October 2018 Issue

8

Em p o w e r e d w o m e n empo w er i n g w o men

RODN EY POE THE ARTIST BEHIND THE M USIC

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT FEATURING

Br e e MOORE THE BEST Under gr ound Ar t i s t

IN DALLAS

And his success with BLACKSTREET

STAYI NG TRUE TO YOUR ARTI STRY ENTREPRENEURCORNER: ~MARK ETI NG 1 ON 1~ " M E N T O R I N G B U SI N E SS"

Fou n der / CEO/ Pu blish er

Ashley McNeal Ph ot ogr aph er s Patrick Crowe Ashley Nicole

Wr it er A'Kyler McNeal Ashley Nicole

Geek Plus Magazine & Geek Plus Brand Email:geekplusmagazine@gmail.com 4693216170 GEEK PL U S

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CON TEN T Arti st Spotli ght Bree M oore pg:30

Arti st Exposed: Raheem DeVaughn pg:29

M entori ng Busi ness: Tee Reesa pg:14

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Publ isher

Wor ds f r om our

Photographer/Radio Personality Ashl ey Nicol e McNeal

T h e Fo c u s

of each project

big or small has brought us to this very point. All tasks being different and definitely out of my comfort zone, teaching me that life continues to change, with or without our approval. Every level prepares and molds the most strenuous situation, trust the process. Doubt can neutralize the very thought from improvement, neglecting the influence that we carry daily.

Geek Plus escapes that pattern and fights to encourage each and every individual it touches to continue the undeniable power we all carry. I acknowledge the writers and photographers of this magazine with the effortless spirit of each one with an obligated passion. You can observe the words profound and meek along the pens artistry and continue to preserve the reader's attention time and time again. As we all continue to grow, reflect on the lessons from the past. We will strive to obtain higher levels and offer a contrasting and transparent pleasure for our readers.

Geek Plus serves the community willingly with intent to obtain knowledge that will benefit our future. I applaud the generation that takes the torch of hard times and consistently lights the way of our youth. To whom is given, much is required.

We all need each other. The difference of each strength from each individual will always continue to flourish as we nurture ourselves. A good leader GEEK PL U S

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is built off of the lessons of life and changed behavior of situations. A leader teaches the missed chances, while using resources of his peers, always recognizes the strength and consistent attempt to reach for excellence. I remember the first time I was able to work for myself. I was lost, I did not understand what was happening. Also, I was excited, driven with my own fear. I was not only potentially ready to fail but ready to jump into an open door with opportunity beyond success that I could not control. There was a lot of emotions that I could not explain. Feelings that I had to bury for a time until I learned how to project my art meaningfully. Only then did I learn that expressing myself through art about how I felt was how I would get through my new transition. Accountability has taken me to only a common place. I knew all so well. I have always loved the fact of taking care of my business. Growing and becoming an adult was a condition that we become accustomed too.

Being taught how to think and not what to think has become an everyday ritual and daily meditation. We all have a calling and purpose.

I knew from having my first child that I was called to serve. In that aspect of life, is where I found myself drowning so many years. Trying to find the correct beat and balance to life.

Geek Plus allows me to balance myself and give just enough attention to each project. I never feel forced but always inspired from those close to me. Enjoying each journey with each artist. Different outcomes with learned lessons refresh my soul. Stay encouraged.

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Breast Cancer Awareness

2018

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6 | Ou t d oor M agazi n e Oct 20 16

A s the holiday season appr oaches and we think of the per fect gift for our loved ones. Gifts, tr ips and money ar e alw ay s our favor ites to r eceive. This y ear allow 'Unique Pieces" to help y ou expr ess y our home w ith custom and r efur bished pieces to spar k up any home. After being able to ser ve her family w ith var ies pieces to br ing their homes to life, ow ner Kissha Williams decided to pur sue her hobby and make it into a business. Consistent and loy al clients can make any business successful, but w ith Unique Pieces w as founded w ith y ou in mind, to cr eate sty lish, handcr afted, elegant and affor dable pieces cr eated just for y ou. @u n iqu e_pieces_f u r n it u r e_decor

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ENTREPRENEURCORNER: MENTORING BUSINESS Women with small businesses are growing rapidly everyday. There are 2.4 million African American women-owned businesses in 2018, most owned by women 35 to 54.

