BREAKDANCING: THE NEWEST OLYMPIC SPORT AT THE PARIS 2024 GAMES
SASSY SUMMER COLORS FOR THE PERFECT PEDICURE
CHARLOTTE SEEN –LET’S FLAMINGLE! A SUMMER FASHION SHOW WITH A PURPOSE 6 8 10
18 20
WHAT DOES IT REALLY COST TO BUY A HOME?
HOW CAN WE REALLY SUPPORT BLACK ENTREPRENUERSHIP
INSIGHT Magazine
INSIGHT Magazine is a print and digital publication that highlights insightful views on social events, fashion flares, healthy cuisine, and beauty tips to maintain a savvy and serene lifestyle for all.
Editor -In-Chief
Curtis Lawrence Sr.
ASSISTANT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Shelton Brown
Financial Director
Shelton Brown
Public Relations
Tiffany Brown
Photography Team
Curtis Lawrence Sr.
Lamont Golightly
Kat Lawrence
Creative Director Kyrea McCluney
Fashion Director
Cathy Moore
Design Layout
Nathan Summers
Creative Writers
Tiffany Brown
Shelton Brown
Brittani Brice
Marquise Burns
Carenda Deonne Kamaya Tarpley
Social Media Content Director
Curtis Lawrence Jr.
Brittani Brice
INSIGHT Magazine
Letters to the Editor: 3340 Robinwood Road STE. 100-517
Gastonia, NC 28054
Attn: Curtis Lawrence www.theinsightmag.com contact@theinsightmag.com
7 TAX TO-DOS BEFORE THE
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Letter from the Publisher
I am thrilled to introduce you to our latest issue featuring the classically beautiful, Crystal Jennings.
In this issue, you will have the opportunity to learn more about Crystal Jennings and all the incredible things she has going on in makeup artistry and entertainment. But that’s not all!
We have so many amazing things packed into this issue that I can’t wait for you to discover. You’ll also find articles on fashion, Beauty, and financial tips.
If you’ve ever wondered about the true cost of buying a house, we have that covered too!
There are so many exciting tidbits in this issue that we know you’re going to love. So make yourself comfortable, grab a cup of coffee, and snuggle in as you dive into this month’s edition of Insight.
Don’tforget to follow us on social media at @insightmagazine and visit our website at www.theinsightmag.com for more updates.
Thank you for your continued support, and enjoy the read!
Warm regards,
Curtis Lawrence Editor-In-Chief, Insight Magazine
Curtis Lawrence
BREAKDANCING: THE NEWEST OLYMPIC SPORT AT THE 2024 PARIS GAMES
Breakdancing is an energetic form of dance, fashioned and popularized by African Americans and Latinos, that includes stylized footwork and athletic moves such as back spins or head spins. Breakdancing originated in New York City during the late 1960s and early ’70s, incorporating moves from a variety of sources, including martial arts and gymnastics.
Breakdancing is largely improvisational, made up of variations of “standard” moves or steps, including freezes, power moves, down rock, and top rock. The emphasis is on energy, movement, creativity, humor, and an element of danger. It is meant to convey the rough world of the city streets from which it is said to have sprung. It is also associated with a particular style of dress that includes baggy pants or sweat suits, baseball caps worn sideways or backwards, and sneakers (required because of the dangerous nature of many of the moves).
International competitions for breaking began in the 1990s, and the sport was featured at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Breakdancing cemented its place in popular culture when in 2020, the International Olympic Committee approved breaking as a sport at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
During the 2024 Olympic Games, the breaking competition will take place on
Paris’ Place de la Concorde on August 9th and 10th. Female breakers will compete on the first day, and male breakers on the second. On each day, 16 competitors will face off in a round-robin phase. Four groups of four breakers will compete in minute-long matches, “battles” with the top two of each group advancing to the quarterfinals. Winners will continue to advance through the semifinals and then compete in a best-of-three final round to see who takes home a medal. Each day of competition will last for about five hours led by a master of ceremonies with music randomly played by a DJ.
