Trendsetters to Trendsetters Magazine Mar Apr 2011 by Trendsetters to Trendsetters Magazine

TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | MARCH/APRIL 2011

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TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | MARCH/APRIL 2011

Willie Stewart / Chief Executive Officer Lukiether Willingham / President ■ Lindsay Powell / Executive V.P of Business Development Our Mission It is our mission to be the premier source for positive news and information among trendsetters around the globe and to build strong relationships among individuals, corporate companies, businesses, and organizations in the communities that we serve.

About Us Trendsetters to Trendsetters Media Group, Inc., (aka T2T Media Group and Trend to Trend Media Group) is a minority-owned, privately-held, national media group headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. T2T Media Group started as a single magazine and through strategic planning has grown into a multifaceted media company which now includes a Publishing Division with two magazines (Trendsetters to Trendsetters Magazine & Trendsetters to Trendsetters Latino Magazine); and a Digital Division which specializes in graphic design, marketing, and social media. Companies in our Digital Division include DPI Graphic Design, PRO-ARTS (Video Production & Entertainment), Lukeither Multimedia & Design (Internet and Social Network Marketing), T2T Live (Internet TV Show), FYI Blast (Eblast), and numerous interactive websites and blogs (entertainment, food, and technical). Through our divisions and various companies, it is our goal to provide excellent returns to our shareholders, and provide support to the community and businesses where we live, work and play. Our company motto is “Together Building Strong Relationships.” We pride ourselves in building strong business relationships and offering services that help businesses reach their target audiences. Trendsetter to Trendsetters Media Group, Inc. specializes in B2B relationships and offers strategies and solutions for every budget.

“Together Building Strong Relationships”

TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS MAGAZINE TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS LATINO MAGAZINE TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS LIVE TV LUKEITHER MULTIMEDIA & DESIGN

TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | MARCH/APRIL JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2011 2011

TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS COVER TO COVER AWARDS TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS NETWORK BUILDING TRENDSETTERS FOUNDATION Young Minds On The Rise TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS

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PUBLISHER’S NOTES

Willie Stewart CEO / PUBLISHER

Position Your Business in 2011!

n positioning our business in 2011, we have created a new and more interactive website that businesses, large and small, will desire to advertise (www.trendtotrendmag.com). I would like to specially thank the design teams of Lukeither Multi-Media & Design ( l u k ei t h er m d. c om ) a n d DP I Gr a ph i c D e si gn (dpigraphicdesign.com) for their contribution to the development of our new website. I am also thankful to the staff of Trendsetters to Trendsetters Magazine, and everyone else who contributed their time and talent in this effort. God puts a vision in us to do the things that we need to do to become prosperous. We have to continuously believe in ourselves in order to exceed the levels of success that have been set before us. My vision is to continue to build a successful media group compiled of businesses that will enhance and complete the circle of success that I desire to achieve. We all have ideas and visions but most of us do not know what doors to knock on and if we do know what doors to knock on, we sometimes do not enter them correctly. This will not

only sour the deal, but will add discouragement to yourself and others affiliated with the process. We should keep close to those individuals that have already established the path to success and not be jealous of their drive and favor, but build a strong relationship with them so that we can implement the principles that God has placed within us to help reach our goals. When it comes down to business, we should put our personal differences aside and drive forward. Ask yourself, “Where do I want my business to be at the end of 2011?” It’s simple to achieve a successful business by staying committed and believe that you have the products and services that people and businesses need to get to the next level. Stay focused and do not allow the negativity of others to cloud your vision. If you follow these principles, at the end of 2011 you will find that your business will be in a better position than it was last year. This concept will work if you believe in God and know that you will survive in 2011. God Bless

TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | MARCH/APRIL 2011

TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS CEO / PUBLISHER / FOUNDER Willie Stewart / Canton, OH - Atlanta, GA PRESIDENT OF T2T MEDIA GROUP, INC DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL NETWORK MARKETING & WEB DEVELOPER Lukeither Willingham / Atlanta, GA EXECUTIVE V.P. BUSINESS DEVELOPEMENT Lindsay Powell / Atlanta, GA CREATIVE ART DIRECTOR & WEB DESIGNER Derek Payne / Columbus, OH ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DIRECTOR Stephen Philms / Atlanta, GA CELEBRITY CORRESPONDENT Carol Courtney Anglin / Brooklyn, NY COPY EDITOR Teri Miller Barker / Dayton, OH EDITORS Tanya R. Fisher / Atlanta, GA Richard Thompson / Akron, OH Carla Daniels / Columbus, OH

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mechelle Bowser / Atlanta, GA Dr. Leslie Ashlock / Atlanta, GA John E. Johnson / Canton, OH Gigi McCrary / Columbus, OH Camela Douglass / Dayton, OH Stacy Lattisaw / Washington, DC Richard Thompson / Akron, OH Jacques Miles / Ecuador, S. America Teri Miller Barker / Dayton, OH Corbin Cook / Atlanta, GA Lionel Locke / Chattanooga, TN Angela Thomas / Miami, FL Dr. Linda Amerson / Arlington, TX Dr. Dorothy Flake / Houston, TX Tracy Hill-Ashley / Ft. Worth, TX Tammie Seldeon / Atlanta, GA ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Stephen Philms / Atlanta, GA Dwight Philpotts / Atlanta, GA Laurence Reed / Atlanta, GA Ethan Canton / Atlanta, GA DeJuan Guess / Atlanta, GA

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR La Lisa Leary / Atlanta, GA

TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS MEDIA GROUP RESERVES THE RIGHT TO PUBLISH ANY MATERIALS RECEIVED. WE APPRECIATE ALL MATERIAL, HOWEVER, SUBMISSIONS MUST BE OF A POSITIVE AND INFORMATIVE NATURE. PLEASE MAIL OR EMAIL ARTICLES TO WSTEWART@TRENDTOTRENDMAG.COM | TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS MAGAZINE, 3007 PANOLA ROAD | SUITE 283C | LITHONIA, GA 30038 (404) 437-4311 OR 1-866-958-7363.

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contents

MARCH / APRIL 2011 T2T MAGAZINE

On The Cover

Female Hip Hop Legends SALT N PEPA Photo by Ronnie Wright

special features 20 24 27 35 41

departments

Stephen Stafford 14-Year Old Morehouse College Sophomore

Michelle Bowser’s Startini Report

Tiffany Freelandl Young Entrepreneur

Trendsetters for Youth Cover Story Trendsetters Spotlight Mixing Love and Business The Startini Report

05 Publisher’s Notes 12 Educational Trends 13 Celebrity Spotlight 15 Corporate Trends 16 Health and Wellness 21 Environmental 23 Fitness Trends 30 Inspirational Trends 36 Beauty & Fashion Trends 42 Arts & Entertainment 44 Real Estate Trends 45 Auto Trends 46 Travel Trends

Linda Gail Never Gave Up TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | MARCH/APRIL 2011

UP & COMING TRENDSETTERS

A Young Lady On The Move: Kandice Mathewis

ATLANTA, GA

any young people have dreams and aspirations but many of them do not seize the moment or opportunity to make their dreams come true. This featured “trendsetter” Miss Kandice Mathewis definitely does not fit into that category. Miss Mathewis is a native of Newnan, Georgia a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia. Kandice has already reached a major milestone in h er li fe: com p l etin g h er undergraduate degree. Kandice recently graduated from Georgia State University with a BA in Journalism and a Music Management Minor. Miss Mathewis also obtained a Cert i fi cat e of Hospi t al it y Administration. Miss Mathewis worked so hard and diligently, that she was able to graduate a year early due to her credits from high school and good, old fashioned hard work. Miss Mathewis was very active while on campus at GSU participating in various organizations. She is a member of the Delta Epsilon Iota Honor Society. Miss Mathewis has been on the GSU Homecoming Court and was also the 4th Runner in the Miss GSU Pageant in 2010 and the 1st place talent winner! Miss Mathewis is very serious about her academics and was

awarded various scholarships and grants to complete her education. Not only does Miss Mathewis have brains and beauty, but she is also very talented. Kandice is a singer/songwriter/ musician. Kandice was voted most likely to win American Idol by her high school peers and has won various talent shows. Miss Mathewis has traveled across the state of Georgia and across the country singing at various events. Miss Mathewis recorded an urban gospel album titled, Unconditional, which she wrote many of the songs herself. Kandice enjoys singing and performing for a wide array of audiences and occasions. She is recognized and remembered by many for her strong, powerful voice. Miss Mathewis is currently pursuing her MBA and she hopes to be a business owner and continue to hone her craft of singing and music. With her sweet spirit, personality, and bright smile, Miss Mathewis is sure to go far in whatever she pursues. Miss Mathewis embodies diligence, persistence, and hard work. She loves to help others in her surroundings and embodies a true trendsetter. Miss Mathewis credits her faith in God, a wonderful family, a good attitude, and a hard work to her current and future success. ■

The Wine Cellars, Inc. | 1295 W. Spring Street Suite 100 | Smyrna, Ga 30080

www.winecellarsonline.com

INTERNET MARKETING MANAGER & STRATEGIST

www.lukeithermd.com 8

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UP & COMING TRENDSETTERS

14-Year Old Morehouse College Sophomore Stephen R. Stafford Blazing new trails and setting new standards in education trends

By Lakeitha Y. Anderson

ourteen year-old college sophomore, Stephen R. Stafford, is blazing new trails and setting new standards in education trends. Majoring in Math & Computer Science at Atlanta’s prestigious Morehouse College, Stephen is poised to become a force in the technology field. Stephen’s journey began at the tender age of 2 when he learned basic math, taught by his older sister, Martinique, while they played “school” together. With an uncanny curiosity at such an early age, Stephen (LtoR) Lakeitha Y. Anderson, MoNique and Stephen R. Stafford

later learned to turn on his first computer for preschoolers, load his program and begin his lessons, all on his own! Stephen’s mom, Michelle Brown-Stafford, knew then something was special about her child. By age 6, Stephen had taught himself HTML coding and through Stanford University’s Education Program for Gifted Youth, excelled in mathematics and mastered Algebra. Becoming bored in a traditional school setting, Stephen’s parents decided to remove him from the public school system and Michelle began homeschooling him full-time. By the time he turned 9, Stephen had mastered Geometry, Algebra II and within a few years, completed 6 grade levels. By the age of 10, Stephen’s mother was unable to continue teaching her son and struggled to continue homeschooling him. After contacting Morehouse for help, Stephen was allowed to audit two math classes: algebra and pre-calculus. He earned among the highest class scores, began taking classes and within a few years, at age 13, became a full-time triple major. Though often asked about his I.Q. score, Stephen dismisses the test because he believes it isn’t a true measure of intelligence. In young Stephen’s opinion, “intelligence is your ability to learn.” Stephen lives in and is most comfortable in a world of numbers, patterns and sequences. He thinks at a much faster rate than he writes so he may find it difficult at times to slow

ATLANTA, GA

down enough to translate his thoughts or demonstrate what he knows on paper. Which may explain why Stephen and others like him, work best with laptops. Stephen currently has his own company where he creates, designs, and develops technology products that will have a huge impact on society. He is currently positioning himself to partner with other technical professionals in developing an online project that will put educational resources in the hands of every parent, student, teacher or school effected by limited resources. Connect with Stephen on Facebook @ Stephen R. Stafford, II. For speaking engagements or media inquiries, contact Lakeitha Y. Anderson, be Media Group @ 404.431.8123. ■ TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | MARCH/APRIL 2011