Black women are the only racial or ethnic group with more business ownership than their male peers, according to the Federal Reserve.

We know being an entrepreneur is not easy and staying is business can be impossible. Chief Editor, Ashley Nicole sat down with Tee Reesa of Power Bar women fitness and talked about how she keeps up with the business and mentoring business.

. . . . . with TeeReesa GIVING BACK TO?

to fit their needs. Also some women have weight loss goals to that they need to reach so we create that space."

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST WEAKNESS SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS FALL FOR?

"Feeling like your safe. You will go WHAT GIVES YOU MOTIVATION TO through things and there are different sacrifices that you face KEEP GOING? daily to maintain the heart beat of "What motivates me is winning the business. You can not get and being able to see all the comfortable and the industry is sacrifices you made happen. You always changing. Business has a life don't start a business to fail. You cycle and what was excited then will might lose faith but God positions not be exciting now. People are people around you to keep you always coming up with different going and see your future. You ways to be in the business and we have a sense of ownership to not need to Stay engaged 110% and let them down on top of your own never get comfortable." goals. You have to look at the WHAT ORGANIZATIONS ARE YOU bigger picture."

"When we first started we are with The City of Arlington Chambers. We look to give back, we have done feminine hygiene walks and and stay active with youth basket ball teams and feeding the homeless. We want to be able to give back in a positive way, especially knowing that POLE has a negative connotation, from which it has birth."

HOW DO YOU SPEND MOST OF YOUR TIME? "I have learned to prioritize my time because if you do not you would get burned out quick and might miss out or give up on something that you was not supposed too. Set limits. Now I do not do anything for the business before 10:00 am. Be able to delegate your time."

WHO WOULD YOU SUGGEST WE CONNECT WITH IN BUSINESS? TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS? "Its a non-traditional form of fitness for women. I created this business to create a safe place for women to workout and create their sexy, also having a healthy lifestyle. So many women are just completely beat down from being a mom or being in a bad relationship, or working all the time that they just need an outlet

Study to show yourself approved.

You might have in your mind what you want but you can not work with every one. You will find out exactly what you need over time.

@pow er bar f it Learn more about Tee and mentoring business on our You Tube channel.

# E M P OW E R E DW O M A N E M P OW E R I N GW O M E N

Nail art h as taken a trem en dous leap over th e last ten years in its field an d in dustry. Over th e years th e artist h as becom e m ore an d m ore creative in th eir approach to each style.

More n ail busin esses are bloom in g to becom e th e best to ever do it. Sh i Slayed it Nails ow n er Ky Ten n ison h as been in th e busin ess m ore th an 10 years. Her loyalty an d profession alism h as carried h er from w orkin g in a n ail sh op to an in depen den t "m obile" n ail tech n ician .

Sh e strives to cater to every clien ts n eed an d custom creativity. "Sh e is very profession al an d con sisten t!!!

W e h ad a great tim e like w e h ad been kn ow in g

each oth er for years!!! Oh m igh t I add sh e gave us exactly w h at w e ask for w ith a spin on it, W e just love h er!!!" ~ Happy clien t Kesh a Hadden Rath er you w an t to h ost a birth day party or a private n ail day for yourself. You can do it all w ith Sh i Slayed it Nails. No job too sm all or big th at sh e can n ot h an dle. Jum p in th e h oliday w ith a n ew look an d differen t experien ce. Tell th em Th e Geek Plus Fam ily sen t you.

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Fro L ife

TheBest Under gr ound

Ar t i s t

in Dallas Butter. His art is everything but under

Ur ban Raphas innovated the last 3 decades in our black community world wide.

Being labeled as a negative influence in our demographical society, has not stopped sales, artist or the way we all look at Rap music. Different vibes are what we seek out when honoring a true artist. We sat down with Louisiana native R . D o t to discuss his motivation behind his art and his mix tape "Bread and

What has been your greatest accomplishment in your career thus far?

"That's debatable. I've had a bunch of great moments none more memorable than the next in their own regards. But SXSW has given me the biggest platform so far in terms of how many fans I can reach at once so performing there might be my biggest accomplishment."