Each battle will be scored by a panel of judges, who will make their decisions based on five categories: musicality, vocabulary, originality, technique and execution.
Now, who could have imagined that breakdancing would “break” into the Olympics?
Shelton Brown
Photo credit : Adobe Stock
by
Sassy Summer Colors for the Perfect Pedicure
Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time to show off your toes with some fabulous pedicure colors. This year’s trend is all about bright, sassy shades that bring a burst of fun to your summer style. Whether you’re hitting the beach or just strolling around town, these vibrant hues will make your pedicure pop.
Photo credit : Adobe Stock
1. Bold Corals and Oranges
Coral and orange are the stars of the season. These lively colors exude warmth and energy, making them ideal for summer. Coral offers a playful twist on classic pinks, while orange adds a fiery touch that’s perfect for those sunny days.
2. Hello Yellow
Yellow is a standout color for summer 2024. From bright, sunny yellow to softer pastel shades, yellow brings a cheerful and vibrant energy to your pedicure. It’s perfect for adding a touch of fun and optimism to your summer look.
3. Cool Blues and Turquoises
Cool blues and turquoises are also making a splash this summer. These shades capture the essence of the ocean and sky, giving your feet a refreshing and calming look. From deep navy to soft baby blues, these colors are perfect for the land or the sand.
4. Vibrant Greens
Green shades are also trending, ranging from lively lime to deep emerald. These colors bring a fresh and modern twist to your pedicure. A bold green can make a striking statement, while softer greens offer a more subtle touch.
5. Pretty Pinks and Purples
Pretty pinks and purples remain a summer favorite. Think bright magenta or soft lavender. These hues add a touch of sweetness
and sophistication, perfect for any summer occasion. They’re versatile enough to match with various outfits and accessories. Jelly polishes give a slightly transparent, shiny finish that adds a fun, retro touch to your favorite nail colors.
6. Shimmery Metallics
For a touch of glam, opt for shimmery metallics like gold or silver. These shades catch the light beautifully, adding a touch of sparkle to your pedicure. Metallics are perfect for special events or when you just want to add a little extra shine to your look.
Tips for a Perfect Pedicure
• Prep Your Feet: Start with clean, well-exfoliated feet. Remove any old polish and apply a base coat to protect your nails.
• Choose Quality Polish: Opt for long-lasting, chip-resistant polish to keep your pedicure looking fresh.
• Apply in Layers: Apply two coats of color for a vibrant finish, followed by a topcoat to seal in your look and add shine.
• Moisturize: Keep your feet hydrated with a good foot cream to ensure your pedicure looks its best.
This summer, have the hottest colors of the season and give your toes a trendy makeover. Whether you’re drawn to bold hues or shimmering finishes, there’s a perfect shade waiting to brighten up your days.
Charlotte Seen –Let’s Flamingle! A Summer Fashion Show with a Purpose
By Jozette Cooper
Charlotte Seen’s latest event, “Let’s Flamingle!”, proved once again that Rita Miles knows exactly how to create an unforgettable fashion experience. As guests filled the venue, the room was filled with excitement and expectation.
The pre-show ambiance was a flurry of activity, with various photo opportunities set up around the room, encouraging guests to capture memories of the evening. Interactive games and networking activities added to the lively atmosphere, making it clear that participation and engagement were at the heart of the event. And, of course, who doesn’t enjoy the thrill of winning prizes?
Charlotte Seen’s fashion showcased a vibrant celebration of hot days of summer. The runway was a dazzling display of wardrobe themes that perfectly encapsulated the season’s spirit. Attendees were presented with an energetic array of chic workout wear, playful swimwear, and other delightful summertime attire. The spotlight also shone on adorable children’s fashion, adding an extra layer
of charm to the evening. Not to be outdone, men strutted their stuff in sharp suits, adding a touch of dapper sophistication.
However, the real show-stoppers were the sassy canines that graced the runway. These four-legged stars brought a playful and heartwarming touch to the event, proving that fashion is not just for humans.