UP & COMING TRENDSETTERS

Nia Imani is changing the game! 13 Year-Old Broadway Actress, Singer, Songwriter, Producer and Model By Lakeitha Y. Anderson

p and coming Trendsetter, 13 year-old Broadway actress, singer, songwriter, producer and model, Nia Imani, is changing the game! Having established a successful foundation at an early age, she is determined to retire from entertainment by the age of 18, and she’s well on her way! Nia Imani began performing publicly at the age of 6, when in the second grade, she entered herself in the school’s talent competition. Even though she wasn’t feeling her best that day, determination and passion kept her moving forward and her natural talent and love for performing was demonstrated as she sang Alicia Keys “Falling.” Three years later, she began studying acting, singing, and piano, and started performing professionally in the Atlanta Musical Theater and by her 10th birthday, she landed a starring role in the Tony-Award winning Broadway musical “The Lion King” as Young Nala, Princess of the Pridelands and Simba’s best friend. She earned the role after auditioning and competing against thousands of youth in Disney's nationwide search. While performing on Broadway, Nia Imani was asked to participate in the Broadway Kids Care, which brings together young actors from current and past Broadway shows to perform community service work. She has always had a generous and giving spirit and was extremely happy for the opportunity to use her celebrity status to serve others. After her run on Broad-

way ended, Nia returned to Atlanta determined to continue giving back. She felt her gifts could be used to make the world a better place and by doing so, founded Every Child’s A Star Foundation. As The Voice of A New Generation, she believes that the best part of being successful is being able to use your natural gifts to give back to others. Nia Imani is not just a performer, she is also one of the youngest girls ever signed to SESAC Atlanta as a songwriter and publisher. Currently, she is busy co-writing and coproducing her debut album and working on the movie production “Joyful Noise” with Queen Latifah, Dolly Parton and Keke Palmer and touring the country promoting her debut single “Your Journey Begins” which is available on iTunes and Amazon. Connect with Nia Imani at www.NiaImaniRocks.com. ■ For speaking, booking, press or media, please contact Lakeitha Y. Anderson, be Media Group @ 404.431.8123.

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ATLANTA, GA

4 1) Usher and Nia Imani. 2) Nia at V103 FM. 3) Nia Imani and Nick Ashford. 4) Nia Imani and former Georgia Governor Barnes 10

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UP & COMING TRENDSETTERS HARLEM, NEW YORK

Ilene Miriam’s baked goods make life Sugary Sweet. By Carol Courtney Anglin

L - Tiffany Freeland, (Owner) and Lauren Beaumon, (Partner)

lene Miriam Pastry Studio, located in Harlem, New York, is the place where a variety of homemade, edible art is created in the form of custom cakes, cookies and confections. Also offered are the most exquisite dessert tables and cupcake bars ever seen. I sat down with the owner and senior pastry designer, Tiffany Freeland, who explained to me how Ilene Miriam’s products are custom made with fresh, quality ingredients. “We bake goods that are fresh with no preservatives. Our motto is: If you do not see it, describe it, and we’ll create it.” The first thing I noticed was the attention to detail and how polished the designs were. What inspired the pink and leopard skin logo? “Leopard stands out and grabs your attention, similar to my cake designs. It is also easy to recognize. So when you see the leopard and hot pink, you know it is Ilene Miriam,” she explained. Tiffany’s flare for style comes from her background as a student of the Fashion Institute of Technology and as a stylist for such notables as Groovey Lew and Rosario Dawson. Her passion for sweets came from her grandmother. “My business is named after my grandmother, Ilene Miriam Warren. Everyone loved her cakes.” Tiffany mostly baked for her friends and family but then

something exciting happened, “In 2009, I made some Chanel inspired cupcakes and posted them on Facebook. The response was overwhelming! I realized at that point that I had a good thing going.” The following year she increased her staff and brought on a partner, Lauren Beaumon. “Lauren handles the business side of Ilene Miriam which includes marketing, managing orders, scheduling and event coordinating.” Today Irene Miriam Pastry Studio boasts of a clientele that includes celebrities such as Nicki Minaj; Lil Jon; model, Jesus Cruz; and NFL players, Dwight Freeney and Bryant Johnson. “What sets us apart from the rest is that our products taste as good as they look. We combine old recipes with fresh, innovative designs. We specialize in baking but at the same time, we concentrate on building relationships.” Tiffany attributes her career success to family and persistence. “Since the business is new I have to devote a lot of time, so family support is important. Entrepreneurship is full of obstacles. You have to have thick skin and determination. Quitting is not an option.” ■ For more information on Ilene Miriam Pastry Studio, visit online at www.ilenemiriam.com.

TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | MARCH/APRIL 2011

EDUCATIONAL TRENDS

Growing Into My Teacher Hat by Teri Johnson

loved school when I was a student and I graduated from high school with honors. Hello college and LAKE CHARLES, LA real life! The freedom of college went straight to my young brain. By the third semester, I flunked out then real life hit me between the eyes. I had to get a job, pay bills, and live as an adult. I found out that a high school diploma could not give me the lifestyle I wanted. I went back to college with a goal I could attain, to become a teacher in the middle grades and what a goal it was! These are the most difficult grades–high teacher burn out rate, students going through major changes both physically and mentally–it was where I belonged. I graduated from McNeese State University with a degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis on grades 4-8. Later, I pursue a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology. I have taught in Texas, Washington State, and Louisiana. In Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, I am highly qualified in Social Studies, ELA, and Technology. I am one of the founding members of the Calcasieu Federation of Teachers (CFT) Local 6047. The American Federation of Teachers, Louisiana Federation of Teachers, and the AFLCIO are affiliated with CFT. Currently, I am a local vice president and a state level vice president of CFT. Teachers and public education are under more scrutiny than ever and in this time of increased accountability, decreased parent involvement, and the government’s education budget cuts – people who deal directly with students daily need someone to represent their interests, someone to watch their back. That is how I view the CFT. From letting the mem-

TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | MARCH/APRIL 2011

bers know their rights to rewarding them with a free meal, CFT is here for teachers and paraprofessionals. One of the tenets of CFT is that only teachers and paraprofessionals are accepted as members--no administrators are members. I am a teacher in the magnet program at Molo Middle Magnet School where I teach students for three years. There is a ‘community’ feel to the magnet program and parents and teachers have good rapport. The students do have to apply for admission to the magnet program. Each student is assigned a laptop for the entire school year and course textbooks are online. Each student has a personal log-in and password and teachers can view their online work and grade accordingly. Also, Calcasieu Parish School Board has invested in BlackBoard, which has a wide range of activities available. Teachers can upload tests and students can turn in assignments. It’s almost paperless. As a teacher, I had to become more aware of the way students learn and how I presented information. Project-based learning is utilized in Social Studies, Science and ELA. My ‘job’ is still to be the expert of the class – just not always in the front of the class dispensing facts. I shift from teacher to facilitator. Magnet students are together most of the school day which leads to academic competition among the sixth through eighth graders. Every magnet student must take a foreign language and for eighth graders, there is a possibility to earn five high school credits. English 1, Physical Science, Algebra, French, and Introduction to Business Computers are taught by high school certified teachers. This school year I sponsored the Quiz Bowl teams, Speech/ Drama teams, help with the Literary Extravaganza, PBIS committee, and the Leadership Team. Needless to say I am pretty involved with my students. ■ Teri Johnson

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EDUCATIONAL TRENDS

Michelle Brown-Stafford Is NOT Your Traditional Educator by Lakeitha Y. Anderson ATLANTA, GA

i ch el l e Br o wn Stafford is not your traditional Educator but is on the cutting edge of revolutionizing the education field as we know it. As the mother of child prodigy, Stephen R. Stafford, Michelle is making a mark as one of the most sought after experts on early childhood education and parental involvement, both national and internationally. Michelle was exposed to the idea of learning at home at a very early age. Her father, a factory worker for the Chrysler Corporation, emphasized education in their home by purchasing “fun” books for Michelle and her sister to read and with frequent Sunday trips to the bookstore. Michelle’s first crack at parental involvement called for researching and selecting the best schools for her oldest child, Martinique, based on curriculum and comparison of workbooks she felt reflected national standards. With Marti’s enrollment in a “good school,” Michelle filled in the gap of the school curriculums by working with her daugh-

ter after work and school with activities that included pages from workbooks and other educational resources; while encouraging Martinique to move at her own natural pace of learning. This resulted in Martinique graduating from high school at the age of 16. Michelle then began working with her son, Stephen, when he was just 2 years-old after noticing his intense curiosity with most things. Fearing her son would become a statistic, she begin instilling in him a love for learning and making education appealing to young Stephen. After the family’s relocation to Georgia, Michelle resigned her position as a recruiter and began home schooling her son. Given the state’s dismal academic standing in the country, the schools’ inability to detect and nurture her children’s academic gifts and talents,

it became quite obvious to Michelle that she had to take things into her own hands and provide her children with the education they deserved full -time. Stephen began taking college courses at age 11 and became a full-time college student at 13. During the years Michelle was involved in her children’s education as a working mother then later as a full-time educator, Michelle often met with parents at local cafés to brainstorm about academic interests and issues. The success of those meetings and her desire to share what has worked with her own children, spawned the idea for Mocha Charm LLC and her free education resource portal, Gifted-Spirit.com. Michelle is now empowering others by providing free workshops and resources to thousands of parents around the globe. You can connect with Michelle at www.gifted-spirit.com. ■ For speaking engagements or media inquiries, contact Lakeitha Y. Anderson, be Media Group @ 404.431.8123.

TRENDSETTERS TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | JANUARY/FEBRUARY | MARCH/APRIL 2011

EDUCATIONAL TRENDS

ATLANTA, GA

Event Planning 101 By Elaina M. Whitley

ave you attended fun and fabulous events and said to yourself, “I can coordinate events like that.” Join Elaina M. Whitley of Enjoy Yourself Events to guide eager and aspiring events planners in the Charlotte, North Carolina area on how to make it in the event planning industry in her 1-day certificate workshop. Event Planning 101 will take place in Charlotte on April 2, 2011. The workshop is taught by long-time entrepreneur and Event Planner, Elaina M. Whitley of Enjoy Yourself Events LLC. She is known as a reputable event planner for many elite and VIP events in Atlanta, Georgia and New York, New York. The workshop takes place from 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. and will cover: Furthering your education in event planning, the step-by-step process on how to start your small business; how to compose contracts and proposals; effectively marketing your business and events to your target audience; how to acquire sponsorship, and much more. Registration will include: Breakfast, snacks, information booklet, tip sheets, Certificate of Completion, free parking, volunteer opportunities, internship opportunities and more. For more information on registration, please visit http:// ep101CharlotteApril.eventbrite.com. “The event planning industry has become a very desirable career and I decided to share my knowledge in an accelerated format for those who are not able to sit through weeks of training. ” said Whitley. “There is a demand for it, so I am here to teach and inspire.” Event Planning 101 has previously taken place in metro Atlanta and Charlotte. Upcoming Event Planning 101 workshops will take place in Atlanta, Georgia; Columbia, South Carolina; Mobile, Alabama; Columbus, Georgia; Tampa, Florida; Houston, Texas; New York, New York; Chicago, Illinois and in the Bahamas. More cities and islands to be added in fall 2011. ■ Contact Elaina M. Whitley, Enjoy Yourself Events 404-274-8812 or http://EnjoyYourselfEvents.biz http://elainamwhitley.wordpress.com 14