How would you describe your genre of music?

"Chill music. It's a laid back story telling version of hip hop and R&B that just makes a vibe."

If you could collaborate with any artist who would it be? And why?

R. D o t

"Erykah Badu. She's been an inspiration as a creative and her vibe is dope. Plus we're both artist who are sensitive about our shit! Lol" How do you feel about the current state of the rap industry?

"It's overpopulated and less lyrical."

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W

r e h

e

in

l a D

l

? s a

Cancer Sup p or t Communi t y com m u n ity?

Ca n c e r

Su ppor t Com m u n ity of Nor th Texas is h er e it en su r e th at al l peopl e wh o ar e im pacted by can cer h ave su ppor t.

Th ey m ak e su r e n o on e goin g th ou gh t can cer is l eft al on e. Th ey pr ovide edu cation al l ectu r es, h eath l y l ifestyl e an d wel l n ess wor k sh ops, an d m an y oth er r esou r ces.

Nish a: In 2017, I was l ook in g for a fu l l tim e job after bein g l aid off fr om bein g a jou r n al ist.

Natu r al l y I h ave al ways been abl e to tal k to peopl e abou t th eir pr obl em s an d h ave been a good l isten er. So th is pl ace was r igh t u p m y al l y.

Ash l ey: W h at is Texas Un col ogy?

Nish a: Sel f car e is ver y im por tan t. It can be ch al l en gin g at tim es bu t I l ove to give h ope to th ose wh o don t h ave a su ppor t system . Seein g peopl e feel better al ways pu sh es m e to k eep goin g.

Nish a: W e ar e th e can cer spor t com m u n ity. W e ar e a n on pr ofit or gan ization . W e ar e ou r own am en ity.

Ash l ey: W h at do you do h er e?

Nish a: I am th e pr ogr am m an ager Ash l ey: H ave you al ways wor k ed with can cer patien ts?

Ash l ey: H ow do you h an dl e bein g a cou n sel or ?

Ash l ey: W h at ar e som e of th e th in gs th at th e can cer su ppor t cen ter h el p peopl e with ?

Nish a: W e offer su ppor t ser vices Nish a: No I star ted wor k in g with an d edu cation al l ectu r es for a can cer patien ts in 2017. Al th ou gh I h eal th y l ifestyl e. Ou r wh ol e h ave been ar ou n d fam il y m em ber s pu r pose is to pr ovide a war m with can cer sin ce I was abou t 10 h u g to th e com m u n ity of can cer year s ol d. patien ts to tel l th em we l ive Ash l ey: W h y did you star t wor k in g th em an d we wan t to h el p th em an d be r igh t beside th em th e with th e can cer su ppor t GEEK PL U S

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of Nor t h Tex as

wh ol e jou r n ey.

Ash l ey: H ow wou l d you com par e you r com pan y to an y oth er can cer su ppor t com m u n ities?

Nish a: Th er e m an y oth er won der fu l su ppor t gr ou ps ou t th er e bu t m in es in par ticu l ar h its r igh t at th e spot of th e h el p al l th e peopl e n eed. W e h el p you m ak e th e decision s you n eed to m ak e th r ou gh ou t you r jou r n ey. W e m ak e you feel safe an d com for tabl e th r ou gh ou t you r tr an sition s.

Ash l ey: W h er e do you feel th e su ppor t com m u n ity is m ovin g towar ds to?

Nish a: Defin itel y differ en t activities an d pr ogr am s. Th e goal is to get th em to h ave a pu r pose an d feel h appy abou t wh ich th ey ar e an d wh o th ey ar e becom in g.

Ash l ey: W el l we appr eciate you r in ter view with u s at Geek Pl u s.

Nish a: No pr obl em ! Th an k you to GEEK PL U S

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@geekplusmagazine

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Ar t i s t Exposed R a he e m D e va ug hn the success of this album. This album is very erotic and eclectic and it feels like love but it also feels like sex, its not ratchet, but it is tasteful."

Who would you like to work with on future albums?

There has never been a correct Introduction for the LOVE KING, his vibe has presence of its own.

