Issuu

Summer 2011

C O N T E N T S

4 Celesta Bethea

6 Stephanie Nunezgil

DEPARTMENTS 4 Business Women 6 Trained for Others 8 Non-Profits 13 Music 14 Fashion Graphic Designers Contributors Zellena Sherman/Black Diamond Editing

Rickey Craig/Photography

18 Sarita Griggs

8 Toni Clark Melanony Parker 14 Fashion

EDITOR’S LETTER

Women Dedication To Helping Others WE THANK YOU!!

hen I observe women going around with their daily routines, I always see the bigger pic-

ture that they may be facing today. Women are multi-taskers and are equipped to handle an enormous amount of duties. This is a proven fact about the capabilities of women on a daily basis. Our lives are filled with taking care of and entire household, family, kids and communities. Putting other peoples needs before our own. Solving problems and finding positive journeys for others to encounter all before that second cup of coffee. Our goals are to see smiles upon people faces, family faces, kids faces and faces of strangers. So we are continuously discovering ideas to help others prosper and grow within their families and communities. We are nurturers for EVERYBODY!! It is something that we all are born with, rather we utilize it or not!! The list of duties never stop for women. Our day begins as soon as our eyes are open and the thoughts begin to flow. We are mothers, grandmothers, business women, activists, lawyers, doctors, judges, ceo‟s, politicians, journalists, homemakers, realtors, actors, singers, poets, fashion designers and athletes worldwide. Women all over the world have similar situations and circumstances to overcome. So Destiny Magazine for Women Online has set out to discover and showcase great women of the world. The ones that step out on faith through adversity by seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!! The women who are not afraid to follow their passion and dream a bigger dream for themselves and others. We have connected with women nationally and international and will display the talents, skills, gifts and passion of all women that are willing to share with our magazine. We have started right here in our own backyard with SC and GA women making a difference in the community. Destiny Magazine for Women is an Online journal for women to encourage and empower other women to follow our passion in life and build upward. We are here to display products and services that phenomenal women have to offer. Do not be in fear of your own destiny!! Let your light shine!!

Tawana S. Dirton EDITOR IN CHIEF All rights reserved for the entire contents of this publication No part can be reproduced without prior written consent. DESTINY MAGAZINE FOR WOMEN ONLINE Published By-Monthly Online BY THE VOE GROUP One year free subscription www.issuu.com/destinymagazineforwomen

www.destinymagazineforwomen.webs.com

CELESTE BETHEA STORY Mother MeMa Entrepreneur Community Advocate for Women and Children

Jaelyn

When you are in the presence of this remarkable woman you see her determination. Her humble spirit will allow you to build a solid and growing relationship. Celeste Bethea is the Owner of Divine Connections, a marketing and management company. With the love and passion she has for helping others, Divine Connections assists companies, non-profits, artists and play writers to grow and succeed. Her drive continues with her duties as Executive Director of Nothings Impossible whose goals are to encourage kids to follow their dreams and understand that their are no limitations

Brittney

on the success, drive and passion of life Celeste is a divorced mother of three beautiful daughters Brittany 22, Arieona 15, Jaelyn 10 and a adorable grand daughter named Logan. Only a woman with Divine Connections on her side, can handle a house full of growing women. Celeste takes the time to balance life through her strong faith in prayer, love and her passion to help others. Her down time consist of spending time with her girls, family and friends and watching movies. Celeste begins her day reading the bible and daily devotion. Her opinion to others on moving toward success is to “understand DESTINY 4

Logan

that the road to success is a journey. and we all have the ability to attain whatever we seek.” Celeste obtain her educational training and experiences by attending Strayer University Business ManagementGreenville SC, Business Management University of Phoenix on-line, Middle Georgia Technical Institute Warner Robins Georgia, Business Administration Rowan Cabarrus Community College - Salisbury North Carolina and obtained a certificate as a Certified Customer Service Specialist. Setting goals and following through is a message that Ms. Bethea pushes daily.

BUSINESS WOMEN

Finding beautiful and talented people to hook up with comes natural to Celeste. Her entrance in a room is electric but it has an open spirit that allows people to approach her in conversation. Celeste Bethea has a long list of accom-

plishments in assisting other organizations with growth. Her clients list consist of working with DJ Unk on Crush The Stage Dance Completion, Local Rap Artist CDH, South Carolina Music Conference in Washington DC, Stop

Domestic Violence Campaigns, The Raven Magwood Show, Goodwill Event with Chef Jason Ellis and others. You can contact Celeste on Facebook for more details. # Review her partnerships below!!

