October 2019 Issue

LIFETIME TV’s MS. T’S MUSIC FACTORY CREATOR, TEMMORA INSPIRES WITH HER PASSION FOR THE MANY HATS SHE WEARS IN LIFE

HEALTH & FITNESS EXPERT

Khristen Murdock TALKS SERVING HER COUNTRY & FITNESS

MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2019

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MICHELA LANSING INDIE FILMMAKER & COOKING SHOW HOST TALKS ABOUT HER PASSION FOR FILMMAKING AND FOOD

BRONZE MAGAZINE

October 2019 Editor’s Note Hey Bronze Beauties! Fall is finally here, marking the beginning of the hibernation season. The trees are changing colors and beginning to lose their leaves, the temperature is unpredictable from one day to the next, some animals are storing up for the winter and seeking safe shelter, and Daylight Savings Time is almost at an end. So what do this all mean? I guess you could say that it’s a beautiful time for change and reflection. As we begin the journey towards the end of 2019, and the beginning of 2020, it seems that it is a good time to plan and prepare for the days ahead.

Cover Credits:

Cover Star: Khristen Murdock Photographer: Rudy - Lyfetime Images IG: @l_t_i

FOUNDER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Shawn Stuldivant CO-OWNER Barry Stuldivant ISSUE DESIGN BY Casey Blackman Shawn Stuldivant EDITOR/PROOFREADER Katrina Sivels WRITERS Tiarsha Harrison Farheen Nahvi Marian Nimoh Patrice Rivers Kiara Timo

In this month’s issue, Certified Personal Trainer and CEO of Clothing Line “BodiedbyMurda,” Khristen Murdock holds down the cover spot. The South Carolina native is a successful Boss Babe who will inspire you with her expert fitness advice, her secret to keeping fit and toned, her clothing line and her natural ability for wanting to help others. Definitely a must read interview! As always, I hope you enjoy reading about Khristen and all the other amazing women featured in this issue. Happy reading!

xoxo, n w a Sh

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P A M E L A

S M I T H

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M I C H E L A

L A N S I N G

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K H R I S T E N

M U R D O C K

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S . M O N I Q U E

S M I T H

Fea tu r e

E R A I N A

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F E R G U S O N

Photography: Rudy of Lyfetime Images IG: l_t_i

SUBMIT YOUR TRAVEL STORIES!

If you are a travelista with an amazing travel experience or useful tips to share with our tribe, then we want to hear from you!

Email your submission for consideration to: editor@bronzemagonline.com

SUBMISSION MUST BE IN A WORD DOCUMENT. IMAGES MUST BE AN ATTACHMENT TO YOUR EMAIL. Due to the high volume of submissions we receive, we will only contact those whose submissions we are interested in publishing.

Temmora

THE ART OF DANCING, SINGING, INSPIRING, AND LIFE

By Farheen Nahvi

How did your interest in singing and dancing come about?

My interest in singing came about from being bullied.

One day my bullies wanted to humiliate me yet again in front of the school, so they signed me up for the school talent competition. The principal had warned

Passion is a key ingredient of life. For Ms. T’s Music Factory creator, dancer, singer, coach, and manager Temmora, passion is the driving force behind all that she does-and that is a lot.

you will be suspended. So, when my name was called, I was so upset. I walked up and tried to talk myself out of it, but the principal was not hearing it. I went on

stage in front of all my peers. I cried and began singing

A dancing and singing instructor at her school

with my eyes closed. I forgot I was singing after a few

Arommet Academy, manager of her daughter’s

notes came out of my mouth and started singing from

singing group Karma, and creator of Lifetime TV’s Ms.

my heart. I didn’t realize the room had gotten silent

T’s Music Factory, at any given point, Temmora is

and when I was done everyone was on their feet, some

wearing so many hats, as she put it herself. Temmora is

crying but all cheering for me. That was my first-time

a source of comfort and inspiration for everyone

experiencing love so I fell in love with singing and

finding themselves juggling different aspects of life,

being on stage it was the only place I truly felt at home

and those not yet confident enough to launch

and loved.

themselves into the world.