This delightful display was more than just a celebration of style, it also carried a profound message. The event placed the spotlight on mental health awareness and depression. This thoughtful inclusion underscored the event’s commitment to not only fashion but also to fostering a supportive and aware community.
In sum, “Let’s Flamingle!” was a resounding success, combining high fashion with heartfelt advocacy. Rita Miles once again demonstrated her ability to blend style with substance, creating a show that was as meaningful as it was spectacular.
Photo credit : Curtis Lawrence Sr.
What Does it Really Cost to Buy a Home?
Written by Tiffany Brown
Photo credit : Adobe Stock
Have you decided that you want to be a homeowner? Are you tired of making rent payments every month that are not even showing on your credit report? If the answer is yes, you are not alone!
According to iPropertyManagement, approximately 65% of the nation’s population are homeowners, which leaves the other 35% as renters. This figure has been steady since last year and continues as of the first quarter of 2023.
When it comes to buying a home, there are many costs that homebuyers don’t expect until they are already in the process. It is imperative that you work with a realtor that will educate you about the process and costs associated with buying a home before you fall in love with one.
CREDIT REPORT: Your lender will charge you a fee to pull your credit report from all three credit bureaus. Fees can range from $50-200 depending on the lender. This cost is usually paid out of pocket when you first begin the process of getting pre-approved for a mortgage.
APPLICATION FEE: Your lender may charge an application fee for doing your loan. This amount will vary, depending on certain factors such as the lender and type of home and loan that you are doing.
PURCHASE PRICE: The agreed upon amount that you will pay for the home, under a signed contract.
DOWN PAYMENT: This is usually a percentage of the purchase price. It can range from 3-20% or higher, if the buyer chooses. Many buyers opt to pay 20% upfront to avoid paying Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), which costs buyers several hundred dollars per month in your mortgage payment. PMI protects the lender – NOT YOU - in the event
that you stop making payments on your loan. The down payment should not be confused with closing costs, those are two separate things!
DUE DILIGENCE/EARNEST MONEY DEPOSIT: Vary from state to state. These items are usually negotiable with your offer to purchase. For North Carolina, the combination of these two fees may add up to about 1% of the purchase price and are paid with your offer to purchase a home.
APPRAISAL FEE: The bank will require an appraisal of the property to determine the value. They normally will not lend over the appraisal value, but there are some exceptions. You may pay for the appraisal out of pocket, before closing. Charges vary, but will cost you a few hundred dollars.
HOME INSPECTION FEE: It is highly recommended that you hire a qualified professional to inspect your home prior to closing, even on new construction. They will provide a detailed report of the condition of your home and suggest repairs and other items that may need attention. This cost will also vary, depending on certain factors such as the size of the home. Inspection charges start around $400.
POINTS: Due to higher interest rates, a buyer may choose to buy down the interest rate on their loan so that they can enjoy a lower monthly payment. Each point costs you 1% of the loan amount. For example, if you buy a $300,000 home, one point would cost you $3,000. These points are not paid prior to closing, but you will see the figures on the closing settlement sheet to be paid at the closing table.
CLOSING COSTS:
These fees are a separate cost associated with the transfer of ownership during the home buying process. There are several things that are factored into your closing costs. Lender fees, government fees, taxes, insurance, title search, transfer fees, escrow fees and other third-party fees may fall into this category. Closing costs vary per transaction, averaging between three to six percent of the mortgage.
It is important to have a trusted professional that can explain the process and fees associated with buying a home. They will be helpful in navigating the steps and may be a resource to help you find ways to save money.
How Can We Support Black Entrepreneurship
It is clear that Black businesses have experienced positive momentum in recent years. However, they still face a range of challenges, including limited access to capital, mentorship, and a lack of strong banking and lender relationships. All of this is on top of the daily pressure of running a business. Still, society can better support Black entrepreneurs in several ways.
1. Amplify and Elevate
As consumers, we can amplify and elevate these businesses. We can recommend Black businesses to friends, family members, and colleagues. We can leave a positive review online and share our positive experiences with these businesses on our social media channels.
by Shelton Brown
Many businesses rely on word of mouth to grow, so these small steps can have a big impact.