Singer Lo Stanton, DJ Unk, Celeste

Celeste, Jenny Dial, B93.7 Staff

Artist Jarad Emerson

SCMC in Washington DC

Natasha Kerns Memorial @ Real Men Against Domestic Violence

Diosa and Celeste

The Raven Magwood Show

DESTINY 5

Celebrity Chef Jason Ellis

Comedian Big O

sexual or emotional abuse. By providing situational counseling throughout the children‟s daily routines we are able to help them learn how to care for themselves, successfully through problem solving and building social skills. I’ve chosen this field because mental health has somewhat been put on the back burner and with the changes in economy and the development of a highly technological and fastpaced society, there has been increased stress and mental health concerns along with decreased resources for those needing services. Children have been highly affected by this with the lack of needed time and attention they receive from adults and it will continue to be a growing concern which is why I choose to stay in the field. I also provide respite care on occasion for my brother‟s family with the girls he has in his care. My heart really lies with the children who are our future and if I can have a positive influence on even one of the children I’ve worked with, it’s worth it to me. Q3. Are you married and do you have any children? A3. I am not married and do not have any children

Stephanie Nunezgil Giving her life to others as A Crisis Services Technician & Psychiatric Child Care Q1. Where do you live and where are you originally from? A1. I was born in California but raised in Washington State since I was 2 years old. I‟ve spent most of my time in the Olympia area. Q2. What are your Career Choices, Passion and Purpose in life? A2. Currently, I work two jobs, one as a Crisis Services Technician and the other as a Psychiatric Child Care Counselor. As a Crisis Services Technician, I work with mental health and chemical dependency patients coming into the ER for services, assist in social services resources for patients as well as assisting families of Codes and Traumas in the event that a loved one is in serious or a potentially life-threatening condition. I‟m also one of the Management of Aggressive Behavior (MOAB) trainers for hospital staff. As a Psychiatric Child Care Counselor, I work in a long-term inpatient psychiatric unit for kids aged 617, most having been through severe physical,

but I have plenty of nieces and nephews whose lives I stay active in as much as possible. I started snowboarding this past winter which will definitely always have a place in my heart from now on. There’s a sense of freedom being on top of the mountain. However, I love warm, sunny weather and have enjoyed each place I‟ve traveled to for different reasons. My favorite would have to be the Dominican Republic. It‟s a beautiful place and maybe a spot for a vacation home in the future. I‟ve also visited Florida and more recently South Carolina which very well could be my new home by the end of the year! I love the atmosphere!

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TRAINED TO HELP OTHER

Q4. What Spiritual Beliefs or Other steps do you practice to get motivated every morning? A4. As far as motivation goes, there are several things that get me up and going every day. There is nothing specific that I do on a regular basis but I remind myself that there are things I want to accomplish and I will do it for myself because there is no one else that can make it happen for me. I use a lot of positive self-talk in order to keep in mind the things that I have been and will continue working toward for my future including advancing in my career, buying a house and traveling. I have faith in myself because I am the one that can make a difference. Q5. Where did you attend college and what are your future goals? A5. My career journey started at South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia, WA with my Associate of Arts in 2001 and then I transferred to The Evergreen State College in 2004 and graduated with my Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in Education in 2006. In that time I also completed my Child Development Associate. Since then I have taken extra courses in business and

currently continuing with a course in Forensic Psychology which I may pursue later to obtain a PHD. I am currently looking into an Occupational Therapy Assistant program and possibly a Masters in Occupational Therapy with a focus on pediatrics and war veterans with PTSD. One of my goals has always been to be independent. In order to accomplish this, I continuously look for new learning opportunities and experiences so that I can continue to progress forward in life. I was the first in my family to graduate from college in which I am very proud. My determination comes from me constantly seeking new knowledge. Q6. Destiny Magazine is for all Women, what encouraging words would you say our readers? A6. I would have to tell other women to take every opportunity that comes available and use the resources available to better yourself daily. Take time for yourself! Always try to find a positive in every situation even if it seems impossible; just use it as a learning experience. Set goals and standards for yourself so that you are leading life with a purpose and a sense of accomplishment. It is an amazing feeling to know that you have put yourself on a pedestal that makes you proud of you. I have volunteered for the Washington Reading Corps for children, walked for the March of Dimes, donated to a local food drive for homeless teenagers and donated gifts for children at Christmas time. Q7. Do you have any siblings? Or do you have other family members, that you would like to mention, that motivates you on your journey? A7. My family has been a big part of who I am right now, my mom and dad, brothers and sisters. What continues to keep me going are all my nieces and nephews as well as all of the other children I ever have or ever will care for because I want them to have a positive role model, someone they can go to with no limitations on what the children can do or who they can become. ##