The phenomenal, creative super talent, Mr. Right, Mr. King of R&B, king of soul music Mr. Raheem DeVaughn, don't confuse it with the divine, graced our audience with so much more than music. His 6th album drops October 19, 2018 entitled Decade of a Love King honoring his 13 years in the game. We sat down with Mr. Love King and talked about his success and new album. Being a definite fan and knowing from years of listening to his music that he is not only everything that we captured, but one of the biggest innovators in our culture. His music, style and confidence has us in love time after time.

What has been your creative inspiration behind this album Decade of A Love King?

"Time, staying empowered, every time that I put out an album, its a opportunity to be successful and opportunity to fall off so you have to stay empowered and proves that I enjoy what I do. I want people to know that I am consistent in my career and work ethic. Making quality music.

That is always my focus."

Now your Artistry goes beyond any theory of R&B music and we know your success in this business has granted you access to work with many artist, Marsha Ambrosius, Ne-Yo, and Ludacris to name a few. Who did you work with in this album?

"I worked with a lot of my artist that I am developing, I used this project to put on and showcase people that I am involved with in my career, rather from a management stand point or a consultant stand point, etc. My company DMG has been involved and helped empowered GEEK PL U S

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"Sade, Lauryn Hill, Luke James and down to work with Kendrick Lamar."

After being in the industry for more than 10 years.

How important is change to you in the industry?

"I am not apart of the industry or consider myself apart of the industry. I think its a lot of people who are not who they appear to be and I know who I am. I am a business man and want to continue to build my brand and be successful. So quote on quote I do not allow anyone to dictate my sound or image and time as an artist or dictate who I am" How important is it to collaborate with other artist and help them become who they are?

"If you don't know who you are you could potentially be something someone else wants you to be and fin d yourself lost. I know who I am."

We see why you are the Love King. Your in demand for this generation. We need more love. Your definitely confident in your approach to your music.

But We love your style and grace you put into your music videos. How has your music prepared you for acting? And will we see some more in the future?

"I am a fast learner and do consider myself a natural but I think you need to be a student and you have to master the art of acting. I have a respect to people who do go above and beyond the natural and go to school for acting."

You're like a fountain when it comes to the R&B flow, you never leave us thirsty. We are always satisfied!

But like crack I am always needing more.

What is next for you?

"Wow, nobody has asked me that today, Musically in 2019 I will do an EP we have prepared called the love obituary" Learn more about the Love King on our You Tube channel. @geekplusmagazine

Ar t ist S P OT L I G HT Br ee Moor e d o n ot f or get ,

w h at y ou ju st r ead an d saw w i th y ou r ow n ey es. H er n am e i s a i n f l u en ti al br an d based ou t of D al l as, th at i s su r e to d r i ve a l an e i n i tsel f . I t i s h ar d to stay w h o y ou ar e an d evolve i n t o w h o y ou w an t to becom e at th e sam e ti m e.

Esp eci al ly i n th e f ash i on i n d u str y, as i t i n n ovates d ai ly. Br ee M oor e h as becom e ju st th at, i n n ovate i n h er ow n l an e. cr eat i n g h er w ay i n D al l as an d br an d i n g h er p r od u ct i on w or l d w i d e. Rai sed i n Sou th D al l as an d h av i n g a p assi on f or h er com m u n i t y , sh e gi ves back i n so m an y w ay s an d over th e y ear s m ad e m an y

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con tr i bu ti on s to sever al ch ar i ti es.

Fr om f ash i on sh ow s to af ter sch ool p r ogr am s, sh e h as m ai n tai n ed th e sam e m essage of cr eati v i ty an d d i sp l ay i n g to u s th at, i f y ou d on 't see a l an e f or y ou r sel f , m ake on e. Goi n g i n to h er 5th y ear of p r od u ci n g som e of th e m ost cr eati ve an d ecl ecti c f ash i on sh ow s i n D al l as, Br ee M oor e h as taken u s al l a step f u r th er w i th th e i con i c Cl oset Sal e. Fi n i sh i n g u p h er f i r st y ear an d goi n g i n to th e secon d y ear , T h e Br ee M oor e cl oset sal e can be al so be seen i n N ew O r l ean s n ex t m on th as a star t to ex p ose th e ad ven tu r ou s br an d w e al l ar e exci ted to k n ow. Br ee M oor e h as tou ch so m an y i n th e f ash i on i n d u str y w i th h er m agi c, f r om Ger m an y, Ph i l ad el p h i a, N ew Yor k an d L ou i si an a. Gr aci u osly w i n n i n g n u m er ou s aw ar d s i n D al l as am on g h er p eer s an d com m u n i ty th at sh e con ti n u es to i n sp i r e. T h e God - f ear i n g, En tr ep r en eu r , M om an d p assi on ate D al l as n ati ve sh i n es a l i gh t th at m oti vates u s an d w e as ar ti st ar e estati c to l ear n m or e as th e y ear s com e. Sh i n e on Br ee. . .

