Flourish Digital Magazine Summer 2021

SUMMER 2021 ISSUE 4 VOLUME 2

Bridgett Gagné POISED, STYLED & CELEBRITIZED

Summer Time WILL LIVING BE EASIER?

WWW.CHLOETAYLORBROWN.COM

Editor's Note Hello there!

This is indeed a lighter, more lovely season than Summer 2020, and we are grateful and optimistic that people and places will continue to flourish in spite of many uncertainties lingering. I believe in doing our best to look for the more excellent and compassionate way.

All of us who have worked on this issue of Flourish Digital Magazine have been inspired, and we want you to enjoy it as well. Let us know what you like best and what you would like to see more of. What a challenge it was to complete, though. One thing I have always known—and even more so now, after this issue—is this: There is nothing like a dynamic, creative and loyal team of people who stick with you, especially when you need refueling. Without their efforts, actions, presence, and leadership, Flourish Digital Magazine would not be the luxury publication that it has become in just one year. I also offer praise and many a generous and heartfelt thank-you to each of our amazing lifestyle contributors who have been right here with us from the beginning.

And to Karen Gamba and Frank Carlisi, your year-long business contribution was priceless. You both are greatly appreciated. Know that you are always part of the original Flourish Family.

The Summer 2020 Olympics has certainly had its troubles leading up to the opening ceremonies but I am happy for all athletes participating that it has actually happened. Summer is a time for fun! Day parties, activities with lots of laughter and light-hearted giggles, interactions with family and friends, sharing tasty foods, cookouts, concerts, water parks, museums and so much more. Do you feel that this Summer has been shaping up accordingly? Are we coming back to ourselves since coronavirus began? Or are we getting ready to buckle down again with increased new cases of the more virulent Delta version? Let's stay kindhearted, compassionate, thoughtful of others and vigilant. Because we all want to thrive, flourish and win.

Chloé Taylor Brown Editor-in-Chief

chloe@flourishdigitalmagazine.com Instagram: @flourishdigitalmagazine @chloetaylorbrown

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 4

r e m m SISu THE HEIGHT OF BEING

ALIVE @flourishdigitalmagazine @sadiyah_adams

42

WHAT'S SIMMERING THIS SUMMER?

10

SUMMER LENS

14

LET'S GO OUTSIDE

64

AMERICA'S GAME CHANGER

30

HEY, MAMAS! iT'S SUMMERTIME

71

IN THE SPIRIT OF PLAY

32

COLOR POWER

74

DISASTER IN PARADISE

Paula G. Voice

Laurie Marie Renfro

Elena Taylor Bagger

Chloé Taylor Brown

Sadiyah Adams

Chloé Taylor Brown

Chloé Taylor Brown

Janis Hunt Johnson

34

DiViNE ELEGANCE: NIKKI BERRY Paula G. Voice

28

HOW TO MAKE A BETTER SALAD

46

NFL WiFE AND SO MUCH MORE: NIYA BROWN MATTHEWS

38

BEiNG VEGAN

57

CLIVE MATHIBE: A UNiQUE QUEER VOiCE SHOUTS iN SOUTH AFRiCA

40

BIG BOOTY JUDY

82

SOUL TO TABLE

76

THERESA M. HOWARD'S ENGELE DANCE

Chloé Taylor Brown

Chloé Taylor Brown

Cynthia McCoy

Lisa Washington

Bella Yemaya

Shaquin Thomas

12

NEW GENERATION LOOKBOOK

54

BLACK GIRL SUNSCREEN

21

TIMELESS BEAUTY

66

THE "NO MAKE-UP" SUMMER TREND

44

SUMMER-PROOF YOUR MAKE-UP

Alexandria Lee

Carol Causieestko

Nyssa Green

81

Chloé Taylor Brown

AGING SKIN

16

PROFiLE: BRIDGETT GAGNÉ

68

NYLA'S TEA ON GEN Z

55

BACK IN THE SADDLE

70

GIRL SWAG

Chloé Taylor Brown

Karen Gamba

Nyla Stevenson

Chloé Taylor Brown

WWW.CHLOETAYLORBROWN.COM

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SUMMER

LENS

Well! Needless to say, if anyone has viewed the world through rose-colored glasses, you probably need to change the lenses. In the past 18 or so months, our world has changed drastically on so many levels. Those rose-colored glasses have probably fogged up ten times over. Especially when you have a mask on. I still haven’t figured out how to stay fog-free! We definitely are in a new season, and it is quite different. I struggle with the “getting back to normal” because after what we have been through universally, how is that possible?

I flew for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic a couple of months ago. I would dare say, the process from the Uber to the airport, to security, to the plane, was anything but normal. It is a new way of life. Now I must confess that I am a closet germaphobe, so I was delighted to see the safety and sanitation measures throughout the process. The realization of a new way of flying was very evident.

So how do we navigate this season? It’s Summer, for crying out loud!

There's the beach, the national parks, the cruises, the international travel. How do we continue to enjoy life, to flourish—yet still be safe? Embrace this new way of life and find ways to flourish in the midst—that’s how. What I have learned over this past year and a half, is to adjust. We had a wonderful time visiting the beach, another city, and family. We just had to make some adjustments. In the process of doing so, it was definitely apparent that we all have got to keep on living and thriving.

I had a radio show for close to six years, and now I currently host a TV show. On each platform, I remind the audience each week that time and life are both precious. They are two things that we cannot get back, bargain for, borrow, or buy more of in the real-time sense. As long as we are living, breathing beings, we must strive to thrive, and of course, flourish! >

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 10

I OFFER SOME SUGGESTIONS ON HOW YOU CAN FLOURISH THIS SUMMER Don’t’ compare yourself to others and what they are or are not doing. Over this last year, unfortunately, some of us have done just that.

We see others who surprisingly may have flourished in the midst of a pandemic. Some of us may not have done so, for various and valid reasons. The loss of loved ones or of a job can be devastating, rendering a person almost frozen in time. Be encouraged. Know that you can start today on a new journey that begins with enjoying a wonderful summer! Allow yourself time to breath, relax and reflect.

One thing I did enjoy during the pandemic lockdown was being able to complete some long-overdue projects around the house. Didn’t you always want to paint that room and give it a new look? Perhaps some new furniture or plants? Depending on your preference, DIY home projects can be relaxing and enjoyable, and can provide a sense of satisfaction.

Perhaps you have a backyard, and you desire to create a zen space. You can make a sanctuary right in your own backyard. A patio will do!

Most cities have some version of an outdoor Farmer’s Market, or other similar small-town venues, which are in most instances free of charge to enter. During the past year, we explored areas right in our own neighborhood that we never even knew existed. There was nowhere to drive to, so we made daily plans to walk in a different direction from our home each day. It’s amazing what you can discover in your very own neighborhood. Things that you drive several miles to obtain are sometimes right within walking distance. Who knew?

There remain some travel restrictions (at the time of this writing). However, you can still consider all the options available. Some may not necessarily be your first choice, but there are options. On a recent trip to the beach, it would have been nice to fly. However, at the time, it was not an option, so we drove. We selected a scenic route that took a bit longer on purpose. What an enjoyable ride. . .and the view!

Some cruise lines are resuming. Has that always been on your bucket list? Research the cruise lines, and look at their safety procedures. If you are comfortable with both, select a destination. One thing I have found, for summer travel, is that some of the rates are very doable given the fact that a good number of travel services have lowered their prices to encourage customers to travel.

Apparently bike riding has increased in popularity—or maybe it’s just me noticing it more! Consider purchasing or renting a bicycle and enjoying one of the many bike paths in most cities and towns.

The one thing we have definitely been reminded of, over these past 18 months, is just how precious life is. I encourage you—No, I challenge you—to embrace life this Summer! Find the things that you enjoy. Change your mindset. “Back to normal” is not an option.

Change your lenses! Make plans to flourish this Summer and embrace the journey! <

Paula G. Voice is a sagacious independent lifestyle influencer and creator of the Mindset Journey 5-Week Course. This class unlocks a negative mindset to create a new narrative. She is also the author of My Journey to Lady Wisdom After Midnight, available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle—embracing her own journey and sharing a soliloquy of seasons along the way.

Her mission is influencing dreamers to do the same by breathing life into their vision, and ultimately living the reality of that vision. It is never too late to embrace your journey and live your dream! Flourish!

Visit Paula’s blog at www.paulagvoice.com.

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 11

NEW GENERATION

LOOKBOOK Brand: Jaded London Mountain scape jeans

Brand: Isa Boulder Bikini top in ivory

Brand: Heiress Beverly Hills Criss-cross top in cream Brand: Asos Bershka Padded thong flip-flops in cream

Brand: House of Sunny Pants in green

Brand: Nike Jordan Air Jordan 1 dark mocha

Brand: Gianni Bini Thong dress mules in paris teal

Brand: Katsscollectibless Chunky resin acrylic rings

Brand: Culture & Klass Good fortune necklace in either emerald, butterscotch or icy blue

FOR ALL LOOKS, YOU CAN ACCESSORIZE WITH THE ACRYLIC RINGS AND MULTICOLORED JADE NECKLACES. ALSO, YOU CAN USE DIFFERENT GOLD STATEMENT NECKLACES FOR A DISTINCTIVE EFFECT. > FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 12

Brand: Ruve Skirt with cut-out detailing on the side in cream with gold accents

Brand: Jeffrey Campbell Heels in light blue

Brand: DSW Pearl bag in cream

Brand: ImmoralLondon Handmade corset top in cream with pearl detailing

ACCESSORIZE WITH THE PEARL BAG FOR ALL FOUR LOOKS. YOU CAN ALSO USE THE NECKLACES AND RINGS IN ALL FOUR LOOKS.

Brand: Stolen Stores Ms. pleat cut-out dress in longan (beige)

ALEXANDRIA LEE

Brand: Jeffrey Campbell Strappy heels in gold

FLOURISH DIGITAL MAGAZINE APPRENTICE

@ALEXX.AANDRIAA FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 13

LET'S GO

outside

BY LAURIE MARIE RENFRO

I was a summer baby. Born on the Leo-Virgo cusp in Northern California, my climate preference was set by the meteorological phenomenon still called "Indian Summer." Never mind the dubious name, Indian Summer brings periods of warm dry weather into fall, defying the season’s demand for the onset of colder temperatures, wind and rain. Now a Southerner, I always look forward to the sustained heat of Summer and, when it arrives, I bask in its sensual glory.

Of course, there are sensual delights in every season. I love the visual explosion of greenery in Spring and the sound of tinkling wind chimes in Fall. Winter and I haven’t quite figured out how to be friends but I do appreciate the smell of crisp Winter air and the stark elegance of deciduous trees. Most passionately, though, my heart sings for the warmth of Summer and its consistent opportunities to undress.

My exuberance for undress is not entirely about disrobing, although I’m famous in my circle of friends for getting naked. This reputation was sealed when, in my early twenties, I opened my front door to a group of them wearing only an apron. To this day, I don the risqué badge with honor but try to employ a little more discretion.

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The thing that most delights me about undress is the opportunity for immediate physical connection.

Proximal sensation. Sans layers of clothing, our bodies can directly engage with the elements of the natural world. And despite my preference for outdoor engagement, I will not discount the power of connecting with earth elements indoors. Candlelight, warm showers and baths, essential oils and the sound of pounding rain have saved my life a thousand times.

But these captured agents cannot compare to the elemental intensity found outdoors.

Envision the waves of heat that radiate from an outdoor fire, the thrill of an outdoor shower or a playful run through lawn sprinklers. And requiring less investment and effort, the sensation of sun-heated soil under bare feet or the huge song of the tiny wren can send your heart soaring.

To those who feel alienated from nature who have taken refuge indoors, I extend an invitation. Consider that your discomfort may be due to history and circumstance rather than to personal preference.

Consider that your inherent right to sensual delight in nature may have been stolen by structural racism, economic disparity and collateral distortions. >

Consider that your aches of deep longing and loneliness might be lessened or satisfied by simply walking out the door and into the beauty of the earth.

I’m not suggesting you’ll go from house hermit to committed camper to mountain climber—but I am promising that with time you will find the easy and natural compatibility with nature that we all possess, which can only be limited or snuffed out by a lack of engagement. That’s the good news.

We can change the game in any single moment. We can reclaim our natural connection to the Earth in a single thought, a single choice, a single act—and look good doing it. On a Mother's Day trip to Dallas, my gorgeous and finely coiffed niece wrapped her hair and put on a cute umbrella hat before climbing into a beckoning backyard hot tub. Delighting in the sensual contrast between the warm moving water and the cooler evening air, she glowed and enriched gathered family without the slightest hint of self-consciousness. Only in her twenties, she is free of this hindrance because she has claimed her right to shine in nature. She knows that she is beautiful when she is dressed to the nines as well as when she is sporting an umbrella hat.

Thumb through a magazine, channel surf or browse the web and you’ll encounter delightful and compelling pictures of people engaged with nature. Our attraction to these images is as natural as the settings depicted.

That’s because each of us belongs in “the picture.” The surfing woman inside the brilliant curve of a wave; the solitary man on the porch watching grazing animals in the distance; the dirty-faced child surrounded by the rich dark soil of a digging project—each and all could be us.

Our God within speaks as we take in scenes of humans and nature together. That voice says, “You recognize yourself. You are so beautiful in the natural expression of your life.” Too often we turn the page, change the channel or click the next link before noticing that the still, small voice is speaking. To be a recipient of such divine visitation is a precious and powerful gift. And outdoor spiritual practices such as shell collecting and nature walks can ready our hearing. Getting to the truth of who we are and the optimal states in which we flourish is the goal. And when we finally dip the proverbial toe into actual water, we can be sure that we are on our way. <

"Sitting on my backyard deck with my chair facing away from the entrance, my robe is wide open, exposing my naked skin. The sun warms me and I will receive no bill for the sumptuous blessing of energy I consume. The sunrays are in flirtatious collaboration with the breeze and my skin is intermittently warmed and cooled. It’s a workday but I’m never too busy to gratify the summer baby in me."

Laurie Marie Renfro is a writer and spiritual seeker with a Master's degree in Spiritual Psychology from Sofia University in Palo Alto, California (formerly the Institute for Transpersonal Psychology). @ROUTEINTERRUPTED LAURIE MARIE RENFRO

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 15

é n g a G Bridgett STYLED & CELEBRITIZED

BY IMAGE & PROFESSIONAL PRESENCE EXPERT CHLOÉ TAYLOR BROWN & HER TEAM

Brian Christian: Photographer / Ryan Christopher, Fashion Stylish / Gabrielle Bowens, Make-up & Hair FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 16

Bridgett's Story

BRIDGETT GAGNÉ ADMITS SHE IS INDEED ONE OF GOD'S FAVORITE DAUGHTERS FROM HOUSTON, TEXAS WHERE SHE WAS BORN AND GREW UP. SHE SAYS, "I AM A TEXAN THROUGH AND THROUGH," AND GOES ON TO TELL US THAT SHE IS FROM A LARGE FAMILY. "MY PARENTS HAD TEN AND ELEVEN SIBLINGS, SO I HAVE HUNDREDS OF COUSINS, LITERALLY, OUR FAMILY REUNIONS CAN HAVE FIVE HUNDRED PEOPLE THERE—WITH A RAINBOW COALITION OF PEOPLE AND CULTURES."

I am primarily from a Creole family with roots in Louisiana.

Both my parents are second- and third-generation Texans, so that's why I am proud of my rich culture—being Creole, having Louisiana roots, and growing up in Texas.

People born in Texas tend to have this thing. You know, if you're born in Texas then you've got something special.

That's me.

I love Jesus. I love the Lord. I know my life is guided by the Holy Spirit and I am spirit-filled. I was created to make Jesus known on the Earth through the work that I do as an accountant. This is my training and my trade, and I love what I do. I love numbers. I love the assurance of numbers and the way numbers tell stories—it's in my DNA. But I'm more than just about accounting and my business.

Accounting is an entry point to building trust, and people trust me with their money, making it a great pairing of who I am with what I've been called to do.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN ACCOUNTING AND WHAT DREW YOU TO THE FIELD?

I got started with Accounting early on in high school, plus I was always good with numbers. I had mentioned to my teacher from Math class that I wanted to be an engineer, and he jokingly said, "Oh, you want to drive trains?" I was taken aback and quickly realized, that's not what I wanted to do. Later on, in my junior year in high school, I needed an elective, which made me choose Accounting, and I really excelled in it. The teacher I will never forget, Mrs. Hause, really encouraged me. She said, "Oh my God. You're really good at this, and you should think about a career in Accounting."

