December 2018 Issue

MAGAZINE

BRONZE DECEMBER 2018

Winter proofing your skin

BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM

CBS Television's "Hot Bench" star

Tanya Acker on being an avid fighter for women & minorities

Holiday Stocking Stuffer Guide R&B Legend Meli’sa Morgan: talks about her new CD Love Demands

BRONZE MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2018 Editor’s Note

Cover Credits: PHOTOGRAPHER: Annie Shak @annieshak MODEL: Tanya Acker

FOUNDER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Shawn Stuldivant CO-OWNER Barry Stuldivant GRAPHIC DESIGNER Alexandra Zabludoff WRITERS BeautifulGorgeous Kimra Major-Morris Farheen Nahvi Patrica Rivers Farren Washington

Happy holidays Bronze Beauties! The last month of 2018 is upon us! Can you believe it? Where’d did this year go?

In last month’s issue I asked, ‘Have you already made your goals for 2019?’ And my answer is the same this issue - I’m still working on them! I also said that If had to give my goals for next year a name it would be after Ciara’s hit song “Level Up.” Well, this month I decided to name my goals after “Girl on Fire,” Alicia Keys’ girl power anthem. At this point in the game, if I am going to achieve my goals then I might as well be ‘all in’ by giving it it all I’ve got!

The cover of our final edition for this year features the lovely Tanya Acker, who serves as one of three judges on the CBS hit courtroom drama Hot Bench. I watch the show everyday and am a big fan. In my opinion, Tanya is a perfect example of a “Girl on Fire,” with her accomplished career as a lawyer and her no-nonsense style on the show. When you read her backstory you will feel inspired by her law journey and her philanthropy.

I want to take this time to thank all of you for your support and readership this year, and I look forward to keeping you inspired in 2019. Always remember, that every end is a new beginning. God bless, have a very merry Christmas and a New Year filled with love and possibilities!

xoxo, Shawn nt a v i d l Stu

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Hot Bench star

Tanya Acker

CONTENT 6. Crowns & Contours Interview 10. Winter-proofing your skin 12. Lawyer and Online

Strategist: Sherita Wallace 16. Meli’sa Morgan: R&B for

the Soul 20. Bronze Beauty in the

Spotlight: Michele

Lawson-Burts 22.

30.

Holiday Stocking Stuffers Black Pearl Collective Founder Empowers professional women through networking

32. Common Mistakes Startups Make: Kimra Major-Morris

Photograpy by Annie Shak

Crowns & Contours

Redifines the Beauty Industry By Farren Washington

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“Crafted With Versatility In Mind” Innovative upstart Crowns and Contours was started in the dorm room of college roommates Britney Chambers and Kymani Hayden in June of 2017. They are the ultimate example of what can happen when one has the right attitude and drive to succeed. According to Marketing and Outreach Manager Hayden, “We were young, cash strapped city girls in a new town that offered few products for black hair. It was frustrating because our individual needs were so different that we’d have to buy a variety of items just to see what would work (and what didn’t work). When it came to keeping up with our beauty needs, money and space were both an issue.”

They recognized the need for more product options that offered versatility. Talking to friends made them realize that they weren’t the only ones having this particular issue.

“As we were establishing the company, we started to question why we were paying so much for products filled with ingredients that were toxic to our health. Our main focus was on creating beauty products with versatile and non toxic ingredients without compromising luxury.” Hayden also made it quite clear that the company placed great emphasis on the value of empowering women to embrace their best version of beautiful without neglecting their health.

When asked about the recent launch of the Caribbean Coils collection, Hayden replied, “The inspiration behind it was twofold. The first part being our Gems. Each product within the collection was specifically requested by our customers.” From the CoWash & Deep Treatment to the Hair Milk, customers let them know what they wanted to see from them after the launch of their first collection. “They were very open and honest, especially about what they felt was missing. We truly listened and took all the feedback to heart. We were able to identify the products that were most relevant to our brand.”

The second part had to do with upbringing. Chambers and Hayden are both of Jamaican heritage. Natalie, the Operations & Events Manger is of Puerto Rican heritage. “All of us grew up in very cultured households and visited the Caribbean a lot.

We were often exposed to the holistic ways of living. When the three of us sat down to brainstorm for this collection, we decided that we wanted to keep that cyclical, “give and take” process we discussed previously.

Crowns and Contours is extremely customer centric. Everything they do starts and ends with how customers feel, what their overall experience will be and most importantly, their wants and needs. As a result of that, they’ve spent the last year adjusting their business models, products, branding and packaging to better suit their customers or as they like to refer to them, ‘our gems.’

The company motto is, ‘Crafted With Versatility In Mind’ and they’ve applied this philosophy to everything that they do, including the products. “We’ve eliminated all the harmful and unnecessary ingredients that are all too often found in beauty products. Instead, we’ve been able to stick to ingredients that have multiple benefits for hair, skin and overall health. Our gems find that they can use one product in multiple ways.”

From left to right: Kymani Hayden, Crowns and Coutours Marketing & Outreach Mgr; CEO Britney Chambers

The best way to do that was to put the influence of our different cultures and holistic approaches to beauty into the collection.

This way, we were taking the feedback from our customers and giving them a genuine and wholehearted piece of us. From there, the name Caribbean Coils was forged, and the ingredients started to fall in place.”

When customers invest in the Caribbean Coils collection, they can expect moisture retention, hydration, manageability and ease of use. “We haven’t skimped on any of the good stuff. Most companies use water as the first ingredient in their products; we use aloe. While water is a great first ingredient, aloe, or ‘sinkle bible’ as it is referred to in Jamaica, is far better. It provides extra hydration and healing benefits than that of water. We’ve also stuck with a lot of fruit and plant-based extracts that are good for both hair and skin.” Companies and consumers focus so much attention on the actual strands of hair, that sometimes the importance of scalp care gets lost in translation. Continued on next page >>

By choosing to provide the customers with products that utilize hair and scalp loving ingredients, they’re improving the longterm health of their hair.