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that if your name is on the list, you had to perform, or

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Would you ever consider studio recording again?

Yes, absolutely! That is my happy place. I always have a recording studio in my homes.

Tell us about Ms. T’s Music Factory?

In one sentence: it was my dream come true. I love being in front of an audience; I love helping children; I love Karma, my girl’s group; and I love my family. So I got it all in one place. How do you separate being a

"If you lovewhat you do, don't let anyone stop you."

mom and a manager when it comes to your daughter’s vocal group? That is very difficult because I wear so many hats, but whenever we talk, we have to

What is the one piece of advice you always give

say before our statements: ‘this is mom’ or ‘now I’m

your students?

your manager.’

If you love what you do, don’t ever let anyone stop you.

Did you ever think that you would be teaching

How did the Arommet Academy emerge?

others how to dance and sing, model and act?

I started to do this for free because people wanted my

No, but this was God’s calling so I couldn’t be

help. Then I told them it was getting to be too much

disobedient.

for me, and I was going to pull back. The parents were

What/who has had the biggest musical influence

devastated and wouldn’t let me quit so then they said we will pay you. I said it won’t be enough. So, they

on you?

found me 40 students, and they set the price among

Everyone that has the heart to try, inspires me. This is a

them all to pay me what they felt I was worth. And so,

tough path--to share your creativity in front of the

my school came about, the name of which is my first

world for people to judge you.

name spelled backwards.

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Pamela D. Smith is an Evangelist, multi-Amazon bestselling author, international speaker, and life and business coach. Pamela has selfpublished 6 books, a prayer journal, and released a prayer cd.

She is also the visionary author in a book collaboration titled, Dear Go(o)d Girl. Pamela has a Master's Degree in Business Management and she continues to take courses and training in management, business development, marketing, sales, and selfpublishing. She has taught and delivered the word of God on a variety of platforms and she continues to minister the gospel of Jesus Christ outside of the traditional pulpits and podiums.

PATRICE RIVERS: As an international speaker, what are your topics of interest and where do you speak at?

PAMELA SMITH: My topics range as I am an inspirational speaker and I also speak on business topics related to publishing and books. I love to speak on aligning success with spirituality as I do want women to know that they can be spiritual and still be successful.

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PATRICE: Has speaking ever changed your life for a split second?

PAMELA: Every time God gives me the grace to stand before His people, my life is changed, because after each speaking engagement I tell myself that I can be more and I can do more so that others are inspired and God gets the glory. By constantly reminding myself of that I continue to evolve.

PATRICE: Being a self-publisher has its perks. What do you love most about self-publishing your own books?

PAMELA: I love the freedom to make all of the decisions that come with self-publishing. I also like being on my own timeline.

PATRICE: Are you working on any new book projects for the remainder of the year?

PAMELA: I am not working on any new projects for the remainder of this year. I just released, She Won’t Fail: 12 Steps to align her success goals with her spirituality in order to prosper, in June. The next book that I will release has already been completed but will not be released this year.

OCTOBER 2019

The RP Smith Agency Helps to Encourage and Uplifts Women and Teens in Arlington, Texas.

Interview by Patrice Rivers Photography by P Willi

"Every time God gives me the grace to stand before His people, my life is changed..."

18 PATRICE: What are your expectations in the long-run for both your books and agency?

PAMELA: My books are ministry tools, so I will be using them more in my evangelism strategy, and as far as the agency, again, we will be doing more writing for others and less publishing.

More behind the scene work to help small businesses and authors build their brand through content creation.

PATRICE: It’s amazing that you are a self-publishing consultant and helping authors make their dreams come true.

How long have you been a consultant?

PAMELA: I have been a consultant for almost 3 years but I did not start helping others actually self-publish their work until almost 2 years ago.

Prior to then I was giving them tips and resources so they could do their own publishing. Since our agency is leaning towards content creation, I will be returning back to more consulting with aspiring authors on DIY publishing.