2. Invest
We can also invest in Black businesses, whether it is through our time, expertise, or resources. Black entrepreneurs have historically faced challenges accessing
Photo credit : Adobe Stock
Photo credit: Shutterstock
capital—not just from traditional banks but also from venture capital firms. Compared to their counterparts, they often lack generational wealth that can provide seed money for their businesses or family connections that can open certain doors.
At an individual level, we can do our part by lending our time and professional expertise to business mentorship organizations like SCORE or any additional resources we have to diversity-focused funds and venture capital firms that target underrepresented groups. If you meet the requirements, you can also become an angel investor. Even if you do not have thousands of dollars to invest, you can make introductions for talented entrepreneurs to other professionals in your network, whether it is via LinkedIn or in person.
3. Impactful Public Policy
At a policy level, federal, state, and local governments can establish and maintain funding and operational support for programs that spur entrepreneurship within the Black community or that provide ongoing mentorship, connections, and resources to Black entrepreneurs. Some examples include the U.S. Treasury
Department’s Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund and microlending programs.
Standing up new or strengthening existing supplier diversity programs can also create an additional growth pathway for Black entrepreneurs.
4. Positioning Black Entrepreneurs to Thrive
When Black businesses do well, so do their communities and the overall economy.
Small businesses are the lifeblood of their communities. They create jobs, give back, and make their neighborhoods more enjoyable places to live. The goods and services Black businesses produce contribute to our nation’s economic growth, and the creativity and resilience of Black entrepreneurs fuel future innovations that transform the world around us.
The bottom line is that when businesses are positioned to thrive, we all benefit. So, we must ensure that the current rise in Black entrepreneurship is not just a passing trend but a long-lasting one.
Black Wall Street Charlotte www.blackwallstreetcharlotte.org
Shelton Brown CEO
7 Tax To-Dos Before the End of the Year
by Shelton Brown
As we near the end of 2024, a little planning could help you find ways to reduce what you owe in taxes come April 2025. Here are seven things to consider:
1. Check Your Filing Status
Big life changes such as births, deaths, and marriages can greatly affect your tax filing status—and your tax bill. If you had a child, for instance, you might now be able to claim new tax breaks like the Child Tax Credit on your upcoming return. There are five Internal Revenue Service (IRS) filing status categories to choose from:
• Single Filers: Unmarried people who don’t qualify for another status.
• Head of Household: An unmarried person who is financially responsible for a qualified child or adult family member.
• Married Filing Jointly: Most married couples file this way.
• Married Filing Separately: Another option for married couples, sometimes used by higher earners.
Qualified Widow(er): Someone who has lost a spouse and is caring for a child at home.
2. Standard Deduction or Itemize?
Another important decision is whether to take the flat-dollar standard deduction or to Itemize your taxes. According to the IRS, the simpler standard deduction is far more popular. Over 85% of filers took the Standard Deduction in the 2023 tax year.
3. Make Retirement Contributions
If your employer offers a retirement plan, such as a traditional 401(k) or 403(b), contributing enough to qualify for an employer match is a smart way to top
off your contributions for the year. Not only is the employer match free money that you can put toward retirement, the contributions are typically made pre-tax which lower your taxable income.
4. Contribute to a Health Savings Account
Another way to reduce your tax bill is to contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA). HSAs offer a way for people to save toward qualified health care expenses. Contributions to HSAs are taxfree and can help lower taxable income. Examples of qualified expenses range from prescription drugs to vision, dental, and doctor’s exams.
5. Spend Down Your Flexible Spending Account
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are a type of pre-tax account used to pay for health care expenses. Some employers also offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (DCFSAs) to defray the costs of child and elder care. However, FSA and DCFSA funds typically don’t roll over from year to year, so be sure to spend all funds before December 31.
6. Use Tax-Loss Harvesting to Reduce Capital Gains
If you’ve actively been investing in the stock market and are sitting on unrealized losses, tax-loss harvesting is an investing strategy that can help reduce capital gains taxes. It works by strategically selling off losing stocks or funds and using the losses to offset any capital gains taxes owed.