In recent years, YouTube has changed the face of the beauty industry by producing hundreds (maybe even thousands) of vloggers and hair gurus. “The rise of social media influencers in the beauty industry makes business interesting. They certainly are a valuable asset for reaching new customers. For us, it means having a wider pool of people to choose from. The rise is also a double-edged sword. We’re determined to remain authentic in everything

we do. So the challenge becomes figuring out who is truly looking to provide the best quality in terms of content for their audience and who’s just in it for personal gain.”

While this need for authenticity means a slower process for the company, it means people can trust that the information related to their products is reliable. They’re hoping to generate a lot more content in the coming months to help potential customers make more informed decisions about what products to purchase. This material will also serve to educate their current customers who are looking for further guidance.

Hayden feels that Crowns & Contours is different from other natural product lines because they’re genuinely concerned about their consumers’ overall health and well-

being. “We are determined to help them understand how to achieve their healthy hair and skin care goals beyond just that of buying products. If a customer understands how the things they put in or on their body affects the results they’ll get, they’ll know what works for them and how best to pick and use products,” she shares.

They also try to provide education and support to customers through their Gem Code Initiative (G.C.I), which also includes an informative blog.

As far as plans for future expansion, they’ll be releasing their long-awaited skin care product line sometime within the next year.

They’re also planning on making new additions to the Caribbean Coils Collection.

The Gem Code Initiative will be seeing a lot more outreach and community-based events, and the team is currently working on something extra special for their customers!

To find out more about the company and their products, please visit: https://www.crownandcontours.com

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“We’ve eliminated all the harmful and unnecessary ingredients that are all too often found in beauty products”

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PHOTO CREDIT:

Nadia Singleton, Model

Winter-proofing your skin By: BeautifulGorgeous

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(“The Gorgeous Report”) You know the importance of changing your car oil to care for it as needed with the changes of the weather to maximize performance. Caring for your skin during colder seasons requires the same concept of maintenance. And it can be a lot friendlier than a trip to your mechanic.

Your skin is the largest organ of your body, and it has a number of battles to fight. We all strive to protect our skin from sun damage in the summer, but colder weather brings about different issues for the skin.

The biggest one is dryness. Certain parts of our bodies have fewer oil glands than others, and with less moisture in the air during the colder months and piping hot heaters in the mix, dry skin is amplified during this time of year. Most often, we don’t make the needed changes in our skin-care routines to combat the environment. The result is drier skin.

Your first thought might be to head straight for the thickest and creamiest moisturizing products, but that isn’t always the best go-to solution.

Moisturizers can often contribute to dryness of the skin. I know that sounds crazy, but it’s true. We have a natural oil barrier in our skin.

Some ingredients found in lotions and creams can prevent this barrier from doing its job. Creams and lotions will solve the problem but only momentarily. Because they contain ingredients that can be drying to the skin, you end up reapplying constantly. Unless you’re dealing with acne, try using an oil-based moisturizer which has a higher level of moisture content that lasts longer, absorbs better into the skin, and works better with your natural oils. If you’re concerned about a greasy feel, try opting for moisturizers in the form of a dry oil. A flakey nose and flakey brows are also common when battling dry winter skin. This happens because most times these two areas are overlooked or not given enough attention when washing the face. Dead skin cells tend to pile up in these areas and you see them shedding in the form of flaky skin. A simple fix for this would be to use a mild exfoliant on the areas no more than twice a week, once for really sensitive skin. You can even turn your daily cleanser into an exfoliant by using a soft bristled cleansing brush when washing your face. I find that just applying my cleanser to a plain white textured washcloth and using minimal scrubbing gives just enough friction for exfoliation.

Dry, cracked hands are a big issue in colder weather, especially if you already have genetically drier skin. Although the skin is thicker on the hands, they are exposed the most and have a smaller presence of oil glands. This dryness is especially true for those who work in environments where they wash their hands frequently and use products with antibacterial ingredients. Soaps and washes containing antibacterial agents strip the skin with constant use because while they remove bad bacteria from the skin, they also remove the good bacteria, which disrupts the skins natural barrier. Knowing that we can’t get around the importance of keeping clean hands, there are a couple of products that we can incorporate to combat the dryness that washing brings.

If you have a raw nose from all the blowing you might be doing this season, incorporate a few dabs of a healing ointment to the area after cleansing and before you apply any makeup. A raw nose can tend to be really red and the area, stripped from all the blowing with rough tissues.

This can leave the area very tender and with a darker hue as it heals.

Although this subsides with healing, you may opt to use a concealer for cosmetic purposes to get you through. If you’re fair complexioned and are experiencing redness, try using a green concealer to neutralize the redness before the skin tone shade is applied.

Dry lips are another constant problem during the colder months. The lips have fewer layers of skin compared to the rest of the body which makes them thinner and more susceptible to splitting and chapping.

There is no oil secreted in the lips so moisture lost is moisture gone.

Use lip balms with oils such as jojoba, olive and coconut oil. Although tempting at times, avoid licking as much as possible. This only gives a short-lived relief, and the enzymes and natural salts in your saliva only makes dryness worse. There are some lip care products that contain ingredients such as camphor, lanolin, salicylic acid, beeswax, and benzocaine which a lot of people are allergic to.

When using lip care products with these ingredients, many people feel as if they become addicted or need to apply them very often. Those with lip sensitivities are unaware that they are experiencing allergic reactions to these ingredients, and mistake the symptoms for needing more of the product. A good alternative for those with sensitive lips would be to go with a product that offers your plant-based butters. Examples of these would be coco butter, shea butter, or again super hydrating coconut oil. Sugar also is very hydrating, so practicing a mild sugar scrub once a week will help to rid the build up of dead skin cells and allow for smoother application and penetration of lip care products and cosmetics.

Drier skin on arms and legs are also more common during the colder months. This is partly because of the comfort we feel from a steamy hot shower combined with the blasting heat which encourages ashy skin.

Even though a hot shower is replenishing and feels great when it’s freezing outside, try not to use steaming hot water because this strips skin of its natural oils that give you moisture. Pat skin when drying off.

Excessively harsh rubbing with a towel will further remove what natural moisture you have in your skin. Allow your skin to remain a little damp as you apply body oils or creams. Your skin absorbs hydrating product better when left a little damp because the cells are softer. Keep a humidifier handy to balance out the moisture in the air. Remember less moisture plus the heater is creating a dessert like environment for your skin.