And I was like, done. It was that that push from her that did it for me. So when I attended the University of Texas at Austin, little did I know that the University of Texas is a state school, causing them to automatically enroll you into a program if you meet certain parameters in your high school curriculum. And luckily, I was in the top two percent of my class in terms of my academics. The University of Texas happens to be in the top five in the world for Accounting. I believe it was by God's guidance that I was enrolled because that was where I needed to be.

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WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT ACCOUNTING AS A WHOLE?

What I like about it is its certainty. And I also like that it has very strong fundamentals: It's more than just the numbers.

It's about what story the numbers tell, which is intriguing. I enjoy being able to look at someone's financials— particularly their financial statements and some of the underlying reports—to understand more about the person, people and business. I love that Accounting is somewhat like storytelling. The fundamentals of Accounting help me get to an answer if I am asked by someone, "What should I do with this transaction or purchase?" We all know that the numbers don't lie.

WHO NEEDS ACCOUNTING SERVICES?

The interesting thing about Accounting is that everybody is impacted by it in some form or fashion—because Accounting impacts taxes, the lifestyle we live, where we live, and how we live. And everybody needs some level of Accounting services. Our particular field of expertise is working with businesses, and that's where my jam is. It gives you a pathway. So when I say accounting services, in my mind, it encompasses everything from budgeting projections, to actual data entry, to making sure the data is telling the right story, and being able to apply for certification.

Every business owner needs accounting services regardless of how big or small it is. Some people might argue that. But when you own a business—whether you're a sole proprietor, an LLC or some other legal entity—there's always a need to give an account for how money comes in and out of your business, particularly as an owner.

WHY SHOULD BUSINESSES CONSIDER HIRING GAGNÉ ASSOCIATES? WHAT MAKES YOU ALL SPECIAL?

Our specialty is our vision and what we do. So we're not your average bean counter—which is one of our taglines —and we're not just doing the bookkeeping, taxes and accounting. That's just what we consider compliance. We look at what can help you grow your business and leave a legacy. For us, if you just want bookkeeping, then we are absolutely not the right fit. But if you want to create systems and processes, and you have a vision and want to have a mission and a purpose, and you want to believe in generational transfer and generational legacy, that's what's important.

What makes us special is that we know we're not the only ones doing it, but we're called to a certain group of people —and these are people that are meant to walk with us and us with them. We guide them to become the heroes that they are. That's why a business should consider hiring us.

We're not for everyone. And that's not arrogance. Not everyone wants to grow, or to think about generational transfer and legacy. >

You have to have a mindset for it. It's not just words.

Definitely more than just words on paper. It is who we are and what we help businesses do. We also help build up business owners so they get to the point where they can have an impact in the culture. We want to help businesses that are focused on helping shift the culture of how people think about particularly our avatars, black female founders, and how we can show up in the world and help them become the heroes in their particular space. Gagné Associates is physically located in Washington, DC but we have clients all over the country. We are a virtual firm and have been since pre-pandemic. I participate in a lot of things in the profession and go to trainings. We know that the firm of the future is online. We started building our firm based on the online model. And as I mentioned, we were in Washington, DC, but my staff is all over the country.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE PEOPLE TO KNOW MOST ABOUT GAGNÉ ASSOCIATES AND WHY?

What I want people to know is that we're here to be a guide to help our clients be heroes. So our job is really to collaborate with you, to make sure you're in compliance, to help you steward the resources you've been given and to ensure generational transfer and a legacy. That is our mission and core values: collaboration, compliance, stewardship and generational transfer. Our job is to alleviate our clients' pain around finances, so that they can be about what they're in business to be about!

What would I like people to know most about me, Bridget Gagné? This has actually been a challenge for me because I have been Gagné Associates, my business, for so long. But what I would like people to know about me personally is that I love life, I love what I do, I love Jesus, I want to accomplish what I have been put on the Earth to do. And I've been called to educate, teach and mentor.

That's really who I am at the core.

It so happens that I get the opportunity to do that through Accounting and Finance, which I know well. I've been in this field so long, and I'm one of these people that engrossed myself in whatever it is. I think it's important that people know that about me—that I care about people. One of our mantras is people over entities. I believe there's always a solution. And I live life like there's always a solution to find.

Now, the solution may not be palatable, but there is a solution even if it's not what we want. I love the beach, serenity, and people, but not all the time. I'm an educator and a mentor, and I have been asked if I could ever turn it off by one of the young people I mentored. (No, I couldn't.) I love movies. I love to see biblical principles in movies and how we can apply them to business into our lives. To me, movies are modern-day parables. I like finding that in films. > WWW.GAGNE-ASSOCIATES.COM BRIDGETTGAGNECPA FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 18

WHAT ONE ACCOUNTING OR FINANCIAL TIP CAN YOU SHARE WITH OUR READERS THAT CAN BETTER HELP THEM UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF ACCOUNTING AND THE SERVICES GAGNÉ OFFERS?

The main thing would be to maintain documentation, the importance of maintaining documentation readily. When we talk about accounting, we're either paying with a debit card or a credit card. There's always some source document.

But there's also the idea of agreements. And not only that, having documentation is vital but also having agreements and not taking for granted that you need to have one, and that's compliance. Because the agreements solidify and confirm for two people what decision has been made; that's really what a receipt is.

A receipt says, "I don't care if you go to Starbucks." It says, "OK, you purchased coffee, you paid me and I promise to deliver." Everything is about documentation; that's compliance, which is really important. Pay your taxes and don't delay. There are people who have different ideas about what that means, and they get professional help.

Because Accounting, business and taxes are not intuitive.

One thing that was a game changer for me and my business—from a business and personal perspective—is that big-picture vulnerability, and allowing people in. My world changed when I started joining mastermind groups.

One mastermind that I joined is called "Traffic Sales and Profit." It's Facebook-based and a game changer, because when I started listening to what people were saying, people started listening to what I was saying. And we were sharing information. I started having greater "aha" moments. Sometimes we want to figure things out on our own, which I did for many years. I had exponential growth and change in my life when I started letting other people in and began participating more fully with other people. I brought in community, which is really important to me. At times, we can take that for granted, because we're on Facebook and we think we're in community. But it's really about touching people and being in their presence. There's a different energy that comes up.

WHY DID YOU WANT TO POLISH A PROFESSIONAL IMAGE REGARDING WHERE YOU WOULD LIKE TO GO AND BE NOW?

Professionally, I've been in this game a long time. I became a CPA in 1990, I am a Certified Public Accountant. I decided I wanted to polish my professional image, which really birthed out of the pandemic. I've wanted to do this for a long time, but it was always, "When can I do it?"

When's the best time?" And just before the pandemic, I knew I wanted to do that. I kept putting it off because I need to lose weight. And then I realized that I am who I am.

This is just part of my journey—where I am with my size and all that good stuff.

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I'd been going back and forth with it, and everything was about business. I just felt like it was 24/7. And I do enjoy what I do. I love my career, my profession, what I've been called to do. But I realized in this pandemic that I'm more than the business and more than a business owner. So I embraced the notion that I'm more than a CPA, I'm more than the owner of Gagné Associates. I'm a thought leader.

I'm a subject matter expert, I'm a woman, and I wanted people to see me for who I really am. My cousin, Andrea Coleman, is the one who encouraged me to work with Chloé Taylor Brown for professional image management, which included this photo shoot. Andrea said, "Oh my God, these pictures are amazing. Now you need to show up as you. You are that person! You just haven't been displaying it and manifesting it naturally." Professionally, I think it's important that when people see me, they see a polished professional. Because we are visual people. As of now, I'm looking to do more public speaking, so it becomes important that the image aligns with it—my truth and my reality.

With the pandemic, I became lazy, not getting dressed, not worried about putting forth a presentable image. And then I began reading posts that said, "Don't neglect yourself," which then helped me change my routine. And I began dressing up every day. Since that photo shoot with Chloé and her team, I have been showing up differently.

There's something to be said about what a great feeling it is when you really feel good about yourself. So that's why I wanted to polish my professional image, and it's not just that one time, it's now living up to who God has called me to be. <

BRANDING

FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION: BOOK CHLOÉ & HER TEAM TO "CELEBRITIZE" YOUR IMAGE & BRAND Before

After

Your image IS your BRAND. It could be worth a fortune to you when you're poised, polished and positioned for SUCCESS, Chloé - Style!

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 20

Causieestko

TIMELESS

beauty

by Carol

When I was first considering this month’s topic, there were so many thoughts that swirled around in my head. Of course, when you consider the title of my column, Timeless Beauty will always be at the core of this column’s content. Having said that (and inspired by the events of the past year or so), it is this writer’s redefined understanding that beauty is far more than an outer quality. It is a state of being. > FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 21

To be timeless, you must be fearless.

As 2020 came and went, the year proved not for the faint of heart. Like many, I brought in the year with friends, intent upon the pursuit of a new life—complete with a full plan of new destinations and goals that would make the most powerful women tremble. In my mind, there were dreams manifesting, daily promises to self, and affirmations pinned everywhere within view—on my mirror, in my car, everywhere.

“Now is the time—my time.” I was growing more fearless in my timeless goals.

In this contemporary age, living—for me—has often meant escaping all remnants of a past that included some missteps that I could not seem to get behind me. Surely, with a new life, I could escape the past and go right into my destiny, my calling. In this dawning of the new year, I had etched out a plan of action. This pursuit toward fearlessness would mean that I would need to make some moves and take some leaps—knowing that the proverbial net would catch me.

MASTER PLAN OF A

There are two “plans” in life: one we attempt to create, and the other, which the Universe chooses for us long before we are born. Believers refer to it as The Master Plan, a general plan or program for achieving. Quickly acquiring the secrets of this Master Plan is the goal for forward movement involving time, our most precious commodity. Spending time wisely and valuing space in time successfully is our end-goal objective. >

fearless LADY

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 22

Unfortunately, for most of us who survived the biggest pandemonium experienced in our lifetime, the events of this Master Plan most likely played out like this: 2019 reflection and expectations, smack into survival mode as 2020 moved along, and onward, hopeful yet apprehensive about 2021—our new reality. Plans of dreams, hopes, and aspirations waned under a mountain of doubt. Survival, by any means necessary, became our reality. This phenomenon appeared from nowhere, mystifying scientists and world leaders alike, an enigma that would stir controversy, fear, and catastrophe, changing our lives forever.

Our full calendars abruptly turned into cancelled or postponed appointments. Our goals for a new decade vanished and dreams were deferred. For some, they banked on having more than enough time but learned abruptly they had no time at all. For the more frugally focused, we learned to use our monies wisely.

We invested, and turned hobbies into new businesses. Working from home became the professional standard, and the invasiveness of Zoom cameras became our “new normal.”

Suddenly, birthdays, anniversaries, and family gatherings were all captured on camera. This near-overnight intrusion we joyfully welcomed just to have human contact. Prayer, meditation, and faith became the solid foundations of many. To wake up and be fully alive was the objective. To see a new day and not to have to go it alone—what a blessing!

While mental and emotional health were at the core of the experiences that most felt challenging, covid-19 certainly influenced our thoughts about our aesthetic desirability. For those seeking companionship, the period grew especially tiresome as it mandated the masking of our personal calling card—that is, our face. So why were we so fascinated by what kind of mask we were wearing? Who could see behind the mask anyway? The answer was simple—the right mask affirmed our individuality and freedom of self-expression. Many such masks emphasized famous slogans, touted designer names, or became walking billboards for social issues. The mask became our way of standing up and holding on to what we believed in, displaying our values out and proud. >

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 23

As masks became mandatory, we began to focus on the eyes—the primary source of our communication and social connection. Dating sites became more popular. Cosmetic companies premiered new beauty regimens focusing on less tired eyes, creating a powerful suggestion of mystery behind the mask. If we were truly reconnecting, it became our new obsession. “Do I look tired?" or "Do my eyes look OK?" The comedy in all of this, we seemed to have forgotten, is that it has always been about the eyes—the true windows to our souls.

My personal mantra, “Beauty comes from within” became a new inspiration for many. We started looking deeper into our inner being rather than only at the outer surface. We started to see our own reflection within the hearts of others we had nothing in common with—or so we thought. For some, the more glamorous the mask, the more powerful we felt, the more confidence we acquired, reminding us of how we once felt about ourselves within. Our mask replaced that fabulous dress; it became less about the functionality, and more about how we felt while wearing it. We had our confidence back, and that was everything!

Many fashion and beauty divas, for the first time, had no choice but to become settled with a mentality of “This is me (take it or leave it).” The au natural, no-glamorous fuss about our hair, or the whining about what to wear became senseless and out of touch. Who was really going to see us anyway, and should they care? Each work-fromhome day, the choice became “I’ll just look amazing from the waist up; who cares what the bottom looks like?” Some decided to embrace the freedom of ditching perfection and chose a comeas-you-are attitude. Our expectations changed regarding one another. We stopped dressing for others and truly started dressing for ourselves. A great pair of Adidas or Pumas replaced our Louboutins. Fundamental, no-frills comfy loungewear—inclusive of hoodies and leggings to match—became our go-to “uniforms.” Our new excitement became a discount sale on loungewear, and making sure we had enough daily necessities before they sold out.

We were living in times of the unknown, nothing guaranteed. Fashion Week was cancelled for the first time; sold-out concert tickets were refunded; beauty campaigns were deferred. We saw the shutdown of the most powerful metropolis in the world: New York City. Could it be possible we were returning to values, morals, and standards? >

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In this post-quarantine time (as we slowly rebuild our personal foundations, confidences and courage), we are learning to love ourselves just as we are—realizing that we are more alike than different; that material things have zero spiritual value; and that survival is no guarantee. Clothing really does not make the person, and truly, what is on the inside is what really counts.

Gratitude should always be in overload. Faith in overabundance is never too much. We have also learned that things are never in our time; rather, they are always in the Universe’s time. When we surrender and open ourselves to this idea without stress, we learn the value of inner wisdom and growth.

To truly embrace timelessness is to become intrepid—to have no restrictions to any time. When we integrate the two, we become our most powerful selves. We learn to lean into new understanding and directions toward seemingly unforeseeable futures. When we allow ourselves to absorb valuable lessons with obtainable resources, we rule out fear and reconnect our energy toward our highest achievements.

As I reminisce on 2020 and reflect on my charge for 2021, reality has spoken. And I am reminded: I was—then, now, and forever— powerless over my own Master Plan. < Smooches and a cup of tea,

the lady “To be timeless is to be fearless. There is no road map to guide your path. Have faith and do it anyway.”

—Lady Carol Causieestko

@thereturnofthelady www.returnofthelady.org

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 25

Here's to creating beautiful relationships with

Love, excellence and PEP!

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We took the Personal Excellence & Performance Assessment online. It was easy and now we see what we're doing that's working and what's not working. With our PEP results we can now make adjustments to how we think, feel and act. It's truly a game changer in helping us accomplish our goals.

"The PEP helps people see the God within them—the power and excellence within them—to manifest their own reality through their thoughts, feelings and actions.

It helps them see where they are currently and their level of vibration, and teaches them how to raise their internal power, which will translate to external power."

Take the PEP.

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 27

HOW

TO

TO

MAKE

A

BETTER

salad

BOOST WITH

ENERGY

WEIGHT

AND

LOSS

In the summer, our bodies crave lighter meals and cooler drinks. Summer brings a plethora of vibrant, colorful and juicy items of produce to help us stay energized and hydrated. Salads are an amazing way to get a lot of what our bodies need during this season. Nevertheless, salads are what you make them, so if you are eating to boost energy, stay hydrated and perhaps shed a few pounds. You may want to be more conscious of how you are making that "healthy" salad.

Most people think that if they just throw some lettuce in a bowl with a few tomatoes, carrots and cucumbers, along with some sort of dressing, they have made a “healthy salad.” Think again my friend.

Don’t get me wrong—everything in that salad, for the most part, is good; but let’s look at it closer.

So, if you're making a salad, most people go for just regular iceberg lettuce. The truth is, iceberg lettuce has no real nutritional value; it’s just good roughage. When choosing lettuce, the best rule of thumb is, the darker the greens, the more fiber, flavor and nutrients they will possess.