7. Estimate What You Owe
Start figuring out how you want to file next year—play with a free tax calculator to get an idea of what your tax situation
might look like. You may want to consider paying estimated taxes during the current year to soften the blow of the following tax season.
Shelton Brown
SINGLE BLACK WOMEN LEAD IN HOMEOWNERSHIP
by Tiffany Brown
When we think of homeowners, we usually visualize married couples and their families, but they are not the only ones buying real estate these days. Single Black women are becoming major players in the homeownership market. According to the National Association of Realtors’ 2024 Snapshot of Race and Home Buying in America, single women now make up 29% of Black homebuyers. This is a significant increase compared to single Black men, who account for 11% of Black homebuyers. Today, more Black women are becoming financially independent and successful. As of 2023, the median income for single female homebuyers was $70,600. This financial stability helps them overcome one
of many of the barriers that existed in the past.
Single women often choose to buy a home for several reasons. Many desire to have the security that comes with homeownership, even if they do not have a partner. They want to establish a place to call home for their children or family that may be living with them. Owning a home can offer a sense of permanence and control that renting cannot provide.
While we celebrate those advances, we also acknowledge that there are
still many challenges to homebuying. According to CNBC, three major obstacles are student loan debt, access to mortgages, and low-wage jobs. High student loan balances can make it harder to save for a down payment and qualify for a mortgage. While many people may receive financial help from relatives for big investments like buying a home, Black families often don’t have that kind of support. This lack of generational wealth means that many Black women have to take on more debt to finance their education and achieve their homeownership goals.
Historically, single women faced many barriers when trying to buy a home. Before the Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974, financial institutions could legally deny loans to single women or require them to have a male co-signer. The Fair Housing Act of 1968, which aimed to prevent discrimination in housing, also helped more women buy homes by making the process fairer.
When it comes to finances, this continues to be one of the biggest obstacles to overcome. While many women have used their education to obtain higher paying jobs, they still may earn less than their male counterparts. Some have more than one job to provide additional income for their living expenses and bills. The burden of student debt also erodes buying power.
Despite these challenges, the growing number of single Black women buying homes shows their determination, resilience and increasing financial strength. Their success in the housing market is proof that homeownership is still within reach in today’s economy.
Breakfast: Probiotic Power Bowl
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon raw, unfiltered, organic local honey
- 1/4 cup granola (low-sugar)
- 1 tablespoon crushed almonds
- 1 teaspoon flaxseed
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, add the Greek yogurt as the base.
2. Top with mixed berries, chia seeds, granola, and crushed almonds.
3. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle flaxseed on top.
4. Enjoy a delicious, probiotic-rich breakfast to start your day!
**Nutritional Benefits:** Greek yogurt provides probiotics for healthy vaginal flora, berries are rich in antioxidants, and chia seeds and flaxseed offer omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
Chef Monica
Photo: Essentialprobiotics.com
Recipe Courtesy of Chef Monica
NAR Settlement: A Hot Topic in Real Estate
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently settled a lawsuit to end all claims made by home sellers related to broker commissions. The end result was a payout of a whopping $418 million over approximately four years and some major changes to the rules and ways homes are advertised and sold.
Buying a home has always been one of the biggest and scariest financial decisions that most people make in their lifetime. Now it’s a little bit more complicated, but with the help of a trusted real estate professional, you can still make your dreams of homeownership a reality. Clear communication is going to be the key to your success.
What’s new for homebuyers:
• Written Agreement: You’ll need to sign a written agreement with your agent before looking at homes. Make sure this agreement clearly shows what you’ve agreed on with your agent and what services they will provide, and how much it will cost.
• Details on Compensation: The agreement must include clear information about how much commission your agent will be paid or how that amount will be decided. It should be specific, like a set fee or percentage, and not vague. Make sure that you understand how this decision may cost you more money out of pocket if the seller does not agree to cover all of your agent’s fee.