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CORPORATE TRENDS

Association of Corporate Counsel Announces New President - Veta T. Richardson to Take the Helm of Global In-house Counsel Association BLACK PR WIRE)-

he Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC), the world's largest association of in-house counsel, announced today that Veta T. Richardson, Executive Director of the Minority Corporate Counsel Association, has been selected as the association’s new President and CEO, effective July 1, 2011. She will succeed Frederick J. Krebs, who has served as President for 20 years. “Veta’s close ties to the in-house counsel community, her excellent communication, interpersonal and leadership skills, coupled with the regard in which she is held as an association executive and a leader in the diversity arena will be invaluable assets for ACC,” noted J. Alberto Gonzalez-Pita, ACC Board Chair and Executive Vice President & General Counsel of HCP, Inc. “The Board is looking forward to working with her and to seeing ACC’s continued growth and success.” The Search Committee, Chaired by Jonathan Oviatt, ACC Board Vice-Chair and Chief Legal Officer & Secretary, Mayo Clinic, included representatives from ACC’s Board, chapters and committees, and was intent on identifying a candidate who not only satisfied specific job requirements and responsibilities, but who would also transition seamlessly with members, staff and the legal community. The Search Committee was unanimous in its decision that Richardson best met these specifications. “Due to the stable infrastructure Fred established, ACC was well-positioned to be able to identify the next innovative, strong leader,” explained Oviatt. “Veta’s stellar reputation, laudable achievements and commitment to the legal profession made her uniquely qualified for the position. ACC will benefit greatly from her strong leadership skills and depth of knowledge and experience within the industry.” As Executive Director of MCCA since 2001, Richardson established its reputation and credibility as the nation’s thought leader and leading advocate in advancement of diversity in the legal profession through a multi-pronged platform consisting of groundbreaking research and education, thought-provoking publications, such as Diversity & the Bar, and best-in-class programs, services and large-scale networking events. She is also credited with launching a diversity scholarship program, which has raised and distributed more than $1,500,000 and assisted more than 100 diverse law students over the program’s five-year history. “I am deeply honored to have been selected as President and CEO of ACC, an organization I have held in high regard for so many years,” explained Richardson. “ACC has a dedicated and extremely talented staff and leadership, strong and committed volunteers, and a robust and growing membership. ACC’s work

and contributions are not only important to the in-house counsel community, but to the broader legal profession and beyond. I am excited about the opportunity to build on the remarkable work and momentum Fred initiated and oversaw for the past 20 years.” “Under Fred’s stewardship, ACC experienced decades of considerable growth, played a pivotal role MARYLAND in advocacy initiatives and affected significant change within the profession,” Gonzalez-Pita further explained. “We are grateful for his contributions and the entire inhouse community is indebted to him for his commitment to the profession and the association.” Krebs and Richardson have been professional colleagues since 1997, when Richardson was Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of ACC. Over the years, they have collaborated on diversity initiatives and thought leadership, as well as shared the stage at numerous industry events. Upon hearing of Richardson’s appointment, Krebs said, "What a great choice! I respect and admire Veta for her skills and significant contributions to the legal profession. I wish her every success and will do my best to support her in any way possible." Prior to joining MCCA, Richardson was, as noted, Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of ACC (1997-2000) and in-house counsel to Sunoco, Inc. (1986-1997). She has been recognized for diversity leadership by a number of organizations, including the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; Black Law Students Association; National Minority Business Council; and ACC. She was named an “Ally for Justice” by the National LGBT Bar Association; included in the Washington Business Journal’s Class of 2009, “Women Who Mean Business;” and is a member of the Capital One Bank Business Advisory Council since 2009. She received a B.S. in Business Management from the University of Maryland at College Park and a J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law. ■

TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | MARCH/APRIL 2011

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Two Contagious Scalp Conditions: Head Lice & Tinea Capitis

By Dr. Linda Amerson

ARLINGTON, TX

id you know there are two contagious scalp conditions? These conditions affect approximately 2 percent of the American population. Lice: Lice are small wingless insects, usually grayish/brown parasites that live on the scalp of their human host. Lice feed on human blood. They do not hop or fly, they only crawl. Head Lice: There have been approximately 6 million cases of head lice reported from all walks of life in the United States. In schools, children between the ages 312 will most often contract them through direct contact of sharing hats, brushes, combs, hats, headgear, as well as towels, bed linens, and upholstery. Two other examples include public places, such a movie theatres, or riding public transportation where a person may lay their head back on the seat. Scalp Fungal Infections: Tinea capitis is a dermatophytic trichomycois of the scalp, which is very contagious. Transmitted by person-to-person, animal-to-person, or inanimate objects that have been exposed from an animal or person. Tinea capitis affects all ages and both sexes. Gray Patch Type: May vary from a small to a large, round plaque of Alopecia due to hair breakage. Black Dot Type: May vary in size, and reveals a black patch, or patches of Alopecia (hair breakage). Kerion Type: Reveals a variant of endothrix with boggy inflammatory plaques, and is usually very painful when touched. Favus Type: Is one of the most severe forms of scalp conditions, which includes: Alopecia with atrophy, scaring, and yellowish adherent crusts present on the scalp. White Piedra Type: Reveals white to tan nodules along the shafts of hair in the scalp, beard, eyebrows, eyelashes, groin, genital, or peri-genital area. Hair will split and/or break. Black Peidra Type: Reveals a black, hard, gritty nodules on the scalp, and causes the hair to become brittle, and/or Alopecia. In closing, if you suspect that you or your child have been exposed to head lice, act immediately to avoid spreading it throughout your entire home and family. Please educate your children about not sharing any personal grooming items, etc. There are some effective over the counter treatments, however, if they do not work, you may need something stronger from your doctor. In addition, if you are exposed to tinea capitis, see a dermatologist. After the tinea has completely healed, contact a board certified Trichologist for treatments for Alopecia and scalp maladies. For additional information contact Dr. Linda Amerson, board certified Trichologist (817) 265-8854 or www.hairandscalpessentials.com â&#x2013;

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

DR. MICHAEL F. ROIZEN, MD Co-creator of the RealAge Test

ichael F. Roizen, MD, is the co-founder and chairman of the RealAge, Inc. Scientific Advisory Board. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Williams College and Alpha Omega Alpha graduate of the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine. He performed his residency in internal medicine at Harvard's Beth Israel Hospital and completed a tour of duty in the Public Health Service at the National Institutes of Health in the laboratory of Irv Kopin and Nobel Prize winner Julius Axelrod. He is certified by both the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Anesthesiology. He is 61 calendar years of age, but his RealAge is 42.4. Dr. Roizen is past chairman of a Food and Drug Administration advisory committee and a former editor for six medical journals. He has published more than 165 peer-reviewed scientific papers, 100 textbook chapters, 30 editorials, and 4 medical books, including a medical best-seller. He has also received 12 U.S. patents and many foreign patents. After 9 years on the faculty at the University of California, San Francisco, he chaired the top-10-rated department of Anesthesia and Critical Care at the University of Chicago. He then became dean of the School of Medicine and vice president for Biomedical Sciences at SUNY Upstate. After serving as CEO of the Biotechnology Research Corporation of Central New York, he became chairman of the Division of Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine, and Comprehensive Pain Management at the Cleveland Clinic, responsible for over 180 operating rooms, 124 critical care beds and 28 pain therapy intervention units. Recently he was named Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of the Wellness Institute of the Cleveland Clinic. His first general audience book, RealAge: Are You as Young as You Can Be? (HarperCollins Publishers) became a #1 New York Times bestseller and was awarded the Best Wellness Book of 1999 by the Books for a Better Life Awards. RealAge has been translated into more than 20 languages and was #1 in four other countries. The free RealAge web site's tip of the day is subscribed to by over 7.6 million people in North America. His follow-up books include the New York Times bestseller The RealAge Diet: Make Yourself Younger with What You Eat (HarperCollins), written with Dr. John La Puma, Cooking the RealAge Way (Harper Collins), also with Dr. La Puma, and The RealAge Makeover (HarperCollins). He is the co-author with Dr. Mehmet Oz of the New York Times #1 bestsellers YOU: On a Diet and YOU: The Owner's Manual as well as the New York Times bestseller YOU: The Smart Patient. Their new book, YOU: Staying Young, will be published by Free Press on October 30th. Dr. Roizen has given over 1,400 lectures to professional medical groups and has been recognized with over 20 profes-

CLEVELAND, OH

sional lectureships. He has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show 11 times, Today 17 times, 20/20 (3 times), CBN (16 times), CNN, CBS, Good Morning America (17 times), Canada AM 22 times, The Montel Williams Show, and PBS (3 national fund raisersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the latter two have had over 5000 and over 2500 viewings on PBS stations as of this time). He was also featured in magazines including Fortune, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, Ladies' Home Journal, Biography, Men's Health, and Prevention, and writes a monthly column for Reader's Digest with Mehmet Oz. He hosts a terrestrial radio show broadcast by 26 stations in the US called You The Owner's Manual Radio Show, and serves as Mehmet Oz's side kick on Oprah and Friend's daily XM 156 show. Dr. Roizen still practices anesthesiology and internal medicine, using the RealAge metric to motivate his patients. He has personally delivered medical care to 8 Nobel Prize winners, 506 ex-smokers, over 100 Fortune 500 CEOs and CFOs, and countless others. He has been in the Best Doctors in America since 1989. His wife is a developmental pediatrician also listed in the Best Doctors in America. The Roizens have two children: Jenny, a recent Williams graduate and PhD graduate student at California Institute of Technology, and Jeffrey, an MD/PhD student at Washington University. â&#x2013;

TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | MARCH/APRIL 2011

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Look Your Best At Any Age: For Women

No longer is "40 the new 30." Instead, it's a better 40. We asked women from their 20s to their 50s to tell us what they do to look their best.

longer is "40 the new 30." Instead, it's a better 40. We asked women from their 20s to their 50s to tell us what they do to look their best. Here's what they had to say.

20s - Kelly F. Have you ever heard "Pain is beauty?" There are things I'll endure like the snatching of hair from the brow line - otherwise known as an eyebrow wax - wearing ultra-cute, yet painfully high heels to accentuate my legs, or working out to the point of exhaustion so that I stay in shape. But in my book, this is all necessary for me to look my very best. I stick to a number of things including eating healthily, working out, wearing stylish clothes, and following a good skincare regimen. I enjoy the taste of fresh fruits and vegetables. I make sure to eat plenty of protein. These foods give me the energy I need to withstand my intense workouts, including lifting weights three times a week and interval training. Exercising gives me a positive outlook on life and motivates me to encourage others

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to get healthy and fit. I love getting dolled up, and I try to wear pieces that reflect my personality. I'm not into name-brand clothing, but instead I flock to vibrant colors and clothes that I can mix and match for several different looks. I'll pair a suit jacket with a pencil skirt one week and then wear the same jacket with the matching pants another week for a totally different look. I'm all about hair maintenance. For me, good hair is clean hair, full of body and movement with the slightest turn of the head. So I opt for hair-care products that do just that. I use a moisturizing shampoo and deep conditioner. When it comes to skincare and makeup, I like looking fresh and natural. Beautiful skin stems from using great facial products. I use a good cleanser and moisturizer in the morning and at night. I also try to get a full night's sleep. In the end, the pain is worth the beauty.

