, new-age refinement. The result is a line of award winning premium artisanal infusions at an unbeatable value.” Who would expect anything less from this young lady! The article goes on to say, “With the introduction of her first two infusions Orange Blossom (Honey-Orange) and Lime Light (Lime) they have achieved both goals.” Janon Coftley, one of the partners of STI Signatures says, “The distinctness of our product is in our process. The fruit flavors enhance the tequila, but not necessarily take away from the taste. Make no mistake about it; the tequila is 80 proof, infusing the fruit flavors does not take away from the tequila!” 31 Tiny has forged ahead in making the brand known to the world with the launch of the Tiny’s Tequila commercial at the New Orleans Bayou Classic. The commercial debuted on NBC during the Classic, which shows Tiny, reality star Toya Wright, and Grammy award and American Idol winner, Fantasia Barino out enjoying each other’s company; doing what women love to do when they get together for a night on the town! When asked why STI Signatures would partner with Tiny, who is an admittedly social drinker, Janon says, “Tiny was the obvious person because she is accessible and loves to be the example of a woman having a great time with her friends in any environment.” Who best than Tiny to have a Ladies Night Out theme for her distinct and classy tequila. She is often on the social media networks supporting her lady friends in their endeavors; it is only right to launch her “Ladies Night Out” weekends with her brand of Tequila! 32 Toya Wright, Tiny, and Fantasia get together for a fun ladies night out Tiny’s infamous “Ladies Night Out” weekends are filled with massages, mani & pedicures, and cocktails & conversations with Flawless IMPACT Magazine; all in the name of celebrating each other over a good night’s time! The weekend was created to illustrate the empowerment of women in all of its exuberance! The tour began in DC, and will be heading to places such as Miami, LA, Houston, NYC, Charlotte, and more! Be sure to get your ladies together for an absolute empowering ladies night out with Tiny’s Tequila! For more information on Tiny’s tequila, visit www.tinystequila.com 33 34 35 Prepared by MagCloud for IMPACT Magazine. Get more at impact-magazine.magcloud.com. 36