• No Extra Fees: The agreement
should state that your agent cannot receive more money than what’s agreed upon from any other sources.
• Negotiable Fees: The agreement must also clearly state that fees and commissions are negotiable and not fixed by law.
• Applies to All Tours: These rules apply whether you are touring homes in person or virtually.
• Open Houses: You don’t need a written agreement if you are just talking to an agent at an open house or asking about their services.
• Seller’s Offer: The seller can offer to pay your agent’s fees, but this offer cannot be shared on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is used to list homes for sale.
• Seller Concessions: You can still accept offers from the seller to cover your closing costs
What hasn’t changed:
• REALTORS®’ Commitment: REALTORS® are dedicated to helping you and must act in your best interest.
• Negotiable Compensation: You can still negotiate how much you pay your agent. REALTORS® must follow
the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, which requires clear and honest discussions about fees.
• You Have Options: Work with your agent to explore all your choices when buying a home to make the best decision for you.
These changes take effect on August 17, 2024 but many agents are already putting it into practice.
ABOUT FACE: CRYSTAL JENNINGS
Interview by Tiffany Brown
Crystal Jennings is more than just a pretty face. She is the vibe and visionary behind About Face Makeup Artistry LLC, a name that resonates with creativity, perseverance, and success. Her journey from aspiring makeup artist to becoming the founder of a well-recognized business is nothing short of inspiring. In an exclusive interview, Crystal shares her story, her most memorable moments, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
A Dream Turned Reality
Crystal Jennings’ path to becoming a renowned makeup artist was not a straightforward one. Her journey began by wanting to learn to do her own makeup. “I couldn’t afford formal training, so I turned to YouTube,” Jennings recalls. “I learned the craft by watching tutorials and experimenting with my own face.” She soon realized that this was more than just a talent through the positive feedback she received. “People genuinely liked my work,” she says.
After relocating to Detroit with her aspirations, creativity and an expanding collection of makeup in her bag, Crystal decided to extend her skills beyond what was familiar to her. “I started doing makeup for friends and family, and word of
mouth really helped my business take off,” she explains. Despite not having a military background, Crystal named her business, About Face Makeup Artistry LLC, symbolizing a fresh start and transformation.
Memorable Moments and Celebrity Clients
One of Crystal’s most memorable clients is Camille, a high school student that has a medical condition. Despite her circumstances, “Camille is a true follower and long-term client. She models and participates in pageants with such confidence,” she shared. Over the years, Crystal has also worked with several celebrities, including Fantasia, Kelly Price, Tamar Braxton, NeNe Leakes, Tiny and most recently MC Lyte.
What Sets Her Apart
So, what sets Crystal Jennings apart in a competitive industry? It’s her exceptional personality and dedication to making her clients feel beautiful. “I strive to stay on top of my skills and trends while bonding with my clients. It’s not just about the makeup, it’s about giving them an experience and making them feel special.”
Giving Back and Recognition
Crystal Jennings is also committed to giving back to the community. She has a heart for those who have survived domestic violence because it is her story as well. Local news Channel 9 covered her story over the holiday, where she worked alongside Christina Benjamin to provide a complete makeover for 3 women inside domestic violence housing.
Crystal has been recognized as Makeup Artist of the Year for two years in a row at the Carolina Fashion Awards and received an honorary award for a third year. She has also done speaking engagements locally and in Washington, DC at the US Black Chambers National Conference to highlight and encourage entrepreneurship.
Advice for Aspiring MUAs
For those looking to transition from a side hustle to a full-time makeup
Finding Strength in Adversity
Jennings draws strength from her personal experiences, including the memory of her late son and her grandkids. “There are times when I feel like giving up, but thinking about what my son would want me to do and the joy my grandkids bring me keeps me going,” she reveals.
artist, here’s some very practical advice from Crystal: “Promote yourself! Use hashtags, post several times a day, and focus on videos rather than photos. Find creative ways to promote yourself through weddings, events, and media appearances. Word of mouth is also incredibly powerful.”