Now let’s talk about ingredients. Eating a salad as our main meal can be a good idea, because we can incorporate good protein, lots of fiber, good carbohydrates and good fat—all on one plate. That is, if we are conscious of what ingredients we are choosing. > FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 28

HELP

If a well-made salad is going to keep you satisfied and energized throughout the day, here’s what it should consist of: GREENS : CHOOSE 2 TO 3 TYPES Choose

your

medley—an

favorites

easier

from

way

to

romaine

get

lettuce,

several

leafy

arugula,

green

spinach,

choices.

and

You

kale,

can

and

also

make

add

a

mixed

cabbage

or

greens

radicchio.

FRESH HERBS : CHOOSE 1 OR 2 HERBS Basil,

parsley,

mint,

or

dill

are

all

good

choices.

GRAINS: CHOOSE 1 GRAIN (ABOUT ¼ TO ½ CUP) This

one's

can

tend

optional, to

be

but

high

in

it's

loaded

with

carbohydrates.

vegan

protein

Choose

from

and

lots

quinoa,

of

wild

fiber.

rice,

Just

farro,

use or

a

little,

bulgur

as

grains

wheat.

PROTEIN : CHOOSE 1 TO 2 PROTEINS (ABOUT 4 TO 6 OZ.) Choose acids),

from

organic

legumes

chicken

(vegan

(grilled),

protein

and

salmon

fiber),

or

(steamed

organic

or

grilled—high

in

protein

and

essential

fatty

eggs.

VEGETABLES : LET THESE BE THE MOST IN YOUR SALAD. LOAD UP! Pile

on

celery,

the

beets,

peas,

carrots,

olives,

onions,

broccoli,

or

cucumbers,

Brussels

yellow

squash,

bell

peppers,

zucchini,

mushrooms,

sprouts.

HEALTHY FATS, FOR CRUNCH : USE ONLY 1 TO 2 TEASPOONS Customize

your

hazelnuts,

sunflower

nuts

and

own

seeds

are

mix

of

nuts

seeds,

high

in

and

chia

good

seeds

seeds, fat,

of

all

kinds:

pumpkin

but

also

seeds,

high

in

walnuts, flax

almonds,

seeds,

or

pistachios,

hemp

seeds.

Brazil

(Not

too

nuts, much,

calories.)

DRESSINGS : SIMPLE AND HEALTHY DRESSINGS HAVE THESE 4 KEY INGREDIENTS: ACID:

Pick

your

vinegar,

OIL:

Your

best

EMULSIFIER:

preference apple

choices

This

is

keeps

from

cider are

the

or

oil,

dressing

or

HERBS AND FLAVORING:

olive

ingredient

your

avocado

lemon

vinegar

juice,

white

walnut

that

balsamic

wine oil,

helps

stable,

avocado

keep

such

vinegar,

as

the

oil,

first

mustard,

Take

your

pick—basil,

black

pepper,

parsley,

red

cup

extra

vinegar,

virgin

red

olive

vinegar

wine

flakes,

Tablespoon

Dijon

1

Tablespoon

maple

medium

¼

teaspoon

Freshly

cloves fine

ground

oil

of

choice

vinegar,

1

2

white

(balsamic wine

vinegar)

mustard syrup

garlic, sea

black

or

honey

pressed

salt,

to

or

minced

taste

pepper,

to

taste

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. In

a

liquid

measuring

ingredients. ingredients 2. Taste, 3. Serve future seven

and

Stir are

to

bowl,

a

small

or

days.

combine whisk

all

until

of

the

incorporated.

seasoning,

Homemade

ten

or

with

completely

immediately, use.

cup

well

adjust

two

rosemary,

pepper

INGREDIENTS:

Tablespoons

or

Greek

Simple Vinaigrette 3

wine

vinegar,

hazelnut

cover

as and

necessary. refrigerate

vinaigrette

keeps

rice

wine

oil.

ingredients yogurt,

from

ground

honey.

dill,

½

red

vinegar.

for

well

for

<

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 29

the

thyme,

chives,

or

oregano, honey.

separating

flaxseed,

and

mashed

as

SUMMERTIME

Hey, Mamas!

Here’s to you! You deserve a standing ovation! And the crowd goes wild for mamas everywhere. Mama, you’ve done an amazing job this year, and you’ve shown so much creative resilience. To say you’ve been innovative is quite the understatement. You were on call 24/7 and created a new norm that none of us ever imagined, which you had to create yourself. And you’ve done so by pulling every job description possible out of the many hats that you wear. You were more than enough as you jumped in like a champ to handle the changes that were presented to you. And now, school is out and it’s Summertime!

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 30

With covid-19 restrictions becoming fewer and fewer, some will opt for a cautious life back out in the open, while others may still be hesitant and opt for small groups. There’s no right or wrong, just different. Either way, there’s rest to catch up on and more adventures filled memories to be made.

So whatcha doing this Summer? I've got some suggestions for you to get you started. >

SELF-CARE

First on the list will forever be self-care. Above all, it comes down to being able to create a lifestyle of motherhood that’s sustainable. Examine your daily routine and make sure that you put you in there. Build a village with family and friends, so that you can create the space to connect with yourself.

WATCH A FOREIGN FILM WITH SUBTITLES

Watch movies from all over the world—even the ones with subtitles. It will broaden your horizons in film and entertainment.

GO GLAMPING OR CAMPING

It’s proven that nature helps restore and reset you, so get out there and go.

EXPLORE YOUR CITY AND SURROUNDING CITIES

Get outside of your ten-mile radius of home, and explore your city and surrounding areas. Then share it with other moms on Instagram. Include #imoutside10 when you do, and we’ll all stay connected and share our spots! There are many hidden gems waiting to be found.

SMILE AND SPEAK TO OTHERS OFTEN

Mask on or off, it's amazing what stories are told, and what connections are made—when we take the time to smile and talk.

CREATE AN INTERNATIONAL PLAYLIST

Music is universal. Create a playlist and have a dance party!

TRY DIFFERENT AUTHENTIC FOODS

By different I don't mean eat chocolate Rice Krispies instead of the plain ones! Try Moroccan, Latino, Asian, Somalian, European, Mediterranean, Egyptian, Indian, or Native American food—and the list goes on. Seek out these unusual places in your area and try them. Take your kids, spouse, or a friend and make it even more enjoyable.

TRY NEW THINGS

Google it! There’s so much out there to try. Bachata, salsa, hip hop, pole dancing, canoeing, kayaking, bungee jumping, racing, hookah—whatever you would give a second thought to, do it. If no harm will come of it, try it.

Expand your horizons, enjoy life and have fun this Summer and beyond, and be present in whatever moments you create.

I.M. INNOVATIVE! Elena Taylor Bagger Flourish Digital Magazine Contributor CEO/Founder, The Innovative Mom LLC WWW.THEINNOVATIVEMOM.COM

@THEINNOVATIVEMOM FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 31

COLOR POWER

Know yours. And own it.

by Chloé Taylor Brown

NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION A woman with style has a good understanding of basic colors with regard to her core wardrobe, and how these colors can be mixed with other colors to perfect a positive and powerful non-verbal communication tool called Color Power. > FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 32

s r o l co Show your true

"She knows her personal best colors; and, she also knows the colors of her personality and how it adds to the program—in the same magnificent style as that of a coloratura soprano."

You, too, can acquire Color Power— if you properly exploit the colors that work best for you, and take advantage of them in creating and perfecting your authentic wardrobe and image. Your personal, most fabulous color combinations are waiting to display themselves in your wardrobe, Darling—for play, work, evening or any special occasion.

Your best colors will complement and enhance your skin tone, hair and eye color. They will make you feel good. . .and look marvelous. Do take advantage of them.

If you know your best colors, then use them intentionally and fabulously, Darling.

A color’s personality can be energetic and sparkling, with the power to motivate, inspire and attract people to you—another color’s personality can be dull, lethargic and boring, possibly pushing people away from you.

But, the right combination of colors used appropriately can give you a super-star, magical style—style that sets you apart in a positive way.

If you already know your best colors, that’s fabulous! You already have the upper hand when it comes to coordinating wonderful color combinations for your core wardrobe, which consists of suits, jackets, skirts, pants, blouses and tops, and dresses. However, if you don’t know and need a little assistance or a frame of reference as to how colors harmonize, complement or clash, it’s as simple as hiring an image consultant to assist you by conducting a personal color analysis, which will help you determine your best colors.

Or, if you’d like to try to determine your best colors for yourself first, you’ll want to find a color wheel to get a visual representation of the reds, yellows and blues, combined with the blacks and whites, and the amazing variations of beautiful hues, shades, and tints that are possible. Then, you’ll want to determine if you have warm undertones (yellow or golden), which are referred to as Spring or Autumn; or cool undertones (blue or pink), referred to as Summer or Winter.

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 33

This assessment will provide you with suggestions for colors, shades and tints that can work for you based on your skin tone, hair and eye color. Don’t be too rigid, though.

Once you know what works I fully expect you to have the confidence to experiment with different combinations.

Having worked in the image and fashion industry for more than twenty-five years, I do know that some women can actually wear colors that do not fall into their “color season.” These women have enormous confidence.

They know just how to mix and match, and how to wear a particular shade or tint. They embrace fashion and know what’s hot and what’s not; however, they are not trendy. They have style.

Take a look at the characteristics of the four “color seasons” in my book, Getting Ready Chloé-Style: Perfecting Your Authentic Image and determine which season most accurately matches your traits. <

DIVINE ELEGANCE P A U L A

G .

V O I C E

I N

C O N V E R S A T I O N

W I T H

Nikki Berry

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 34

Paula G: Who is Nikki Berry?

Nikki: I am a singer, a songwriter and actress, an author, and CEO of the Restoration Line of Candles.

I like to consider myself as an encourager and a person who just brings a lighter feeling everywhere I go. I love God. I was raised in church and so church and singing has been a part of me for a long time.

But I'm just a woman of God who loves God's people.

Paula G: That is so beautiful. You have such a beautiful spirit. And I think through your singing, your songwriting, your acting, and being an entrepreneur, you know just how the light follows you, and how you just pour it into others—and how incredibly blessed they are as a result. Share with us a little bit about your journey with singing.

Nikki: Listen, singing has really been a part of me for my entire life. There are stories that my family tells, about me singing at three years old! This was when I was three years old: My uncle is singing and he's working on this door, and he's down on his knees and he's just singing. And I get down on my knees too, and start singing just like him. And everybody looks, like, "What is she doing?"

And they saw that I was singing on the right notes and everything. They thought, "OK, this child is special!" So, I started singing in the choir at church at five years old, even leading songs, and just falling in love with music! I was also in choir in junior high school and high school. So, singing has always been a part of me. But of course, my family really didn't know how to cultivate that. It was, "Hey, you need to go to college. You need to get a job!"

Paula G: So, your family wasn't necessarily a musical family? Your uncle was singing, and you just copied what he was doing, and it just birthed from there?

Nikki: Right. So, I went on to college. I was still singing in college as well. A shout-out to Prairie View A&M! I used to sing in the chapel on campus, so it just never left me. I left school, got married, had kids—still singing at church, leading worship— and it just kept growing. And so, yes, singing has just always been there.

Paula G: To me, that is a testimony! We all talk about these gifts that we have. Coming from a nonmusical family and having this uncle who is singing and you just start singing along with him. That's the definition of a God-given gift! You've done some acting, too. Share with us a bit about that.

Nikki: I'm telling you, when I think about it, I'm just in awe of God, because I was in a play when I was in third grade. Now, this is a long time ago— third grade! I'm in this Black History play. I'm playing Harriet Tubman and I really don't know a whole lot about it.

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 35

So, at that time, my mom actually went to the library, and she rented a VHS tape. Oh, my gosh! A VHS tape that we rented from the library, so that I could watch it. And I'm watching it and so I was thinking, "OK, I get it."

And so I had my lines, but when I got to the play, it just came alive! And I'm just crying and acting out this part, doing things that my teacher never taught me. People were in tears. My teacher said, "I don't even know where this came from." She said we never rehearsed this, but I just mimicked what I saw.

Paula G: Yes! Nikki: And so, I actually got the first drama award in school history. And they actually started giving out this award after that year.

And so, again, I pushed it down and kept doing other things. Of course, you know, I would do little things at church, and different things like that. But I still knew that acting is really a part of me. So, when the singing took off, I was at a gospel conference. Now, some people don't realize that when you go to these conferences, you never know who you might meet, or you never really know why you were there.

I've learned that you don't just go to be on stage; you go to learn and to meet new people. So, I'm talking to this gentleman, and he's telling me how he does plays. And I said, "You know, I would really like to get back into acting. That's one of my passions." He said, "Oh, really?" He said, "Well, I actually have a show coming up and I've got two spots open." He asked me, "Why don't you audition?" And I'm standing there. "Oh, OK." I'm like, "Wow, God's like that?" And so anyway, that took off.

I had a chance to get one of the lead roles in his play, starring at the MATCH Theater, here in Houston.

We had four nights. It was amazing! My first time on a really big stage, and that happened in 2019. And then also later that same year, I was in another big play in Beaumont and then went on to the screen where I've done some background work. And I have a small role in a movie that's going to be coming out really soon, Paula. It's called The Lies We Are Taught directed by H. Russell James, and I have a small part. I'm Employee Number One. Paula G: We will be looking for Employee Number One! Nikki: I'm so excited. And I just recently got a call for a new part. I just got the script yesterday. I'm simply staying open to everything that God has. No, fear, not holding anything back. >

Paula G: You know, you mentioned earlier about the singing and your family not being quite sure how to nurture that. Share how you were still able to flourish as a singer with a family not quite knowing how to navigate.

Nikki: I think I was able to flourish because I just stuck with it. I didn't get discouraged. Because it didn't take off really early, because, of course, you know that I am in my forties. Some people see me, and they go, "What? You have grown kids?" And I say, "Thank you, honey chile!"

Paula G: There you go!

Nikki: Yes, just because it didn't happen early on—it didn't happen in my twenties or thirties—I was still able to flourish because I didn't let it die. I didn't let it go. I just felt this burning, and I thought, "I don't want to wake up one day at 80 and say, "Why didn't I ever try? Why?" You know, "What if...?" And I said to myself, "I don't want to have that talk with God where He says, 'Nikki, why didn't you do anything with any of those gifts that I gave you?'" I don't want to have that conversation with God! So that's how I flourished. I just said, "I'm going to keep going."

I’m going to take it to the next level and never stop growing. So, I've grown so much within the last five years, even with my singing, with my knowledge, with my confidence. Everything that I have now, everything that everyone sees now, I haven't always been this way. This has been a flourishing event that has happened over time. And so, I think that's what flourishing means to me. It is to keep growing, keep growing, and growing!

So, listen, I'm telling you, everything has just been building on each other. So that's why I always try to encourage others. Just start, start somewhere. Don’t think you have to have it all figured out. Just start somewhere. And so, with me, I started with music and going into the studio and doing those things, and then I then started a candle line. And so, the candles sort of built off of the songs. Every candle is named after a song.

I love candles. I love them. I love to just sit, and just chill out with my candles, and pray. I love taking long baths. I always have to have my candles in there. And so, I just kept having these thoughts of, "You need to have your own candle line." And so, I have this amazing line of candles. It’s the Restoration Line, which goes along with this whole platform of encouragement, of restoration—and which goes with my new single that's been out, Restore.

The whole album, the first project, is called Journey to Restoration. And so, this candle line just sort of added on to that. And they just took off. They are high-end premium luxury soy-blended candles. The sets are amazing, and long-lasting, and every candle is blessed. I pray over these candles. Because when that fragrance goes up into the atmosphere, you don't see it, but you experience it. And so, I want people to experience what I felt when I wrote each song, and to experience where that song came from, and how I felt during those times.

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 36

Paula G: Wow, that is so huge. And it adds such meaning to the candles. Candles are so therapeutic.

They're spiritual for all of the reasons that you mentioned, and then some. So, to have a candle that has that significance and meaning behind it—and on top of that, the candle has been blessed! Oh, my gosh.

When that fragrance goes out into the air, oh, how the atmosphere is filled! Yes, ma'am. The atmosphere is definitely, definitely full.

So how are you juggling it all? How has the last year and a half been for you? I know there were some challenges down there in Texas, a few months back.

So, share with us a bit of how you navigated all of that.

Nikki: It has been a whirlwind of excitement, which is interesting, because, as you know, my background is Engineering as well. So, I've worked in Oil and Gas for over twenty years. And I was laid off in April.

And so, I have not worked a full-time job in a year.

