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The
Least Cover Story
Happy
Thanksgiving! Honoring
Veterans
Congratulations
Madam Vice President-Elect
Birthday Celebrating Founder's
I AM I AM
SCRIPTURE
MSGOODIE2SHOES
48
th
ART & AFFIRMATION
CONTENTS
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Soar Couture is a magazi about women’s inspiratio challenges, revelations, and new heights. The magazine art, faith affirmations, an elevate women’s bea
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RAINBOW OF HEART
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LETTER FROM PRESIDENT
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HONORING VETERANS
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MS GOODIE2SHOES COLLECTION
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POEMS
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CONGRATULATIONS, VICE PRESIDENT ELECT KAMALA HARRIS
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BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
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WHO'S WHO
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TURE MAGZ
ine with real-life lessons onal journey, adversity, d success stories soaring to e introduces inspirational nd fashion products to auty and strength.
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THE LEAST [COVER STORY]
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS
SCRIPTURE COLLECTION
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MIND OVER MATTER
THIS IS MY STORY
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MY JOURNEY
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
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BEHIND THE SCENES
SPIRIT SPEAKS
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ART & AFFIRMATION
I AM I AM COLLECTION
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PRAISE
MY ANGEL [POEM]
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POWER OF GRATITUDE
11 MINUTES
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BACK COVER [JORI LACY, MODEL]
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Rainbow of Heart Painted by Madison Shaw (3rd grader) 04
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November 1, 2020 Greetings!
Valerie Shaw, President
@valerie-shaw
LETTER FROM PRESIDENT
This fall brings back a ton of recollections, cherish-able moments, and gratefulness. Our Nov/Dec issue showcases many celebrations, including Veteran's Day, which is on November 11th. Let us take some time to honor the veterans who have served us while selflessly sacrificing their time for our country. On this Veteran's Day, the Soar Couture family asks you to take a moment to thank our veterans for their outstanding service, listen to their stories, and feel proud of them. To incorporate the spirit of Thanksgiving, let's be kind enough to plan a dinner safely with them by social distancing and wearing a mask, respectfully sharing our gratitude. Embracing the Thanksgiving spirit also immediately sparks images of our family and loved ones. Let's celebrate this November with the ones we love during the global pandemic. Pick up your phones and call them, purchase the Nov/Dec 2020 issue of Soar Couture with love for them, and stay present during the quality time you spend together. Brighten up the days of those around you and let the heartiest smiles warm your hearts with immense joy. May the pies you bake and the time you take to strengthen bonds be worthy and favorable! Additionally, Soar Couture wants to celebrate Angela Shaw, our founder's 48th birthday, on November 17th. She is the vision behind this magazine and the inspiration unveiled in each intricate detail. The queen of our hearts is with us in spirit to celebrate this special day. We will always remember her and mark this date as a fond and affectionate tribute to her memory. Angela will always be an inspiration for all of us. Finally, we especially want to thank you, our Soar Couture family and friends. We know the path we are on would be impossible to travel on without your impeccable support. Thank you for being a part of our remarkable journey towards becoming the best inspirational magazine that elevates women's beauty and strength. Naturally, we have not accomplished all of our goals yet, but we are definitely on our way towards achieving them. We are sure that our team will continue working towards making Soar Couture your absolute favorite. Thank you for all your continued prayers, wishes, and love. Keep loving us, and we are sure you will love the Nov/Dec issue as well. Let's soar ! Best Holiday Wishes,
Valerie Shaw, President SOAR COUTURE
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OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE JESSE WHITE • Secretary of State November 6, 2020 Dear Editor: On this upcoming Veterans Day, I encourage all Illinoisans to take a moment to honor and thank our veterans who bravely and honorably served our country. Originally known as Armistice Day to honor and celebrate the end of World War I, Congress expanded the federal holiday in 1954 — renaming it Veterans Day — to recognize all U.S. veterans who served honorably in the military during wartime or peacetime. I had the privilege of serving as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division and as a member of the Illinois National Guard and Reserve. This experience helped shape me into the person I am today. I remain grateful to all those with whom I served and to those who served before and after me. The United States is the greatest country in the history of the world. We serve as a beacon of freedom and hope to many in the world living under hostile rule and deplorable conditions. Yet our freedom is not and has never been free. Those serving in the U.S. military defend our freedom both at home and abroad. As Secretary of State, I am proud to have initiated efforts to help veterans and to honor them for their service to our nation. In 2017, I initiated a law that makes it easier for military veterans to get jobs in the trucking industry. Public Act 100-0223 allows for an exemption from the Commercial Driver License (CDL) test requirement for qualified current or former military personnel who participated in military heavy-vehicle driving programs. Illinois was the first state in the nation to take advantage of changes to federal CDL regulations that grant state driver licensing agencies the authority to exempt veterans from the written and road skills testing, a move known as the “Even Exchange” process. We have a lso implemented t he policy that g ives U .S. military veterans the opportunity t o obtain an updated d river’s license/ID card with t he word “VETERAN” d isplayed under t he s ignature on t he front o f the card. This applies to veterans who have r eceived an Honorable o r General under H onorable Conditions d ischarge. The veteran’s designation helps ensure military veterans living in Illinois receive the services and benefits for which they are entitled, including healthcare, education and employment assistance. Please take time Wednesday, Nov. 11, to thank veterans for their service. It is the least we can do to recognize our heroes with a heartfelt gesture of gratitude and appreciation. Sincerely, Jesse White Illinois Secretary of State