PATRICE: How many authors do you have within your agency?

PAMELA: We’ve published 32. With our agency, you use us to publish your book but you are an independent author, so we don’t retain authors and do any kind of brand management at this time.

PATRICE: With the RP Agency, do you have a five-year plan? Any other projects the agency is planning?

PAMELA: Yes, the agency does have a 5 year plan. In fact we have already begun making changes, restructuring and rebranding. Although we started as a publishing agency, I am a writer and I don’t want my gift of writing to lie dormant so we will be doing more writing/content creation projects for small businesses and entrepreneurs which will mean being more selective about what publishing projects we will be able to take on.

PATRICE: Could you tell us more about the National Association of Christian Ministers? How long have you been a part of that?

PAMELA: The NACM is a national network for Christian ministers that provide resources, training, and accountability for licensed and ordained ministers. It’s a network where you have to be active in ministry and operate with integrity in order to remain in good standing. You also have to renew your membership every year PATRICE: When can we expect your next motivational book to come out?

PAMELA: Honestly, I don’t have any immediate plans to release another motivational book. I plan to promote She Won’t Fail longer than I have any of my other books because it’s more than a book; it’s an affirmation, a lifestyle. The next book that will be released will be a children’s book and then plans to release an instructional book on self-publishing.

Connect with Pamela at www.rpsmiths.com (website) @pameladenisesmith (Instagram) Pamela D. Smith (LinkedIn)

M I C H E L A

L A N S I N G

TH H EE PP R RO OD DU UC CT T II O ON N T O FF LL II FF EE O X PP EE R R II EE N NC C EE SS EE X

INTERVIEW BY FARHEEN NAHVI PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSH FOGEL 10

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LANSING HAS UNDERTAKEN THE CREATION OF A NEW YOUTUBE CHANNEL, EVERYDAY PERSIAN

For some of us, stories are everything-our own, those of our family, our friends, or people we’ve come in contact with. For Michela Lansing, her own life as a child of the conflict-ridden zone of Iran, and the stories of wonderful people in her life such as her aunt have inspired her to voice the stories of people and places seldom touched in mainstream media. Based on the true story of her aunt helping and protecting vulnerable and abused women in Iran, her independent film, The Vigilante, portrays the lives of three women suffering from violence and abuse in a volatile territory, in need of refuge, finding solace in the arms of Fatersheh, a strong and determined woman-Lansing’s aunt. Her new project focuses on the life of a man condemned to live outside the accepted notions of ‘normalcy.’ Nonetheless, living his best life. Lansing has also undertaken the creation a new YouTube channel, Everyday Persian, sharing her culture through food and recipes she inherited from her mother, with her friends and viewers online.

When did you know you wanted to explore filmmaking?

After I had my children and I could not find work as an actor.

Tell us about your musical interests. Are you willing to explore that side of yourself more professionally?

I grew up as a pianist. I started playing piano at the age of seven and by the time I was 13, I was playing classical piano concerts. Currently, I use my musical talent in creating scores and music for my films.

Tell us about your childhood memories of your aunt.

She was a beautiful and strong Persian woman. She was one of the few women I knew that would stand up for you and also one of the very few women who actually had a job.

"I see every creative process as a whole."

Why the passion for cooking? Is there any particular reason? What’s your favorite Persian dish?

I feel that cooking gives me comfort and brings me back to my good childhood memories. I have many favorites, but I love a type of Persian ice-cream called Faloodeh; it is rose ice with shreds of vermicelli in it.

How did you balance writing, directing, and production of a film? Which, according to you was the hardest and why?

I think some people are born to multi-task, I believe that’s how my brain works. I see every creative process as a whole. Getting everything out to the distribution channels-because it’s not a creative process it’s more of a legal process-so it’s tedious and time consuming.

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How has conflict in your homeland changed your perception of the world growing up?

