As you discovered earlier this year, I started a new series giving “shout outs” to people for their various contributions. The first in the series was dedicated to fathers, as my own personal homage to the men in my life that provided a great deal of influence in one way or another. Today’s posting is dedicated to none other than those people are out making a living for themselves, striking out in new areas to fill a need. I’m personally acquainted with each of the people on this list; some are family and some are long-time friends, while others are relatively recent acquaintances, or rekindled high school pals. Whenever possible, I will provide links to the websites of these individuals; this blog will also be shared on Facebook with the people tagged in them, in case anyone finds a need for the products and services offered. I haven’t asked their permission to use their names in this blog, so I’ll just ask for their forgiveness in case I’ve omitted any information and offer them the chance to add any comments on either post. In the future, whether near or distant (and as you see from my random postings, it may be the latter), I’ll try to post a few more of these; after all, my grandmother always said that you should give flowers to the living, not the dead. Consider this the bouquet.
Valencia Davis: I have no choice but to list this young lady first. And I will be the first to admit that this not the first time I’ve promoted her nor will it be the last. She is truly an example of stepping out on faith! Before I talk about her businesses and busyness, let me just share the story behind part of the drive. IT all started when Valencia’s older brother was killed by a gunshot wound. Instead of blaming the killer, Valencia blamed the circumstance: if the man had something constructive in his life, he would not have turned to violence as a means to survive. In 2007, she founded Valuable Blessings, Inc., whose motto is, "Always knowing that being yourself is enough." The non-profit agency provides mentoring, tutoring, workshops, food and clothing resources, and community service hours. But was that enough? No! Soon from this she branched out and started a daycare school, A Helping Hand Youth Center. The unique thing about this school is that at one time it offered out of the norm hours for those who worked late shifts. But did she stop there? Of course not! She helped her oldest son build his tattoo business. But wait…there’s more. Earlier this year, she received her physical trainer certification and started Head2Toe Fitness, an affordable program where she provides personal training, boot camps, and meal plans. As someone who has been fiercely dedicated to fitness (she’s been getting up at 4am for workouts for the past 20+ years), it was just another natural calling. Some of her clients have testified that her program, while rigorous, does not push them beyond their capabilities. Did I mention she does hair too? All of this on top of being a married mother of many (I lost count somewhere along the line because she has adopted/taken in so many children). I have personally told her that her energy level makes me sick, but she insists on adding more tasks to her life daily, just to prove how boundless that energy really is. She reminds me of the hummingbird, who simply has to stay in motion. Is she a workaholic? Yes, but more accurately, she is a people-aholic, addicted to helping others achieve their best. She’s been featured in a few local newspapers and was the recipient of Yolanda Adams “Open Your Heart” in 2009. You can find more information on Valuable Blessings on their website or link to her on Facebook for her other resources.
Alicia Carter: First of all, let me just say that this woman is and remains my she-ro. Forget that I've known her all her life. She has a wealth of education and experience in her field, and I am extremely proud of her. That being said, I'm specifically pointing Alicia out as an entrepreneur because I promised her months ago that I would ask for the power of corporate prayer as she follows her entrepreneurial dream. I have no doubt that it will be lucrative and fulfilling.
Ally Lopez: wedding blogger extraordinaire. At 25, she’s become one of the busiest wedding resources I know. And trust me, having gotten married almost two years ago, I used her resources a lot! Mind you, I said two years ago! A principle writer of United with Love content and a few other sites I can’t remember, she attends weddings, trunk shows, can design and decorate. You name it; I’ve seen her do it! All I can say is, “Watch out world!”
Kyndra Fuller: how can you not love a title of Investor in Human Capital? A year ago, she left her job at a research firm and started dedicating herself to the counseling call (I’ll admit I’m kind of claiming this one for her). In the signature line of all her emails, she includes the title “Investor in Human Capital.” I recently asked her what that meant, and this was her response: “The investment that I am making is nurturing individuals to be at their best in all areas of their lives. I do this by helping them identify their very core from which those areas flow. As you know, we have a tendency to separate our emotional, psychological, and physical states with an assumption that these areas function individually. When I am able to show people that their personal experiences are collective, the "aha" moments are priceless. Even more, when they apply those revelations going forward and have a desire to stay the course which is crucial to guarantee ongoing peace.” Is that deep or what? An example of this investment is email sharing of articles; her latest share was a response to a Time Magazine article.