It may be worthwhile to invest in a sulfate- free body wash. Sulfates are what give products their lathering ability, but are also very drying. Sulfate- free shampoos can also be helpful if you experience dry scalp in the winter. Sulfate- products can be found almost anywhere, but more readily at your local health food stores.

One of the overall best ways to combat dry skin during colder weather is to incorporate oils into your routine from head to toe. Oils penetrate deeper than most creams which tends to sit on the skin’s surface. You can even layer the oil with a cream on top to sealing it in. You’ll be amazed to learn that many of the oils you cook with such as coconut oil are great for your skin as well. Winter doesn’t have to be a problem for your skin. If you do a little research and treat it well, it will get you through.

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“I fell in love with the marketing side of my job.”

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Lawyer and Online Strategist

Sherita Wallace

Helps Business Owners Succeed

By Patrice Rivers

Sherita is an experienced marketing professional who has a heart for people and a heart for helping fellow attorneys build relationships with their target clientele and referral partners. One of the No. 1 pain-points expressed during her first meeting with an attorney-client is that they would rather be billing clients than spending $1500-$2000 of their monthly billable hours trying to do their own marketing. Prior to her marketing career, Sherita worked in Roanoke, Virginia, where she practiced Employment and Labor Law at Gentry Locke Rakes and Moore, LLP. While practicing, she counseled her clients on the legal implications of social media in the workplace. This was during a time when Facebook first introduced “Business Pages” and when there was NO such thing as a “Social Media Manager or Strategist.”

How did your career get started with becoming an online marketing strategist?

As I remember it, I was sitting in my office one day when one of the partners at my law firm put a file on my desk and told me: “you’re our new social media attorney. Oh, and by the way, I need you to start preparing a presentation about the Legality of Social Media for our upcoming Employment Law Conference.”

If you could only imagine the look on my face! I thought to myself, “Employment Lawyer, with a specialty in Social Media. Is that a thing?!” This request from the partner came about during a time when Facebook first introduced “Business Pages” and when there was NO such thing as a “Social Media Manager or Strategist.” Clients were essentially having their secretaries or the kid who cut the grass run their social media pages, which caused problems when that person separated ties with the company.

Essentially, we started getting calls from clients – “who owns the Intellectual Property on my social media page,” “an ex-employee is posting lies about us online,” “we need you to update our Technology Policies,” etc.

I was the youngest Associate Attorney in my department at the time (probably the only person with a Facebook, Twitter and/ or LinkedIn account too), so I was a natural target for this new role. Plus, you simply don’t say “no” to a partner, so I accepted the “job” even though I was only using social media for my own personal entertainmentat the time.

Was that something you always wanted to pursue?

Eventually, I started counseling clients on the legal implications of social media in the workplace, and speaking at conferences and Chamber of Commerce Expos. I actually discovered that I had a knack for this new “legal practice area.” However, the trouble with explaining the “legal implications of social media in the workplace” to clients was that they simply didn’t understand the basics of how they were using it for marketing in the first place. So, I realized that I had to learn the marketing component to better help my clients understand the power and impact of this new (at that time) online phenomena.

Long story short – I fell in love with the marketing side of my job. It eventually took over, and it just made since, especially because I already had a background in creative arts and writing well before I thought about being an attorney. After a few years of grinding, building my team, tons of research and honing my skills, tears (yes tears) and prayer – “Esdy Wall” was finally humming.

No, I like to think that it was divine intervention because it certainly wasn’t my idea.

However, I’m so glad it happened! I’ve owned my own business for almost 7 years now. This “vision” kind of chased me in the beginning until I turned around to see that it was beautiful and meant to be.

Tell us more about being a lawyer. How is that coming along for you?

So, I used to practice Employment Law before moving to Atlanta over 6 years ago.

It’s actually my legal career that pushed me forward into my marketing career... funny and long story that I get a kick out of telling every time. However, I’m happy it happened! Naturally, because I have a legal background, a number of my clients are attorneys. Surprisingly, even my salon and retail clients love the fact that I’m an attorney. I haven’t quite figured that one out yet, but I think it’s because they know I have a careful eye for detail.

What type of information/knowledge do you provide your clients when building a business online?

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I often tell clients that the services and products alone that they offer will not close deals for them (i.e., get them business/sales).

Contrary to popular belief, it’s the story behind their services and products that closes deals. So, no matter whether we’re designing a website, designing a logo or publishing social media content for them – we have to tell a relevant, compelling story about their brand that their target audience can relate to and make an emotional connection with.

Otherwise, they’ll look and talk like every other competing business out there.

Prior to your marketing career you worked in Roanoke, VA practicing Employment and Labor Law. What was that experience like? What were your accomplishments during your studies?

It was rewarding and challenging all at the same time. I had an amazing mentor who was a Managing Partner at my law firm – Matt Broughton. He prepared me for my first trial, which I could not have won without him (or even stood in front of the judge without fainting).

While practicing, I was 1 of 3 relationhip-attorneys for Walmart Corporate in a 55-attorney law firm. That was pretty cool!

I absolutely loved traveling to Walmart’s headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas. The business scene was really vibrant in Roanoke, so our local media focused a lot on it. I was actually featured in two issues of Valley Business FRONT magazine. I also had an opportunity to be a guest lecturer for a Virginia Tech MBA Business Law class. I was pretty active, so juggling work and life was a truly a balancing act.

As a marketing strategist, what are some of your daily duties?

Managing projects, managing my team and working with clients to help them realize their vision. My workday typically starts with a review of our to-do lists, calendar and notifications. I actually take part in the development of a lot of our projects, so I carve out time for both client relations and working on projects.

Let’s talk about your television show “Vision Works.” Where was it located at and what was the focus point on the show?

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“Contrary to popular belief, it’s the story behind a brand’s services and products that closes deals.”

Oh wow, this was a fun and interesting time!