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About Kelly F. Kelly F. is a planner for Humana's Senior Products Marketing team. In her spare time, she enjoys creative writing, exercising, and taking her two Pomeranian dogs for long strolls around her neighborhood with her husband, Thomas. 30s - Sarah G. I never worried about my skin until I approached 30. I must have thought I would wake up the day after my 30th birthday with wrinkles. Luckily, that didn't happen. Now I'm determined to delay the wrinkling process, at least what's in my control. I do that by getting a facial once every two months and using lots of moisturizer. A facial is so relaxing and it removes all of the junk from my skin. My skin is very dry, so I have to be careful to not use anything harsh that will dry it more. I wash my face with a milk-based cleanser followed by lots of moisturizer. In the morning, I apply moisturizer before my makeup and at night - after I wash my face - I use a heavy-duty moisturizer. This may sound like a lot of work, but if it helps keep my skin looking healthy and younger, it's well worth it. About Sarah G. Sarah G. is a Humana associate in Marketing. When Sarah isn't at Humana or school, she enjoys spending time with her husband and dogs, traveling, and being outdoors. 40s - Anne S. When I was asked to do this article, it made me take a look at my

habits. Not to sound clichĂŠ, but I think half the battle of looking younger starts with staying "young at heart." Unfortunately, even though my attitude has stayed young, I've started to notice the effects of the 40+ years on my body. I try to eat right, exercise, and practice other healthy tips you always hear. Here are a few things I do that may contribute to looking younger: Smile and the world smiles with you - smiles reflect happiness, happiness reflects youth. So take care of your teeth and show off your beautiful smile. Learn from the Big League - if you're going to be in the sun, wear sunglasses and a cap. Not only will this protect your skin from sun damage, but also keep you from squinting, which etch in those crow's feet and deepen the brow lines. Less is better - when I was in high school, I wore more makeup to make myself look older. The same holds true now - the more makeup I wear, the older I look. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize - I not only drink lots of water to keep hydrated, but also moisturize my skin whenever I can - not just in the morning and night. I keep a bottle of moisturizer at every sink and slather it on whenever I get a chance. Cushion your exercise - at my age, my muscles and joints don't handle the strain of exercise like they used to. The best lesson I learned was from a local hospital's mini-marathon training program - wear good shoes! Don't skimp on this, it will save your joints in the "long run." Courtesy of HUMANA

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TRENDSETTERS FOR YOUTH

Let’s Talk About Youth

Flourish: Enhancing the well being of at-risk youth Flourish is an organization comprised of dedicated professionals that enhance the well-being of at-risk youth in the Columbus, Ohio area through formal instruction that builds social skills development. It is through our cognitive-based trainings and workshops that we promote adolescent readiness to better prepare young girls for future peer interactions and more responsible decisionmaking as they become young adults. Today we rise and accept our civil responsibilities. We no longer accept mediocrity in the community.

ur rights to an education haven’t come easy nor did they come free. Many socialist critics argue that modern-day youth are confronted by harsher elements more than any Nicole Rogers other generaDirector tion. Could it be that the underlying r e a s on s for a lack of success could be from the burdensome responsibilities inherited from their descendants, whom may have

At the current rate of violence and disrespect by our youth, in some cases, we have done a disservice to our children by failing to nurture their free-spirited individuality. At times, they are left isolated and unchallenged (likened to an animal in a cage) to suppress their innermost secrets, rather than given appropriate outlets to channel their intensive enthusiastic energy and thoughts most youth are embattled with each and every day. Children require attention, love and unconditional support to assist them during the process of self-discovery. This is where they learn to value the

failed to adequately equip them with essential tools to survive in a society that preys upon the weak? That may have some truth to it. According to Darwin theorists, only the strong survive, right?

truest essence of themselves and understand they can be very proficient in many areas that society could benefit from for years to come. ■

We aspire to deliver wholesome services that yield miraculous results creating a more positive and confident individual the community can be proud of. Youth are our future with the capability of being anything they set their minds to be; let’s invest in them with quality time and knowledge to allow their god given talents an opportunity to Flourish. ■ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If kids come to us [educators/teachers] from strong, healthy, functioning families, it makes our job easier. If they do not come to us from strong, healthy functioning families, it makes our job more important. ~ Barbara Colorose 20

For more information about FLOURISH, contact Nicole Rogers, Director at 614.804.0720 or email us at: FlourishOhio@Gmail.com.

TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | MARCH/APRIL 2011

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ENVIRONMENTAL

Pam’s Crash Course on Going Green/Sustainability By Pam Warner

f you’re not an environmentalist and lack the time to plant trees, clean area parks, completely renovate your home, replace all old appliances with new energy efficient appliances and lighting fixtures, update to a hybrid car or even walk or ride a bike as a means of transportation, there are still many ways you can go green. We all can contribute to saving the earth and reducing our carbon footprint by turning off the water while brushing our teeth, replacing traditional light bulbs with energy efficient bulbs called compact fluorescent lamps (cfl), carpooling, reusing plastic items that fill our landfills, and getting gas in the evening instead of during the peak of the day. Another way to go green or become sustainable is to weatherize your home. This is very inexpensive. The ROI or return on investment is typically one to two years. This includes reducing any loss of energy whether through cracks in the doors, windows, or lack of insulation. This can easily be corrected by purchasing weather stripping for your doors and caulk for windows and doors from your local home improvement store. The savings attained by simply insulating the water heater, insulating pipes, and insulating the attic can be incredible. Small things make a really big difference when done in big numbers. Imagine if every household reduces its energy consumption by 25%. The impact globally would be phenomenal. Promoting a sustainable environment

creates a whole new sector of green collar jobs. Green collar jobs are defined as employment opportunities attributed to enhancing or preserving the environment. Examples of green collar jobs are energy retrofitting or weatherization, manufacturing of solar panels to production of various products from recycled materials, consulting, agriculture (increased use of organic products), and engineering. Many experts believe we will see approximately eight to twenty million jobs in the green sector by the year 2030. Some predictions are even higher. With that being said, it might be wise to develop a craft in at least one area of the green industry. After President Obama took office, the White House released The Barack Obama & Joe Biden: New Energy for America Plan. This plan outlines the administration’s plan to reduce the country’s energy use. Additionally, President Obama issued an executive order in October of 2009 mandating that all federal buildings become energy efficient. Most states have implemented statewide programs to promote sustainability as well. Fortunately there are also financial incentives for going green. Many federal and state municipalities, private agencies, and PUC’s (public utility companies) offer rebates as well as tax credits to individuals and businesses that choose to go green. Please visit http:// www.dsireusa.org/ to find specific programs in your state or region. Hopefully this answers the question of “how does

NEWNAN, GA

this help me”. Indisputably the return on investment is enormous when compared to saving the earth as well as the very limited time it takes to see the return. With everything said we are in an era of transformation of ideals and thinking regarding our Mother Earth. Although sustainability gets much greater with wind power, solar energy, and bio fuels there are many ways you and I can make a difference everyday! ■

TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | MARCH/APRIL 2011

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FITNESS TRENDS

2011 Fitness Trends by Camela L. Douglass, M.S. ED.

DAYTON, OH

he resolution season is coming to a close and many people are still looking for a resolve. Americans have a desire to be healthy and fit, but don’t know what avenues to take to achieve this goal. Popular magazines crowd the newsstands with proposed magical weight loss programs while infomercials flood the channels with videos and exercise contraptions that are rarely a fix-all, save all. As people focus more on their health and weight loss goals, they want to commit to what works, is convenient, and fits their lifestyle. The American College of Sports Medicine surveyed over 19,000 fitness professionals to arrive at the 2011 fitness trends in the world. Boot-camp workouts, strength training and core exercises are among 2011’s top 20 trends. They found that people are shying away from specialized instruction classes and are swaying more towards regimented exercise programs. Boot-Camp- includes cardiovascular, strength, endurance, and flexibility exercises which are intense and modeled after the military. Held indoor or outdoor, these workouts are intense and created for the more experienced exerciser. Moderately walking burns approximately 196 calories yet a vigorous boot camp can burn at least 476 calories in 45 minutes. Strength Training- Strength training increases muscle size, tone, and muscle strength. Weight lifting is also known to improve psychological health by increasing self-esteem, self-worth, and confidence. Research has found that without regular strength training, we lose one-half pound of muscle every year after the age of 30. Core Training- Many people are going back to the basics with push-ups, sit-ups and pull-ups. These exercises work to strengthen your core, stabilizing muscles in the abdomen, chest, and back. A strong core creates excellent posture. Additional top fitness trends to explore: Technology and Online Tools- Weight Watchers and online social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter are offering individuals easy access to motivational support systems. Buddy System- Teaming up with a friend or co-worker can hold you accountable to working out on a regular basis; even when you don’t want to. Small Group Workouts- This is a great way to save money while still obtaining a personalized workout from a personal trainer. Youth-Based Fitness Programs- Due to the increase in obesity in children, many youth fitness programs are being developed in schools and gyms. Popular DVD workouts- From Zumba, Insanity, Sweating in the Spirit, to Mosha, a high-energy DVD can always save the day when you can’t make it to the gym. Corporate Wellness- The healthier the employees are the better the business will be. Many employers are providing fitness centers and programming at the workplace for their employees. There’s a plethora of ways to achieve a “fit” lifestyle. It’s time to step out on faith, take the challenge and commit to a trend that will work for you. Camela L. Douglass, M.S. ED. is the C.E.O. of the Mo Better Me Studio in Trotwood, OH. She is also the creator of Mosha Fitness: Mo Better Me Workout Vol. 1. www.mobetterme.com TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | MARCH/APRIL 2011

COVER STORY

By Carol Courtney Anglin

girls worked alongside the then, also unknown, Kid N Play and Martin Lawrence. They made a promise to each other that whoever would make it first would help the others, and they did! Pep stated, “We all became the best of friends and when we started touring Martin Lawrence would open up for us by warming up the crowd. Look at him today.” As laughter filled the room she went on to explain her relationship with the founder of the group. “I will always have that soft spot for Azor, because although we experienced tight times between us it’s because of him we were able to attain a lifestyle that otherwise we may have never known.” Azor was, at that time, a student of the center for the media arts and also Cheryl’s boyfriend. Azor asked Cheryl if she

rendsetter Champions come to mind when we think of the infamous dynamic-duo, first-class entertainers “SALT N PEPA.” Cheryl (Salt) James, a Brooklyn Native and Sandi (Pepa) Denton from Queens by way of Kingston Jamaica, are the world’s first female Hip Hop Legends. The year was 1986 before Rap became a genre and while the game was still all male, the group we know today as Salt N Pepa changed their name from Super Nature and signed with independent Next Plateau Records. They released their first song Hot, Cool and Vicious – produced by Randy Hurby ”the luv bug” Azor; crashing the glass ceiling in Hip Hop forever. Soon after in 1987 they would go on to release the hit single from their album “Push It” selling over a million copies. Their ground breaking success topped the charts earning them their first Grammy nomination and launched the group to the international popularity that they have today. Sitting in Cheryl’s lovely home, sipping tea, I asked did she ever dream of the group having this much success from the beginning? She told me how she and Sandi met in nursing school and how they always had a love for music. How they were “on the grind hard,” even in those days. They were going to school and working for Sears as telephone representatives, they were always looking for the next big thing. “So I guess you could say, yes, because we always knew we were going to make it big”. Oddly enough and as fate would have it while at Sears, the 24