Springfield, Illinois 62756
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HONO R I NG
VETERANS November 11, 2020
Remembering All Who Served From,
Jori A Lacy
Valerie Shaw
CEO
President SOAR COUTURE
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CAROL JACKSON Missouri
C
arol Jackson is a retired Police Commander from the University City. MO, Police Department where she began her career in 1978. Throughout her career, her positions and duties included patrol, City Affirmative Action Officer; Commander of the Bureau of Professional Standards with oversight of accreditation, policy and procedures, crime prevention, Dare Program, and Victim Services. She also served as the Commander of the Bureau of Services which included Dispatch, Records, Evidence, Fiscal Management, Policy and Procedures, Information Technology, Crime Prevention, Community Outreach, and Project Management function of the agency. In 2015, Carol was part of a team assigned by the St. Louis County Emergency Communications Commission (ECC), to evaluate and select various vendors bidding for contract to provide Next Generation 911 services to St. Louis County residents. Carol was the agency’s Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) Accreditation Manager from 1994 – to 2010 and led the University City Police Department through one initial accreditation in 1996 and four successful reaccreditations. University City was the first agency in the St. Louis area to become accredited. In 2008, Carol became an Assessor and later a Team Leader with CALEA and participated in numerous local mock and out of state on-site Assessments. Carol has also been an Assessor/Evaluator with the Missouri Police Chief’s Association for state certifications and promotional processes since 2006. In addition, she has worked for Mr. Chuck Hale, Resource Management, as an evaluator for promotion processes. She is also a certified law enforcement instructor with the Missouri Post and Training Standards (POST). In 2015, Carol along with consulting partner Betsey Mitchell, sponsored a St. Louis and IL area law enforcement conference entitled, Bridging the Gap (between law enforcement and communities). Carol has taught classes at various police academies and well as provided training on such topics as Sexual Harassment, Workplace Violence, Personal Safety, etc. for the private sector. After retirement, Carol has been working as a consulting, assisting various law enforcement agencies in
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achieving law enforcement accreditation status. Carol holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration, and Masters and Ph.D. in Counseling. She is a retired Lieutenant Colonel with twenty-three years of service in the United States Army and specialized in Counter and Communications Intelligence. She retired from the Army Reserves in 2002 and is a Desert Storm Veteran. Carol published her first book of poetry, "Turn Gently My Pages", in 2006 and is currently working on her second book of spiritual poetry and writings, "Flow Gently My Heart". She is currently working towards publishing her latest book of spiritual poetic writings, “Flow Gently My Soul” which she hopes to publish in 2021 through her publishing company, Pashon Publishing.
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he holds memberships with Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Zeta Sigma Chapter; The Military Officer Christian Fellowship (OCF); Charter member of the African American History Museum in Washington, D.C; National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE). Carol is also featured in the prestigious University City High School Hall of Fame. Carol is a non-denominational Christian Minister who embraces theological studies and discussions and is the CEO of Carol Jackson Ministries, Inc. She is a member and Small Group Leader of All Nations Church in University City, MO. She is also a certified Christian Counselor and a Police Chaplain with the University City Police Department. Her hobbies are reading, biking, walking, floating, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends which include her shih tzu pet, Matthias (Matt). Carol has one son, Christian Caleb Jackson, whom she adores Immensely. Currently, Carol is serving as the Campaign Manager/ Treasurer, for the Committee to Elect Elizabeth Mitchell. Elizabeth Betsey Mitchell is a candidate for St. Louis County Executive, November 3, 2020 General Election.
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Visit https://www.pashonconsultinginc.com
LA’TONYA Richardson COLORADO
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SG (Ret) La'Tonya Richardson is a native of Louisville, Kentucky, and has been married for 27 years with two daughters. Her military career started in 1990, where she completed Basic Training (BT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Jackson, South Carolina as a Private (E1). Her Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) was a Culinary Specialist. After her training, her first duty station was Fort Richardson, Alaska (Anchorage), where she met her husband, who is also a Veteran, and she even moved up the ranks to Specialist (E4). After three years, she relocated to Fort Bragg, North Carolina (Fayetteville), for three years. The service deployed her to Somalia, East Africa (Port of Mogadishu), during the Black Hawk Down era. She also started her education journey at Fayetteville Technical Community College for general studies. Her next duty station was overseas to Camp Hovey, South Korea (Dongducheon) for one year, and during that time, she advanced to the rank of Sergeant (E5). Upon coming back to the states, she relocated to Fort Hood, Texas (Killeen). She continued her education at Central Texas College for general studies and courses that supported her military career and assisted with her promotion to Staff Sergeant (E6). Due to her motivation and dedication, she ranked in the top 10% of her unit. Therefore, she was selected to be a recruiter for the United States Army within Albany Battalion, located in Green Island, New York.