My TV show was filmed at WJCN TV’s station in LaGrange, Georgia, which is my hometown. The opportunity came about after I was interviewed by a host of another TV show that WJCN TV produced. I was introduced to this host by my father; she was one of his customers who was looking for local entrepreneurs to interview on her show. After the interview, the studio called back and asked me if I’d be interested in hosting my own show. Another, divine moment! I used this spotlight to share tips and strategies about Website Design 101, Social Media Marketing, and overall Online Marketing for small businesses.

Do you manage business pages on Facebook/Instagram as well?

What types of counseling on the legal side did you provided for your clients?

That really fluctuates depending on the time of the year and the specific projects we have lined up. Right now, we manage a number of clients who have ongoing monthly services, others may just have a project that’s a onetime service like website design or logo design. This week, we’re managing 7 clients, but I spread the work out across the week so that it’s not overwhelming. For instance, each day I carve out time to work on 2 or 3 clients’ projects per day, depending on their deadlines and complexity of the work.

On the legal/marketing-hybrid side, my counseling focused on the legal implications of social media in the workplace, advertising laws and Federal Trade Commission regulations. On the pure Employment and Labor Law side, my focus was employment discrimination, wage and hour laws, wrongful termination issues, and best practices for Human Resources professionals.

Yes, this is where the core of our business started. I and my teammates manage all major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Yelp to name a few.

What would you say is your number one goal as an online marketing strategist?

Helping my clients enjoy what they do best (running their businesses), while we do the rest.

How many clients are you managing on a daily or weekly basis?

With all the social media technology tools and business pages for business owners, do you think that social media marketing is a great asset for promoting businesses? Do you think social media has gotten better for marketers?

Yes and yes/no! Many business owners shy away from social media marketing because it’s time intensive, and they don’t see an immediate ROI. However, ROI always depends on your specific goals and every business has different goals. Plus, social media isn’t going anywhere! Research shows that 74% of consumers say they make buying decisions based on social media (that’s the overwhelming majority of consumers).

Therefore, it’s a great way to influence buyers’ purchasing decisions and knowledge about a particular business or industry leader. Social networks like Facebook have done an excellent job to make marketers lives easier when it comes to managing pages and advertising. However, one of the downsides for marketers is the tightening down of post-reaches because of social networks’ algorithms. There was a day when posting your website’s blog article on your Facebook page would yield tons of new traffic on your website. However, now it’s a “pay to play game.” There are ways to overcome this; marketers just have to employ different and consistent strategies to keep their clients’ posts visible and relevant.

What else do you offer to clients besides knowledge and solutions to their problems in their business?

A marketing partner, and more importantly a “cheerleader.” I have huge heart for people and a heart for helping people build relationships with their target clientele and business partners. I believe that her day-today work at Esdy Wall is about more than being a brand strategist for her clients; it’s about being their brand cheerleader.

“I have huge heart for people and a heart for helping people build relationships with their target clientele and business partners.”

Tell us more about the Black Law Student Association.

Best student organization in the WORLD! I absolutely loved my school’s association.

We were a tight-knit family who supported each other academically, professionally and personally. Among other things, we offered tutoring for all 1st Year law students at West Virginia University College of Law. Your background truly didn’t matter if you wanted to be a part of BLSA. Our organization was very inclusive, so we had students of various races (Asian, Persian, White and Black of course). Even one of our sponsors (a law school professor), was a middle-aged white man from Compton – you just cannot make this stuff up!

I’m still friends with many of these folks today, and this organization made the “torture” of law school so bearable because it gave me a home away from home.

What is next for you for the remaining of the year?

Good question, I’m still trying to figure that out (haha!). For the most part, I’m focused on testing new marketing strategies for my own company. There’s always room for improvement, and just because one thing works doesn’t mean it cannot be tweaked to work better. I’m also a huge believer in balance, so I’m working towards carving out more time for family and just “me-time,” even if I’m just vegging out on Netflix or splitting a slice of cake with a girlfriend in the middle of the afternoon.

How can readers connect with you?

I’d love to connect with your readers! You can always reach out to me via my website at www.EsdyWall.com or connect with me on LinkedIn at “linkedin.com/in/ sheritawallace” and Facebook at “@esdywall”. I do have an IG profile, but I only use it for personal things like posting pics of the things I love – good art, good food and good company.

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Meli’sa Morgan: R&B for the Soul By Farheen Nahvi

Whoever says that classic can’t rock has not met Meli’sa Morgan. A history of hits, a soulful voice, a Julliard education, and an acquaintance with Prince are only some of the legacies of this R&B artist, songwriter, producer, and entertainer. With a new album out with her recording company Cleopatra Records, Meli’sa Morgan talks with Bronze about life growing up, first experiences in singing, her many accomplishments over the years, and her new CD, “Love Demands.”

Let’s start with the early years of Meli’sa Morgan, before your rise to fame. Where did you grow up? When did you begin singing and how did it turn into a career?

I grew up in Queens, New York; Corona, Queens to be exact. I started singing in my mother, Margie Morgan’s living room, listening to the music she always played around the house; Aretha Franklin, James Brown, The Temptations, Gladys Knight, and so many others during that era. I would sing and start remembering the notes and harmonies from early on in my life. I had a gift for being able to hear music and sing it back immediately the same way I heard it. My Mom enrolled me in a Gospel community choir called ‘The Starlets of Corona,’ and I would rehearse with the choir every Saturday and sing with them every Sunday. The musical director, Mrs. Hornrette Washington, started giving me songs to learn and sing lead. The first song that I learned was “I Must Tell Jesus.” It became my solo signature song with the choir to sing at the end of our shows. I would cry every time I sang that song. God’s spirit was already touching my soul when I sang from a very early age. I continued to sing with the choir until I was about 12. I started singing more secular music after that. I sang in 16

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talent shows and with bands. I graduated high school at 16 years old. I joined a band and toured Canada for a year. I left the group and came back to New York and started working with everyone: from Debbie Allen to Kashif, and Chaka Khan. I recorded a dance song entitled “Body to Body” which was a #1 Billboard dance hit before eventually getting my own record deal with Capitol Records where I released my first Solo Album “Do Me Baby.”

“Do Me Baby,” “Good Love,” “The Lady in Me,” “Still in Love,” “I Remember,” and now my new CD “Love Demands” make only 6 albums. But I have always taken my time when it came to recording my music.