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and her friend Sandi were willing to collaborate using their vocals on a class project to produce a record. They said yes! Cheryl said, “We agreed because I always wanted stardom and Sandi was always ready for it.” They gladly accepted the offer and the project was a success for Azor in class landing him an “A” and in the streets leading to radio play. A string of new tunes were written to keep up with the demand. The girls hired a new personal DJ, Dee Dee (Spinderella) Roper, and left for a tour that would change all their lives forever. We started to talk about the reality show. “Well Cheryl was the initiator of that,” stated Sandi. Referring to the Reality Show “Let’s Talk About Pep,” which was on VH-1. The show followed Sandi’s adventures in New York City with four girlfriends: Cheryl (Salt) James; journalist, Jacque Reid; Joumana Kidd, the former model and ex-wife of basketball star Jason Kidd; and radio personality Kali Troy, aka Kittie. Sandi, no novice when it came to reality shows, was a perfect person to lead the show. She said, “I was already doing reality shows,” referring to her roles on Surreal Life in 2005 and The Surreal Life: Fame Games in 2007. Pep continues to stay current keeping in touch with old school artists as well as new artists on the scene. She published her autobiography in 2008 also titled, “Let’s Talk About Pep,” which gave the reader insight on Sandi Denton and some of the fire that she was to overcome. Some literally, as she shares the story in her book of how her lover who she refers to as “Brad” abused her. During that abusive period in their relationship Brad attempted to burn Sandi’s face with an iron but while struggling with her missed and burned the skin off her arm. While turning to run, he scratched her cornea causing her to wear an eye patch. Sandi feeling that she was making all the wrong decisions concerning finding a mate, lead her to celibacy. The book’s intro is written by Queen Latifah www.TRENDTOTRENDMAG.com

with an epilogue by Missy Elliott, two of her very dear friends. So the idea of a reality show as sort of a jump off and continuation of the book was a great idea. They would base it in New York and show reality dating in today’s society. Cheryl thought the show would also let their fans know what happened to Salt N Pepa since the group left abruptly with neither of them ever speaking publicly about it. Sandi stated, “It was a way for me to finally know what happened too,” as she laughed. The group’s last concert was in 1999 and they were on a high when Cheryl ended the partnership, to Sandi’s surprise. Cheryl says, “I would have done it differently in hind sight.” However, she doesn’t regret putting it aside because she really believes that the hiatus saved her life. She talked about her days of being bulimic and the long nights that turned into months of depression. “On the outside it looks glamorous, but it’s not all what it’s cracked up to be sometime.” She reflected on other celebrities like Britney Spears and even Michael Jackson. “You go from feeling loved and having fun to just feeling like a commodity.” She didn’t know what to do but knew she needed healing. One night while she was in a series of bingeing and

purging, she had what she called a “spiritual awakening.” This awakening was the “healing” that she longed for and what she gives credit to today for saving her life. Soon after, she joined a church in Brooklyn, New York called Christian Cultural Center (CCC) where A.R. Bernard is the pastor. At CCC she was taught how to regain her strength and renew her self-esteem. When she was strong enough, she reached out to Pep and tried to repair their relationship but Pep was non-responsive. Understanding, Cheryl was persistent and got the message to her about the reality show. She explained to Pep she wanted to do a reality show with the hopes of developing and building their relationship again. Sandi begin to listen and the show was born. Although the show is no longer on the air, Sandi and Cheryl agree that the show accomplished their goals. When asked how they felt about being living legends Sandy quickly stated, “It feels great knowing that our contributions are worth something of value to so many. We are the pioneers and it feels good; look at us 30 years later we are still in the game.” Cheryl thought about it a little and said, “I feel very appreciative, a little overwhelmed but definitely appreciative.” I asked how they felt about the tour so far and what can their fans expect to see when they come out to them. Both of the ladies perked up and were thrilled to still be so high in demand even without a current record. They spoke about their atoned relationship. Sandi says, “It feels like we are on the same page now and we have learned to communicate about everything.” Cheryl said, “I’m glad we are back together.” They both expressed enthusiasm as they talked about the packed concert halls, the vibe, and love that’s present everywhere they go. They said sometimes it’s hilarious because people come

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TRENDSETTER SPOTLIGHT ← SALT N PEPA dressed in all the clothing they wore in the 80’s. Cheryl talked about the colored wigs, the big rope chains and how some of their fans show up in Salt N Pepa jackets and tee-shirts. She says, “It’s just a lot of fun.” Although they are both parents now with two children each and Cheryl with a husband to be mindful of; she goes on to say “This time around is more relaxed, less pressure, and every night is like a family reunion.” The lineup is not the same every night but they share the stage with fellow old-school rappers Curtis Blow (“The Breaks”); “Human Beatbox,” Doug E. Fresh (“Just Having Fun”); Big Daddy Kane (“Raw”); MC Lyte (“Ruff Neck”); and Kool Moe Dee (“How Ya Like Me Now”); as well as Houdini (“Friends”), just to name a few. They go on to discuss how they feel this concert is pure irony. Old-school rap was mostly male dominated and now returns to the lime light because of the first female rappers that challenged the game and were commercially successful. Again, they reign as the producers of the tour: Salt N Pepa presents the Legends of Hip Hop Tour. “Now that’s Amazing!” Cheryl says smiling, “All I can say is…look at God.” They mentioned Dee Dee (Spinderella) Roper is not with them on the tour but was a very intricate part of the group in the early days. She also appeared with them on VH-1's Hip Hop Honors in November 2004, where the trio was honored. Salt, Pep and Spin reunited the following year for the next Hip Hop Honors program. It was the trio's first performance in six years, and was their first performance of “Whatta Man” with En Vogue on stage ever. Spin most recently holds her own radio spot on Dallas 94.5 K -SOUL every work day from 9 am to 2 pm. Cheryl and Sandi are still relishing in the attention and want their fans to know they should expect new music, new television shows and new venues in the future. Sandi states, “Let’s just say you ain’t seen the last or the best of us yet.” One last question, our magazine is a networking magazine for Trendsetters such as yourself so what advice would you have for people out there passionately following their visions and dreams? Cheryl: “Two things come to mind, 1. You have to believe in yourself, because you will need your belief to draw from when dark times come. 2. Take care of the business. A lot of people leave the business to others but it’s very important that you know what’s going on because there are so many people that end up with zero to show at that end of the day.” Sandi: “We are trendsetters in music, hairstyles, clothes etc. I would say be yourself but find out what sets you apart from the rest. Stand out, stretch yourself, stay original but don’t be afraid to stand up and be noticed.” ■

“Fast Talker Extraordinaire” Fran Capo

hen you meet Fran Capo, you think, “Wow, that is one feisty, funny ball of energy!” By proclamation of the City of New York, Fran Capo is a renaissance women. Dubbed “Fast Talker Extraordinaire” by the Associated Press, Fran doesn’t mind if you call her motor mouth. In fact, she’s proud of it! Fran is The Guinness Book of World Records fastest talking female clocked at 603.32 words in 54.2 seconds. That’s 11 words a minute! Her record also appears in Ripley's Believe It or Not! and in Believe the Unbelievable. She has appeared on over 4,500 radio and 350 television shows including: Good Morning America, Larry King Live, The Late Show, ET, More Than Human, The Martha Stewart Show, and CNN where her segment was voted the top five watched. As a comedienne, Fran has performed from Dangerfield’s in New York to the Tropicana in Las Vegas to Okinawa for the Marines. She toured with LL Cool J with her own novelty rap record, “Rappin’ Mae.” On the corporate front, Capo is sought after as a keynote motivational speaker. Her topics include: Dare to Do It, The Secrets of Publicity, Humor in Business Speaking, PUTNAM VALLEY, and Creativity in Marketing. NEW YORK Fran's commercials use characters ranging from a judge to the world’s oldest customer. She's been a spokesperson for: Nissan, Pitney Bowes, Expedia.ca, Papa John's Pizza, GE Capital, IBM, 1-800-Flowers, Perdue, Snickers, Auntie Anne Pretzels, Chock Full of Nuts, Gain Laundry Detergent, and Sirius-XM. As an actress and voiceover talent, her cartoons and films include: Lonely in America with Spike Lee; Sundance Film Festival winner, Sunday; Signs of the Cross, Long Island International Film Festival winner; 4000; Just Laugh, and Breaking and Entering. Authors have profiled Fran in their show business books including, Comic Lives and Revolutionary Laughter. As a freelance writer, her stories appeared in Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul and Random House’s Life’s A Stitch. As an adventurer, Fran has bungeed, swam with sharks, flown combat aircraft, driven race cars, eaten fire & chased tornados. Her other four world records: Highest book signing (Mt. Kilimanjaro); deepest book signing (wreck site of Titanic); most patients seen in two days (21, 695); and fastest theme song to national airplay. Check out her daily “Cuppa Capo” for humorous motivational tips or see her award winning TV show, Live it Up! As a 15 time author, Fran’s books include: It Happened in New York, Almost a Wise Guy, Adrenaline Adventures and Myths and Mysteries of New Jersey.

For more info: www.francapo.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. ■ TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | MARCH/APRIL 2011

TRENDSETTER SPOTLIGHT

Tempting Choices: A Conversation with Angel Terron By Ava Collier

aving an extramarital affair is nothing new. A decade ago, it was still done the old fashioned way; two people would meet perhaps in a store, a bank or at a party. One or both of them are married but the attraction is there. One thing may lead to another and before you know it, a passionate, adulterous affair is in full swing. Today, the internet can make that happen without even leaving your house! We have all heard about internet affairs and the devastating effects they can have on a marriage. First time author, Angel Terron addresses this hot topic in her new book entitled Reply or Delete: An Internet Love Affair. Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, Angel is a preacher’s daughter and former extras casting director living in Jacksonville, Florida. Ava: Angel, tell us the premise of your book and what’s the inspiration around it? Angel: The book is basically about a woman who finds love on the internet. She wasn’t looking for love but she meets this guy on the internet and falls in love with him, But there are secrets to be revealed. She’s also a newlywed and wasn’t looking for love. This book is based on true-life events and inspired by a situation that I actually know about. Ava: Do you think that there are a lot of internet affairs going on in real life? Angel: Oh yes! Couples go through so much in relationships. I think more men still have affairs overall, but women are now learning about the rules of engagement: how to do it and not get caught. I believe that women are more afraid of getting caught than men are. Men almost seem to cheat with the feeling that they won’t get caught and if they do, they won’t have to pay a price for it and they’ll be forgiven. Women are more aware of the destruction that an extramarital relationship will have on her family. I’m also working on part two, which will be out in March 2011. Ava: You already have the makings of a movie with your book and it’s in the preproduction process. I visited your website and saw your “cast wish list.” You’ve got some wonderful actors that you’d like cast in your movie.

Angel: I’m starting a forum called Ladies of Infidelity. We will be having conversations with both women who have cheated and women who have been cheated on. I’m also interested in pitching a reality TV show to BET or VH-1. I’m currently looking for women in America who have dealt with this issue and would like to talk about it. Talking about this type of thing can be therapeutic and can give closure and healing and can also help others who are going through it. Ava: I’ve read your book and it’s a page turner for sure! Where can people buy a copy of it? Angel: People can buy it from Barnes and Noble, Books A Million and Amazon.com, or wherever books are sold. And I anticipate the movie to be out by Valentine’s Day 2012.