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DEFENDERS FOR CHILDREN

CO-FOUNDERS Toni Clark

Melanony Parker

These two together are a force to reckon with in Greenville, SC. Both coming together on a common cause that would allow children to live in a safer environment. Researching and developing resources that will protect the children on a daily basis is a big goal for the organization. Defenders For Children has built a strong bridge for communities and volunteers to bring action to the table. Toni and Melanony are in it for the protection of the children. Defenders for Children is a non-profit organization in Greenville, SC whose goals are to address the growing problem of child abuse and stop the violent attacks against defenseless children. The organization has teamed up with local organizations that share a similar goal to protect the children. Children are innocent kids that rely on others for protection, support, love and daily necessities. We as humans are put on this earth to always take care of our children. Defenders for children are making a difference in the community to help do just that!!!

DEFENDERS FOR CHILDREN has put together several program campaigns that are geared towards raising funds and putting children of abuse in a safer zone. Countless hours of hard work and dedication has allowed the organizations to make great progress in the Upstate. They have joined forces with local churches, businesses, individuals, and children organizations. For a full list of THE DEFENDERS in the community that give time and love to the organization go to www.defendersforchildren.org. The Blue Ribbon was one of the first campaigns that the organization created to raise funds and fight for abused and neglected children in the Upstate. The campaign was launched in April 2011 in honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month www.childwelfare.gov. The Blue Ribbon Campaign allowed people to form teams to sell and wear Blue Ribbons throughout the Upstate. With the participation of small and large businesses, social, and religious groups and individuals from the community, the campaign distributed over seven thousand ribbons in Greenville County. “The Blue Ribbon Campaign speaks out to all the victims, the children that are currently being hurt and the adults who have live through it.” For details on how you can get involved for next years campaign please visit website www.defendersforchildren.org today!!! Volunteers, businesses and the Upstate community were contributors of the campaigns success. Coming together as a whole will increase numbers for next year campaigns.

DESTINY 8

NON-PROFIT CHARITIES

The Blankets of Hope Program was created by Defenders for Children to give to an abused child as a comforting object when they are feeling scared and alone. Something that the children can hold on to while going through such a bad time in their lives. Blankets of Hope “Drop In” Parties were hosted all over the Upstate. Communities are coming together with scissors ready to simply cut and tie knots to create a beautiful blanket for an abused child. The wonderful volunteers are from youth groups, churches, businesses and organizations that are giving an abuse child a “Gift of Love” that they can hold on to for comfort. All blankets are distributed to the child by their assigned Guardian Ad Litem. Volunteers of Guardian Ad Litem are put in place by the court system to watch over the abused children and keep them out of any type of abused situations. For more details about Guardian Ad Litem or to volunteer, go to website www.greenville.scgal.org. Other Organizations have come together as a resource to support Defenders for Children‟s efforts on “Breaking the cycle of Abuse” is located on Defenders for Children website. To find locations that are hosting Blankets For Hope

Drop In Parties, please www.defendersforchildren.org.

visit

Volunteers are always needed to assist with Defenders for Children Programs growth and visibility in the communities. Some of the volunteers have worked on campaigns for the organization. Stephanie Drayton/Mrs. Today's American Woman Winner loves to volunteer for the organization and worked on The Blue Ribbon Campaign. Another volunteer Angie Wortkoetter a firm believer Volunter Stephanie Drayton in her faith, family and community also assisted in The Blue Ribbon Campaign. They both are dedicated to the organization and always helping with a smiling face and open heart. More volunteers are always needed, please go to website for more details. Volunteer Angie Wortkoetter

For more details on how you can get involved with Defenders for Children please visit website: Www.defendersforchildren.org W w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / defendersforchildren Facebook/ Toni Clark or Melanony Parker Email: toni@defendersforchildren.org malanony@defendersforchildren.org DESTINY 9