What role did your family play in your singing career?

Well, family has played an important part all through my life and career. The journey of life involves family. My mother Margie Morgan, my father John P. Morgan-who I just adored and loved so much- and even my step-mother Rosa Morgan; they all believed in me and my talent. They believed that I would go on and be a really great singer. It is such a morale booster and

a wonderful shot of confidence for me to know that someone else that you love believes in your talent and you, too. I always believe- but finding the confidence to keep going, even when the breaks you want and feel you deserve don’t come through; it can be heart-breaking. You need that voice of love from God and your family to say ‘don’t give up. You can do it!’ It was the reassurance I needed to keep going.

You attended Juilliard School of Music.

Tell us how that influenced your career?

I studied and started singing at an early age - 5 or 6. I had a great ear; I could hear harmonies and sing different parts by the time I was 7 and I joined the gospel choir when I was about 10. I knew what I was singing but did not understand why I was singing it.

Going to Juilliard School of Music helped me understand those chromatic 12 notes per octave, and octatonic 8 notes per octave.

Learning there are usually three notes per triad chord, and it is how you interpret and intertwine them that makes style and differentiation. Nevertheless, there will always be a root or first note, a third note and a fifth note. Continued on next page >

“...finding the

confidence to keep going, even when the breaks you want and feel you deserve don’t come through...”

“...know that someone else that you love believes in your talent and you, too.”

Bowl. Prince shook my hand and said ‘thank you for a great song. I told to him that he wrote the song; he then said ‘yes, but you made it great!’ What a wonderful compliment coming from an icon like Prince! I will be forever grateful to him for telling me that.

and a fifth note. Everything else is just octaves and variations. Music theory - that is what Juilliard taught me; the marriage of all the notes in music and how they live together.

We all know your 1985 sultry, sexy hit “Do Me Baby,” originally performed by the late and great Prince. How did your cover rendition of the song come about? Did you ever receive any feedback from Prince about your performance of the song? If so, what were his thoughts?

Yes, “Do Me Baby” was, and still is, a major hit record for me, staying #1 for 4 weeks on Billboard R&B charts. I just happened to be the right person at the right place at the right time. When I signed with Capitol Records, the President of Capitol Records, Don Grierson, had the song “Do Me Baby” on hold for two years, and he said ‘the next female R&B singer I sign to Capitol Records has to do this song,’ and I was that Female R&B singer! It turned out to be great for him, great for Capitol Records, and especially great for me. I did meet Prince, and we became friends over the years. Not close friends, but associates. I met him for the first time backstage at a Lionel Richie concert at The Hollywood

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You have worked with many amazing, iconic artists such as Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston and Melba Moore, not to forget your involvement with Patti Labelle.

What was that like?

It was a wonderful experience for me, working with such talented artists, who were all so different in their own way. I am so glad I was able to learn from each and every one of them, including Patti Labelle. I opened for her before I was a solo recording artist, when I sang with The B.B. & Q. Band, and when I was on tour singing with Kashif. I went on to sing with other bands and Patti Labelle would come hear me perform and I would go see her- full circle. I recently opened for her as a solo artist on her UK tour in London, Amsterdam, and Manchester. I Love her! I love all my icons but Patti opens up her heart to me and talks to me and gives me advice. Priceless! I feel blessed to know her.

My Auntie Melba Moore is like that too-unconditional love. I miss my friend Whitney Houston. I did not see her a lot, but we had a friendship that was real. I sang on her first album and I have a Diamond Platinum Award for that from the RIAA (10 million + sold). I believe I will be getting another award because it has now over 15 million sold! How fantastic that I was able to sing with such an iconic artist. That voice! I was there singing with her in the studio on her first album, just me and her in the studio, singing and laughing and talking. That was a memory and moment in time that I would always have with her. Only God made that happen!

You have been known as one of the most memorable voices of R&B music. How do you feel about the state of R&B music today?

I am so glad that when I sing a song, that after you hear my voice, many and mostly all of my fans can say ‘that’s Meli’sa Morgan singing that song.’ What a great thing to have a distinctive singing voice that is all my own, and that sounds like me! I believe R&B music is on the rise again after many years of losing its direction trying to fit in and be accepted by what was

“Music is supposed to...touch everyone in a different way.”

popular in the music industry, rather than keeping its own identity and fighting to be recognized for it. I don’t like listening to the radio and hearing songs from 4 or 5 different artists, but they all sound exactly the same! They are trying so hard to fit in and be successful that they will imitate the hottest artist out to be successful now. I really don’t like that. It limits the creativity, and makes the listener have to conform to that sound because they are not allowing new and fresh and different voices and music be heard. I am having a bit of that with my New CD “Love Demands.” Everyone wants another “Do Me Baby,” rather than giving my new music a chance. It is impossible for me to be the same artist 30 years later. I will always have “Do Me Baby” and all my classic hits like “Love Changes w/ Kashif,” “Do You Still Love Me,” “Fool’s Paradise,” “Still In love,” and “Body to Body,” and so much more. I can only move forward with my creativity and create more music and hits now, that I hope will be classic hits in my career as well. I am also very thankful that many artists like Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, LL Cool J, and now Trina and Trick Daddy have sampled my music and keep it relevant in music. My song “Fool’s Paradise” is used in the theme song for the reality TV show “Love & Hip Hop: Miami” with my voice! How cool is that! So grateful that I am a songwriter on most of my hit songs!

Royalties are so important to your longevity in this business.

ffans are liking different songs on my CD. Music is supposed to do that-touch everyone in a different way. It is a good time for me to have a new CD out. I am glad to be back doing what I do best: writing, arranging, singing, and producing. My company AsileM Productions is Co-Producer of my CD, “Growth.”

What is the meaning behind your new album and what would you like fans to take away from it?

The meaning behind my New CD/album is that love is multifaceted, with many moods and many demands. That’s why I fell in love with the original song I co-wrote, and decided to name this CD “Love Demands. Love requires a lot emotionally, physically, and creatively. Love is such a complexed entity that is intriguing and necessary to have balance in your life. That is very demanding. I want my fans to take away lessons from my new CD. Listen to each song like it is a mini lesson or class that you can learn from when it comes to life and love.