Angel: Reggie Gaskins is a writer and director from L.A. and will be writing the screen version and directing the film. I would love Laz Alonzo to play Jake and Nicole Ari Parker to play Sky. Adam Rodriquez would be great as Manny, Zoe Saldana as Yana, Tyrese as Chris and Sophia Vergara as Sophia. If I can’t get Laz Alonzo, I’d love to get Brian White; he’s really hot, too! I anticipate the movie to be out by next Valentine’s Day.

Ava: What message do you want people to get from your book?

Ava: Tell me about the infidelity forum that you’re starting and why it’s so important to you.

To contact Angel Terron and for more information, visit: www.angelterron.com ■

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Angel: It’s all about choices. We’re all human and people make mistakes. But it’s important that your mistakes don’t become habits. People can get hurt by the choices that we make and we have to ask ourselves is it really worth it? The main character, Sky, had a choice to make and she did and at what price?

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TRENDSETTER SPOTLIGHT

LINDA GAIL NEVER GAVE UP ON HER DREAM

inda Gail was born in Oberlin, Ohio a small Liberal Arts college town noted for the Music Conservatory and The Underground Railroad. She came from a family of artists and is the eldest of five. Her father, a graphic artist, inspired her at an early age with his designs and entrepreneurial spirit and her mother, a historian and genealogist, inspired her with courage and self-determination. “I have learned a great deal in life from my mother’s drive. She taught me independence, determination and perseverance.” Linda is the proud mother of two children, a daughter who is an aspiring actress and a son who is a leader in sales and telecommunications. Linda is a graduate of The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM), Los Angeles, California. After graduating from FIDM, she worked as production assistant for Jeanne-Marc, Inc. of San Francisco, California who sells upscale clothing to Saks Fifth Avenue. Linda has participated in many gift

shows including the Ohio Kidney Foundation and has donated her elegant women and girl’s accessories to The Princeton Ballet Silent Auction, The Atlanta Ballet Silent Auction as well as The National Black Arts Festival Silent Auction in Atlanta, Georgia. Her designs have been shown at various fashion shows in collaboration with non-profit organizations in Atlanta, Georgia at The Fabulous Fox Theatre, The Georgia World Congress Center and The AmericasMart. Also, she premiered her Collections at the Bronner Brother’s International Fashion Show, Show Me The Way Foundation Runway Red, Divas Unlimited, Inc., The World Natural Hair and Fashion Show, The SW Atlanta Celebrity Cook Off-Adamsville, KEEP Productions, Montgomery, Alabama and Polow Da Don, Cancers 4 A Cause/Zone 4 Inc. from 2006 to present. Linda’s passion has always been fashion…to share her Magical, Elegant, F r e s h a n d Un i qu e fa s h i on s … TIMELESS designs of Women/Girl’s Special Occasion dresses and gowns…

ATLANTA, GA Gift items for everyone to enjoy! Linda’s message to our youth, “Never give up on your dreams!!” Linda believes that the most precious gift that parents can give their children is unconditional love and empowerment. “T HIS IS YOUR EMBRACE IT NOW!”

SE ASON…

LINDA GAIL Fashion Designer

TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | MARCH/APRIL 2011

INSPIRATIONAL

I AM SHE! by Georgeann McCrary

COLUMBUS, OH

ecently, I had dinner with my mother who turned a blessed 75 years old. As I sat across the table from her in the dim lit restaurant, many memories flashed through my mind. There was never a moment that my mother was not there for me providing encouragement, guidance, love and discipline. She had struggled as a single mother, but all the while she stayed strong. I’m sure there were times when she felt like buckling, but she never succumbed to the pressures she faced. I’m certain there were times when her spirit became weary, but she persevered. My mother is the epitome of fortitude—“emotional and mental strength while dealing with difficulty and adversity courageously.” (Dictionary.com). Not only did my mother exhibit fortitude throughout her life, she is a woman of character. She imparted in me the spirit of honesty, integrity, independence, and the importance of self-respect. Further, mom taught me to trust in the Lord in all things because when things look grim and others forsake me, He’d always be there as my Guide, Comforter, Protector, Confidant, and Provider. By far, these are some of the greatest lessons she could have ever taught me, and I am forever grateful that she did.

TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | MARCH/APRIL 2011

Yes, as I looked into the wise, loving eyes of my mother, I saw a strong black woman; a woman who has been in the valley but climbed her way out to greater heights; a woman who stayed steadfast on the path even though it was winding and often obstructed. As I grow older and continue to journey through life I want to be that women. No, I am that woman… I am she. I sincerely hope that when my daughters see me, they also see a strong woman with character and fortitude and strive to be uniquely similar. As for my son, my desire for him is to respect and honor women and be drawn to those that exhibit the same positive attributes that he has seen in the generations of women who have nurtured him and impacted his life. You, too, can probably think of exemplary women in your own lives such as mothers, grandmothers, sisters, mentors and friends who fit this description. The ultimate test, however, is how you see yourself. Does your inner beauty, virtue, and strength ooze through every pore of your being? Does your very presence command well deserving respect? Women, can you honestly look at your reflection and say proudly, “I am she?” I, _____ (insert your name here) _____, am a woman of honor. I am a woman of character. I am a woman of fortitude. I am a woman with self-respect. I AM SHE. I AM SHE! ■ www.TRENDTOTRENDMAG.com

INSPIRATIONAL

PRAYER CHANGES THINGS

One In A Million

by Dr. Sharon R. Johnson

y husband, John Henry, was in an accident in October, 2008. He was traveling East in his pick-up truck when a van came off a side street and crossed in front of him, into the path of a semi-tanker truck traveling West. The van was struck by the semi back across the street into the path of my husband’s pick-up causing a collision and deploying the airbag and contusions across his chest from his seat belt. I praised God that no one was seriously injured and that the tanker did not explode. John underwent a series of treatments for his back and numbness in his leg, but there wasn’t any change from the numbness in his leg. The doctor ordered an MRI to see if he could figure out what was causing the numbness. We certainly did not expect the discovery that was made through the results of that test. They discovered an AAA (Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm) near his stomach. He was immediately referred to a specialist, which ran more extensive and detailed tests on his vascular system. We were told how serious and how dangerous the condition was and given a couple of options to think about. When we got home we called our daughter, Dr. Lori Russell who resided in Charlotte, North Carolina at that time, and explained to her everything that we had been told. She broke it down a little simpler for us and told us that she had consulted with a colleague of hers and he’d reassured her that if it came down to doing a certain procedure they have been done very successfully. John had to go every three months to get an MRI to watch the size of the aneurysm. His doctor wanted to make sure that it did not increase in size because if it got larger there was a danger of it rupturing. Well, after a year it had increased in size and he was scheduled for surgery on November 19, 2009. CANTON, OH Our daughter and her husband, Kedrick, came from up North Carolina and our nephew-son Jermaine (Chaud) Ruffin came down from Michigan along with our local family members to be there for the surgery. The surgery was a success and John was in recovery for only a very short time and we all breathed a sigh of relief and thanked God. John had his regular post operative checkups and was released until his next annual checkup, which was February 11, 2011. John underwent the series of test that were prescribed for him. At the end of the test the doctor had John look at the results. He showed him the first aneurysm, how it looked after the repair and now after the test, and it was 90 to 95% gone. The doctor looked at my husband and said, “You are one in a million to have this happen.” ■ TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | MARCH/APRIL 2011

INSPIRATIONAL TRENDS

Remembering Erika Chandler (Mar. 30, 1968 – Feb. 4, 2011) By Teri Miller Barker

rika was my closest cousin. Our mothers are first cousins and our grandmothers were sisters. There were only three months between us, and I was the oldest. Just a couple of weeks before she passed away, we were reminiscing and disDAYTON, OH cussing our childhoods. We took a nostalgic trip down memory lane, talking about how we missed the good ol’ days. As far back as I can remember, during the summers, my grandmother, Estelle, would take me on a long Greyhound ride to visit her sister and brother-in-law, Rebecca and Buddy, and their three granddaughters, Ingrid, Erika, and Kelly. That vacation was much anticipated as it was the highlight of my summer. Their grandfather, my Uncle Buddy, would pick Grandma and me up from the bus station, and I would have him take me to Krystal’s. Eating those little Krystal burgers was always a special treat for me because we didn’t (and still don’t) have a Krystal’s in Dayton. For some reason, southern food always seemed to taste better to me. I loved eating Aunt Rebecca’s hot breakfasts in the morning and listening to her and my grandmother talk about their good ol’ days. I also loved eating cherries from the tree in their backyard, and I looked forward to walking to the neighborhood candy lady’s house to buy penny candies and

TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | MARCH/APRIL 2011

homemade icees. At night, it was a little hot and crowded with us four girls doubling up in bunk beds in one tiny room, but we never complained because we enjoyed just spending time together – listening to music and talking about cute boys until we fell asleep. Erika and I loved singing Frankie Smith’s “The Double Dutch Bus.” There’s a double dutch bus comin’ down the street, movin’ pretty fast so kinda shuffle your feet. That was our song in the summer of 1981. That was also the summer I got there before school was over and had the chance to go to class with Erika on her last day of seventh grade. She was so happy to introduce me to people as her “cousin T.T. from Ohio,” and it made me pretty happy too. As we grew from silly little girls to mature women, our visits to each other became less frequent. Our grandmothers were aging and no longer taking us with them to visit each other. Times changed. People changed. Erika and I graduated from high school and college. Got jobs. Got married. Had children. Life’s responsibilities kept us too busy and too obligated to spend carefree summers together, eating Krystal burgers and slurping homemade icees, but we always stayed in touch… talking on the phone like the giggly little girls we were growing up. I would say goofy things just so I could hear her laugh. Erika was a beautiful person – inside and out. A good person - taken from us much too soon, but her warm personality and bright smile will not be forgotten. She will be sorely missed. ■

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INSPIRATIONAL TRENDS

It’s Time to Get It Back Visualize and Revolutionize with Angela

e all know what it’s like to strive for a goal and not achieve it. Oh, how we sometimes wish for the good things in life, a much easier road than the one taken, fast track to success, optimum health, memorable fun time with family and friends, and guardian angels to assist us and lend support when a crisis strike or things don’t go as planned. Even as children, I believe that we all learned to wish for good luck to be on our side and pray for many timely blessings. I am certain that many of us dreamt and imagined our dreams coming true. But how disappointing and disheartening it is when those wishes and dreams don’t come into fruitarian. We can’t allow the bumps in the roads, or the detours to frustrate us and cause us to abandon ship by calling it quits. There was a time in my life I felt and believed I was at the end of my rope, just tying a knot and hanging on for dear life. But I came to the realization that life plans sometimes are disrupted and sometimes never come into existence. Life is not always one big party, but I decided to keep dancing anyway. I decided to adopt the saying, “It’s not about where you are, but where you end up that really matters.” Do you ever wonder why things don’t work out the way you want them to? You try everything you can but your new business, diet, investments or even relationships fall flat. Have you possibly ever thought that maybe…it was not a failure after all? Maybe this is a way God has laid down a “stepping stone” to a much larger destiny. Who would have thought just when I thought it was all over without even knowing it, I experienced this first hand. The next time you are striving for an opportunity that does not work out…Press Pause! What did you experience? What did you learn? Who did you meet? Your past was meant to teach you, your present is meant to strengthen you, but your future is meant to inspire you to reach for the extraordinary in you. Your journey was no accident and the road you have traveled just may have landed you in a different place….your failure just might be a success. We may not always succeed on the first try…or the tenth, but its imperative we keep on keeping on until we reach our goals. I will leave you with something that I found to be an inspiration to live by, Muhammad Ali once stated, “I hated every minute of training,” but I said, “Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion. “