Lessons from Reality TV
Participating in the dating reality show “MILF Manor 2” that was aired on The Learning Channel (TLC) earlier this year allowed Crystal to take a closer look at herself through the experience. “I learned that I am very loyal to the person I’m interested in and that I am a very real person,” she reflects.
The Joy of Makeup
Crystal uses makeup not only as an art form but also as a way to empower and uplift others. She sees it reflected in the smiling faces of her clients. It’s inspiring to understand and know that her work makes a real difference and helps women to feel good and embrace their own beauty.
Stay Connected with Crystal Jennings
To keep up with Crystal Jennings and see her latest work, follow her on Facebook (Crystal Jennings) and Instagram at @aboutfacemakeup_1.
The Power of Detoxing Emotionally
By Carenda Deonne
Recently, I have been traveling to several women’s events talking about the power of detoxing emotionally. One thing that I have been announcing to ladies globally is, “It’s time for us to upgrade!” It’s time to get unstuck and become unstoppable. It’s time to walk in wisdom, clarity and the fruits of the spirit. It’s also time for the principle of seed time and harvest to be consistent in our lives. However, for these blessings and more to overflow in our lives, we must detox emotionally.
Many of us have experienced several life traumas that has left us feeling hopeless, depressed, angry, lazy, complacent, and grieving. It is
so important that we identify the emotions that have stemmed from such experiences, in order to heal and move forward gracefully. If you have ever participated in a natural detox, it probably made you felt lighter, increased your energy, gave clarity, and eliminated any toxins that hindered your body from maximizing its created purpose. However, on the flip side, what women tell me most regarding what they didn’t like about detoxing was, the PROCESS! Before you partake in the benefits of any detox, you must make a choice to say yes to the process.
Let me share with you my definition of detox. To detox means I am making a choice to invest in myself and stay committed to a process that yields long term benefits, even when I may feel uncomfortable temporarily. Whatever type detox you participate in always remember, it’s a choice. No detox feels good in the process, but if you hold on and hold out, you will feel, think and act in a better state of being. The question is are you willing to be vulnerable? Are you willing to be uncomfortable for a short
period of time to yield lasting benefits? Detox is not about instant gratification. Just like the benefits we gain from participating in a natural detox, so is it for participating in an emotional detox! We can not upgrade if we are not willing to heal, take accountability, and work on ourselves first!
Did you know that the heart is the hardest working organ in the body?
Just think, if we hold onto bitterness, unforgiveness, secret envy, and hate, how much harder our hearts have to work in order to keep us alive? Why put more pressure on your heart when its already the hardest working organ in your body? This is not the time for you to die prematurely, but it’s time for you to let go of some matters of your heart, in order to have longevity! It’s time to upgrade. It’s time to detox emotionally and thrive. The time is now to rid yourself of any emotional toxins that are holding you back! Say YES to you! Trust the process, respect the process, and detox emotionally!
Less Chaos…More Calm!
Dave Chappell Gives Surprise Performance at 50 Cent’s Fundraiser
Comedian Dave Chappelle made a surprise appearance at 50 Cent’s Humor and Harmony Festival in Shreveport, Louisiana on August 8, 2024. The legendary entertainer’s unexpected stage entrance thrilled the audience, who cheered energetically for the stand-up icon. Chappelle expressed his enthusiasm for being a part of the event, stating, “I flew all the way to Shreveport because anytime history is made, I don’t want to miss it. And this is history.”
The Humor and Harmony Festival, which runs from August 8 to August 11, is a four-day event created by 50 Cent, whose success as a rapper in the early 2000s opened doors to his acting career. This ultimately afforded him the opportunity to later establish himself as a businessman and philanthropist. He acknowledged that his fame helps him leverage his influence for charitable work, noting, “Having the relationships makes it easier to connect with effective causes.”
This event aims to raise funds for underserved youth communities and is organized in partnership with 50 Cent’s company, Sire Spirits, and his charity, The G-Unity Foundation. It features a diverse lineup of performers, including comedians Andrew Schulz, Bill Bellamy, and Katt Williams, as well as musicians DaBaby, 2 Chainz, Cam’ron, Flo Rida, and Monica.