Linda Maus: You have to love anyone whose motto is “Bounce.” I met Linda (aka Yinda) in person once, and have loved her ever since. She is bubbly and fun and all the things you think of (and sometimes loathe) about fitness instructors. Another source of seemingly boundless energy (I actually got worn out from watching a session, she’s actually been an instructor of Zumba since before it was popular. In fact, when she told me about it, my response was, “Of what?” and she nicely explained it to me. Sadly, Linda is not local, but if you’re ever in Pittsburgh, bounce on over to the Latin Rhythmz Studio.
Ashley Parris: Ashley answers the question, “What can you do with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising?” A graduate of Howard University, Ashley parlayed her love of shoes and accessories into a full-fledged online boutique called ShoeJonez. Specializing in the unique, Ashley’s page offers a great feature: you can give shoes to the website! Have a pair of worn-once heels that you purchased for a wedding that you just don’t know what to do with? Send them to Ashley! Get a little cash on the side and give shoes a good home at the same time. In addition to her merchandise site, Ashley also recently started a blog “Mommy Sings the Blues” where she very humorously celebrates (and sometimes laments) the perils of motherhood.
Liz Hildebrand: Her movement started with a question that went something like this: “What would you guys think if I created a group about gratitude?” Immediately a few of us signed up and it was extended as an open group. Its mission: “Attitude of Gratitude is all for and all about cultivating, manifesting, encouraging and embracing gratitude in our own personal as well as one another's lives. We are here to lift one another up and celebrate our accomplishments, embrace our uniquenesses, and overall, just to spread good cheer! We encourage thoughtful thinking and acknowledge the rewards of gratitude in our lives.” Moreover, the group is about clean living, both physically and mentally and being open and vulnerable without fear. Someone suggested it be closed at 360 (the degrees of a circle), and while the group closed, the membership remained open. Six months later, the Facebook group Attitude of Gratitude has almost 1,000 members. Some people have taken the gauntlet up to find something to give gratitude for every single day, and many people have formed friendships outside of the circle and even met face-to-face. As founder, Liz is humble about her creation of the group, insisting that she is just a facilitator, but almost every day, someone thanks her for being her. And she is indeed worthy of that gratitude. Looking to join? Send a message to Attitude of Gratitude and await an invitation. Be prepared to receive. So far, it seems like only the ladies are out there doing, but I cannot leave out the fellas.
James Reid: Those of you who know me, know that books are my passion, and those of you who know me really well, know that writing is another one of them. So when I found out that one of my fellow writers finally embarked upon making the dream a goal, and the goal a reality, I was ecstatic. As soon as I found out about it, I was on Amazon adding it to my wishlist. Then I made the mistake of reading the first two chapters and the book got pushed to the top of my purchase queue. My office mate soon followed suit. And with good reason. According to his reviews on Goodreads and Amazon, other readers agree. I’m not specifically a fan of the crime drama novel, but I am a fan of great writing, and even something as simple as reading something without a grammatical mistake will get my reading juices going, and in this regard, James’ book is flawless. Add to that the suspense that he builds and as one reviewer put it, you’ve got a Lifetime or Tyler Perry movie. To get a copy of his book, visit Amazon for Partners in Crime.
Tyrell Eccles: In an industry that changes so rapidly, I'm constantly amazed at how well this man does in his field. Simply put, Tyrell builds and designs websites. Sure, so do Weebly, Wordpress, and Wix and a lot of those other websites made simple sites. But add in these features: logos, interactive web applications, marketing, branding, and business start-up assistance you have a full-service firm at just a click away. He can even take your existing website through those aforementioned sites and bring your whimsy come to fruition, activating all the bells, whistles, and flash features. He also does the occasional hardware and software fixes. On top of that, Tyrell regularly sends out his Christmas playlist for your and your computer's listening pleasure. To get a glimpse of more of the services he provides and some of the projects he’s completed, visit his website TyDesigns.
Whew! As you can see, these people span across a wide variety of talents and I am more than proud to know them, and equally as proud to share their talents (and provide them with some free advertising).