MIAMI, FL

Angela M. Thomas is a certified speaker and has written and published eight inspirational books and audio CDs. To book Angela, please call (305)793-1347 or visit: www.AngelaMThomas.com ■

TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | MARCH/APRIL 2011

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ATLANTA, GA

Building a Solid Foundation While Mixing Love and Business

by Camille Allen Headmaster Solid Foundation

ishop Darius Ashlock, Sr. and Dr. Leslie Ashlock are owners of Solid Foundation Scholastic Program, Inc. located in Stone Mountain, Georgia. This dynamic duo has been business partners for six years and they are loving every minute of it. They have a blended family that includes five children: three boys and two girls. All of the children attend Solid Foundation. The couple went full force with another ministry endeavor this year called, Church of Social Hope which is an extension of the school. “What makes Solid Foundation unique is the ability and gift we have as a school to reach students who cannot normally be reached,” says CEO and founder Dr. Leslie Ashlock. It has been her experience that as some students may come in with negative reports and a paper trail that has followed them from another school, she has the ability to recognize the gift and talents inside of students and has been able to build upon that. “We recognize that students will not thrive if they are not in the proper environment which encourages them and allows them to feel safe enough to express themselves in their own unique way,” says Dr. Ashlock. Her husband, Bishop Darius Ashlock, Sr. can definitely empathize with each of the children here as he faced educational challenges in his early years. Not only did he grow up in Watts, California, but he was reading on a fourth grade level in the twelfth grade. “If it wasn’t for a teacher who took the time to teach me how to read, I would not have made it out of Watts into the military, a nursing career, and entrepreneurial endeavors,” says Bishop Ashlock. Bishop Ashlock is also a very savvy business man and was able to share his experiences as he taught an Economics class this year. As a couple, it is amazing to see how they each operate in their gifts separately but for the same goal. Throughout the day at Solid Foundation, you can hear them encourage one another and experience the love they have for each other demonstrated through the support they provide to fulfill each of their goals. Just as Solid Foundation transforms the lives of children, it is the couple’s desire that The Church of Social Hope led, by Bishop Darius Ashlock, Sr. will transform people from where they are into the person God desires for them to be. Bishop Ashlock says, “I pray that God uses us to reach this community by providing a place where the true Word of God is presented and the power of God can be manifested to bring forth deliverance, healing and prosperity in the lives of His people.” ■ TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | MARCH/APRIL 2011

BEAUTY & FASHION TRENDS

ALTIMUS MAKES THE CUT AT THE BRONNER BROTHER’S INTERNATIONAL HAIR SHOW IN ATLANTA, GA By John E. Johnson John E. Johnson, CEO of Altimus I could talk about the different vibrant colors of hair and diverse fashion, but what stood out was the opportunity the Bronner Brother was giving to those who wanted it. What a way to please God by helping others attain their goals. What a blessing it was to be able to introduce The Altimus Hygienic Brush Lines to him and his staff. Special shout out to Lynell Coleman. Thank you for opening up the door; and special thanks to Jerome Pardue for inviting me in. Last, but definitely not least, thanks to Bernard Bronner and the Bronner Brothers for continuing to widen the path to success and giving Altimus Brush a title shot at the championship belt. ■

t was more than a hair show. Where can you go and be entertained better than being at an amusement park while gaining the knowledge of a Stanford Graduate student. The Bronner Brothers International Hair Show was everything I expected and much more. I was literally transformed into a little kid in a candy store full of delicious treats that don’t rot your teeth or give you a tummy ache. The event was held in downtown Atlanta at The World Congress Center across the street from the CNN Building, right in the heart of the city. Two words can describe the location, “Big Business.” Made perfect sense to me, birds of a feather flock together and you should have seen the wing on these birds. Before I entered the show’s terminal gates, I could feel the vibe outside and in the building itself. There were so many talented, beautiful, and creative people in one spot. It was like that same feeling you get in your stomach when going down the first hill on a roller coaster; then when the ride is over, you want to cut the line to get back on to feel that rush again. The seminars and educational classes were on point. Fresh new inspirational ideas and concepts were shared in a way I had never seen before. It was all about each one teach one, a really beautiful thing. The whole show had substance and meaning. When I met up with Bernard Bronner at his show, you would think you were talking with your neighbor or a long time friend you haven’t seen in a while. Bernard Bronner has a very calm down-to-earth spirit and I connected with that immediately and made it very easy to talk with him. I first met Bernard Bronner four years ago at the Cosmo Proof International Show in Las Vegas. He stopped by my booth and gave me some great advice about product development and the virtues of a winner (persistence, patience and perseverance). When I was at his show this year, I got a chance to see what all that meant. 36

TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | MARCH/APRIL 2011

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TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | MARCH/APRIL 2011

BEAUTY & FASHION TRENDS

Alluring Looks Make-Up Artistry

HOUSTON, TX

oy Tubbs was born in Houston, Texas but grew up in the Bryan/College Station area. She returned to the Houston area 11 years ago. Since returning to Houston , Joy has worked as an accounting manager and is currently working for a local oilfield service company. She was selected by the owner of Holy Ghost Boutique as a plus size model for a fashion show. During The 2nd Annual “I’m Every Woman” Fashion Show, Joy was approached by Delilah Alexander of Delilah Unlimited. Impressed with the make-up that she had done on herself, Delilah asked Joy to be her personal make-up artist for an upcoming photo shoot later in the month. It was at that moment that Joy realized she had a talent for make-up artistry. With that encouragement, she formed her own business, Alluring Looks Make-Up Artistry. Joy has a passion for make-up artistry and enjoys the uplifting feeling that she gives to others through her artistic ability. There is no better feeling than what is felt after a make-up session with her. Joy's clients can't believe the transformation that she has performed when they look at themselves in the mirror. The excitement and surprise that each lady expresses at the moment they see the pictures of themselves, is the best feeling in the world for Joy. The owner of Alluring Looks believes that women that do not wear make-up on a regular basis are not knowledgeable about what will work on their skin or how to apply the make-up. This awareness is the reason that during each session every client is instructed on the purpose of certain products and how to properly use them. Joy insists on using only Mac Studio Make-Up on her clients. She stated, "I use MAC simply because the product allows you to gain a true skin color match with the foundations that are offered, which is very important when taking pictures or when on camera. MAC has a large variety of colors in eye shadows, lipsticks and vari38

TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | MARCH/APRIL 2011

ous other products as well as foundations. The products are easy to work with and it applies to the skin with flawless results, in addition to the added bonus of their products being hypo-allergenic and kind to the face after removing it." In conclusion, Joy of Alluring Looks wanted to leave us with two important messages: (1) People often say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I say that the most liberating thing about beauty is realizing that you are the beholder. Belief of this statement empowers us to find beauty in places where others have not dared to look, including inside ourselves, and; (2) You get out of life what you put into! So, work towards your dreams and do not let anything distract you from those dreams. ■

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BEAUTY & FASHION TRENDS

Society’s Emphasis on Hair by Dorothy S. Flake,PhD

o what if you're going bald—it's only hair!" Statements like that can make your blood boil when you first start losing your hair. Most people are cavalier about hair loss when they're not the ones losing it and are unsympathetic to the plight of the victims of hair loss, but when their hair starts falling out, HOUSTON, TX they'll be looking for miracle cures, too—you can be sure of it. Hair Loss isn't life threatening, but it can be an extreme threat to self esteem. Studies show that hair loss can lead to feelings of shame, depression, frustration, helplessness, and anger. It also can result in feelings of sexual inadequacy and loss of self-confidence. Today, hair is something of a status symbol. You can find thousands of products devoted to hair care from dermatologists, restorative salons, etc., which only emphasize the problem for those experiencing hair loss. Many men now have their hair styled at salons rather than just getting it cut at a local barber shop. Television gives the impression that a full head of luxurious hair is the norm, implying that those who are losing it are somehow abnormal. Hair is also used as a method of self expression, a way to say who you are. A "bad hair day" can ruin your week and a "no hair life" can derail your career, your love life, and self-esteem but so can anything, IF YOU LET IT. Before you can fix a problem, you have to realize you have a problem. Denial is your enemy, you can't fix what you can't admit. The good news is that there are solutions to hair loss, no matter where you are in the hair loss process. Women lose hair, but not in the same way as men do. However, severe hair loss can be even more devastating to women than it is to men. Hair loss may be a serious blow to a woman's self-esteem, in large part because of cultural norms, society concept of femininity and the expectations that a woman should have glossy, luxurious, well-kept hair. Magazines women read tell them just that. ■

WOMEN'S HAIR RESTORATION DOROTHY S. FLAKE, PhD. Salon in the Park/Willowbrook 17776 Tomball Parkway, Suite 106 Houston, TX 77064 BUS: 281-517-6145 FAX: 281-445-1058

TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | MARCH/APRIL 2011

BEAUTY & FASHION TRENDS

Photo by: By Drexina Nelson

Designer: Bramer Leon Couture

ATLANTA, GA

Onira Tarés Actress, model, entrepreneur, and true beauty making a name for herself

nira Tarés is an actress, model, entrepreneur, and true beauty and is making a name for herself in Atlanta and the burgeoning, growing Southeast market of entertainment. California born, Onira has been performing since she can remember and has worked arduously with love and passion to achieve her dreams. Whether you see her on the television screen, strutting down the runway or in a magazine, it is apparent the love Onira has for her career. Not only is there love, but a foundation exists beneath that love. Onira received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from Howard University, and has also had the honor to study Shakespeare with the British American Drama Academy at Oxford University in Oxford, England. Her studies and dedication have truly paid off, with television credits that include Lifetime's hit series "Army Wives" and Tyler Perry's "Meet The Browns." She has also worked on several commercials, both television and radio, and many award-winning, independent films featured at film festivals across the country, including internationally at the infamous Cannes Film Festival. Onira has worked alongside celebrities such as Kim Delaney, Catherine Bell, Terri J. Vaughn, Reagan Gomez, Lamman Rucker, and Bill Bellamy to name a few. Onira has also become known for her commanding presence in front of the still camera, being featured in several print ads including those for Project Runway’s Mychael Knight,

TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | MARCH/APRIL 2011

Linda Gail fashions, Luster’s Hair Care, and more. It is not rare to flip a magazine page and catch a glimpse of Onira as she has graced the pages of magazines such as EBONY, ESSENCE, BLACK HAIR, and countless others. Aside from Onira’s passion and love for acting and modeling, she also knows the importance of giving back. Some of her future plans include opening a school for young girls, teaching them acting and modeling to build their performing skills but more importantly, to build their self-esteem. True beauty is revealed from the inside out, a quality that Onira not only embodies, but believes to her core. There is no doubt that Onira will continue to pave the way and set an example for others by staying true to her heart and following her dreams. Look out for a few of Onira's upcoming films in 2011, including The Cartoon Network's "Never Fail," ABC Family’s “A Cinderella Story” and her highly anticipated film, "Step Off" being released on DVD through Lionsgate on March 15, 2011. With devotion to her craft and a warm spirit, it is more than certain that Ms. Tarés will continue to touch the hearts of audiences for years to come. We look forward to seeing her true talent and true beauty shine. *Onira Tarés is represented by Houghton Talent, Inc., Atlanta, GA ■