But during this time, God has just expanded me so much, with the acting, and more music, and all of those things. But then I also wrote my first book during this time. So I said, "OK, God, I would not have had time to really get this book written otherwise." It is a prayer journal. It's a forty-day prayer journal, which is called Journey to Restoration.

Everything is in the same family. But I am a prayer warrior. I mean, I will pray for anybody, anywhere. I know prayer works. My grandmother, she was a prayer warrior. I mean, people would send for her for miles, and she would just pray for people. And so, I dedicated this book to her. But it was during this year that I was able to get the book done.

I was able to just really expand on other businesses with my husband, Derrick Berry, who is amazing. He is my business manager. I'm telling you, without him I could do nothing! And so, we have really taken this past year to just focus on us. Focus on what's next.

And our prayer has been, "Lord, during this shift, You shift us to where You want us to be. Show us what You have for us. Take us to that that next level."

Because I had been praying, "I don't want to just stay in the same cycles. God, there has to be more."

I just prayed, "I don't want to just keep getting up every day, going to work, getting up, going to work, paying bills. Surely You have more for us in this abundant life that You speak of." And during this past year, I'm telling you, God has done just that. I mean, he has been elevating us, pushing us to higher and higher heights, pushing past limits that we had put on ourselves.

God is saying, "Take them off, take off those limits.

You can do anything! And don't let anybody else put their limits on you." And so that's what we've been doing for this past year.

Paula G: That is amazing. And thank you for reminding me that your background is in Engineering. Yet another aspect of a woman who flourishes. I always find it interesting when you find someone with an Engineering and Math background, who is also creative. Because those two don't necessarily mix. >

Nikki: Well, listen, I tell people all the time, I say, I wasn't super smart. I always had to study hard, and I was not the smartest person. And so, when I go to schools—because I get asked a lot to come and talk to kids—I tell them all the time, as I say, "I want to know who in here does not make straight A's. You don't make A's and B's, you might make A's and B's, and you might make occasional C's."

And they are looking at me. "Really?" And I say, "Yeah, where are you?" I say, "but you play sports," and they say, "You play football, you play basketball, volleyball, track," And so on. I say, "That was me. I made A's and B's. I made a couple of C's sometimes.

But guess what? I was trying hard. I was studying.

But I was well-rounded."

I played sports. I was just a natural born leader. So I say, "So don't think that you have to be a straight-A student to do Engineering. You can do whatever you want! Don't let anybody tell you, because you're not the smartest person in this room, that you can't be an engineer." And you could just see the kids light up, saying "Really? I can do that, too?" And I answer, "Yes, you can!" Because I did.

Paula G: And you were a testimony. You were a witness. And standing in front of them, they see the evidence of what you're saying. So that's an encouragement, for them. This has been such a wonderful, delightful conversation. I'm so glad we had this opportunity. Do you have any upcoming projects, anything coming up that you want to share with us?

Nikki: Yes, besides the new movie coming out soon, we have a new role coming out. And we're actually working on a new single right now. So that's going to be coming out really, really soon. It's called Grace and Mercy. And I'm telling you, it is amazing.

Paula G: I love it. Grace and Mercy. I appreciate you, Nikki Berry. Thank you so much. We pray God's continued blessings over you and your family, and we thank you. May God continue to use you in a mighty way as you continue to flourish. <

I AM PAULA G. VOICE!

Flourish Digital Magazine Contributor and Lifestyle Influencer WWW.PAULAGVOICE.COM

@PAULAGVOICE

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 37

! n a g e V g n i Be

I’ve been running into many vegans these days. In fact, one of my children and a sister are both vegans. I used to enjoy entertaining; and was thinking that if I wanted to have a family gathering or dinner party now, I would certainly need to rethink my menu, because like most Southern women, I want our guests to “eat up” and sincerely enjoy themselves. I did a little research and learned that there are typically two basic rules when cooking for or serving vegans. Foods from plants are OK, but foods from animals are off limits, including common ingredients like cheese, milk, eggs, and honey.

About three percent of Americans follow a vegan diet. Their reasons for eating this way vary. Some vegans do it to improve their health. A plant-based diet could lower the risk of contracting certain diseases. Others stay away from meat because they don't want to harm animals, or simply to protect the environment.

If you've thought about trying a vegan diet, you might wonder if this way of eating is right for you. Although you can get some real benefits from going meatless, there are a few challenges, too. > FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 38

WHAT YOU CAN EAT On a vegan diet, you can eat foods made from plants, including: Fruits and vegetables Legumes such as peas, beans, and lentils Nuts and seeds Breads, rice, and pasta Dairy alternatives such as soy milk, coconut milk, and almond milk Vegetable oils

WHAT YOU CAN'T EAT

HEALTH BENEFITS

Vegans can't eat any foods made from animals, including:

The good news is, studies show that vegans have better heart health and lower instances of contracting certain diseases.

Those who skip meat have less of a chance of becoming obese or getting heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Vegans are also less likely to get diabetes and some kinds of cancer, especially cancers of the GI tract and of the breast, ovaries and uterus.

Beef, pork, lamb, and other red meat Chicken, duck, and other poultry Fish or shellfish such as crabs, clams, and mussels Eggs Cheese, butter Vegetable oils Milk, cream, ice cream, and other dairy products

Going vegan might even help you live longer, especially if you also cut down on your daily calories.

Better weight control may be one good reason for all of these health benefits. Vegans have a lower body mass index (BMI) than people who eat animal-based products.

Good nutrition is another perk. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts are staples of the vegan diet. These foods are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and compounds that help protect against diseases like diabetes and cancer. <

Mayonnaise (because it includes egg yolks) Honey

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 39

Original material for this article was taken from WebMD.com

B

IG OOTY

JUDY A HEALTHY OBSESSION WITH YOUR BACKSIDE

The backside has always been popular. I mean, I like big butts and I cannot lie, Baby got back, pop it, whop it, drop it, back it up!

There is one body part in particular that has taken the spotlight. The Commodores sang the dimensions “36–24–36” referring to their ideal woman in the song Brick House. The Kardashians make billions of dollars off of their surgical enhancements, JLO supported her career on her bootiful asset, and African and Black American culture designs musical rhythms to motivate its movement. It's the booty, y'all! It’s the most popular cosmetic augmentation right now, and a fitness moneymaker.

As a matter of fact, Healthline.com estimates buttock augmentation surgery has increased by 252 percent between the years 2000 and 2015. We are talking butt lifts, implants, and fat enhancement with fat grafting. So why is it so popular? What makes us desire a larger or more pronounced bottom? Women often say, they use it to attract males. And men say it's sexy, which leaves women around the world wanting to feel sexier with a shapely sweet peach. I, too, feel nervous about the infamous bikini season.

But I choose to work my booty at home and in the gym to keep my shape.

It is natural yet self-deprecating to compare yourself to the next Big Booty Judy. The instant confidence and admiration do wear off with time, though, after procedures. Also, habits of nutrition and exercise must be continued to support your new changes—because otherwise your fat will come back. Original booty or not, it is important to maintain and activate your butt for function, maintenance, and aesthetics.

>

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 40

We are all made beautifully and uniquely. Celebrating your individuality and uniqueness is the best prize of

that you are, with your normal-shaped booty and then some, including your personality and maniere d’être.

If you tell yourself that you are not beautiful, successful, important, or feminine without a butt augmentation, that’s when your self-love needs to be checked. It’s a life journey to love yourself just the

Lunges Static, alternating, or traveling lunges, front, back, and side. Try without

way you are.

weights, and then add small weights as Try also focusing not on what you believe you lack; but rather focus on all your assets. Bring those forward. Highlight that—your eyes, your lips, your walk, your voice, your smile, your charm, your intelligence.

Improvement on your body is forever. Developing all the muscles helps the shape and firmness of the entire body.

you advance each month.

Good Mornings Maintain a soft bend in your knees, engage your glutes, and hinge at the

Body weight and weighted exercises will help with enhancing the overall balance in reference to the

hips. Keep a flat back. Do 4 sets of 12 with a moderate barbell weight.

natural shape of your hips and legs. If what you are doing and what you desire are lining up daily, then you are achieving your body goals.

<

Donkey Kicks In the all-fours position, do 4 sets of 10 on each side.

BY BELLA YEMAYA @BELLAYEMAYA

Hip Bridges Lay on your back, knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lift your hips.

Alternate between a 15-second hold

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 41

and 10 reps, for 8 sets.

4 BUTT-SHAPING MOVES

all. You draw those unto you those who appreciate all

HERE ARE FOUR EXERCISES YOU CAN DO EVERY OTHER DAY TO GROW A ROUND, FIRM, BACKSIDE:

What's Simmering This Summer?

NOTHING! BECAUSE WE’RE BURSTING THOSE BUBBLES AND LETTING OUR EMOTIONS BOIL OVER

Summer is synonymous with relaxing, soaking up the sun, being with friends and enjoying more leisurely days. Our main goal this Summer is to have all the fun you can think of, go out with your friends and take in that sunshine. You might ask me how? Or not.

But I’m going to tell you!

The truth is, we all hide our emotions occasionally. We pretend, avoid, and deny uncomfortable emotions out of self-preservation, as a defense mechanism.

>

HAPPINESS

IS NOT FOUND IN THINGS YOU POSSESS BUT IN WHAT YOU HAVE THE COURAGE TO

RELEASE

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 42

—Nathaniel Hawthorne

We aren't going to be able to enjoy ourselves when our mind isn’t clear and our heart is heavy. So here are a few tips to help let go of those difficult emotions:

Accept and acknowledge that you have these bottled-up emotions, and thereafter you can get over them. Understand what you’re going through. Then make the decision to move forward.

When you have time off, it’s easy to get caught up in running errands, and doing stuff that you don’t particularly want to do. Prioritize activities you enjoy, and eventually you will find time for the other things on your list.

Sometimes going on vacation—a vacation of any kind—can be beneficial to your mental health. Just by switching things up, you allow your body to take in new things and become curious about the world around you. It will leave you feeling refreshed and recharged.

Visit a clay café for some pottery painting. Put some soul into your amazing creations.

Have a picnic—at the beach, in a park or even right in your own backyard.

A Summer shoot is the "in" thing. So test your photography skills and bring out your brightest smile.

It’s scientifically proven that being outside—getting some fresh air and natural sunlight—is good for you, both mentally and physically. Spending time outside can cause an increase in your serotonin levels, boosting your mood and overall attitude.

Take a drive downtown, or by the beach. Even better, take a road trip!

The sun is out and the water is warm. So surf a few waves, river raft or go fishing.

Go out for ice cream, or have some boba. This bubble milk-tea is today's "cool-kid" vibe. Get with it!

When you get stressed out, worried, or anxious at work or in another space, remember to breathe deeply, and focus on something that relaxes you.

@flourishdigitalmagazine @sadiyah_adams FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 43

SummerProof Your Make-up Routine Summertime and the livin' is easy—and so is looking good! Even with the challenges caused by heat, and masks, there are still ways to beat the heat and live your most beautiful Summer life!

Here are five ways to avoid summer make-up madness.

Available at Macy's Available at GlowRecipe.com

1

Moisturize. . .a lot! Your skin gets thirsty too, and moisturizer is its drink. A good moisturizer also provides the foundation for the rest of your products. If you're more mature, or just really need to plump up the skin, add a serum, too. Try Glow Recipe's Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops.

2

Sunscreen is a must. For everyone, no matter what. No excuses. Enjoy the sun safely by always protecting your skin.

Black Girl Sunscreen has solved all the issues that tend to make us shy away from sunscreen. It's infused with natural ingredients, provides proper protection and leaves no white or ashy cast on the skin. Once you apply your sunscreen, let it settle into the skin for a few minutes before finishing your make-up.

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 44

>

3

Skip mascara. Add a lash! If you've never tried a pair of false lashes, now's the perfect time. (If you're prone to sweating, or use a mascara that ends up under your eye, then ditch it.) There are so many light, natural-looking lash styles out there. You can easily have nice, defined lashes without worrying about mascara mishaps. There are even waterproof lash glues, so they'll stay on even if you take a dip.

4

Glossy lips are such a great trend for Summer, and will immediately add sex appeal to any look. The key is to get shine without stickiness. Put your liner on first, blend it in; then gloss up when you get to your destination. No mask mess to worry about! Dior's Lip Glow Oils are perfect— perfect size, color and shine.

Available at Target Available at Ulta.com

5

Ready, set, set. Setting your make-up simply means locking it in place. And that should be your last step. Setting will also keep you from looking too powdery. Almost every make-up brand makes a setting spray, so you can try your favorite brand. I'm partial to Beauty Blender's Re-Dew Set & Refresh Spray.

It not only sets, but a little mist on a Summer's day feels so refreshing.

<

BY NYSSA GREEN EMMY AWARD–WINNING MAKE-UP ARTIST THEGREENROOMAGENCY.COM FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 45

@THEGREENROOMAGENCY

Niya Brown Matthews a conversation between sister-friends with Chloé Taylor Brown

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 46

"What's going on?" Niya asked me as she leaned in and engaged in the process of active listening. It was as though she were my OWN life coach. As if SHE WERE interviewing me.

I have to admit, when I went back to review and transcribe my conversation with Niya Brown Matthews it felt like I had been waiting for her to show up, to work a few things out of my system— because something had been bothering me. And honestly, I didn't realize it until I saw Niya's beautiful face looking down on me in a compassionate way through my Zoom screen.

Well, it's around high-level athletics and athletes," I said. I believed Niya would understand. "You may know what I'm talking about, Niya, being that your husband was a professional athlete also. I feel like most of the programs for athletes—on all levels— are caught up in a hurricane, and no one's digging deeper to understand what's going on with the students or professionals after they have contributed in their sports. Some athletes really do have it all, while they are actively playing in the sport.

But what about when that's over? No matter if it was a very long or very short career, they don't seem to know who they are after that career comes to an end. I've watched it not just within my family, but in other families as well. Niya, imagine the mental conditioning, the high-level training, the focus to get there. And then it's over."

At this point I caught myself. I had gotten on the venting train. And it was rolling fast down the tracks. "Oh my goodness, Niya. I apologize." Her response made all the difference.

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 47

Niya: Chloé, I have been having life coaching calls all morning. And it's OK to to have this conversation, Chloé. Of course, seriously. We witnessed it first-hand in our home, too. We're trying to figure out the transition.

Even though Eric played before we were married.

They still have this "What's next?" attitude, which if you don't watch it, you'll go into a state of depression.

There's anxiety there. They're feeling left out. It is a mental thing, and that's why I'm so big on mental health awareness and having these kinds of conversations. We do have the support group for the NFL wives on Facebook, where we have these conversations. There is an NFL wives association called "Off the Field," where we discuss topics like mental health awareness, taking care of your family, the transition out of sports and having ongoing support. Those are topics I'm passionate about.

With my husband, it took a while to pry out those emotions that he internalized. He wasn't himself. But then we got to the root of what really makes him happy, what gives him gratification. He told me that it was "helping children, being the big brother." And I said, "Let's pour all your energy into your foundation."

And then the boss in me said, "OK, now let's get some grant money. Let's get some funding and pour into that.

And once he found his way, now I see the inner happiness. Because these guys love to put a front up, because they don't want to talk about emotional things. They just don't want to do that. I had to meet my husband where he was, and that was a low place. Just trying to find out what "chapter two" looks like. And now he's excited and thriving.

Chloé: Niya, I think you and I are the right people to be talking about this, because not only do we have insight from being in the midst of this topic with our husbands; we are also life coaches, so I can see the intuitive women that we both are. I think we each have a great perspective to share, to shine some light on this topic. >

Niya: I agree. I think it's these conversations that are important now. I think covid-19 brought out a lot of stuff too. So let's just be clear. Being bottled up, being in the home, you're forced to deal with some of the demons within. You are forced to have some of the conversations that you have avoided.

You know what I've seen, Chloe? I've seen people for the first time in their life sitting still, and that scares them. Sitting still scares them because they are having those inner issues. They don't want to deal with them. So they stay busy, not realizing that eventually they're going to crash because they're still not tapping into what's really going on with them. Like, why do you need to stay busy?

Why can't you be at peace? Why can't you sit still?

Why do you have to always be on the scene?

There's something wrong there.

And I'll tell you something about coaches, Chloé, and what's about to take place. People are running on empty; and I'm seeing the aftermath of that in my coaching business. Have you not seen an influx in your coaching? I see this hustle spirit that's out here. Hustle till you die. Get it. Get money. Get things. Get, get, get, get.