Within two years of her last promotion, she received a promotion to Master Sergeant (E8), and within the four years, she completed her Master's degree in Business Marketing. Her final duty station was Fort Carson, Colorado (Colorado Springs), where MSG (Ret) Richardson and her family currently call home for the last seven years. She decided to retire in December 2016 after 26 years of honorable military service.
L
corp.
astly, the highest award a Soldier can receive in the Quartermaster Corps, the Order of Saint Martin for outstanding military service within the
La’Tonya Richardson MSG (Ret), United States Army
While stationed in New York, she witnessed 9/11 and the East Coast Blackout but continued to pursue her education towards a Bachelor's degree with Columbia Southern University (Orange Beach, Alabama). Her next duty station was closer to home for the next six years at Fort Campbell, Kentucky (Clarksville). While there, she was deployed to Iraq (12 months) and Afghanistan (15 months) and was promoted to Sergeant First Class (E7). While deployed, she completed her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. In 2010, her duty station was a full circle back to Fort Richardson, Alaska. SOAR COUTURE
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Arizona @ Grand Canyon
John D Turner, Sr. Illinois
J
ohn D Turner, Sr. Corporal, served in the US Army, World War II. He was born on October 22, 1919, in Lincoln, Talladega, co., Alabama. He was drafted into the US Army on August 10, 1942, and began his training in Texas and Fort Benning, Georgia, and completed at Fort Shank, New York. Cpl. Turner was assigned to the combat engineers' role, which was part of the European Theater and serviced England and France. Their primary mission was to build roads and bridges for the allies and destroy the same as to Germany. Upon completing the task in Europe, they were told that they would first return to the states to regroup and sadly be redeployed to join the Pacific's task force. However, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, troops were informed of the Japanese surrender and that their services were no longer needed.
John's six brothers also served in the military in various branches in the European and Pacific Theaters. With his discharge date of November 7, 1945, he married his Talladega High School sweetheart Ida Mae Beck on June 1, 1946. During this time, they joined the Great Migration of the 1950s, moving to Chicago, Illinois, and had two children, the Hon. John D. Turner Jr. of Circuit Court Judge Cook County Illinois (Hon. Valarie English Turner, Circuit Court Judge Cook County Illinois) and Jerrold Dwayne Turner. John D Turner, Sr. had two granddaughters Sydney Nicole Turner and Mackencia Pierre Turner. He died on November 27, 2017, at the age of 98.
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John D Turner, Sr
John D Turner, Sr
Judge John D Turner Jr.
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Author: Vertrise Ray aka Queen Ray
https://youtu.be/vDkaL7mi93M www.soarcouture.shop
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Godversation Godversation
When I speak to you, I get in the mood
to zone out and escape these challenges I now we would face holding on to the goodness of your Glory and Grace Looking deep into this world, grateful for all that you have and will create When I speak with you we go on a journey, and I don’t care where Because your presence comforts me, your wisdom encourages me; your knowledge sharpens me, your lessons, oh . . . how they strengthen me. On this journey, I'm not in my flesh I allow the spirit to take over in this quest! I am not on this worldly rim So my worship and praise may look crazy to them. When I speak to you, I'm not just speaking I'm listening and seeking Seeking your face, seeking your comfort, and your shelter Thankful that your line is a direct one, it has no number! https://youtu.be/wK9H3XGyMQI Author: Vertrise Ray aka Queen Ray
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ThatSomething Something That
God has blessed me with something.
I can call my own! Something that was designed specifically for me. Something that will manifest into more than, What, My mind could ever think or believe. Something that would endure many trails, many tribulations As well as test our patience But with God! Not only did we make it, but we were elevated! We are breaking the cycle and laying the foundation. As we are ascendant from ancestors, Who came before us. We depend! Depend, on the facts, the thoughts that. What we are building is something that will withstand! Depending on each other, not to give in, give up, become idle, and stuck! Defeating the odds that are already stacked against us. Not allowing society to dismiss nor forget us. Knowing as long as the higher power is in the mist. Nothing can ever break us! Author: Vertrise Ray aka Queen Ray
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CONGRATULATIONS
MADAM VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT 018
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Celebrating Our Founder’s Birthday
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Angela Shaw November 17th (1972 - 2013)
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Happy Birthday to Angela Mum, I Love You! Jori From : Nichole Warren I am missing you like crazy, and I love you so much! This month we celebrate you, and I want to say how much I appreciate our friendship. I miss everything about you. I miss our late-night talks, your laugh, your jokes, and your hugs. I still remember the last time I saw you. It was different, like I knew this was going to be the last time I was going to see you. Looking back now, I wish I would have spent more time with you, shared more stories with you, and made more memories. It's been hard living without you. Somehow, you still influence my life, even if you aren't here. I can't even count the number of times I needed to talk to you, to call you, because you would understand my problems or situations I was going through. Thank you for being my Best Friend.