I was frightened of many things in life because I was raised in Iran. Women in Iran do not have equal rights, so their lives and choices are limited. When I moved to the US, I learned to look at life differently and understand freedom better.

What has it been like to cook with your friends and share all your knowledge on YouTube?

What has the feedback been like?

It’s divine; they get to know me in a different light rather than as a professional film-maker.

Also they can learn about my culture.

Next Big Project "My next big project is called The Extraordinary Life of Shane."

Have you inherited any secret recipes from your family? Would you be willing to divulge for the foodies and enthusiasts in our readership?

Yes, most of my cooking are the recipes I learned from my mother-she is a great cook.

Yes, there is a recipe on my YouTube Channel called Kasjke Bademjan or Baked Eggplant which is my mom’s recipe.

Please follow the link: https://youtu.be/qJG4h2gAVho What is the next big project you’re working on?

My next big project is called The Extraordinary Life of Shane. It’s about a wonderful human being called Shane. He was hit by a drunk driver at the age of 5, and lost all mobility. The doctors told his parents that Shane would not have much of a chance for a normal life. Today, Shane is a member of Equinox gym and works out alongside healthy normal people and holds a job at TJMAX. A true inspirational story.

The Vigilante is out on Amazon Prime, and Michela's YouTube channel, Everyday Persian, is live for enjoyment.

YOUTH MAGAZINE

KCODRUM NETSIRHK Certified Personal Trainer and CEO of Clothing Line “BodiedbyMurda” serves her Country and Keeps Fit Interview by Patrice Rivers Photography by Rudy of Lyfetime Images (IG: l_t_i)

A

frican-American females are always winning by becoming successful boss babes, following their own dreams and standing tall in those high heel red pumps! Check out this boss babe standing high as the CEO and Owner of her own apparel line, “BodiedbyMurda.”

Khristen Murdock succeeds in every way that she knows how.

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A South Carolina native, Murdock has been dedicated to her country as an Army Officer for the last four years. Besides being the owner of her own apparel line, Murdock is also aCertified Personal Trainer, Fitness and Holistic Nutrition Specialist, All-around Athlete, and a published Fitness and Fashion Model.

PATRICE RIVERS: WHAT INSPIRED YOU THE MOST TO ENTER INTO THE FITNESS INDUSTRY? KHRISTEN MURDOCK: I always knew I had a gift of helping people. Fitness was one of them. I have been active all my life so Fitness was something that was always a part of me.

PATRICE: HOW DO YOU KEEP A HEALTHY DIET 365 DAYS A YEAR? I KNOW THERE MUST BE SOME CHALLENGES ALONG THE WAY. KHRISTEN: Honestly, It’s very hard. I research, I ask other fitness experts to gain knowledge and I listen to my body. Working out and eating healthy, while understanding your body and genetics will help you to achieve your goals.

You just have to develop the discipline, be dedicated and maintain it.

PATRICE: WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BEST DIET? KHRISTEN: Well, both men and women should definitely do research, talk to a fitness professional about what their specific goals are, and start making small changes to your diet. Take it slow. The best diet always depends on the individual themselves and their genetics. That’s why it’s important to research and consult a fitness professional to help assist you if you have questions.

PATRICE: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AN ARMY OFFICER? WAS THAT ALWAYS A PASSION OF YOURS AS WELL? BEING IN THE MILITARY, HOW DO YOU REMAIN A HEALTHY DIET? KHRISTEN: I have been an Army Officer for 4 years and currently on going. Serving my country was definitely an honorable choice of mine. I love what I do. But I cannot say it is quite my passion.

However, I will do my best to perform, maintain the Army Values, take care of soldiers, and always remember Mission First, People always.

Maintaining a healthy diet in the Military is very easy. I am active duty, so I workout every morning and evening and I meal prep in order to have my meals prepared on the go.