Chloé: How did you find success and happiness in Atlanta?

Niya: When we came to Atlanta, my daughter and I, I didn't know anybody here. That was eighteen years ago. But I knew that I was destined for greatness. I knew that I was different. I knew that whatever I did, I was not afraid of failing. I was afraid of the attention the success was going to bring me, because I'm still an introvert. A lot of people think that I love to be out on the scene. but I really don't. Look, I could be in my house, in my robe and my Oprah glasses, or be outside in my garden digging in the dirt all day and be happy.

So, when I go out with a lot of people, it pulls a lot out of me. So, I have to come back to my safe space, my home, to regroup.

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 48

Niya: And my husband started to see how I take selfcare days, how I make myself not accessible to people. How I'm good to myself, how I don't owe anybody an explanation. And he started to take on some of those traits, too. Because people would use my husband for his perks, for his resources. Players would always call my husband wanting to hook up, and I watched him give his all but he never got that back in return. And that used to fuel me, because I thought, "Why won't my husband just don't say no?"

Listen, my husband would give you the shirt off his back. But it was not reciprocated. And I got tired of it.

I wanted him to give, but not from the cup. You give from the overflow, the saucer—not the cup. And when he started to do that, he was finally leaving some for himself and stopped feeling depleted. So, I had to do that by example. And when he started to see that, he started to get that, and then we started to live that. So, it's been a transition.

And now, a lot of the football players are dealing with CTE [chronic traumatic encephalopathy]. And in that group, those women and their husbands are getting divorced—after fifty years—because the husband is not acting like himself. He's depressed, he has headaches and anger issues—punching walls. And some of those women in that group, on the outside it looks like they have it together, but on the inside, their houses are a hot mess. It makes my heart break because it's not through a fault of their own. But that CTE is serious. Those concussions are real.

Chloé: What have you been observing, Niya?

Niya: There's this "microwave era" that I'm seeing, where everybody wants everything fast. And by all means necessary. They're going after dreams and aspirations that aren't even theirs. I call them dream catchers. They want other people's stuff, and they try to make it their own, and then they get frustrated when it doesn't work. I'm seeing that. Or the imposter syndrome. >

NIYA BROWN MATTHEWS, AUTHOR & LIFE COACH

Chloé: Tell me about your transition, and what Niya loves, now.

Niya: When my daughter went to college four years ago we sold our house—with everything in it—and moved to the city, to a high-rise. And now that downtown Atlanta is shifting, we have moved again. We have taken a country modern farmhouse and we are making it our own. This is our retirement home, because we're both retired now.

I'm starting to let people in on my personal space. Once upon a time I was always in boss mode. You know, go, go, go. Brand, brand, brand. But now I'm retired, and I really care about giving yourself grace. I really care about making yourself whole. I really care about mental health and awareness. Those are things that I think we can't get enough of talking about. You know what I mean, Chloé?

Chloé: Yes, Darling. That's where we started our conversation.

Niya: I really care about what the inner part looks like, in myself and my clients. You know, being able to look in the mirror and be OK with who you see. That's the space I'm in.

And in my life coaching business I'm seeing that some of my clients are entrepreneurs, ministers, doctors, lawyers, and corporate executives, and they're trying to figure out what this next chapter looks like for them.

They've been doing that dance for so long; they don't know what to do next. Many have lost themselves along the way.

But where we are—married, with our children grown—I'm rekindling my relationship with my husband, and we're getting to know each other all over again. Because you did the hustle and bustle for so long, and now we are retired. So we spend a lot of time together, and we get to reconnect. You know how that goes, Chloé. It's interesting getting to know who the other person is, all over again. It is scary, but fun at the same.

Chloé: Niya, you say you're retired, but you're still a life coach. So you don't call life coaching "work"? What is it to you?

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 49

Niya: When I say retired, I literally mean that I take only a handful of clients a month, and to me that's not a job. I'm still retired. I have a boat, and I'm on it most of the days, or in the garden. So I don't really even do it for the money, even though I charge.

And I make good money doing that, but it's not really a job to me, because it's ministry.

Working on the house—in the house and around the house—is very therapeutic for my husband and me.

We enjoy doing DIY projects. The husband-and-wife team. It allows us to connect. I'm a visionary, and my husband helps me bring my visions to life. This also creates a great atmosphere for our marriage because we're working on our home projects together. We love our modern farmhouse in Douglasville, Georgia.

It's super country and very rural, with cows on the other side of the road, and we're getting a chicken coop soon. I am into growing our own foods and I'm tapping into something that I've always wanted to do but never had the time to.

Chloé: Are you a country girl, or from the city?

Niya: I'm from the city. My husband wanted this house because of the land. We’re sitting on two and a half acres of country land, and we've used almost every inch of it. I could see the light in my husband's eye when he saw the property, and because I've been in real estate for twenty years, that allowed me the opportunity to make the deal. And being in real estate allowed me the opportunity to become retired at forty-one. I'm forty-five and Eric is going to be fifty.

My principal told me many years ago, "If you start young, you finish early," and that stuck with me. I wanted to be in a position to not just be retired but to live my life unapologetically.

Through the renovations of our home, I had no idea that it was going to take off like it did—like our house, the pictures, Pinterest, and TikTok— and so now, people are wanting more.

But I'm afraid. I'm for real because I'm still private, because I only share what I want to share. >

NIYA'S NEW LOVE

Let them eat collards!

Chloé: Niya, it's not about what you do, it's anything that you do, because we know you're going to do it at a higher level of excellence. And we are intrigued by that.

Niya: I'm sharing more of myself these days. I have opened up and tapped into so many different layers of myself that I didn't even know I had either—like, Girl, I'm a city girl. But I'm out there in my garden, planting collard greens and squash. Look, this is new for me, too!

So, I wanted to bring people into the journey. That's why I share information, knowledge. Whatever I'm learning, I share. Oh, my God. By doing that, it has opened up a whole new demographic of people.

My inbox is filled with people just waiting for me to share whatever my knowledge is. Like, how do you even start a garden? So it's therapeutic for me, and for other people, too. Again, I'm all about mental health awareness.

Gardening helps you to get into a quiet place where you can sit and be still, and be OK with being quiet and and still.

You understand what I mean?

Chloé: Yes, Darling. I do understand.

You know what love, too? And it reminds me of my childhood growing up in Mississippi. I don't know if you do this, but you probably do on your own land: I love walking on the grass and on the dirt with no shoes. Do you do that?

Niya: Every day. Every day.

Chloé: It’s grounding, isn't it?

Niya: Yes, every bit of it. And then Eric knows that I like to walk out barefoot.

So, he intentionally makes sure that we treat our grass. I like stuff like that. I love it, because he gets me. We are yin and yang, literally. But seriously, my husband walks his yard with his hands in his pockets with the most peace. >

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 50

Chloé: You were near death with covid-19. How did you deal with that?

Niya: When I got covid-19, I shared that journey.

And that was scarier than cancer. That was scarier. Because at least with cancer, you know what to expect. You have support groups. I have family members with cancer, you know. People are afraid for you, and they hold your hand. But with coronavirus—and because there were so many unknown factors, it was new, and I got the first strain—nobody had answers. People were afraid of me, and afraid in the hospital. They didn't want to come into my room. They had on PPP. It was bad. And, once I got over that thing, I looked at life at a whole other level, and I just took it up a notch.

Chloé: What do you mean?

Niya: To be at near death—my internal organs were shutting down while in the hospital on a breathing machine. I couldn't see Eric. I couldn't see Jazz. I was in there by myself. And so to go through that, Chloé, I looked at my life and asked myself, "Am I really living my life to the fullest? What am I afraid of? And now, with my husband and me, well, I fell in love with him all over again. I feel a sense of relief. It's like we got remarried, but we didn't. You know what I mean?

I'm getting emotional.

Chloé: You put your whole heart into it.

Niya: Yes, I did. I do. And I am. And I'm living it.

Every day it's a new journey. Every day. I'm teaching him how to meditate, and I'm teaching him how to enjoy the stillness. And so we're in a good space.

Eric is still a true athlete at heart. And me, not so much. I can't tell you anything about football. I don't care how long we've been married, but I want to meet him where he is. So whatever gives him joy, I tap into that with him, and he does the same for me, so we can share each other's experiences.

Chloé: Niya has found her new grounding space, literally right there where she can go put her feet on her own dirt and watch her own food grow.

What else do you have in your garden?

Niya: I have collards, cabbages, lettuce, kale, cucumbers, squash and tomatoes. I got the cherry ones, and I got the big old fat robust tomatoes, Girl.

Chloé: Are you going to be like Oprah and Martha Stewart and show the whole basket of harvested veggies?

Niya: Yes, I've already harvested and shown it on Facebook. I'm giving greens away now because I have so many, which also I think is driving me to want to do a bigger garden—one where I can help feed the community. Seriously, that's what I really see the big picture being. So I've already harvested my greens, and we've cooked them. I blanch them, and put them in the freezer. I said I am going to start a little small group, just a little bit of people who are really interested in gardening. My husband built my garden from scratch. The garden you see in the photos and videos, he built it from scratch.

Chloé: I'm impressed. How does Eric know all this this? He is he learning as he goes?

Niya: He is learning as he goes. But also Eric took Architecture courses in college. People don't know that about him. People see Eric as the football player that he was, but for real, Eric is a great mathematician. He's good with measurements and numbers. When we're building, he's precise. He has a wood cutter. That shed that he has—most people don't even know that on the back side of it he added an addition to it. He built that stuff from scratch. My outdoor daybed. Our patio. He built that stuff from scratch. He tapped into a skill I never knew he had. I learned this about him when we bought the farmhouse. Because I have been in real estate and working with contractors, I know they up-charge you. So I've been on the other side of that. >

WWW.SOULFOODSESSIONSWITHNIYA.COM

@NIYABROWNMATTHEWS

But he has surpassed my expectations. My husband is the bomb.com, Chloé! He really is. We put in light fixtures. He built this fifty-two-foot deck that you see. It took him two and a half months. And my vision—well, we've got a whole resort out here.

I just I love Flourish Digital Magazine. I love the idea. I love the fact that you listened. Because a lot of people miss their season by not being obedient.

Right? And then, because sometimes attached to those seasons is favor and alignment, and then you will know, because it happens more easily. Then a team of like-minded people come along. I love it when you flow in alignment and it's not as hard. Right?

Chloé: Yes. Tell me about a time you were called to do something or go somewhere that you questioned, but you did it anyway.

Niya: The first year I did my women's retreats in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia. I knew God told me to do that. He was telling me, "This is going to be part two for you. This is going to be marketplace ministry. And you're going to do it the right way, for people who don't typically go to church or who are not religious. It's going to be about a spiritual relationship. And you're going to show them their worth and help them find who they are again, and reset and realign." And I'm like, "You want me to do what, now? And you want me to do it for free?" And I kept saying, "Where, and how, and what does that look like? Because I'm used to making my money, you know!" And then I heard, “The money will come." He says, "'If you build it, they will come.'"

And so, we started to do it. And it became such a well-oiled machine, because we listened. When God gives you the message, you listen!

Niya, continued: I have a team of people who get it. I've got a team of people who know that if that wins, then they win, and they go to the next level too. Because the last thing you want is to have people around you who are not growing. You give them the opportunity.

It was scary in the beginning, Chloé, because I didn't know what that looks like. I was just being obedient. But now it is all through word of mouth. And I don't have to advertise. The minute that I post it, it's sold out within 48 hours.

My goal is to cross over and take my brand to the next level. And because I'm genuinely loving what I'm doing with my farmhouse, I’m doing a whole pitch with the patio. I've started tagging HDTV on all my posts. And when I buy things for my patio, for instance, I tag where I bought the stuff from. And they have been reaching out to me. They saw a post. They like my content. And then they started asking if they could use my images.

And I love it, because I want to be a little version of Oprah, with my big old glasses and my basket of collard greens. It's the other side of Niya.

Because yes, I am an author and a life coach, and I'm so much more. You can't put me in a box.

Chloé: It has cost you to become who you are. How do you hold your position as Niya?

Niya: We put time and effort and credentials, and brand management, paying my publicist. And so I just don't think it's fair that people feel like they can just get you for free. I don't like that mentality. I don't like that at all.

Chloé: What's the main thing you would like to leave with our readers to encourage them to keep moving forward?

Niya: I say this all the time, but I always close with it, because I mean it.

Oprah said it, too. She says: We all have a supreme destiny in our life. We all do. But it's your job to know it, to feel it, and to be it. That's on whatever level that is. I think that the moment you tap into what your destiny is, the moment you figure that out, that's the moment when you become whole. >

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MY HUSBAND IS THE BOMB.COM, CHLOÉ.

Niya, continued: When we were getting our house renovated and the contractors were coming through, Eric didn't talk to them. I did. And I said, we can really save a whole lot of money if we do it ourselves. And he asked me if I was sure. And I said yes.

"With my vision and your brain— with your skill set—we can do it." And so we started to do a little bit at a time. I was afraid at first because I didn't know how good he was.

Know that you are

FREE! Niya, continued: And you are free.

But a lot of times people don't understand this. They want to replicate. They want to copy other people. But it's vital to be true to thine own self.

I just think that in order to get to that space, we need to look in the mirror.

Chloé, you know, in Atlanta, and in so many places, many people, they fake the funk, they fake it until they make it. And that does not last long. There's no longevity in being fake. You're not going to last being fake. People are going to see through it. And this is the season of reveal. Yes, people are being exposed. The curtains are coming off, the scales are falling off the eyes. People are seeing it.

Chloé: Do you think we're seeing it more now because of what we've gone through over the past year and a half?

Niya: Yep, I do. I think covid-19 has played a big part in it. Because now, you see, a lot of people faked it for so long. But after awhile, everything, whatever happens in the dark, comes to light. You know that.

I think this is the season of reveal. I think God has played a big part in this. I'm just saying, it comes down to people being real or people being exposed. The liars and the fake ones are being made known. I think it all had to happen. The entire world needed a reset. I think we all just needed to reset. <

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BACK IN THE GETTING BACK TO BUSINESS SADDLE I N A P O S T - P A N D E M I C W O R L D As businesses reopen and the world slowly reawakens, what are you doing to prepare your business for a post-pandemic reality? Here are a few things to consider for your business as we step into the new “normal.”

Create Corporate Responsibility and Social-Impact Initiatives.

Lend your experience and expertise to communities that are underserved or in need of support. Volunteer and mentor, or speak to community leaders about internship programs within your business.

Support and partner with Black-owned businesses, or create sustainable protocols within your own business that show your commitment to the environment. These actions will help you stand apart from your competition. Create evergreen content about the impact you are making in your community and share your experiences through podcasts, newsletters and blogs.

Create Relationships, Not Transactions.

Be heartfelt and intentional. Send messages or emails and make calls to customers and people who have supported your business over the years, even if they haven’t supported you in awhile. Go back to your original network and contact lists and reconnect with people you haven’t heard from in awhile. Take five minutes to make an honest and caring phone call to a customer or client who means a great deal to you and tell them that you appreciate the support they have given you over the years. The saying is true: "They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel."

The same rings true for new customers or targets you’d like to connect with. Take the time to send a handwritten note or make a phone call to invite someone to have a cup of coffee with you. These types of actions are highly regarded and appreciated—especially following the pandemic, when people were subjected to fully digital interactions.

Ease The Financial Crunch.

Managing your business’ finances following the pandemic may take some extensive strategy and planning. You’ve heard this before, but I’ll say it again, create a budget and keep your personal expenses separate from your business expenses. Make investments: Look at user-friendly apps like Robin Hood or Stash, or set up time for a free consultation with a financial advisor. Savings apps like Digit create organic savings opportunities for you in which you can set goals to save money in a user-friendly way without having to manage it yourself. Apps like Truebill review your spending and alert you about subscriptions you may no longer need or have forgotten about.

The app also renegotiates rates on utility or phone bills when applicable. Also, focus on a financial plan. Figure out what your financial goal will be, three to five years from now. >

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Is Your Messaging To Your Clients Clear?

Even though the world is slowly getting back to a sense of normalcy, it is important that your customers know you are still committed to covid19 safety protocols in your business or establishment. Having your messaging clear will be critical to making customers feel secure about your products or services, even if you are a fully digital business. However, beyond safety precautions, make sure customers or potential customers know what the core values of your business are, what you stand for, and why choosing your services or products over the competition creates an impact.