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Breast Cancer Awareness 2018

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THE ARTIST BEHIND THE M USIC

Rodney Poe

And his success with BLACKSTREET R&B has taken our minds and transformed our situations from one level to the other. It can only be truly felt when you have the right song and the perfect artist. After being in the game for over 20 years Mr. Rodney Poe has accomplished just that. His voice has been heard around the world and touched our hearts to focus on love for years to come. Being a native out of Milwaukee WI. and for the past years traveling the world with American R&B group Blackstreet, he defiantly has experience in success. On his recent travel to Dallas in support of Core D.J. Founder Tony Neal for his Slow Jam Mix Tape Virgo Birthday Celebration, we were able to sit down and speak with him about his new solo GEEK PL U S

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project: Gemini Reloaded. Gospel music being his root from which grew such a star, we can only wonder how he stays in such a innovative industry and remain humble.

Coming from gospel music, was it hard to transition over to RnB? "Honestly R&B was just like a speed-ed up version of gospel.

Gospel is just a different rhythm; like soul Music is the truth and gospel is the truth" What keeps you motivated as an artist to write and how do you stay focused on your goals as a song writer?

"Well I always write about experience and I try to stay

@geekplusmagazine

focused on the culture. It is very important for me to write about what u feel. You can always get writers block but that only means you need to take a break."

You began as a solo artist and then went into a RnB group. What strengths did you take from being in a group and how have you applied them to your solo career?

"Working with legendary icon like Teddy Riley, I always apply that to how I act.

Being around big celebrities like him always pushes me to go harder. It keeps me humble and focused."

Gemini reloaded, what can we expect this time around?

"It's just a better version of what I

@r odn eypoe1

have already put out. I always want to put good music out so you can expect alot from this album."

With working years toward the point you are at, What advise would you like to give to any artist wanting to be successful in the music industry?

"You for sure have to listen. Have a supportive team that you can trust.

Don't burn your bridges, if its a bad situation just walk away. Have someone that can help you through the ups and downs. Lastly you need to have a vision of where you want to go."

Learn more about Rodney Poe and his success

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Breast Cancer Awareness 2018

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Po w e r

Up!

Empowered Woman Empowering Women . . featuring Calandra M. Williams Calandr a M. Williams is the founder of Nor th Texas Majestic Daughter s Empower ment. She has the exper ience and testimony to be a mentor to those who are in need of love. Being a Women of God, Wife, Mother and phenomenal entrepreneur she has proven you can over come anything you put your mind to, with faith and gr ace from GOD. We get powered up and excited when we lear n of young passionate women who want to uplift women of color into a submissive state

to God and his will over your life. We know her empowered empire will reach more than Dallas. Feeding the homeless, school supply dr ives and her passion for helping non- profits has not stopped there, she speaks at different events to help different women gain knowledge and wisdom about God, life and themselves. Being able to empower another women can not be easy. As a women we deal with so many daily adver sities, but Calandr a has pushed through to not only encour age other s but to encour age other s. Thats why we salute her in gr ace and love. @calan dr am w illiam s

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Ar t /Fashion/Lov e/Inspir at ion

Contact US today f or rates and adv erti si ng opportuni ty. geek pl u sm agazin e@ gm ail .com

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Kr yst al D Br ow n Agent 240 N Hampton Road Desoto, TX 75115-4914 Bus 972 274 CARE (2273) krystal.brown.wpgt@statefarm.com www.krystalbrown.net Let us care for you and your family.

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@dapper _sen se

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