PATRICE: YOU ARE A CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER AND FITNESS NUTRITION AND HOLISTIC SPECIALIST. ARE THERE ANY PROGRAMS OR CLASSES INVOLVED? IF SO, WHAT ARE THEY? KHRISTEN: Well, I am currently on the move with my Army Career, so I train part-time aside from that. I currently don’t have any classes ongoing or Programs currently, however, next year in 2020 I will be working on an online training program.

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KHRISTEN MURDOCK:

“I HAVE CREATED MY OWN FITNESS AND APPAREL LINE CALLED “BODIEDBYMURDA APPAREL” TO HELP BROADCAST WHO I AM AND WHAT I AM ABOUT.”

PATRICE: AS A PERSONAL TRAINER, WHAT EXCERCISES DO YOU NORMALLY RECOMMEND FOR OTHERS? KHRISTEN: I recommend body weight exercises and high intensity with weights once you’ve accomplished your goals of managing your own body weight.

PATRICE: FOR A PERSON WHO WANTS TO START A WEEKLY WORK OUT SESSION AT THEIR HOME, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE THEM? KHRISTEN: Most importantly, research. Speak with a fitness professional if you are not so sure about certain things or if you may need help. I’m sure you could start trying some basic exercises at home. Just be cautious of hurting yourself.

PATRICE: I'VE GOT TO KNOW, AND I’M SURE READERS ARE DYING TO KNOW AS WELL. WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE SECRET TO KEEPING A FIT AND TONED BODY FOR THE WHOLE ENTIRE YEAR? KHRISTEN: My ability to research, learn from other professionals and take some advice, maintaining discipline throughout. You must have the mentality to train like it’s no tomorrow. Fitness isn’t just a goal or something you just do to get by, it is a complete lifestyle. Both fitness and nutrition go hand and hand; you cannot have one without the other.

The discipline, motivation, and drive of wanting to be your best self has to be in the heart, the mind, body, and soul.

There is no secret, it's right before your eyes. You just have to do the work, research, and take action.

PATRICE: PIGGY-BACKING OFF YOU BEING AN AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMAN IN THE ARMY. DO PEOPLE LOOK AT YOU ANY DIFFERENT? WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU EVER HAD TO FACE IN THE MILITARY? KHRISTEN: As an African American woman, period, we are looked at differently all over. Within the military it is tough for us. We may be looked at differently and maybe even stereotyped, but we just work harder; but by the end of the day, our hard work will reflect. I have faced some challenges but not many.

PATRICE: HOW DO YOU BALANCE BETWEEN YOUR WORK LIFE AND YOUR PERSONAL LIFE? DO YOU CREATE A ROUTINE BETWEEN THE TWO? KHRISTEN: I have always been a multi- tasker since grade school. So I am immune to it. However, I usually have a set schedule to help keep me straight. Some things I can accomplish off schedule and still keep a balance.

PATRICE: YOUR FITNESS AND APPAREL LINE CALLED “BODIEDBYMURDA,” WHEN DID YOU CREATE THE LINE AND WHAT DOES IT CONSIST OF? KHRISTEN: Bodiedbymurda was created about 3 years ago. It consists of clothing items such as hats, leggings, workout shirts, t-shirts, crop tops, and hoodies. It all represents me and who I am. These items can be worn to the gym or just on a regular daily basis.

PATRICE: HAVE YOU PERFORMED AT FASHION SHOWS WEARING YOUR OWN APPAREL? KHRISTEN: I have not performed at any fashion shows yet with my apparel, however, that will be soon to come next year in 2020. Stay tuned.

PATRICE: WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOUR CLOTHING LINE AND FOR YOUR FITNESS LIFE? ANYTHING THE READERS SHOULD KNOW? KHRISTEN: Well, as I said before, in 2020 Bodiedbymurda will officially launch its new line. I have not decided on a date, so stay tuned for it. I will also have an online training program available as well and if you see me around the globe feel free to speak and ask questions pertaining to Fitness, Health, the Military life, or the Fitness model life and I will be more than happy to answer them.