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Our state of the art software tracking system gives our referring partners access to up-todate information on their clients 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. *Most credit repair companies take your money and do nothing if you don’t do your part and send all correspondence with the bureaus to the company in a timely manner. We stay in constant contact with you via email, text, phone, and mail to make sure you send this much needed information back. Even if all credit repair companies could remove the same amount of information off of the credit reports, TRW would still receive better results than most companies because we have a staff that makes sure these items are returned so we get the maximum amount of disputes/deletions. don’t oversell our product. No credit repair company can guarantee to remove all items. *Customer service is what we hang our hat on. We are in the office 8:00 to 5:00 Central Time, Monday through Friday. You can call TRW’s corporate office and speak to a live, experienced representative, that will take care of you and treat you with the respect that you deserve. *Serious inquiries only please*

We not only repair your credit, we repair your life! clcreditrestoration@yahoo.com

DESTINY MEN

THE CRAIG LEWIS BAND ATLANTA’S FINEST R&B SINGERS Download single from ITUNES TODAY

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Aliyah Aziza Lombard, known to most in the fashion world as AZIZA, catapulted herself into the fashion arena just four short years ago when she decided, after her 10 year marriage ended, that selling handbags from the trunk of her car could no longer be a pastime activity and to turn her passion for fashion into a viable business meant exercising her faith in a big way. From the trunk of her car to owning two Women‟s boutiques in just two short years, (Aziza’s ‘She’s Gotta Have It’ boutique, in Stone Mountain Georgia, and Aziza’s World Boutique Couture in Roswell, Georgia,) Aziza‟s passion and entrepreneurial spirit, gave rise to the inception of her first clothing line in the Fall of 2009 when she launched her line, Fashions by Aziza. A graduate of the Art Institute of Atlanta, and a student of transpersonal psychology (spiritual psychology) Aziza‟s passion for fashion and her pas-

sion for people, infused in her the need to identify her place and purpose in her newfound career that strayed so far from what she had done previously in her life. For over 10 years Aziza owned and operated personal care homes that catered to the elderly, disabled, homeless, battered women, mentally ill and recovering substance abuse populations. She owned and operated a children‟s group home in Troy, Alabama where she also dedicated herself to the education of children through her virtues, character, and esteem building classes offered to the children and youth in her community. Now, after so many years of community service and community building, to embark on a career endeavor that would not seemingly embody the service to humanity that she was so entrenched in, seemed somewhat shallow and mundane to her, and she grappled with the whole idea of how she would incorporate her philanthropic values into what seemed so superficial at first sight. Aziza decided, in aligning with purpose, her passion for helping people and fulfilling the need to serve would unfold organically and the natural process of transparency and authenticity in motion, and exhibiting faith while sharing the truth of who she is, would allow her to demonstrate her power and purpose. When asked, “what is your passion?”, Aziza‟s replies, “to empower, inspire, encourage, and enlighten women. And to be the possibility of powerful, meaningful, life changing connections every day.” She then shares her daily affirmation with passion in her eyes, “Everyone I meet is a blessing to me, and I am a blessing to them. I see the face of God in everyone I meet, and we are whole, we are healed, and we are overjoyed.” Moved in the moment, her expressed passion led her to reveal the many miracles that occurred in that little boutique in Stone Mountain, Georgia. The prayer circle, the praise and worship, the spiritual transformations. How one woman anointed her place with water she held onto for years from the holy land, and another who anointed the walls from back to front with oil. How the pastors and ministers and prophetesses and blessed souls that pour into that place every day, attest to the anointing in that place and the spirit of love and peace that dwells there. Yes, there is no doubt that Aziza found her place and purpose amongst the handbags,

DESTINY 14

FASHION

she shares, “this is not really about the clothes, or the shoes, or jewelry or any of that. Yes, this is a business and I am here to thrive and prosper, but what it‟s really about for me on a deeper level, is activating spirit to empower these beautiful women I come in contact with every day, to be their best selves and to participate in anyway they can, in transforming the planet through their own self transformation.” “I feel It‟s my duty and purpose to relay that and to be an encourager and willing vessel in that lofty endeavor.” Aziza prides herself on customer service. “We pamper our customers with perfection” she says. Customer service is of the utmost importance and in her four years of being in business she prides herself on saying that her one unsatisfied customer was not even a customer at all. She was the recipient of a gift that she wanted to return that was aged and for which she had no receipt. Aziza‟s „She‟s Gotta Have It‟ Boutique, in Stone Mountain, and now her first franchised business in Douglasville, Georgia, is a member boutique, where membership is initiated with a customer‟s first purchase. Through continued purchases and the earning of points, a membership card is awarded which entitles customers to discounts and incentives in the store. Aziza‟s boutique, which

was a formerly owned boutique for trendy young women, is now a women‟s boutique with a style catering to the classy, sexy, funky, chic, and unique women ranging in sizes from 3 petite to a women‟s plus size 6x. Aziza shares her love for community and the creative spirit, by carrying the custom designed jewelry and accessories of the creative and crafty women in the community on consignment. “This is OUR store, and I want people to feel as if they are a part of the prosperity available to them here.” All and all, Aziza‟s „She‟s Got to Have It Boutique‟ offers to the community, and to its customers, a special experience each and every time they walk through the door. Every one is treated and greeted with a smile. The staff is friendly and genuinely willing to serve. And Aziza freely affirms that each and every one who enters is truly there by divine appointment.