The Humor and Harmony Festival is also part of 50 Cent’s broader effort to support economic growth in Shreveport, including the recent launch of the G-Unit film studio. This festival is a key component of his initiative to provide resources and create opportunities for the local community.
Curtis Lawrence
INSIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY
If you are in need of a photographer you have come to the right place! Yes, you need look no further than Curtis Lawrence
Curtis, whose career spans over 13+ years covers everything! From weddings, to sports and fashion events, to concerts, and portraits, he really does it all. I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Curtis at two different fashion shows He is such a joy to work with! He is funny and easy to talk to while maintaining a professional demeanor And when the shows begin he captures the most incredible images!
Growing up in Gainesville, FL, Curtis enjoyed running track and playing football but he always had an eye and a heart for photography While at the time the dream seemed unreachable, it never strayed too far from his mind
After retiring from the Army in 2005, his passion for photography really began to take form after the passing of his mother "We did not have any pictures of her," he told me, "and I did not want other families to have that happen to them " And while that may have been what ignited his career, Curtis has definitely made a name for himself in the world of photography He continues to tell beautiful stories through the images he captures.
To date Curtis has an impressive list of accomplishments to put on his resume He has attended numerous fashion shows and sporting events. He has photographed many celebrities including: Tone-X, the group NEXT, Big 3 Basketball, Will Downing, as well as many others. And while he enjoys doing all of these different endeavors, his real love is working in the studio "It gives me a chance to really create," he explained
Curtis is a very talented guy and he shows no signs of slowing down!
Follow us on social media @insightphotographynkw and visit our website insightphotographynow.com
/ LL COOL J
CEDRIC THE ENTERTAINER & ANTHONY ANDERSON HOSTED THE ULTIMATE BBQ COOKOUT AT BAR 5015
By Lime Light Media
2 of the most recognized comedians in the world, Cedric The Entertainer & Anthony Anderson, made a special stop at Bar 5015 on the historic Almeda Rd on Sunday, June 23rd. The dynamic duo hosted a Backyard BBQ party for their fans and the community that featured the comedians BBQ Sauces and cooking seasonings from their AC Barbeque line (https://acbarbeque.com/.)
Over 600 people showed up throughout the duration of the event to enjoy complimentary BBQ cooked by Celebrity Pit Master Joey Victorian with drinks, games and sounds by DJ Aggravated. Houston Legend, Scarface made a surprise appearance to show his support to the duo.
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The event was produced by the owner of Bar 5015, Steve Rogers, for his Legends Only series where he produces special events that celebrates the efforts of Legends in entertainment.
While in Houston, Cedric & Anthony will host a meet & greet at H-E-B MacGregor Store & a meet and greet at Trill Burgers will BunB.
Friends for years, Cedric The Entertainer and Anthony Anderson bonded over their shared love of barbeque and the unique history that surrounds it. Hailing from St. Louis, MO and Compton, CA, both Cedric and Anthony grew up with their own variations on the craft. Partnering on AC Barbeque, the friends combine their individual experiences, knowledge from
experts in the field, and enthusiasm for the artform together to create a brand that has everything the home cook needs for a barbeque feast anywhere.
• THE MVP (referred to as the “Put Me On Everything”): Made for pork, chicken, beef, fish and whatever else you got going on. Bright and tangy flavor profile that’s a bit smoky, a bit fruity, and a whole lotta hot damn.
• LEMON STEPPER: A lemon pepper rub that’s here to turn up and it’s brought the whole crew – lemon, garlic, coriander and thyme. When your cookout needs a little extra
kick, this rub doesn’t mess around. Made for fowl, fish, or fixings – make those lighter meats and sides pop like nobody’s business.
• MIDNIGHT SMOKE: Chicken and fish, we love you… but the party doesn’t really get started until the dark meats arrive. A salty and sweet flavor profile with a black pepper kick that doesn’t skimp on the smoke. Made for brisket, lamb, pork – perfect for your fav dark cuts.