IG: @bodiedbymurda Model Mayhem: Fitbey Twitter: @KianaFitBey Facebook: Bodiedbymurda Email: bodiedbymurda@gmail.com

Patrice Rivers is an author of seven books, an entertainment and lifestyle writer, a journalist and owner of That Riverz Gurl Brand. You can check out her website www.patricerivers.com

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S. MONIQUE SMITH

Hope Lives, Sincerely, Jane Doe

by Kiara Timo The longest living Jane Doe in America had no idea that she was living with a false identity until she was an adult. While pursuing an entrepreneurial opportunity, this Jane Doe struggled to complete the program she signed up for because the background information she provided regarding her identity was continuously rejected and she was determined to find out why. She was then met with a reality she didn’t see coming. She discovered that Symbolie Monique Smith, the person she thought she was her entire life, is a lie. She had been abducted as a child and raised by her kidnapper.

A reality that would cause most people to have a mental breakdown, Jane Doe, who goes by the name of S. Monique Smith (for now), had already endured a traumatic upbringing. So instead of lingering in a state of internal confusion, Monique remained strong, turned in her kidnapper, had her case opened by the National Center for Missing Children and the State Police, and began a journey of self-discovery.

Stolen at some point between infancy and early childhood, Monique has no memories of her life prior to her kidnapper. All she has to connect the dots to who she was is the woman who took her, a now seventy-five-year-old woman who never had children and forced her into an upbringing filled with physical and sexual abuse. She hasn’t seen this woman since approximately 2008 and hasn’t spoken to her since 2009. While discussing her kidnapper, Monique doesn’t hold back, “It’s trafficking. You’ve basically stolen someone’s life and entire identity. Our legacies are built off our names. There’s Rockefeller’s, we hear the Obama’s, the Kennedy’s … People are known for their legacies and you’ve stolen these legacies.”

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The pain that comes with finding out that you were abducting as an infant is more than the effects of not knowing your past, there’s also a fear regarding what this could mean for your future. Despite knowing that she is completely innocent in her abducting, she was still terrified of repercussions of living under a false identity, “I’m a mother of two, I had just purchased my first home, I was working for a very well known – well I can say it; John Hopkins. I was fearful for my life at the assumed age of thirty because I’m thinking that all the [information] I lived off of was false information; A false social security number, false paperwork, false enrollment for school. Everything was falsified and I’m thinking that any day now I’m the next homeless victim. I had no one to help me. No one, but the grace of God.” With no one to turn to, Monique relied on her faith, “I feel like without He, there's no Me." “The creator has allowed me to take ownership. I’m walking my fine line of-- if I go this way and have the opportunity of [knowing] my family I’m going to embrace it, I’m going to nurture it. I’m going to need a full stadium for a reunion because of the amount of support I’ve gotten—I’m now their family. On the opposite side, there’s something inside of me that says, ‘you may not find out while you’re on this earth.

We all have seen documentaries and stories, like a time capsule, where something happened. [mock anchor voice]: Thirty years ago … Or ancestor.com is premiering some show of the remains of someone being found after a family was looking for so long. I have to know and feel comfortable [with the fact that] I may never know, and it may be in the hands of my children or my grandchildren.

Despite the positivity she maintained throughout most of our phone interview, she can’t help the bits of melancholy that seeped through, “I’m going to die a nobody. It’s strange to say, but you’ve got to realize I’m somebody--but who are they going to put on my birthstone? I refuse to go to my death … I refuse to go to my grave … I’ve already talked to my children. Do not put on Symbolie. Don’t put on Monique. Don’t put in Smith, because they are fake names. Say ‘here lies a mother, a child of God’.

Put the role I helped nurture [with] other people versus that fake person. I don’t want to carry that to my grave. I’ve worked very hard with the direction of God to be somebody.”

Now in her fifties with two children on her own, Monique does speaking events about what it’s like being the longest living Jane Doe, where she discusses her own journey, speaking about the painful realities of missing children, and encourages families to never give up, “All missing children aren’t dead. That’s what’s assumed when the case has gone cold.”