5994 MEMORIAL DR. Stone Mountain, GA 30083 Www.facebook.com/

Aziza’s World of Fashion

DESTINY 15

Poetic Extraordinary Sarita “Sincere” Griggs Shares her Soul

Q1.

Where do you currently reside?

A1. I currently live in Greenville, SC, but I‟m originally from Moncks Corner, SC, which is right outside of Charleston. Q2. What is your occupation and or Career Choices/Passion n Purpose in the Career Industry? A2. I currently am pursuing my spoken word artistry full time. This is my passion and I intend to make a career of it, and tie it into motivational speaking. Q3. Are you married,? A3. I am currently single, no children. Q4. What are some of your favorite VACATION SPOTS or soon to become! A4. Vacation? What is that? I don‟t know the last time I actually took a vacation. It may be time for me to actually look into that. Then I could actually answer this question. I would like to visit the Caribbean and the Mediterranean Islands at some point. Q5. What Spiritual Beliefs or Other steps do you practice to get motivated every morning? A5. I grew up in the church. My father is a minister, so I have a strong belief in God. I believe in the power of prayer. I can be honest in saying that I don‟t pray as often as I should, but aren‟t we all works in progress? I‟m praying more, and not just when I need something, but sometimes just to say thank you. My life could be in so much more turmoil, but it‟s not, and I‟m excited to see what new

blessings God has in store for me. Q6. Where did you Go to college and what are your future Goals? A6. The infamous college question….I am almost a career student at this point. I have attended Furman University in Greenville, SC, Trident Technical College in North Charleston, SC, and the University of South Carolina Upstate in Spartanburg, SC. I have lived a lot during those years and made plenty of not so good decisions. However, I will be returning to school in the fall to complete my last 15 credit hours to FINALLY get my undergraduate degree. I am a business/communications major, and will use my education to further my goal of becoming a motivational speaker. I am currently working on my first spoken word CD, and have plans for a poetry book to be released later on this year.

DESTINY 18

POETRY

Q7. Since Destiny Magazine is for Women, as a woman!!! What enSarita –n– Tameka Dirton couraging words would you say to women.. ON HOW to follow their passion in life and fulfill their PURPOSE? A7. I would say to LIVE, don’t just exist, but live. Take the time to learn yourself and embrace your passion. We often spend so much time focusing on pleasing others first, that we never find the time to do what makes us happy. Once you figure out what your passion is, educate yourself on how to excel in that area. Take classes, read books, attend seminars, meet and network with others who are doing the same thing successfully. If you can find a way to roll your job and passion into the same thing, that‟s even better! Q8. What do you think about women running for President and do you think that the world is ready? A8. I think that if a woman is qualified and has the best interest of the nation at heart, she should follow her dream and run for office if that‟s what she wants to do. I also think that sometimes the best way to prepare the world for what‟s in store is to just do it. Sometimes you can‟t wait for people to be ready, but do you, and then they will have to acclimate themselves.

Q9. Since I love to cook and eat gourmet food!!!! What is your favorite food and type of restaurant? A9. I am developing a love of cooking, but its slow going since I‟m on the road a lot. I love Italian food, the more pasta and cheese, the better, but my absolute favorite food is sushi! There are so many different flavor combinations and textures… it‟s always something new! If you haven‟t tried it, you‟re missing out. Q10. Do you have any siblings? Or do you have other family members, that you would like to mention, that motivated you on your journey? A10. I am one of four children. I have two brothers and a sister. Family is a big thing for me, and I wouldn‟t be half the woman I am without their support. My parents, my siblings, and my extended Sarita –n– R&B Artist Avant family(they know who they are), have spoken life into me and I am grateful for everything they do for me. And since my journey is not over, I‟m looking forward to new milestones and accomplishments and being able to share them with my loved ones. ##

POET CAMEREN “OLDSOUL” JONES for bookings email: domjones30@yahoo.com

DESTINY 19