Morgan’s new CD “Love Demands” is out now, available on every online retail outlet including, but not limited to, Amazon, iTunes, Spotify, Napster, Target, Best Buy, and Barnes & Nobles.

“The response to me coming back with a new CD has been so positive and welcoming. I thank all my fans for purchasing my new CD “Love Demands” and I thank everyone in the industry, radio, media, press, and more for showing me so much love.”

Meli’sa Morgan will be performing live at The Levoy on December 14. To remain upto-date with Morgan’s upcoming show, TV appearances, and other events, her social media information is as follows: Facebook: Meli’sa Morgan Fan Page1 Instagram: @melisamorgan1 Twitter: @MelisaMorgan22

Who are some of your favorite artists from today’s music?

I have a few, because I really love artists who are true to their passion for the music and art. I like Drake, Ledisi, H.E.R., and Little Caesar, all artists true to their passion for their music and their voices.

You recently released a new album, “Love Demands.” What inspired you to make a comeback with all new songs?

For my new CD, “Love Demands,” I did 6 new cover Songs, 6 original songs, and 2 classic studio session songs. I have always liked doing songs by other artists and putting my own spin on them. I honed that skill during my time singing in the clubs of New York back in the day. So I chose songs like “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” (Al Green), “Never Loved a Man the Way That I Loved you” (Aretha Franklin), and more.

I chose the Aretha Franklin remake almost two years ago, and did not know that she was ill. I was so sad to hear that our queen passed away. My first video and single off of “Love Demands” is a song that has a very edgy, rock flavor called “No More.” Urban radio is choosing “Never Loved a Man” to play. I like that there is such a musical variety that radio and my

“ When I think about family and love.

I think about my fiancé.”

Meli’sa Morgan and fiancé Sabastin Commas.

Bronze Beauty in the Spotlight: Michele Lawson-Burts About Michele: Michele Lawson-Burts is a professional plus model and actress who was born in New York City and eventually started working for the City of New York. However, Michele always had a keen interest in the performing arts and studied dance from the age of five to 20. She then went on to study acting in college. Her acting career began to take off in 2004, which also led to more modeling opportunities beginning in 2010, where she began developing and refining her confidence in front of audiences as a plus size model. It was at that time Michele knew she was destined to do so much more and she almost instantly excelled and began walking the runway at events like Runway the Real Way, Jersey City Fashion Week, Harlem Week’s “A Great Day in Harlem Fashion Event”, New York Fashion Week, Fashion on the Hudson Fashion Show and Caribbean Fashion Week in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.

Michele continued to strike while the iron was hot and went on to do in-store showings for brands like Ashley Stewart, Dress Barn, The Fur Man, Fashion to Figure, Estelle’s Dresses, and more. Not only did her experience provide an excellent outlet for the enthusiastic and energetic star in the making, it would also prove to be a fortunate precursor for the start of her professional career in areas such as fit modeling with the Redcats USA company through True Model Management and print work in over 10 magazines.

Michele masterfully applied the disciplined focus she developed during her training as an actress while taking Introduction to Theater & Acting classes at Howard University and On Camera & Auditioning Techniques with Roz Coleman of Red Wall Productions aswell as Angela Mickey with Liz Lewis Casting Partners. These trainings along with others, lead

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her to receive television roles on popular drama series such as Law & Order/Law & Order SVU, Cinematherapy on WEtv and several web based videos.

When this talented actress/model isn’t studying for a TV scene or planning another walk down the runway, she can be seen on the theatrical stage. She has acted in several plays to date, including appearing on off-off Broadway and plans on adding several more plays to her ever-growing resume.

Michele continues her successful journey as an actress and model, believing that with hard work and persistence anything is possible!

She has just begun to scratch the surface and is ready to focus all of her energy on her craft!

Michele on how she has paid it forward: I perform pro bono work for the senior citizens in the community as I assist them with their housing issues and concerns. I also enjoy meeting and working with the youth in my community, helping them to establish career goals and to explore careers in the entertainment field, showing them the different options for both in front of and behind a camera. I facilitate fashion/model workshops where I discuss the ups and downs of the fashion business; I love to talk about the acting field but I also to discuss modeling as well. I believe that it is very important to empower and motivate others.

Why Michele’s Bronze is beautiful: As a mature, curvy woman, I feel that I represent the average woman who loves to see other women succeed. I am always lending a helping hand, whether it is to help others find housing, a job, pursuing their dreams or going to school, I try to be there for them by giving financial and emotional support, transportation, clothing, or anything else they need. I would like to think that I am a “Renaissance Woman.” I enjoy life and want to help other women to achieve their dreams. My Dad uses to say “Help others before you help yourself!”

Where to find/contact Michele: Web: https://www.michelelawsonent.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shelleymichele70 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelleymichele70/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-lawson-3558a729/ Email: michelelawsonent@gmail.com Press related inquiries: emma@medeirosfashionpr.com Phone: (347) 595-9386

“I represent the average woman who loves to see other women succeed.�

Kitty Meow:

Holiday Stocking Stuffer Guide

Custom Holiday Cards

Happy Curls, Happy Girls:

Natural Flaxseed Crème Gel

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Rebound Wear:

Non-skid Socks

YoToGo:

Yogurt Coolers

Type A:

Deodarant

Poo Pourri:

Holiday Scents

A.N Other:

Fragrance

Photograpy by Annie Shak

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COVER FEATURE Interview By Patrice Rivers

Celebrity TV Star and lawyer

Tanya Acker from ‘Hot Bench’ talks about experiences of being a Lawyer

Law TV just got hotter as Tanya Acker, a Yale University graduate and lawyer joins ‘Hot Bench’ every morning. From the top of her class at Yale Law school with working with the Supreme Court with President Clinton as an avid fighter for women and minorities, Acker is really doing a lot in her community by serving on different boards and devoting her time to making a difference. Always engaging with the camera, Acker is an experienced expert commentator and has been featured as an expert guest on Good Morning America, Entertainment Tonight, Wendy Williams, The Talk, The Insider, CNN Reports, Anderson Cooper 360, Your World with Neil Cavuto and more. As a community leader and advocate, Acker serves on the boards of Public Counsel, the nation’s largest provider of free legal services; the Western Justice Center which promotes alternative dispute resolution; the Western Los Angles County Council of the Boy Scouts of America and Rainbow Services, which provides shelter services to victims of domestic violence. We were able to catch up with Tanya for an exclusive interview to talk about some of her law journey and due-diligence in the community. Contiuned on next page >>

“You don’t want to be disrupted and disunited from your families. I am really proud of my work with those organizations.”