Love your Best Friend,
Nicky From : LaShawn Trammell When the year 2020 began, God shared with me that this would be the year of vision. At the time, it was not known that we would face a world pandemic. Who would have ever thought we would have to shelter in place for over three months, incorporate masks into our daily living, not connect with family and friends. At the time, I was asking why? But God said what? What do you need to accomplish? I began to write and list some of the things I've wanted to do for a long time. After writing my list, It became evident that it was time to reactivate my vision through faith. I had been operating with my so-called birth-given 20/20 vision. One obstacle that was blinding me was fear. I had to overcome it. I had allowed the fear of unknowing to stop me from creating a plan. My friend Angela left with me the last words of the scripture Habakkus 2:20 "Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it." The term 20/20 is not about seeing perfect; it's about how clear you see things at a distance. Webster says clarity is the quality of being easy to see and hear. I've since created a plan for a few business ideas and have now begun to profit from them. Even when things seem unreachable through sight, create a plan, and make it plain. When your vision is written down and then implemented, those we lead can run with it and will see it succeed. Therefore, today Angela's vision still lives on through Soar Couture.
Love your Dear Friend, La
Shawn T rammell
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jocelyn medlockprice DeSoto, TeXas
J
ocelyn Medlock-Price is a multi-talented professional. She has dedicated 40+ years to advocating for workplace justice and educating women, minorities, and underserved communities on economic development opportunities. Jocelyn enjoyed a dual career as an EEO Investigator/Mediator and Classroom Teacher. After retiring, she utilized her skills of teaching and passion for equal rights affecting women and minorities, to start her own business named The Medlock Group. Jocelyn formed The Medlock Group when she witnessed first-hand how disparate treatment in the workplace disproportionately affected women and black employees. She has a passion for helping individuals treated unfairly by showing them how to frame their
EEOC complaints and navigate the EEO process. She provides her clients with various types of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes in matters of workplace discrimination, in addition to landlord-tenant disputes, civil disputes, family disputes, and much more. Her experienced EEO Specialists, Mediators, Arbitrators, and Professional Development Workshop Trainers can be contracted by businesses to help them diffuse workplace landmines and reach win/win settlement agreements without costly litigation.
by serving food to those in need via feeding programs, donating food, clothes, shoes, school supplies, and furniture. Jocelyn also volunteers her service to adult and youth programs with pro bono career development seminars that help them manage their life, learning, and work necessary to advance toward the desired future. She also donates her time to civic duties such as working during elections at the polling places and making phone calls to get people involved in their voting and civil rights.
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In Jocelyn's spare time, she loves collecting recipes and cooking. She authored a cookbook entitled "Aunt Jocey's Cookin'… Comfort Casseroles," which sells on Amazon. In addition, she is currently writing a book on the connection between diet and disease.
ocelyn has been dismayed for some time with the continued dismal statistics of Black-Qwned businesses, particularly Black Women, in the US compared to other racial groups. In 2018 she formed an organization named “H.A.S.U. Business Opportunity Forums” and began hosting quarterly seminars for entrepreneurs. These seminars empower participants with the knowledge they need to compete for financial resources that help with capital, and obtain the business certifications required to bid on contracts. Jocelyn hopes her program platform will become a national event.
Jocelyn is a life member of the South Dallas branch of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc., an active member of Friendship West Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, mother of two children and grandmother of four children.
Jocelyn is passionate about helping those in need and makes selfless sacrifices. She volunteers countless hours of service to numerous ministries
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BIDEMI PALMER BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
B
idemi (Demi) Palmer is a first-
as writing, filming, shooting, designing,
group meetings with other Black
generation American, born in
and exploring ways to intertwine
women about homeownership and
Nigeria, raised in South New
music with stories. In March 2020,
partners with similar organizations
Jersey, and becoming in Brooklyn.
her interests led her to found Tapped
that share the same mission. If she’s
After studying undergraduate business
Brooklyn, a platform that supports
not consuming new music, writing, or
and law in Boston, she started a job
Black musicians from Brooklyn and
working, you can find her talking to
in New York City as a Technology and
beyond to help them become a part
strangers, relishing in local green areas,
Innovation Consultant, where she’s
of the global art scene. In the midst
curating communities, and tending her
been since. But, it's in the experiences
of the Black Lives Matter crisis, she
motley set of plants..
outside of work that Demi has learned
organized a benefit concert and raised
Visit www.tappedbrooklyn.com
more about herself; she trusts her
over $2,100 in donations within two
guiding words of culture, community
days. Her long-term vision for Tapped
art, and music to help her live her story.
Brooklyn transcends music, and she looks forward to accomplishing it.