She says, “A week ago a police officer came to me while [I] posting up flyers at a community awareness event in DC and the officer said ‘Oh My God. I do this every day, all the time from the beginning of a missing child’s report and there’s rarely a lot of times where we get to have the recovery that we’re looking for and seeing you stand here and you’re assumed fifty-one—fifty-two, and you’re missing … it gives me hope for me to continue the work that I’m doing.

Now Monique has begun to create her own legacy. Her desire to have had a different upbringing largely influenced how she raises her own two children, “I celebrate motherhood.” And, she goes through life knowing that her strength has gotten her this far and, need be, it will always keep her going, “Resilience. We all have to identify with our own resilience.”

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“I PRAY THAT MY MESSAGE AND MY STORY WILL BENEFIT OTHERS.” Monique wants everyone to know that she is not just doing this for self-serving purposes, even though no decent person could judge her if she did. She wants to get this message out there to encourage families to never give up looking for the loved ones they’ve lost, “I’ve seen parents who are traumatized. They don’t want to look anymore because every time they get a tip or new possibility—when there’s no additional information it is heartbreaking.” Monique knows that she is living proof of what is possible and if showing her face and sharing her story can provide some hope for families out there, then she’s willing to put a spotlight on herself.

Even while knowing that she may never find the family she was supposed to be with, Hope is never lost on Monique, “I pray that my message and my story will benefit others.” While she is still actively searching for her family, Monique has created a full life all on her own. She has her two kids, friends, the family she’s made of the people who have supported her throughout this journey, her entrepreneurship, and her work as missing children advocacy. She may not know her ancestry, but she has created a beautiful legacy of her own.

For information regarding missing children please go to The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (missingkids.com). Monique’s book, I Am the Ancestor, is currently available for purchase on Amazon. The trailer for her documentary “The Longest Living Jane Doe” is available on YouTube from the YouTube handle KnownAsMonique Smith.

If you wish to keep up with her journey you can follow Monique on Twitter: @knownasmonique Instagram: @knownasmonique1 Facebook: Known As Monique

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Where to find us

18 With every transition in life, one has to go through obstacles. Eraina Ferguson's challenges were definitely not easy the moment she gave birth to her special needs daughter, Taylor, who is deaf and autistic.

Ferguson’s parents were retired and moved away and she did not have many family surrounding her. Her grandmother refused to coddle her and gave her the space that was needed to grow. With a one way ticket, her daughter and $1,000 to her name, she decided to move to New York. Having accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior on June 30, 2002 at Living Word Christian Center, Ferguson came to the realization that by putting God first, she could conquer anything. She attended weekly bible study and time alone with the heavenly father for a whole year. “God has been my navigation system,'' she says.

Apart from family, destiny and God being the forefront in Ferguson’s life, love also decided to hit the surface. After pursuing her education and obtaining two more academic degrees, she reconnected over the phone with a gentleman whom she knew would change her life. They dated long distance, read their Bibles over the phone and after a year of reconnecting, they were married.

“God has been there through every season married, single and as I had more children,” she says. “This is the life he chose for me and it is good.”

Ferguson's daughter Taylor completely changed her adult life. “She made me understand what was the true reason for my drive and focus.” “I had to create the best life possible for her because it is bigger than me and I had to give my daughter the best opportunities possible."

Eraina's Good Life

By Tiarsha Harrison

Ferguson on her daughter Taylor...

"She made me understand what was the true reason for my drive and focus."

Taylor is the inspiration behind “My Good Life, a 501c3 organization that was launched as a blog in my Yale dorm room,” said Ferguson. “Since then I have written over 200 parenting articles across a number of digital and print platforms, including DFW Child Magazine, Ebony Magazine, JET, and LA Parent. My Good Life is a digital platform for parents of special needs children which includes a meetup and service component. Self care options are provided at locations like Sephora, for moms to receive a makeover and have free kid experiences. “We recently presented at the Wellness Expo at SXSW in March and spoke via their conscious conversations event.” This organization looks forward to the future.

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