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What motived you to become a lawyer?

Well, I really wanted to be able to work in a field that gives me access to different opportunities. I thought law would be a great opportunity. I think that law is a great way of doing that. I also wanted to do something that would enable me to make a difference. I knew I needed to make a living.

You attended Yale University. How was that experience?

I really loved it. I had a great experience in law school. I met some wonderful people that became some of my good friends.

You did some work with the supreme court and with President Clinton. What was that experience like?

I worked in the office of the Solicitor General.

They represent the government before the Supreme Court. We weren’t representing the President personally, but we represented the office of the President. It was a case that we were arguing that a civil law suit case against the president should have stayed while he was in office and we lost. It was a really great experience working in that office.

As an avid fighter for women and minorities, what exactly are you doing to help these women?

Well, I like to get involved in organizations that will do work; that are meaningful and important to me. I am on the Board of Public Council, which is the largest provider of free legal services in the country. Public Counsel offers a full range of services to homeless people, to veterans and immigrants who are in need of legal services. You can sometimes bring cases that will change lives; not just the lives of people that are named in the lawsuits but other people that are impacted with the issues that are targeted. Public council is critical in that, so that is one of the ways. I am also on the Board of Rainbow Services, which is a shelter that provides services for victims of domestic violence and their families. One of the great things about Rainbow is that a lot of shelter don’t allow victims of domestic violence to bring in their sons if they are teensand adolescent boys, but rainbow does provide these services for family. You don’t want to be disrupted and disunited from your families. I am really proud of my work with those organizations. Continued on next page >>

“I represented low income women and family law clinics who were having disputes around their families; around custodies.”

You appeared on the fifth season of Hot Bench. How did you get an opportunity to be on that show alongside with other judges?

CBS called me and asked me to come meet with Judy and some folks at CBS and Judy’s team. It was a series of tryouts where they had people doing mocking examinations —and I made the cut.

I was really excited.

What type of matters was the show based upon?

Our show involves small claims cases all over the country. Real cases that are filed in small claims courts. It’s very real with real cases. It’s a really incredible experience and I’m honored to be doing it.

You served as a judicial law clerk to Honorable Dorothy Wright Nelson.

What was that like?

It was incredible experience. She used to be the Dean of USC Law school. She is a mentor and a role model for me.

She founded the Western Justice Center, which is devoted to alternative dispute revolutions. It focuses on looking for ways to resolve people’s disputes without having to go to court.

I sit on that Board of that organization with her right now. Working as her law clerk was an incredible and formative experience. I’m really lucky that my career was bookended by these two incredible women; Judge Nelson got me my first job and Judge Judy is the reason why I have the job that I do now. I feel very fortunate.

As far as representing low-income women when you graduated from Yale, what types of arguments were you fighting for?

I represented low income women and family law clinics who were having disputes around their families; around custodies. It was my first experience in court on behalf of one of these women. It really shows you what some people have to go through. There is a loss that we take for granted that some other people will be grateful for. There is a baseline sense of safety and security that people don’t have. I learned a lot in that clinic.

Tell us more about your successful representation of the homeless in a case against the city of Santa Barbara.

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I represented a case for homeless people that were cited for sleeping on the streets; for being a vagrant; which is a misdemeanor. They alleged that they didn’t have any choice, the only choice they had was to sleep in a shelter but the shelter required them to subscribe to certain religious principles that they didn’t believe in. The city of Santa Barbara gave them a choice of either praying in a way that didn’t support their own beliefs or going to jail. We argued that it was unconstitutional and we won!

What are you currently working on?

As of right now, I am working on a book and I’m building a podcast. I’m excited about the things that are coming up next. I’ll keep you posted.

So how can people connect with you?

You can find me on Twitter or IG or on Facebook all as Tanya Acker. Please reach out!

“There is nothing more fulfilling than seeing another woman thrive!!”

Black Pearl Collective Founder Empowers professional women through networking “There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing another woman thrive,” says Johanne Civil, founder of Black Pearl Collective, a global social marketplace and community for creative, entrepreneurial, and professional women. The modern community, also known as the Collective, inspires and uplifts entrepreneurial with the tools and resources that moves them closer towards their goals. With an online marketplace and a mobile app set to launch next year, Black Pearl Collective is the future of social marketplaces for women. In an exclusive interview with Civil, we learned how this amazing community came about, how it helps women accomplish their professional goals, and the details about their upcoming holiday pop up this weekend in Brooklyn, NY.

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What sparked your desire to create Black Pearl Collective? How did the name come about?

I used to work in a super specialized field and when I moved back to NYC in 2010, it was impossible for me to get back in my field. I could not find any of my friends or peers to connect with; either they moved or lost touch, which made it virtually a nightmare for me to get back into my field. So, I had to pivot and in doing so, I realized how important a personal and professional network is. I didn’t even know where to find networking events in NYC that were up to par. Luckily for me, I found one networking event that led me to the amazing tech community in NYC and I’ve been there ever since. In networking with women in tech, beauty and fashion, I heard the same overwhelming echo of them not having a place they feel that catered directly to them. A community that is their own and meets their entrepreneurial needs. That’s what sparked the Black Pearl Collective.

I love pearls. I think they are the most “lady like” accessory a woman can possess. To me, they have power and grace. After watching Hidden Figures and seeing that emotional scene about the pearls, I knew instantly that pearls had to be a part of the name. In researching pearls, I found out that Black Pearls are some of the rarest on the planet. No one pearl is alike and that’s exactly what I’ve experienced with every female entrepreneur I have met along my journey. The name fits us collectively.