In 2018, Demi filmed and directed a short film, "About Time," that featured
Demi is also very passionate about
Black women leaders in Boston and
homeownership
provided them the space to share
community, which led her to invest in
stories in their own voice. The Clinton
her first property at 23 years old. In
Foundation Global Initiative recognized
addition to working in technology and
the video. Recently, Demi reconnected
developing her creative and personal
with her childhood love of the arts, such
pursuits,
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she
within
hosts
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the
Black
educational
@tapped_bk
a j d i d a K Dosso
New York City, New York
K
adidja Dosso is the Founder and CEO of Dosso Beauty LLC, a Black-owned New York Citybased organic and cruelty-free cosmetics and
personal care company. Kadidja discovered her passion for hair and cosmetics at a young age, often braiding and styling her loved ones’ hair throughout her childhood. As she grew older, Kadidja’s love for the cosmetics and hair care industry blossomed as she yearned to discover how she could effectively contribute to the industry. Upon graduation from Hampton University in 2017, Kadidja recognized a gap in the beauty industry: limited accessibility to affordable organic, cruelty-free, and vegan hair care and cosmetic products. In 2018, Kadidja set sail to close this gap, founding Dosso Beauty LLC. Dosso Beauty initially debuted with four styles of 100% mink eyelashes, and later expanded to offer a range of personal care products from whipped shea butter and beard oil, to
personal care and cosmetics to the market; it’s about providing a platform for people to reinforce the confidence they have within themselves for success. Dosso beauty strives to create a healthy, safe environment for customers to learn proper hair and skin care tips, while offering organic gender-inclusive products that don’t compromise quality. Beauty should be fun, and we want to keep it that way!
organic edge control and pre-stretched hypoallergenic braiding hair. Today, Dosso Beauty has a catalog of 90 products, with plans to eventually grow into a chain of full-service organic beauty supply store franchises in the coming years. For Kadidja Dosso Beauty’s mission is more than offering organic
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Visit www.dossobeauty.com
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Dr. Gale Frazier Chicago, Illinois
Dr.
Gale B. Frazier is an educator, civil engineer, social entrepreneur, conference speaker, author, certified clinical trauma professional, and ordained minister. She is the president and founder of The Daughters of Sarah International Outreach Ministries; Minister for the Windsor Park Evangelical Lutheran Church; President and CEO of Construction Management Consortium LLC, a construction consulting group that specializes in workforce development training, job readiness skills, construction trades, STEM, and youth leadership development. Dr. Frazier is the former Illinois NAACP Youth and College Advisor, former Illinois Representative for the National Council on Educating Black Children; Advisory Chair for the Global Institute of Planning and Sustainable Development; finalist for the National Juvenile Justice fellowship; Chairperson for the National Black Agenda Consortium; and National Dean for the US Minority Contractors Association. Dr. Gale Frazier is a recipient of the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship and inductee in Who’s Who in Black Chicago 2014. Dr. Frazier has a BS in Civil Engineering, a Master’s in Project Management and Doctor of Education; Certificates in Urban Principal Leadership from Harvard University Graduate School of Education; The Illinois Institute for Entrepreneurship Education; Edge University, the Joseph Business School; and Honorary Doctor of Divinity.
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E
lizabeth Mitchell is
Methodist of Webster Groves
currently a consultant
Missouri and is a member of Sigma
and trainer with Pashon
Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated.
Inc.,LLC. Elizabeth has
over 25 years of experience in
Elizabeth lived in Olivette for over
education. As an educator her
25 years and currently resides in
commitment has been ensuring
University City, Missouri, where
that schools create and sustain
she cares for her elderly mother.
quality instruction and a positive
Elizabeth is a widow and has two
learning environment. Ms. Mitchell
adult children , Rachel Simone
is a certified educator with the
who resides in St. Louis Missouri,
State of Missouri. Elizabeth
and Justin Ruben who resides in
provides training to youth,
Washington DC.
teachers and administrators as
​
well as professional development,
Elizabeth enjoys painting, drawing,
evaluations, educational support
jewelry making, listening to all
and team building.
genres of music, and writing. Elizabeth is also active in her church
Elizabeth (Betsey) Mitchell
and serves on various committees.
Elizabeth Mitchell St Louis, Missouri
is a former educator and business owner. She earned her
​She is currently the Green Party
undergraduate and graduate
Candidate for St. Louis County
degrees from Harris Stowe
Executive
University and Maryville University, with Master of Arts in Education
Visit www.betseymitchell.com
with a Principal Certification; Missouri Baptist University with a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry; and University of Missouri St. Louis with a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Organization Management and Leadership. Elizabeth currently serves as Administrative Counsel and Lay Servant for her church, Unity United
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Dr. Nadia Brown
Dr
Phoenix, Arizona
Nadia Brown is a sales strategist, consultant, trainer, and founder of The Doyenne Agency, a sales firm who works with business owners,
companies, and corporations to multiply revenue and awaken the consistent closer within your sales team using the Consistent Sales Method™. Nadia brings over fifteen years of experience in leadership, powerful conversations, achieving goals, and respect for people to develop a comprehensive sales process to increase closing rates and satisfied client retention. Nadia’s clients have seen massive results, such as raising their rates, decreasing their refund requests, and doubling or tripling their annual revenues. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and niece. Learn more about Dr. Nadia and The Doyenne Agency. Visit Us www.thedoyenneagency.com
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CANVAS SIZES 12X12 12X16 16X16 16X
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MUGS something in between – this mug’s for you!