Finally, your business should always be adapting.

Look at how you can ensure the safety and longevity of your business should you be faced with any type of additional challenges in the future. Are your systems streamlined? Do you have the right people in your company? Is your branding and messaging clear enough? Are you creating the right partnerships? Are you aligned with the right organizations that are focusing on the social and environmental issues that are important to today's consumers?

The key is to create a business that can shift and evolve as fluidly as possible, no matter what type of challenge comes along in our future. <

KAREN GAMBA is the CMO of ExV Agency (www.exv-agency.com) a digital marketing agency. She is also the Executive Director of Women Building Women (www.womenbldgwomen.org), a nonprofit focused on uplifting underserved communities through educational and mentorship opportunities.

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 56

To support their latest initiative, please visit: www.givebutter.com/wbwpride.

IN CONVERSATION WITH CHLOÉ TAYLOR BROWN FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 57

Clive Mathibe is a South African Creative Director, Screenwriter, Playwright, Composer, TV & Theatre Director and all-round creative!

Chloé: What captivated me most about you was your voice,

Chloé: Your story resonates with me because of how I grew up, in

and how you were able to project it. I learned that you were a

rural Mississippi, with my grandmother having a farm. I remember

Theater major. What kind of a boy were you, growing up?

walking down the rows of her garden, and she would dig a hole and I would drop the seeds in. It was wonderful. And now I love putting my

Clive: I was a very good boy. I am the first of three sons. One

feet on the grass or on the dirt, because there's something spiritual

of my favorite stories that my father loved telling others was

about it.

how I was my parents' pride and joy when I was born. My father mentioned that he looked at my mother and said,

Clive: Absolutely. Mississippi is one of the places that I really want to

"Something special is about to happen here," and that is

visit in the States. Most people would choose New York, Atlanta or

something that I've always carried with me since the day that I

Brooklyn—but Mississippi is one of those special places, and it's

heard it.

definitely for most of the reasons that you stated.

What I remember about my childhood is a lot of joy, and

Chloé: Was it the singing? Or were you always theatrical when you

singing. And as a matter of fact, my introduction to the arts

were a kid? Did you entertain your family and have them look at you

was through singing. I was raised in a Seventh-Day Adventist

with amazement? How did you become the boy who chose theater?

home, so music was a big part of that upbringing. I grew up a lot in the countryside—in Limpopo, the northern province of

Clive: It was definitely the singing that was my introduction to the

South Africa, just on the border of Rhodesia, now known as

arts. I come from a family that sings. A whole lot of Black kids share

Zimbabwe.

the same story. We sing when we're happy or sad, for almost everything. Towards the end of elementary school, I got into a drama

I would spend a lot of my school holidays there, and during

society and so forth, and then I realized that I could actually speak,

school I would travel back to Gauteng, which is kind of like the

and I liked lyrical text. It's the closest thing to singing. Later I got

economic hub of South Africa. My parents stayed here due to

introduced to writing, which helped me to discover my own voice as a

their work and I had the privilege of this duality as a young

writer.

person. Because the people who live in the countryside have a very different lifestyle.

I would always flip through magazines or watch ads and act them out, which helped my voice. I loved experimenting with my voice from

The pace and language is very different. The other differences

a very young age. When it was time for me to make a decision, I

would be the resources—such as toilets, from one that flushes

naturally chose art. From a young age, I believed that theater was a

to a pit toilet. Or there's no electricity. An activity that we did

foundation for all of us. Even if I wanted to get into television, events

a lot was cleaning. My cousins and I would be dropped off at

or performance art, the discipline meant that I would need to start in

my grandmother's house and she would make sure we cleaned

theater. I was fortunate enough to go to an art school here in

the house before going out to play.

Pretoria, South Africa. From grade eight to grade twelve, I was in an art school, and thereafter I studied for my Drama degree. My mom's

We would bake bread by the fire and make some vetkoek (fried

friends often tell me now, that apparently I used to recite Jean-

dough bread), so cooking was also a big part of my

Claude Van Damme's lines from his movies.

upbringing. Thereafter, we would play in the big farm yard, which had many fruit trees. And we would harvest while going

Chloé: At what age did you know for sure that you wanted the arts to

about our day. I can say that it was a happy childhood, which

be a part of your life?

also resulted with me having a close relationship with nature.

Clive: When I was the age of sixteen, I knew for sure. At my school I feel very good when I'm in natural spaces. I feel confident

there were a lot of my peers who were child stars and working in the

and rejuvenated, and I feel closest to my ancestors—and to my

industry, so that exposed me to the world and what it looked like,

grandmother in particular. She's the one who really raised me

over and above learning and being at an art school. It left me

and instilled all of these good and natural non-city ethics.

wanting more, so I've always known that this is definitely what I wanted to do. I knew this was for me, and that I would either be a singer, an actor or a performance artist. The Universe had other plans for me because I became a writer and a director, so that's the trajectory of how my career went.

@CLIVEMATHIBE FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 58

>

Chloé: When you mention writing and directing, it leaves me wondering, how was your first experience in these fields? Were you asked to write something and later direct it?

Clive: In my last year of Drama Studies at university, I specialized in directing and physical theatre, and one of my tasks given to me in directing was I had to stage a full-length play as part of the curriculum. So those were the requirements of me as a student to qualify.

At the time, Aubrey Sekhabi, who was the Artistic Director from The South African State Theatre—which mind you, is the biggest theater in Africa—visited our university. He was basically a scout for new talent at various institutions. So he watched the play we put together, in my fourth year. At that time he was really impressed with my work. He thought that I had a very good chance of making a success of myself as a young director and writer.

The following year was going to be my first year in the industry as a practicing Arts Practitioner. He asked me to do a residency at The State Theatre, so that was my first job as a professional director and writer. I got another opportunity, this time to actually write my own piece—because the first time I had directed somebody else's piece. It was a few months later, and he suggested I direct something. It was during a very politically volatile time in South Africa. It was called 10 Ways 2 Kill A President, and it was around 2008 or '09 so it was very controversial.

Chloé: Was that the first time you wrote something and directed it?

Clive: Yes, that was the first time. And I was just twenty-three at the time!

Chloé: It seems to me that your trajectory was not from what people would call struggle. It is that you were so in alignment with who you are and what you want, that your excellence shone through and people found you. Is that correct?

Clive: Now that you phrase it in that way, I think that's exactly what has happened. I have been fortunate throughout my career, to be found by people and to be at the right place at the right time. But I also believe in what I do with such vigor—with precision and excellence, with the highest standards and attention, all the time. No matter how difficult it may be at time in the arts industry somehow opportunities have always found me. And that's been the story of my career and my life.

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>

Chloé: It's not a coincidence that your excellence precedes you.

In my work as a Life Strategist and Coach, I feel so alive. And so the premise of coaching is all about striving for our highest level of excellence. Your gifts will make room for you.

I want to fast-forward to when I met you. And might I say, it was a very fun time of my life, in the midst of going through a divorce with my husband, whom I later married again.

I came to South Africa in August of 2018, and I had done such extraordinary work on myself, because of course I use all of my coaching on myself. I had no idea that I was going to South Africa. But it opened a space where I met all of you, with Carol Bouwer, all of which left me inspired, impressed and encouraged.

Clive: My boss gives us the international edge that we wanted with that project, because we also wanted to use it as a platform to reach out to our brothers and sisters in diaspora, which is very important. For me having met you was the beginning of that realization—of breaking down those borders, or barriers, between Black people from across the world. I think for the longest time, we had known of each other through movies that didn't really represent us well or truthfully. These are people who have the same dreams that we do, which is to see Black people and represent them in the excellent way that they are—to elevate blackness, which is very important, and to represent us in our authentic self, without all the stereotypes that people are pushing down us. So that's what that moment was, for me.

Who we are as people, as humans, it transcends these borders— it goes beyond so many of these cultural and traditional kinds of things that we used to separate us. Because after that, I just saw it. I saw women who were emotional, women who saw themselves through your story, women who wanted to connect more with you because of the story that you told, women who just wanted to open up to each other. That, for me, was very powerful. We should really invest in keeping these relationships healthy and alive and pouring into each other's cups like this, because it's so important.

Chloé: The whole time of experiencing you and all of your authenticity, and then the night of the event, the voice that was coming out of everything then, I realized: It was you, Clive. It just bellowed out, and it captivates people. But you know that. You know how to use your voice. That was one of the greatest experiences of my whole life, really. And I've had a lot of great experiences. So, when Carol called you the very first time, did you know her? Had you heard of Carol Bouwer?

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>

Clive: Carol Bouwer is a South African, and she's part of the

Clive, continued: I think what Carol was trying to do with it

heritage of this country. I knew her very well. She had been

was to create a platform for women, not just for women to

doing all these amazing things, being the producer and first

have conversations that can progress them in a very

host of Motswako, which I now currently produce twenty

patriarchal society, but to also create a platform for

seasons later, and which was a platform for women in South

women in the media space. So over these twenty seasons,

Africa. She has always been a champion for women and a

it's been a legacy of different types of women in the media

great role model for young people—actually for everybody in

space who have gone on to create a name for themselves.

South Africa. Ten years ago, I was approached by Baby Joe,

So that production is produced by Carol Bouwer

who is one of the most popular and successful television

Productions, and I am actually there to serve that

producers in South Africa, Baby Joe was approached by

production company.

Carol. Carol mentioned she was starting these awards for women, and that she needed a creative producer. And I

Chloé: You've had an extraordinary rise to a phenomenal

remember Baby Joe approached me about two to three

career, so it seems that the world is just opening up for you.

weeks before the event, which is crazy. Right? But I think that

You've done a lot, but there's so much more for you to tap

moment found me very ready and willing. I got into the team

into. What would you say to younger aspiring individuals

because Baby Joe then called me up. And I brought in the

such as yourself, and those who are now in the arts who

rest of my team here at Second Round Productions, and then

have not been as fortunate?

we did the creative production.

Clive: The first thing is, to understand who you are and After that, Baby Joe subsequently left the project. And Carol

what you bring—not just to the industry but to society. A lot

says to me, "You're not going anywhere!" So that's how our

of what we do as artists is to act as contributors, serving as

ten years of sisterhood and brotherhood started. We've done

building blocks to the world through the arts. It's important

so many things together, and I'm really grateful for the

for any artist to understand what they bring, because each

relationship and the doors that she has been able to open

one of us brings something different. Once you understand

for me, and how I have also been able to contribute to the

what it is that you bring and what you are gifted in—

projects that she's done.

understanding your gift and owning it—that's when you can be well positioned to know which kind of spaces to open

Chloé: Is 2nd Round Productions the company that you

yourself up to.

started?

The second thing is, to continue to hone your craft through

Clive: 2nd Round Productions is the company that I started,

associating or surrounding yourself with people who are

with my dear friend and sister who I went to university with,

aligning themselves to what it is that you want to do—even

Tlhapang Petso. We studied drama together. My partner,

if it is living vicariously through those people.

Lebo Toko, is also a musical theater performer and creative producer, who later on joined us in the company. So it's

Study the people who are ahead of you—what they are

spearheaded by the three of us. Under this company we do

doing. This is crucial for young and upcoming artists. You

different productions—television, video production and

cannot be a theatre practitioner and not know what's on at

events. The work that we do for Carol is also a piece of that.

the theater, what's on at Artscape, what's on at your local

We create experiences and use the arts to build society.

theater. If you don't know, then find out who some of the most pioneering cinematographers or screenwriters are,

Chloé: Tell me more about the show, Motswako.

and what work they're doing. It's very important for young people to be aware of themselves in the industry.

Clive: It's a talk show, and Carol was its first host. And twenty seasons later, other women in South Africa have

And the last thing is, hard work. None of it comes easy.

gone on to be successful in their own right—they have all

Sometimes you're going to work so hard, and not be

gone through the show. You've got Penny Lebyane, who is

rewarded for it. Hard work is the only way that I believe got

also a prolific figure in society in South Africa; the former

me to where I am today. It's the lessons that I learned about

Miss South Africa, Bokang Montjane; and so many other

my grandmother's farms, about working hard. And it's the

women have subsequently been hosts of the show.

lessons that I learned as a firstborn child. You had to wash dishes after cleaning the house. You had to do all of that and still make sure to do really well at school. It's something about really working hard that instills good values in you. Be a practitioner of good values, which are going to help you have longevity in this industry.

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>

Chloé: You are a Millennial. Do you think that Gen Z—the younger people who are coming up—do they know the value of hard work? Or are you standing out among Millennials?

Because in America there is the idea that most Millennials don't want to work hard.

Clive: That is something that we're experiencing definitely everywhere with young people. I thought it was just in South Africa. But young people in South Africa tend to feel like they deserve things and seem to be very entitled, and they don't understand when someone says, "We don't owe you anything."

You have to work for every single thing in this world. That "microwave generation"—wanting things to happen now— they think they're going to get out of school and be millionaires. Or they think they'll get out of school and get onto a set and direct with big actors. It doesn't work like that. They don't realize that working through each level is part of the game. Some of us are still doing it right now.

Chloé: Tell me something that you're passionate about that I have not asked you that you want to share with our readers.

Clive: As a queer artist and practitioner, I would be amiss if I didn't speak about the significance of queer people who are making art in the world. We live in order to make sure that we are present, where we're represented in a way that we would like to be represented. We are represented in a progressive manner, and in a way that also preserves our lives. In Africa, queer phobia is huge. We were just celebrating International Day Against Queer Phobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. It's so sad that in our country— South Africa, which has one of the most progressive constitutions in the world, on paper—is still not protecting the rights of queer people. Our constitution is not a lived experience for people, especially queer people on the ground. So it becomes so important for us as artists—as people who have a platform and a voice—to use our voices to speak up.

What is important for us as artists who have a platform and who have a voice is the ability to use our craft to influence what people think, and to effect change in our society. It's high time that we use our art to do exactly that. We also want to call upon the international community to stand with queer people in South Africa, and to speak out against these injustices that are happening on queer bodies, just like the international community did during apartheid. The international community helped us a lot during apartheid, helped us fight. Once again, we need the international community to stand with us and speak up and speak out against these injustices that are happening against our bodies.

>

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Clive, continued: We're speaking from across the

Clive: I don't see how people can do the great things

spectrum of lesbian women, bisexual people,

they are here to do. I don't see how people can be

transgender, gays and other people who identify as

accountants, lawyers, construction workers, artists and

queer. So there's been a lot of transphobia in South

whatever else they want to be if they don't have the

Africa. A lot of trans people, their bodies are being

space to be their authentic self. It's the first and most

violated upon and they've been killed. Lesbian women

important thing for any human being, in order for each

have been killed in South Africa. And we feel that our

of us to actually occupy space and to be in the world in

government is not doing enough. We seek justice here in

a way that makes us comfortable.

this country, where we are having to experience these killings in what is meant to be a progressive country, a

Chloé: I want to thank you for sharing your time with me.

country with a progressive constitution.

And I want to get this one last question in, too: What do you like best about living in Johannesburg?

Chloé: Is this one of your rallying cries for justice for Clive: Oh, my God. I love the people. I love the people

queer people in South Africa?

because the people represent the energy of the whole

Clive: Absolutely. I never imagined myself as an activist.

country. Johannesburg has got people from all over this

But I just found myself in the space, and naturally,

country. So you can have Xhosa people, you've got Zulu

because it affects me. We are some of the most

people, and you've got Tswana people. Everybody has

privileged gays, lesbians and trans people who live in

come and congregated in Johannesburg—for work

Gauteng. But there are those young, gay, lesbian, or

opportunities and economic benefits, of course. But the

trans humans who are living in the Midlands, who are

people for me is what makes Johannesburg, because the

living in the country—who don't have a language for who

people bring all of those things that I mentioned. And

they are and what they are; and they are being

they also bring this amazing vibe—the clothes, the food,

oppressed every single day. And never mind oppression.

the energy, the music!

For some of them, their rights are being violated upon, and even the human right to live is being taken away

Chloé: Once again, Thank you for sharing a part of

from them—just because they identify as a gay person or

yourself with us here at Flourish Digital Magazine.

<

as a lesbian person or whatever they are identified with that is outside of the spectrum of normative standards.

Chloé: It's as though portions of society would be saying you are not allowed to be your authentic self.