What is the goal/mission of BPC? The Collective is a modern platform that equips women with the tools, resources and access to experiences that help them thrive and accomplish their business and professional goals. We strive to bridge the gap between ambition and achievement.

“We strive to bridge the gap between ambition and achievement.”

As the future of social marketplaces and networking for entrepreneurial and professional women, how does BPC help women thrive and accomplish their business and professional goals?

We create social experiences that connect women directly with resources they need to start or accomplish critical aspects of their journeys. We help our members navigate through their entrepreneurial journeys by providing them a platform where they can share resources with each other directly. We also create ‘irl’ experiences that connect them to other women who have been through their journey and are open and willing to guide them and help them accomplish theirs.

One of your personal passions include making a dollar out of fifteen cents. Tell us about that.

As a woman and an immigrant, my family’s migration story hasn’t always been stable. Out of those experiences, I’ve learned how to make something out of nothing, how to survive with less and how to manage without. Those experiences have helped me thrive financially and have also taught me how to create without the typical resources my peers may naturally or easily have access to. Some say it builds character, I say it builds grit (and hair on your chest, lol).

BPC is set to launch its mobile networking app in Spring 2019 and an online marketplace in Fall 2019. Tell us about these tools and their relevance towards the platform.

How can people sign up?

The networking app is a platform for women to connect, find opportunities to collaborate, and move forward and create. As ambiguous as that sounds, it is as clear and precise as it will be for women once they start using the platform. Our professional members will be able to ask their peers for insight and access resources as well as our entrepreneurs.

The marketplace itself will allow women-led brands to sell their goods on our platform, connect with our audience, and build their brand within a supportive community. Signing up for the app is super easy. All you must do is visit our website: blackpearlcollective. com, scroll to the app section on the first page and register your name and email. Once the app is on the app store, you’ll be the first to know and use it!

What process does BPC use in recruiting founders, creatives, artists, professionals for its platform?

The process is easy. You must be engaged in some way. As an entrepreneur, you either need to be in the process of launching a business (post ideation) or in the process of scaling. As a professional, you either need to be in the process of advancing or pivoting.

How has BPC helped you fulfill your drive to help female founders of color?

BPC has helped me learn how to listen better and understand when to encourage, direct and connect the amazing women that I’ve met together to fulfill their goals. There is nothing more fulfilling then seeing another woman thrive!!

Please share any upcoming events to be hosted by BPC. We are hosting our Pearl Market Holiday Pop-Up on December 8th at BKLYN Commons. The pop-up will feature some incredible women-led brands from the tristate area including The Ronnie Shop, Create the Culture, Love Soaponified, Mindful Essentials and so many more! We are super excited about the market as it is our last event of the year and we will be sharing some news about the marketplace as well!

Common Mistakes Startups Make: Kimra Major-Morris

Key plays and players to get a running start(up).

Starting a business can be overwhelming. Because we don’t know what we don’t know, new business owners underestimate the importance of crystalizing the vision and consulting with specific professionals to position the startup for ‘the win.’ Here are some common mistakes that can stall growth or lead to a startups’ failure.

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1. Not having a business plan.

It’s easy to fall in love with the idea of being self-employed. What’s not to love about creating your own hours, writing your own checks, planning lots of vacations, choosing who to work with and when? Indeed, these can be excellent perks for entrepreneurs. Starting a business without a plan is a set up for wasting valuable time and losing moneymaking opportunities. By outlining the mission, the math and the milestones, startups can gain momentum early and speak directly to the intended customers sooner. With a business plan that offers a clear mission and some evidence the startup has examined the market, more funding options are likely to be available.

2. Not consulting an accountant

or business attorney.

It’s not uncommon for new business owners to take the DIY approach until the business ‘catches on’ and that can be a huge mistake when it comes to deciding on business structure and tax strategies. Professional guidance on the entity structure that best supports the business’s short and long-term goals can be invaluable in the startup phase. Consulting an accountant or business attorney to implement best practices on separating business and personal income, tracking expenses, saving for self-employment tax payments, and setting up a payroll system (if applicable) can position startups for faster growth, bigger clients, and more impressive pitches to investors or business partners.

3. Not having partnership

“A strong

agreements in writing.

Not only should each partner’s responsibilities be outlined in an agreement, but also the agreement should contemplate potential disasters and address any ongoing confidentiality requirements after the relationship ends. Consider how long the departing partner should be required to hold the company’s secrets and be clear on exactly what those secrets include. Partnerships go sour, misunderstandings occur, one person’s actions create liability for the partnership, and unexpected deaths occur. Then what? The agreement should include those kinds of scenarios. What will the consequences be if there’s a breach? Is there a minimum dollar amount the breaching partner should pay? A strong partnership agreement requires thoughtful consideration of the business’s identity, its assets, risks, reputation, and management style.

“Now, if it

isn’t on social media, it didn’t happen!”

partnership agreement requires thoughtful consideration of the business’s identity...”

4. Not consulting an intellectual property attorney.

A business’s most valuable assets should never be left to chance. An early consultation with an intellectual property can drastically change things. In addition to clearing the rights to the startups’ name, logo, or slogan, intellectual property ownership should be protected through federal, state and international registrations (where applicable) and internal and external policies, procedures and agreements.

Protecting copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, and patents requires specific language in employee agreements, independent contractor agreements, vendor agreements, licenses, franchise agreements, investor agreements, marketing agreements, and more. Intellectual property assets increase startups’ value and can be used as collateral to secure funding.

Although intellectual property registration is not always required, registered owners of intellectual property have more benefits and have the possibility of winning higher awards in damages.

5. Not consulting with a digital marketing strategist.

There was a time when a website was the most important marketing investment a business owner could make. Now, if it isn’t on social media, it didn’t happen! Startups with plans to publicly launch must have a digital marketer onboard to make the biggest splash.

A good digital marketer will help define the brand’s identity, optimize the startup’s website for greater visibility, create unique content to tell the brand’s story, create ad campaigns, and develop partnership strategies to boost sales.

Having a product that’s described as “the best kept secret” is no longer a good thing. Startups should hire a digital marketer early to get the secret out of the bag and improve the bottom line.

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