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MyAngel Angel My In loving memory of my Aunt Diane
We were close, She was there when I need her most When things became rough She was my backbone. She kept the family together and raised her only child on her own She was a sweet loving person She served in the Army, but now she is gone. Taken from this place we call Earth in such a cruel way Having to struggle and suffer
Just to survive from day to day. Me, watching, wishing there was some way to ease her pain, Watching her go in the hospital so happy and full of energy, And then leave out so sad and drained. Each day I saw her, she had changed.
Stiff as a board, helpless just like a baby, Depending on you to do everything. At this point, you don't know what to do, So you're pacing the hospital waiting room floor. Looking and feeling oh, so confused. Then the Doctors tell you that there is not much more they can do! There is, though, a possibility that we could keep her at ease, But this is not the at ease I wanted her to be. Hooked up to all of these machines, Family members taking turn praying and watching her lay In this room, SLEEP!
Slowly losing her hair and her weight! Looking at her, I can see all of her pain, worry, and fear, But most of all, I saw her strength, The strength for her to keep walking around with a big smile on her face. Then I looked deep into her eyes, and it became clear that her time was near. It was hard watching someone you love Oh so dearly, Just lay there dying, crying in pain, Because their insides are deuterating, Not wanting to eat because they do not have the strength.
SLEEP she is she's not in pain, She lies there before us in her green. Don’t cry, don't worry, don’t cry, don’t worry She has gone to a better place, What place is better than right here with me?! Ashes to Ashes, dust to dust is what the preacher says! My Aunt Diane has just been taken away. Taken away from me, By this sometimes deadly disease, by this sometimes deadly disease, by this sometimes deadly disease That we call CANCER My Angel (Breast Cancer Awareness)
https://youtu.be/vDkaL7mi93M
Author: Vertrise Ray aka Queen Ray
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TH LEA Angela Shaw, Author
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1 Corinthians 15:3-10 Reading from the NIV version ...
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For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas," and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.
9 For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. As a little girl, growing up in Selma, Alabama one of my favorite childhood stories was Cinderella.As a little girl, growing up in Selma, Alabama one of my favorite childhood stories was Cinderella. Why? Cause Cinderella was the underdog. The unrecognized. The one least likely to succeed. Much like Paul, the least. Well, I am all grown up now, as you can see. Yet, I've come to realize something! What? That the story of Cinderella is much like the Kingdom of God. How you might ask? Well, you have your villain... The antagonist... THE evil stepmother: The devil! Then you have your evil cohorts . . . Lottie and Dottie, those evil stepsisters: C'mon! Who does that remind you of? Surely, Satan's imps and demons for the bible says that “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places�. Well? Who else? Surely, Y'all remember, the Fairy Godmother and her golden wand: 048
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Immediately SHE begins to transform Cinderella from house servant to the young lady fit for the ball!!! • She turns a pumpkin into a golden carriage • Mice into horses • A Rat into a coachman • Lizards into footmen • Rags into a beautiful jeweled gown with a delicate pair of glass slippers. WRags into a beautiful jeweled gown with a delicate pair of glass slippers. Well! I am telling youell! I am telling you that the Holy Ghost, like the Fairy Godmother, is transforming you into one that is fit for the royal ball ... The kingdom of the Almighty God! For, Isaiah 61:3 says, that he will give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Like Cinderella, If the shoe fits, you oughta to wear it! But, ANYBODY GLAD OUT THERE, THAT UNLIKE the story of Cinderella, the Holy Ghost don't quit at the stroke of midnight! According to Wikipedia the Word Cinderella has, by analogy, come to mean one who unexpectedly achieves recognition or success after a period of insecurity or neglect: Well, there are some of you here, God's getting ready to bring out of a place of obscurity. There are some of you here, God's about to bring into a major transformation! Yes. You are His Cinderella. Because some have written you off. They said you'll never make it to the ball. They ridiculed you. They harassed you. Said you'll never amount to anything. But God has sent me here today to tell you that you are ...