~Chloé Taylor Brown~ Editor-in-Chief @coachchloetaylorbrown @chloetaylorbrown @flourishdigitalmagazine WWW.CHLOETAYLORBROWN.COM

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A L I G N M E N T , B A L A N C E

&

H A R M O N Y : A M E R I C A ' S G A M E C H A N G E R

BY CHLOÉ TAYLOR BROWN

As a nation, if we’re ever going to reposition ourselves as healthy Americans who win consistently and significantly again, to be greatly admired by our own citizens and by the world, to even exceed where we once thought we were in decades past—then we must reimagine ourselves.

We must think of new, delicious, innovative ways to play the global game of life—at higher levels of consciousness, authenticity and excellence. In my opinion, an elevated way of pulling this off is by enriching our personal awareness, integrity, and overall excellence

THE SITUATION

levels across the board.

Our ability to hold a strong position, to hold on to our creative and competitive edge at a higher level globally, has been slipping through our fingers over the past decade(s); now the

WHERE DO WE START?

respect of our country is also hanging in the balance. As a result, we Americans have become self-righteous,

I believe we start by educating ourselves and our people, and by demonstrating how to apply what we learn through repetition—until we reach mastery in our innate skills, talents, and subjects of interest. These innovative methods, coaching strategies and teachings must be for all Americans and all ages—from birth until we expire—for rich, middle class and poor; for urban, suburban and rural dwellers, individually and collectively. And for sure, we know this by now: It’s accepting it and doing something about it that will make the difference.

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 64

unenthusiastic, and uncertain about what we stand for and what we are striving for collectively. Individually, many of us don’t have a purpose or life goal, feeling as if it’s “survival of the fittest” because we don’t see a big picture. And since we don’t know what the big picture is for us, or what it looks or feels like, we don’t have the energy, power, or strength to sustain much above average, at best. We simply go through life in a routine, run-of-the-mill, mediocre way, not living up to who we are, nor to our true potential as a nation.

>

ANALYSIS

THE SOLUTION AND GAME CHANGER

We don’t value ourselves as much as we did in previous

Transformation starts by implementing a more excellent

decades. We don’t know who we are or what we are made of

innovative, integrated, super-learning system. A learning

intellectually, scientifically or spiritually; and because of this,

system that incorporates a sustainable, transformational

we don’t see that there are formulas, methods, strategies,

method that combines all of the above elements. This is the

and processes to merge the wholeness of who we are—to

PEP System. The Personal Excellence Profile Self-Awareness

create a more excellent, harmonious, prosperous way of living

& Assessment Tool is the game changer when it comes to

individually. Let's unveil the secrets to the masses, and

showing where an individual or team is currently showing up

collectively recreate ourselves and our nation.

in their personal levels of excellence, in twelve abilities. The PEP is the transformational game changer for individuals,

Our value of self is extremely low—average at best right now.

Our ability to perceive is distorted and unstable; as a nation our decision-making ability is straddling the fence at best, maybe even leaning toward destructive. Not wanting to offend this one or that one, our decisions are costing us and hurting us significantly. The way we communicate with our self verbally and nonverbally is limiting, and how we speak to each other goes from fake-friendly, to demeaning, to hostile— depending on the topic and who we’re speaking with or about at the moment.

families, teams and groups within corporations, organizations and institutions. The Personal Excellence Profile helps people to excel, bringing them out of where they are currently; educating and demonstrating how to rise, how to be better or greater than; and to do it authentically, intentionally, passionately, and with grace and style. Why? Because we Americans have the capacity to regenerate the necessary energy and power we need to accomplish what we intend to accomplish, moving forward.

We are one America.

<

What happened to our ability to communicate— to listen with eloquence and excellence with each other?

As a nation—within our states, corporations, institutions, communities, schools and families—we have become ineffective in building rapport in a way that inspires, empowers others, helps everyone to grow, and gets us to connect with each other and interact in an expansive, honorable, influential, truthful and creative spirit. Indeed, it is effectual interaction that gets families, communities and businesses to act confidently, and to become successful and masterful in the way we produce our goods and products, and how we serve others.

This high-level ability to produce with excellence will give us more certainty as a nation—to create more businesses and to bring lost jobs back home to America and to our communities again. This assurance will elevate our ability to birth new leaders who know how to lead and how to draw out the best in others in the way they command and lead across the board.

With this elevated ability to command and lead, we will begin to expand once again—as individuals, families, communities, states, small businesses and large corporations. With our

DISCOVER YOUR PEP HERE

collective abilities to increase and elevate our personal levels of excellence, we will accomplish our highest ideals, because we will thrive, flourish and prosper.

@coachchloetaylorbrown @chloetaylorbrown WWW.CHLOETAYLORBROWN.COM

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 65

GET THE LOOK

Join The "No Make-up" Summer Trend FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 66

Summer's “no make-up” look—it's the look you wear for shopping, carpooling the kids, Zoom meetings, and other everyday activities.

Choose your favorite five products. A sheer foundation or tinted moisturizer, blush, loose powder, mascara and a pretty lip color.

Step 1: Foundation

Step 4: Mascara

Apply a light layer of your foundation, making sure to blend at all edges. Applied correctly, it will even out your complexion and give you a more youthful look. The color of your foundation should match your skin. Test the color on your jawline and wait a few minutes to see if it matches your complexion before buying.

When I am short of time and only need minor coverage, I apply my foundation with my fingers just in the places I need it.

Mascara is so fabulous! It makes every woman look good. A little or a lot, if applied correctly, will enhance your eyes by making your lashes appear darker and thicker. Your eyes will appear larger—a sign of youth. Gel-based mascara can enhance your lashes, giving you a beautiful natural effect. With this “no make-up” look—I usually suggest that you skip the mascara on the bottom.

However, if this just isn’t you, then apply mascara to bottom lashes first, by holding the wand in a vertical manner and stroking once or twice; then wait for them to dry. Next, tilt chin up a little, look out and slightly down, then apply mascara to top lashes by placing wand very close to the topside of the lashes and brush downward.

Now, brush your lashes up with the mascara wand to lift and separate. Or you may use a lash comb to lift and separate and also to remove excess mascara.

Step 2: Blush A little blush is probably necessary, so make sure you use the appropriate medium-size blush brush, one that fits the size of the apples of your cheeks when you smile. Too much blush and you’ll run the risk of looking clownish. So, the first trick is to tap the blush brush very lightly with the tips of the bristles into the blush—you’ll want to avoid picking up too much color. Next, blow or tap the brush a couple of times to remove excess blush.

Remember to smile, then tap across cheeks. Don’t blend out too much toward the hairline; otherwise you’ll look like you’re stuck in the eighties.

Step 3: Loose Powder Use your large powder brush now (without excess powder on it) to blend by sweeping the brush over your entire face to get a natural and pretty look.

Step 5: Lipstick To have your very own signature lip color says a lot about a woman. You’ll want one for this natural, pretty look. But, first, you’ll want to have smooth, kissable lips that don’t scratch—so always apply a little lip balm before going to bed or before you apply your lipstick. I like cream and matte lipsticks for daytime; they have staying power. Save your gloss for evening and night.

Choose your everyday color based on your natural lip shade. Now, glide your pretty lipstick over your lips, blot to remove excess color.

Glide lipstick on again and blot again to even out the texture. This should last for several hours. <

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 67

Read more about beautiful make-up in Getting Ready Chloé-Style: Perfecting Your Authentic Image, available at Amazon.com

If you follow these simple techniques, you’ll never be caught without a pretty glow that looks completely natural while boosting your selfesteem.

NYLA'S TEA ON GEN Z YOU THINK YOU KNOW US, BUT DO YOU REALLY? What does Gen Z value? Is it iPhones? Followers and Likes? The latest TikTok dance? Gen Z, also known as Zoomers, and often called the “digital pioneers,” are the first generation to be born into an entirely tech-savvy world. Social media platforms, the internet, and new technology have influenced our opinions, lifestyles, and beliefs. Although our lives are pretty public, thanks to social media, you might think you know us pretty well.

But there are many issues important to us that often go unnoticed.

Mental health is increasingly becoming an issue for Gen Z. For a very long time, people thought that those who had mental issues were possessed, crazy, or needed Jesus. As a result of social media, we deal with the added pressures of comparing our lives to others in so many ways—such as having the latest drip, feeling the peer pressure to excel (or the appearance of excelling), and having to have the perfect image or body.

Anyone can create images if they want people to perceive them in a certain way, even if it's all a lie. This is also what makes social media dangerous; but that's another article in and of itself. The never-ending comparisons contribute to our depression, stress, and anxiety.

Unfortunately, many—specifically in communities of people of color—do not have access to decent healthcare to address these issues. Zoomers have accepted this challenge, and we are facing it head on.

Being that we have realized the effect social media is having on us, we are trying to turn it around and gather support from our peers. One trend that went viral on TikTok was called Rating My Week. At the end of each day, the TikToker would record a few seconds of their facial expression, representing how their day went. Then they would rate the day from zero to ten, and put the clips together as one video at the end of the week. If the >

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 68

TikToker had low ratings that week, the comment section would be full of words of encouragement.

On YouTube there are endless videos from licensed therapists to people who have experienced mentalhealth issues. They offer strategies on how to cope with various problems. We are also using other platforms to assist in spreading awareness by posting videos, art, and inspirational quotes.

The world faces problems every day, and Gen Z wants to solve them. For instance, regarding police brutality, I feel way that way too many people of color have died at the hands of the police, which has caused fear and distrust in many of our communities. It both angers and saddens me that the people who we should be reaching out to for help are the same ones killing us. As soon as I turned fifteen, I got my learner's permit. When I drive, I always put my learner's permit in the door pocket, in fear that if I get stopped and reach for my purse I could end up shot.

Can I be honest, though? My dad is a police officer. But I don’t like telling people that because they may hate me. I feel like a hypocrite because I fear encountering the wrong police officers. My dad leaves the house every day, putting his life on the line, while I am at home praying he comes back alive. I've had many conversations with my dad about what has been going on with the justice system. He understands my concerns and admitted to me that he was racially profiled when he was younger.

The thing about Gen Z is, when we believe in something, we stick to it, and won't stop until we get results. In addition to police brutality, Zoomers are also passionate about Stop Asian Hate, the Israel-Palestine conflict, climate change and many more issues.

Diversity means variety, and we want that to be represented through brands as well. The world still has a lot of healing to do, and as for Gen Z, we are just getting started with bandaging those deep wounds.

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Zoomers are not just socially conscious; entrepreneurship is also the ultimate goal for me and for many Zoomers. We want to find ways to make a lot of money and do things our own way. The internet and its many social media platforms, as well as YouTube, have all helped contribute to our independence. Because the internet contains an endless amount of information, there's no limit to the knowledge we can access. We want to find an explanation for a math problem that didn’t click in class? Internet. We want to buy new clothes for a summer trip but can’t drive? Internet.

We're experiencing pain but don’t know what's causing it?

Internet. Many Zoomers have used platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram as a gateway to entrepreneurship. Although the equipment needed could be a big investment, in the long run, when you post consistently, money opportunities are bound to happen.

From ads to sponsorships, being an influencer is a way that we can be our own boss.

Each generation is unique in its own way. Gen Z is known for making our voices heard through the various platforms made available to us. These various platforms have given us the opportunity to not only recognize what's going on locally, but globally. We cannot, and will not be silenced. We see the problems unfolding every day, and this has caused us to want to pave the way for new ideas and solutions. Social justice, mental health and entrepreneurship—these are just a few of many subjects that are important to Zoomers.

Always remember, the amount of change that can happen is limitless when you make your voice heard. <

@nynystylz Nyla Stevenson

F I N D I N G

Y O U R

" g a w S l r i "G We want you to be confident and powerful in all areas

We’ll help you learn to appreciate your genetic and

of your life and to express yourself authentically—with

cultural makeup, while expressing your authentic self—

truthfulness and girl-swag. Girl-Swag is your

through your acceptance and confidence about your

appearance, your style—the way you present yourself,

body, your fashion style, and your personality style.

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the goals you have chosen, and the way you feel about yourself. This is important, ladies, because you get to

To find out more about uncovering your magical Girl-Swag, purchase the book at Amazon.com or ask about buying at a special bulk rate for your After-School Girls' Program or Girls' Group.

define your own girl-swag. You have the power to choose what thoughts you think, how you feel about yourself, how you feel about your body, who you want as your friends, and what goals you want to set for your life. It’s all about you and your natural gifts and abilities. Don’t let anybody else define you.

The way you feel about yourself, your body image, your goals, and who you want to become are important.

Please know that it is essential that you understand this: The way you speak, behave, look, and dress are important; but, the most important fact to realize is that you are completely unique.

There is no one in this Universe exactly like you, even if you have an identical twin. You are one-of-a-kind— flawless and beautiful; you already have all the qualities and elements that are necessary to be you.

You may not have realized this yet. But as you work through the Girl-Swag workbook, you will start to uncover your “fabulosity” by recognizing what works best for you. You are already an authentic superstar, so let’s get busy on shining the spotlight on you, Darling.

We want you to embrace the uniqueness of your body, your fashion and personality styles, and the individuality of your being. We realize that when you are happy with your body you feel good about yourself. This thing called body image is an essential aspect of your life and your self-expression. We can’t ignore it or make it insignificant. Therefore, we are going to help you identify the positive traits and characteristics about your body, your body type, and your body shape and proportions.

B Y

C H L O É

T A Y L O R

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 70

B R O W N

In the Spirit of Play I believe our life work is to figure out where our personal power lies within us, and to draw this wonderment out—to behold, to experience and to enjoy.

We are here to share that power, by doing the work— to align our individuality, personality, gifts, talents and our heart's desires with our purpose.

Therefore, with all of our heart, mind and soul, we must seek and allow our purpose to unfold.

Otherwise, we are tossed and blown in the wind, without direction.

—Chloé Taylor Brown

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 71

EA

D NO

W

R

WRITE THE LIFE YOU WANT TO LIVE! FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 72

SPEAKING MY BEST LIFE INTO EXISTENCE

SPEAKING MY BEST LIFE INTO EXISTENCE

How to write your own Life Mantra to create and live a wonderful life.

!

N FU

This fun and interactive game will have friends and family thinking

GAME GAME NIGHT NIGHT WON'T BE THE SAME!

and laughing out loud!

www.dinneranddialoguetv.com

DISASTER

IN

paradise

~A REMEMBRANCE~ Once I turned thirty, I did what many Chicagoans do. I left my home of below-zero winters and moved to The Land of Endless Summer: Los Angeles. I was counting on perfect sunshine, every day. Swimming pools. Movie stars. But the moment I landed in L.A., it was raining.

And it rained. For two weeks straight, it didn’t stop. Not even for a day. Not even for an hour.

That was “the rainy season.” Then there were the mudslides. And the wildfires. Talk about paradise! I was wondering if I’d made a big mistake. But as it turns out, I’d done something right. On my 32nd birthday, I was with a man who got down on one knee in an oceanfront restaurant in Malibu: David asked me if I’d let him “make every day better than the last.”

“Yes,” I answered, “I’ll marry you!” Flowers adorned the table, and every waiter in the place was bribed to bring me anything I wanted. For a Midwesterner like me, La La Land kept me starry-eyed, even though I was spending half my life in my car. Those spectacular views— Mulholland, Laurel Canyon, Sunset Boulevard, Highway One! Soon I was living with my fiancé in the San Fernando Valley, in a typical apartment building with palm trees and exotic flowers. It all seemed idyllic. And for awhile, it was.

On January 17, 1994, our wedding was one month away.

After taking a long bath I went to bed at 2:30 AM, and David was still up, working on wedding stuff. When he finally crawled under the covers, the clock read 4:15.

Fifteen minutes later, we were barely dozing, when the windows started to rattle. Everything began to shake. We heard the crunch of countless windows shattering. I propelled myself to the doorway. You’re supposed to stand in a doorway during an earthquake, I remembered.

The floor felt crooked. I stumbled over unknown objects.

This all happened in less than twenty seconds.

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The power out, it was pitch black. I felt David push me out the front window, and to my surprise I was laying right on the concrete. Later we would find that our building had sunk into the ground four feet, our windowsill at ground level. I was in a robe and bare feet. I crawled into the courtyard, but I could see absolutely nothing. I got to my feet, stood still. David, my hero, went back for my glasses, my guitar (my prize possession), and Science and Health (my favorite book).

I realize now that it was a miracle he found anything at all in that mess.

Even with my glasses on, I still couldn’t see a thing. Our neighbours were calling out to each other in the darkness, doorway to doorway, balcony to balcony, making sure everyone was OK. Our next-door neighbour’s door was jammed. I heard David and another neighbour pull him out together, through his window.