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• A Holy Nation • A Chosen People • A righteous Branch • You are a King's Kid • You are a child of the Most High God • You, like Cinderella, are ROYALTY!!!!!! • You're a peculiar people ... that means you're unique. Different. A step above the ordinary! • A remnant chosen from the foundation of the world! Not only has he sent me here to tell you who you are, but to also tell you who He is, for He is ... • Jehovah Jireh - your provider • Jehovah Nissi - your banner • El Shaddai – the Lord of Hosts • King of Kings and Lord of Lords • He's the Great I AM that I AM • He is He who was, who is, and who is yet to come • A Balm in Gilead. Oh, somebody out there needs provision today, somebody needs healing. Somebody needs revelation, raise your hand if you need something from God, TODAY. In this Christmas season, one thing we know for sure is that He came: And, if He came, He came as Savior of this world, for OUR sins. And, we know for sure that He died, For if He died, He died FOR our sins ... And we know for sure that He rose, and if He rose, He rose FROM our sins ... THAT'S THE CHRISTMAS STORY! But let's take it one step further, SHALL WE???
14 Let's like Emeril, kick it up a notch,
Let's take it to whole notha’ level!!! Yes, He came! Yes, He died! Yes, He rose! That's 050
the Christmas story! • That's why we bought Christmas presents, out like crazy people doing Black Friday, White Wednesday, Red Monday and whatever else they selling us! • That's why we put up Christmas trees, hung lights, • Got all dressed up, today, in our Sunday's best!!! Cause it's the Christmas season! Look atcha'. You looking good. Praise God! Hallelujah! Can't wait to Christmas day, you really gonna be looking good! But, Paul calls us to remember that He also ... REVEALED!!!! First, Paul says to Peter, then the Twelve, then the five hundred all at once, then of James, then of all the apostles, then last of all to Paul: THE LEAST ... COPPIN, TODAY HE STILL WANTS TO REVEAL ... to the least. For earlier in this book, Scripture says, He has “chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty...and base things of the world, and things which are despised... to bring to nought things that are! Need more proof? Okay! He revealed Himself to: Noah the drunk - the least. Abraham the liar – the least. Moses the murderer – the least. David the adulterer – the least. Soloman the polygamist, the least. Peter the traitor—the least. Paul the persecutor – the least. Me, the who knows what – the least. Me, the I'm not telling you what – the least. You, the fill in the blank -the least.
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Surely, folks, I'm here to tell you that Jesus Christ wants to reveal himself despite ... Get this in your spirit : Jesus Christ wants to reveal Himself, despite, YOURSELF!!!!!!! • He wants to reveal himself in visions and dreams. • He wants to reveal himself in signs and wonders. • He wants to reveal himself in your foreclosure situation. He wants to reveal himself while you trying to make ends meet. • He wants to reveal himself in SSI, Social Security, The Unemployment Line, through the Pension Board. • He wants to reveal himself in your family matters. • He wants to reveal himself in your sickness. • He wants to reveal himself when you live in Flossmoor but have to come to church in a crimeridden neighborhood, Amen!
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He wants to reveal himself when yah wondering how ya gonna fill your tank cause gas is $10.99 per gallon, C'mon, praise God! Let's keep it real! But, Cinderella, there is a ball with your name on it! The kingdom of the Almighty God: Where eyes haven't seen, ears haven't heard, neither has it entered the heart of man! The ball ... the kingdom of God, where Duetoronomy 28 says, you are above and not beneath, the head and not the tail. C'mon now, I am paraphrasing. Blessed in the city, blessed in the field ... Blessed! Where you shall live, and surely NOT DIE. So, you can praise when you hear the unfavorable doctor's report. You can dance when life gets a little tough. You can worship when folks lie on you! You can shout when they talk about you! You can give God the glory FOR HE REVEALS! Yes, like Cinderella, there are some EVIL FORCES OPPOSING you. But, I am telling you that if God be for you He is more than the world against you. And if God be for you, who can be against you? Surely, greater is He that is in you . . .THE LEAST. That is you my sister. You my brother. You You You That's you Pastor, Preacher, Reverend, Doctor, Prophet, Evangelist, you know you all that ... I'm trying to get an A in my internship, y'all ... Apostle, Bishop, you all that! But, that's you ... Out of all the people He could have chosen, (and not to say that he has chosen some of them)... The dignitaries The president The superstars The actors The singers The dancers Lottie and Dottie, and ALL THE OTHERS AT THE BALL!!! Out of all the people he could have chosen, CINDERELLA, He choose ... YOU! YES, YOU ARE HIS CINDERELLA. MEN, YOU ARE HIS CINDERFELLA! Yes, you are! While I end, I will like to read you the FAIRY TALE OF ALL FAIRY TALES . . . ABOUT THE LEAST OF THE LEAST. AND, it goes like this! ONCE UPON A TIME ... These was a man named Jesus – the Least.