A man behind me said, “Here, put these on,” and handed me a pair of sneakers. To this day, I don’t know who it was. But I am forever grateful for that great act of kindness. If I hadn’t put on those shoes, my feet would’ve been cut to shreds by the broken glass everywhere.

>

No lives were lost back at our building; just a lot of scrapes and David and I made it out to the street, where many people

bruises. I was covered with scratches. The pool was mostly

huddled in their pyjamas. Most buildings on our street were

empty, water splashed all over the courtyard. Before long, my

damaged. This was before cell phones, before the internet—so

soon-to-be in-laws along with some friends helped us rescue

we drove to check in on David’s dad and stepmom. They had

possessions. The kitchen was just a huge pile of broken dishes,

experienced only minor shaking. With their working phone, I

but we rescued books, LPs, the computer, and some clothes.

called my parents back in Indiana, to tell them I was safe.

We abandoned most of the furniture—too big to fit through the

David’s sister and brother were totally fine, too—only a few

window.

broken objects at their house.

All day long, there were aftershocks. The trees would sway, and Back at our place in the early dawn, I watched as David and

the ground would bounce. Every time an aftershock started,

several neighbors tried mightily but to no avail to pry open the

David would yell, “Everybody out!” in case the building might

sidewalk cover to turn off the gas. Fire trucks raced by, but none

collapse the rest of the way. Thankfully, David’s dad found us a

would stop. Any functioning phones worked only for long-

storage unit.

distance calling (remember that?); local circuits were jammed, so we couldn’t reach the gas company.

In the meantime, the air was filled with the delicious aromas of barbecue. People were cooking outdoors, and giving the food

Emergency vehicles were being dispatched from a disaster

away—because without electricity for refrigeration, everything

center several blocks away. So we walked down the street

was going to rot anyway.

hoping to inform them of our building’s broken gas main.

This was Los Angeles? L.A., a city where no one walks, a city As we went, an aftershock came. It all swirled around me: Car

where people don’t strike up conversations because they’re

alarms. Fire trucks. Families gathered together in their pj’s. From

always isolated in their cars.

a smoldering building across the street, some guys were pushing

weeks, as people struggled to rebuild their lives, we were all

a mattress off a balcony and guiding it to ground level.

good neighbors—sharing our stories, being honest about our

Yet over the next few days and

fears and feelings, helping each other out.

I started to cry. I remember saying something like, “How will we ever find anything good to redeem this day?” At that moment,

David and I stayed in his childhood bedroom at his dad’s house

my fiancé did something amazing: David took my hand, and

—until we found an apartment that didn’t have cracks in it.

placed a gold band with a simple diamond on my ring finger.

And, standing there, with so much love in his eyes, above the

We were married on February 19, 1994 (by my dad, Rev. J.

roar of the sirens, he said, “Will this do? This was my mother’s

Richard Hunt), in the gardens of Orcutt Ranch in West Hills. It

mother’s engagement ring. And it’s a reminder to tell you that I

was all outdoors because the reception building was

will keep you safe, and see you through this day, and every day

condemned—but amongst orange groves and roses, with our

to come, no matter what.”

friends and family, all was right with the world.

I stood there, without words. He thought I would be happy, that

And, as my mom always said on every visit to L.A., “It’s just

he’d finally given me an engagement ring. I knew I was happy all

another gorgeous day!”

right—but I kept on crying, all the way to the fire station. David explained that he’d picked up the ring that very night at LAX,

The Northridge Earthquake shook me up—in more ways than

FedEx’d from his mom. He’d stayed up late because he wanted

one. One thing’s for sure: I became much more open, friendly,

to check my other rings while I was asleep, to verify my size.

and compassionate. Nowadays, I aim to be a good neighbour

Amazingly, it was just the right size.

every day. I know now that even the smallest gesture of kindness is vastly important—from giving someone a word of

When he’d gone back into the apartment, he’d also retrieved the

encouragement, to a pair of shoes.

ring and put it in his pocket, still trying to figure out just what to say when he gave it to me. And that was all answered by the sirens and serendipity.

You could say the day was redeemed, right then and there.

Before noon, a group of guys formed a human chain across the road in order to stop a fire truck, to tell them: There’s gas going off here! Please radio to tell someone! Finally, that worked, and soon the gas company arrived to alleviate the danger.

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Janis Hunt Johnson is Flourish Digital Magazine’s Copyeditor, owner of Ask Janis Editorial, and the author of Five Smooth Stones: Our Power to Heal Without Medicine Through the Science of Prayer. She and her husband David moved from L.A. to Southern Oregon in 1997—right after a major flood, of course!—where they’ve lived ever since.

“Pre-disastered,” over the past year they’ve survived the pandemic and the Almeda Fire. With hope and courage, they still find a way to redeem each day. Another version of this account, Good Neighbors in a Crisis Time, was the cover story of The Christian Science Sentinel magazine on June 7, 2004.

Connect with Janis on Goodreads, AskJanis.com, and at CS Renewal Ministries on Medium, Facebook and Twitter.

THE JOURNEY TO

WITH

ENGELE DANCE

DR. THERESA M. HOWARD A woman’s journey to heal, unify, and bring joy— with dance and movement.

By Cynthia McCoy When Dr. Theresa M. Howard dances onto the stage, her beauty and grace are followed by movements to the rhythms of African drums, Russian ballet techniques, modern and jazz dance, as well as many other dance styles. At sixty-seven, she has a reputation for having the energy and stamina of dancers half her age. But what is not widely known about Dr. Howard is that for over forty years she has directed Human Service Programs. In addition, as a Dance Movement Therapist, she has helped her patients through their physical and mental challenges by utilizing movement and dance.

Always ready to seek new opportunities and prove that it is never too late to accomplish your goals, thirty-two years after earning her Master’s degree, she went back to school to earn a Doctorate in Education in Instructional Leadership. Now retired from her clinical practice, Dr. Howard devotes her time to dancing and teaching both young and older dancers. She is an Assistant Professor of Dance at Kennesaw State University and Emory University. In addition, she performs and teaches with Ballethnic Dance Company's Academy of Dance, and other dance companies.

With all her new ventures including virtual dance concerts, classes, and in-person performances, Dr. Howard is focusing her attention on rebranding her senior dance ensemble (formerly Edeliegba Senior Dance E n s e m b l e ) t o p r e s e n t Engele Dance t o t h e world. The dance company’s new name pays tribute to Dr. Howard’s dear friend who is of the Saho Tribe in Eritrea in Northeast Africa.

The word engele is borrowed from the Tigrinya language. The English translation is "unity" and "coming together." This message is so fitting for the times we're living in. > FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 76

Her Journey Began in New York

Dr. Howard was born in Brooklyn, New York.

Surprisingly, dance was not her first choice.

She was only interested in running track, and aspired to compete in the Olympics in her earlier school days.

But as fate would have it, when she was in the tenth grade, she was placed in a new dance teacher's class. She did not like it at first. She even taped up her knees and ankles to fake an injury so she could sit out.

“I felt like it was unfair,” says Dr. Howard, “because it took me away from other physical fitness activities.”

While in class, the dance teacher noticed that she seemed to fly through the air like the male dancers. Her mother also took notice, and enrolled her in a dance class at Radio City Music Hall. As time went on, she recalls, “I loved this thing called dancing.”

When it came time to graduate from high school, the thought of going to college did not particularly interest her, either. But again, her parents diligently encouraged her to continue her education.

She enrolled in the Dance program at Herbert H. Lehman College in the Bronx, New York, majoring in Dance and minoring in Education. Throughout her undergraduate years, dance became her life. “I took two trains, and a bus, and then had to walk to get to school." This is where she also met her husband. She studied African, ballet, modern, tap, and jazz dance.

She became a dance instructor and performed with several dance companies.

She adds that she has been practicing hatha yoga since the seventies, "before it was even popular," and she is a certified yoga instructor and yoga teacher/trainer.

Dancing with the Stars While in New York, so many opportunities in the dance world opened for her. Most notable was performing Alvin Ailey’s Revelations under the direction of Alvin Ailey, John Parks, and Gail Reese, as well as dancing with the late Chuck Davis Dance Company, and the Eleo Pomare Dance Company. Despite her small stature and brown skin tone, she once even auditioned for the Rockettes. She has also performed for many dignitaries such as Desmond Tutu, celebrated South African Anglican cleric; Andrew Young, honorable United States Ambassador to the United Nations; Dikembe Mutombo, Congolese American NBA player; the King and the Secretary of Travel for Oshogbo State, Nigeria; and the Fulton County Board of Commissioners along with the Mayors of College Park and East Point, Georgia. > FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 77

Exploring Other Careers in Dance Around her third year of undergraduate studies, she began to think about what would happen if she injured herself or aged out of dancing.

While exploring other career options, she was introduced to Dance Therapy.

“The clinical side of dance is so much different from performing. It gave me a better understanding of the whole person—mind, body, spirit and soul.

Understanding this concept made me a better dance teacher.” She earned a BFA in Dance Theater/Education from Herbert H. Lehman College and an MSA in Dance Movement Therapy from Hunter College in New York City.

Dreams Do Come True In 1979 Dr. Howard relocated to Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and oldest son.

Her family grew to include five children.

There are also four grandchildren. She had the opportunity to continue to dance with companies like Ballethnic Dance Company, Giwayen Mata, Barefoot Ballet Manya, and Manga African Dance.

Her dream of being in the Olympics also came true when she danced for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1996 Olympics and Paralympics. Proving that the apple does not fall far from the tree, both of her daughters Alexis and Jihan became extraordinarily talented dancers. Her granddaughter Naoma has also joined her on stage, making it three generations of dancers.

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Traveling the World Exploring the world, she has had the opportunity to visit foreign countries including West and Northeast Africa, Saudi Arabia, Cuba, the Caribbean, London, and Germany.

Awards Dr. Howard's awards are too numerous to list, but the most recent is the College of the Arts Outstanding Part-Time Teacher Award for Kennesaw State University Dance Department (2020) and the Joan P. Garner Outstanding Service to the Arts Award (2019).

The Show Must Go On There is a saying in show business that no matter what happens, the show must go on. Sadly after thirty-three years of marriage, Dr. Howard became a widow, a single parent, and the matriarch of her family. Shortly after her husband Frankie passed away, she was faced with the decision of whether to dance in an upcoming performance. Since their courtship in college, her husband supported her artistic endeavors. He even helped backstage in the wings, making sure that the children entered on cue. That day, as she peered across the stage at the space where he once stood, she had to gain the strength to go on. So, she and three of her children went on to perform Ballethnic Dance Company’s Urban Nutcracker. She affirms, “Mr. Howard would have wanted it that way.” >

The Senior Dance Ensemble Working with older Americans has always been a part of her career. In fact, she opened the Adult Day Program at H.J.C. Bowden Senior Multipurpose Facility in East Point, Georgia, where she served as Director for ten years before retiring from Fulton County Government in 2013.

In 2005, Diana Stevens, who was a member of the multipurpose side for independent seniors, remembers when the Afro-aerobics teacher suddenly left, and they were trying to find another teacher to take her place.

Someone said that Dr. Theresa M. Howard was a dancer. When Miss Diana asked Dr. Howard to teach the class some dance steps for an upcoming performance at Bowden, she found some time in her busy work schedule. That first performance was so well received, they continued to be invited to perform at other events.

Edeliegba was the name originally given to the Bowden facility's dance group. The word is Nigerian meaning “the elders have gathered with completion.”

If you have ever visited the H.J.C. Bowden Senior Multipurpose Facility in East Point, Georgia, then you've experienced the energy of a highly active community of older Americans, including Howard's senior dance ensemble. The Bowden facility has been their rehearsal space for the past sixteen years. Audiences are happily surprised by the the senior dance ensemble's unmistakable talent and energetic performances. There are over twenty-six dances in their repertoire, complete with beautiful costumes.

FLOURISHDIGITALMAGAZINE.COM | SUMMER 2021 | 79

Anyone age sixty and up is welcome to join.

At one time there were seventeen members. Now the current members range in age from sixty-three to ninety. Today's group includes Dr. Theresa Howard, Diana Stevens, Patricia Winfrey, Ebony Woods, Barbara Price, Melinda Newell-Bock, Carolyn MerrittJones, Carmen Lindsey, Gayle Harris, Cynthia McCoy (yours truly), Arthur Ford, and drummer Johnny “Barago” Hayes.

With a kind demeanor and a good sense of humor, Dr. Howard can also be a stern taskmaster— especially when the group is rehearsing for an upcoming performance.

She expects the same professionalism from the senior dancers as other dancers. When necessary, she will modify the movements to accommodate any physical limitations.

Looking back at what the group has accomplished, over the past sixteen years they have given hundreds of performances at nursing homes, schools, festivals, churches, hair shows, birthday parties, ribbon cuttings and memorial ceremonies—just to name a few. They were the first to perform at the Southwest Arts Center Performance Theater, the Atlanta Beltline, and the newly renovated auditorium at Kennesaw State University. They've established the annual tradition of performing in Ballethnic’s Urban Nutcracker.

In traditional African culture, the highly respected elders are often called upon to bless the stage before a performance, which these members do.

They have been asked to dance at innovative intergenerational performances such as Soul Sista’s Juke Joint and the World Natural Hair Show. But one of their most memorable performances occurred when Dr. Howard choreographed a dance for the group to perform in Lonnie Holley’s film, I Snuck Off the Slave Ship. The short film went on to the Sundance Film Festival. >

Covid-19 Pandemic 2020 In 2020 during the covid-19 pandemic, everything shut down, including the H.J.C. Bowden center. Dr. Howard had to find a new way to rehearse, so she immediately embraced technology and moved the rehearsals to Zoom. The dance company continues to rehearse every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. When it became safe to hold outdoor rehearsals, the group put on their masks and rehearsed socially distanced in company member Gayle Harris’ backyard. Their Zoom and socially distanced in-person rehearsals are about more than choreography and dance. It has been a time to continue the connection that has kept this group of older Americans physically and mentally active.

Community Service: Dancing Through These Times With an individual grant from the Fulton County Arts and Culture Virtual Arts Initiative, Dancing Through These Times, specifically Like to Live, is a community service project created by Dr. Theresa Howard to virtually connect and engage the Fulton County community through dance and movement while inspiring individuals, families, and audiences, and promoting the arts during the pandemic. "We like to call it Light to Live," she explains. New and signature dance choreography from Engele Dance's repertory was used to promote joy and reduce the incidents of stress and loneliness while promoting physical fitness and well-being.

Finding New Places, Meeting New People Making new connections and finding new spaces, the group met at The Wellness Spot, a new health club and spa in historic College Park, Georgia on Main Street. The Wellness Spot generously donated its space to Engele Dance for a photo and video shoot.

Staying Active: Advice from Dr. Howard Her typical day of physical activity includes stretching, walking, and jogging (up to seven or more miles), jumping rope, doing pushups, running marathons, and sometimes playing basketball— and of course dancing. She advises everyone, especially seniors, to exercise and stay active. “Just do a little bit at a time, and know your limitations." While she enjoys drinking chia green tea and the occasional energizing green smoothie, she also urges everyone to drink plenty of water. Her motto is: “Don’t wait. Hydrate. Hydrate.

Don’t wait.” <

AN INVITATION TO SEE

Engele Dance Dr. Theresa M. Howard invites you to follow her journey with Engele Dance. Virtual dance concerts and Zoom classes can be found under Like to Live Inc., and you can find Edeliegba Senior Dance Ensemble and Engele Dance on YouTube. Tune into Youtube for Like to Live's virtual dance concert, “Living,” performed in May 2021 in celebration of Older Americans Month.

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By Cynthia McCoy CYNTHIA MCCOY @CYNTDESIGNS

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Soul to Table

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SUMMERTIME...

AND THE LIVING IS EASIER IN 2021 It's Summer, so we won't ponder Spring things any longer. We're living richer and easier. Value the positive changes and enjoy the sunshine!

Be humble, be strong and be the best version of you.

Flourishing is not a solo endeavor. Therefore, fully grasp the day and grab your friends to surf those waves and feel the breeze of life.

Remember it's not the length of life that matters, but the depth of life.

Let's flourish together. Stay safe and be well! Until next issue— Best wishes, Sadiyah Adams Chief Creative Designer Flourish Digital Magazine

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BE PRESENT & FLOURISH F L OURI SHDI GI TAL MAGAZ I NE . C OM