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Around this time, Born of a Virgin, conceived by the Holy Ghost—The Least. A carpenter. Was baptized by John the Baptist. Came and Healed the sick. Raised the dead. Cast out many demons. Caused the blind to see and the deaf to hear—The Least. Was betrayed by his own. Falsely accused. He was Mocked. Struck in the head with a staff. Was Spit on. He was Stripped naked. Stake-like nails were driven through this wrist, this wrist, this ankle, then this ankle fastening Him to the cross between 2 convicted criminals—The Least. He Cried out to His Father, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" – The Least! Oh, but the story doesn't end here. • The Least, He went to Hell. • Preached a revival. • Took the keys back from THE DEVIL to Hell and Death. O, death where is your victory? O, death where is your sting? • AND ON THE THIRD DAY.... The Least rose again and NOW He lives ... Oh, He lives ... I said, He lives . . . He live ... He lives . . . He lives ... He lives ... Jesus Christ, the Least became the Greatest, the Son of the Living God, and HE LIVES! Glory to our God, HE LIVES!!! Hallelujah, HE LIVES!!! Praise be to the Most High God, FOR HE LIVES!!!!!!!!!!!! But that's not the EVEN THE END of the story, because His story is your story ... Because He is so gracious, so kind, so loving, so merciful, so, so, so, so, God ... THAT HE ALSO REVEALS ... To The Least! AND because of it, YOU shall Live (Repeat) ... Happily Ever After! The END!
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writ ten by
Jewell Akintunde 056
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Jewell Akintunde (Pictured)
M
y name is Jewell
run, I was literally out of breath, unable
Akintunde, and I am
to jog for 1 minute. I told my husband
inspired by so many
something must be wrong because
people, places, and
this doesn't make sense that I can't
things throughout my journey. My
run for 1 minute. I was sure I needed to
life journey has taught me so many
be seen by a doctor. My husband gave
lessons with failures and success.
me the "truth" I didn't want to hear,
With those failures, I've learned to
"YOU ARE OUT OF SHAPE." His words
appreciate, Believe, TRUST GOD, and
amplified and inspired me to go harder
HAVE FAITH! With my success, I have
and keep going. I learned to take my
also learned to appreciate more, Give
time with myself, motivate myself, and
More, TRUST God more, AND Continue
practice "MIND OVER MATTER" on
to "HAVE FAITH." To Believe in God,
each run. After one year, I was running
All Things Are Possible. No matter
13.1 miles, a half marathon.
how ugly or bad it gets, if you trust and believe, you will truly have what your heart desires! Every failure and every success is a true testament of Faith. About five years ago, I started to work seriously on my health. I made fruit and vegetable smoothies and started my run around the track. As I tried to I share this story to encourage you never to give up and keep striving one day at a time to accomplish your goals. Thanks for the practice "MIND OVER MATTER" on each run.
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BEHIND THE SCENES
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Angela Shaw, Artist
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"You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us, your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." 2 Corinthians 9:11 NIV
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Gift Positivity and Hope! In the face of unfortunate times we live in, we call on you to come together as a community and move forward along with a smile. It is You who are reading this. It is You who are going through a difficult moment. It is You who knows someone who needs a little gesture of encouragement right now. You, we are looking for you! We want to share the new artistic collections of Soar Couture so that you can fill your life and the lives of your loved ones with optimism, joy, and positiveness through art. We want to bring to your screen or even your door inspirational art, faith affirmations, and fashion products to elevate women's beauty gathered in an exclusive Soar Couture Magazine, Nov/Dec Issue 2. Available in digital or print format https://soarcouture. shop/collections/magazine, you'll discover real-life lessons about women's inspirational journey, adversity, challenges, revelations, and success stories soaring to new heights. Do not miss it! Many thanks for your continuous support in the past years; we wish you favor in the coming years. May your New Year be filled with unforgettable moments, warmth and happiness, and we hope you all the joys of Christmas and a year of peace. Last but not least, we invite you to discover our uplifting products, to give away positivity, love, and meaningful details this Fall, and, of course, to let us know by tagging us on social media. So we can share with you the joy of facing this situation together. Fall in love with the art, the affirmation, and the brand philosophy that empowers women at www.soarcouture.shop. With Love & Gratitude, Jori A Lacy, CEO
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BRIDE
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Nov/Dec 2020 Founder ANGELA SHAW (1972-2013) Age 40 CEO JORI A LACY President VALERIE SHAW Photographer JORI A LACY Editorial Editor E WALKER AYESHAS Digital Magazine Design E ONBASIOGLU BLENDARTS NALEEN123 Graphic Designer ASAD KAMAL SHADIY FURQAN ALIELOGO GRAPHIXITY Photo Editor RUWANPRASANGA SOFTPVT786 Back Cover Model: JORI A. LACY Mailing Address Soar Couture Magz c/o Royal Rainn Corporation PO Box 192 Chicago, IL 60690 Phone: (708) 794-6551 Email:Corporatesales@royalrainn.com To subscribe www.soarcouture.shop/collections/ magazine
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ANGELA SHAW, ARTIST CONDITIONS: This publisher makes every effort to ensure the magazine’s contents are correct, but cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information published herein, or be held accountable for any errors, omissions, or claims for damages. Royal Rainn Corporation cannot accept responsibility for the claims, goods or services of advertisers, or for the copyright of materials used. Royal Rainn Corporation Independent publications for Soar Couture Magazine No part of this magazine, including texts, photographs, illustrations, maps or any other graphics may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of Publications Royal Rainn Corporations. SOAR COUTURE
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