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BY MECHELLE BOWSER

Your Latest Celebrity News As the Royal wedding quickly is approaching, many people are intrigued to see Prince William wed as they did his mother, Princess Diana. Prince William and Catherine Middleton have a wedding website so we all can be updated with their wedding details. The wedding is set for April 29th at Westminster Abbey. The official website is www.officialroyalwedding2011.org Wendy Williams is a busy bee lately , Hollywood reports that Wendy will be hosting a new dating game show in the Los Angeles area. The new show, Love Triangle is set to air April 18th on GSN. Da Brat, real name Shawntae Harris has been released from jail . Da Brat completed her three year sentence and is now at home. Da Brat was convicted for attacking a waitress at a club in Atlanta 2007. Terrence Howard is on his way to Divorce Court for the third time. Terrence and his second wife have filed for divorce a few days before their 1 year anniversary. His soon to be exwife , Michelle Ghent is asking for spousal support and wants Terrence to pay her legal fees. We already know the answers, No and No Michelle.. you were married less than 12 months. Terrence was married to his first wife twice, and divorced twice. Reports are saying that LeBron and Jay-Z have

teamed together once again, this time Sprite is a sponsor in this project . The two businessmen have teamed up to launch a new program to rebuild playgrounds across the US. LeBron has stated this is one of his biggest priorities, for children to have a safe and healthy place to play. Reports are saying that Nas is joining the list of celebrities that owe the IRS. Reports are saying that Nas owes roughly about 6 million dollars to Uncle Sam. Can we say, "Get back to work!" Tyra banks is keeping her schedule busy. Tyra is set to debut her latest project in partnership with Demand Media. The project launched on March 15th and it focuses on beauty and fashion. The site is called Type F. We will be getting some new music from Jill Scott real soon. She just signed with Warner Bros Records. Jill is working on her fourth album, "The Light of the Sun," which will be released later this year. We miss you Jill!! Hurry back. â&#x2013; TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | MARCH/APRIL 2011

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ongwriter, vocalist and producer, Issac D. Simpson is the visionary behind Divine Providence, also known as DP. Isaac Simpson, who comes from a long generation of singers, songwriters and entertainers, has been involved with music since childhood. He began to conduct professional workshops and direct citywide choirs at an early age. By the time he was twentysix, he had conducted workshops throughout the U.S. and in the Caribbean Islands, Great Britain and Europe. He has shared the stage with gospel greats, Vicki Winans, James Moore, Marvin Sapp, Kurt Carr and Rance Allen. He graced the stage with Coretta Scott-King, appearing as a special vocalist at a celebration honoring her and appeared on the Bobby Jones Gospel Hour. Originally from Los Angeles, California, Simpson founded DP in 1998 to give young Christian adults an outlet to share their music with the world. He came up with the name Divine Providence while listening to a sermon by Bishop “Awesome” Dawson. The name means “instantaneous will of God.” In just one year’s time, the energetic youth chorale from Central Ohio, produced an album entitled “He Loves Me.” Written, arranged and produced by Issac Simpson, the project is influenced by jazz and hip hop. “The Process,” Issac Simpson’s latest project is due to be released June 21st, 14 blazing tracks. The father of one son, Issac Simpson believes that this generation will be saved through gospel music. “Gospel music is wonderful,” he said. “It has the ability to transcend generations.” Possessing this ability to transcend generations to break through ethnic boundaries to unify the body of Christ is the mandate that has been placed upon Isaac Simpson’s life. ■

ISAAC SIMPSON & DIVINE PROVIDENCE: THE PROCESS

For more information about Issac Simpson and DP or for booking, call (614)717-5707 or visit www.IamIsaacSimpson.com

TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | MARCH/APRIL 2011

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Ryan Brockington’s Debut Album

R.O.C.K. (Representative of Christ’s Kingdom)

DALLAS, TX

yan Brockington is a singer and songwriter from Denton, Texas. Honing his talent in church, Ryan was afforded the opportunity to grow as a soloist. Striving to enhance his vocal skills, Ryan has now attained a sound that is both notable and noticeable. Over the years, he has adapted a sound that is distinct. He has contributed his vocals and worked with gospel recording artists Myron Butler, Tommye Young-West, American Idol finalist, George Huff, Candy West, JJ Hairston, along with countless others. Aiming to motivate the world to have a personal and spiritual relationship with Christ, he is now branching out on his own with his new album entitled, “R.O.C.K. (Representative Of Christ's Kingdom).” This offering will be a myriad of genres, enabling Ryan to showcase the versatility and diversity of sounds within the Kingdom of God. Ryan's sound can best be described as a new mix of CCM, Gospel, R&B, and Rock which stems from influences such as Cee Lo Green, Usher, Tye Tribbett, David and Nicole Binnon, and Hillsong just to name a few. In addition to his own ministry, Ryan is currently a member of Stellar Award Winning group, Myron Butler and Levi.

For additional information, contact: Tiffany Martin Hill Street Music 214.797.4447 214.995.954 booking_ryanbrockington@yahoo.com www.RyanBrockingtonMusic.com TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | MARCH/APRIL 2011

REAL ESTATE TRENDS

FORECLOSURE

by Tammie Seldon

411

he current U.S. housing market and financial crisis have caused tremendous stress and heartache for families across America. If you or someone you know is among the millions today affected by the prospect of foreclosure, understand that you are not alone. Foreclosure is a legal process that happens when a homeowner, for a wide variety of reasons, stops paying their mortgage and the lender declares them in default. If this default is not remedied then the homeowner can potentially lose their home.

unemployment benefits is escalating. Personal Crisis – With all of the financial and economic shifting, personal crisis plays a huge role in the distress of a home owner. Some common crises include: Unforeseen medical expenses, job transfers, death in the family, divorce, and job loss. All of these events bring forth a financial hardship that can force a homeowner into foreclosure.

ATLANTA, GA

This default has been caused by a homeowner who has an event in their life that causes a “personal shift.” The primary causes of this shift, which lead to distressed situations, are: Negative Equity from Market Shifts; Unemployment; and Personal Crisis. In any of these events, foreclosure is a deeply personal event. Let’s explore the causes one at a time. Negative Equity from Market Shifts - A negative equity situation arises when a homeowner finds the market value of their property is less than the amount they owe on their mortgage. When a homeowner purchases with a very high percentage of debt, a relatively small downward shift in market value can wipe out their equity. However, when appreciating markets are increasing the overall value of a home, a homeowner with significant equity can borrow against that equity. But declining markets reverse the process. Unlike refinancing, a personal financial decision, downward market movement leaves the homeowner with a sense of helplessness. Eventually, this helpless feeling can turn to fear if the declining value situation becomes severe. Unemployment – The increased unemployment rate has significantly triggered mortgage delinquencies. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that the length of time people are receiving

There are some alternate paths that can unfold when a home loan goes into default. Here are a few options to help homeowners avoid foreclosure:

TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | MARCH/APRIL 2011

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Deed In Lieu - "Friendly Foreclosure"

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Reinstatement - Bring The Loan Cur-

rent 

Loan Modification - Modify Original Loan Terms

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Refinance - New Loan With Reduction In Payment

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Forbearance Agreement - Temporary Repayment Plan

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Sell Your Home - Use Equity To Pay Off Or Pay Difference In Loan Amt

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Short Sale - Negotiate with the Bank To Accept Sale For Less Than What is Owed

Unfortunately, too many homeowners facing foreclosure are unaware of their options and proceed without the assistance or advice of real estate professionals. Now more than ever, you need to find an advocate for you and your family's interests, one who is prepared to handle your specific needs. As a homeowner, you must be proactive about your current state of affairs. Do not ignore the letters from the bank! Avoiding foreclosure is easier the sooner that you begin the journey. Don’t let time run out… there is a huge difference between life AFTER foreclosure and life WITHOUT foreclosure! ■

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AUTO TRENDS

GM Is Shocking The Competition!

By Lionel Locke

011 will be the year of innovation for the automotive industry and the engineers at General Motors (GM) are leading the way. The 2011 Chevy Volt was one of the most talked about and anticipated plug-in automobiles of 2010. It has earned the name of Motor Trend Magazine’s 2011 car of the year, Automobile Magazine’s 2011 car of the year, and the 2011 Green Car of the year. The Chevy Volt is unlike any other hybrid or electric vehicle on the market. It is equipped with a gasoline engine which sole purpose is to generate the electricity needed to power the vehicle. Other hybrids such as the Toyota Prius, employ a small electric motor to power the vehicle at low speeds and then switch over to a gasoline engine once heavy acceleration and higher speeds are needed. Since the Volt does have a gas engine, you will have to make occasional trips to the pump. However, with a gas tank of just over 9 gallons, those occasional visits will be a lot easier on your wallet. The Chevy Volt can travel up to 35 miles, in electric mode, with a standard overnight charge in CHATANOOGA, TN your garage. It can also be a favorable option for vacationing achieving up to 375 miles in the extended driving range mode. This mode uses the Volts gasoline engine to generate electricity and extend the vehicles driving range. The typical charge time for the Volt is 10 hours using a standard home outlet and up to 4 hours if you choose to have a dedicated 240 volt supply installed. With all this great technology and power comes great responsibility. GM offers a standard 3 year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty which even includes the tires. The powertrain is covered under a 5 year/100,000 mile warranty, and an 8 year/100,000 mile Volt-Specific warranty is offered for certain Voltec components pertaining to the electrical drive system. If you plan on purchasing the Volt for the long term, a GM Protection Plan is available for extended warranty coverage. Always remember that all vehicles require periodic maintenance in order for the manufacturer to honor the warranty. So how much will this set you back? The Volt has a MSRP of $41,000, however, with the available $7,500 tax credit that price drops to just $33,500. If you prefer leasing over purchasing, the Volt can be leased on a 3 year/12,000 mile term for $350 a month. ■

TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | MARCH/APRIL 2011

TRAVEL / LEISURE TRENDS

Vacation: A Time for Relaxation

(BLACK PR WIRE)

lanning a vacation is a fun, challenging, and an exciting task. It’s something that families look forward to months in advance. So, whether you want to get your groove back in Jamaica, relax on a beach in Aruba, visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame in California, take a bite out of the big apple in New York, or experience the magic of Walt Disney World in Orlando, there are hundreds of vacation destinations for you to choose from. With all of the coordinating of time schedules, planning of itineraries, deciding upon travel arrangements, and the works, some African Americans forget that planning a vacation is supposed to be a fun versus a daunting task. After all, vacations are a time for relaxation! Listed below are a few tips for planning your dream vacation from VacationIdea (www.vacationidea.com):

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Decide on a family consensus. Does everybody want to relax on a beach, hike a mountain, visit a national park, play at a water park, go shopping or visit museums and cultural sites? Be in the know about how far you want to go and the means of transportation. Will you be traveling by plane, car, and train or by boat? Narrow down those choices. You can’t go everywhere, so choose a couple of vacation destinations that can satisfy most of your vacation needs. Find out about all sorts of hotels and resorts in the area. Make sure that they offer the particular facilities that your family is looking for, such as a swimming pool, kid's programs or a spa. This is also a good time to find out about the hotel's reservation and cancellation policy.

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Plan your vacation budget, adding up transportation, accommodation, dining and entertainment expenses.

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Make all the necessary reservations, such as hotel rooms, airline and car rental reservations. It may be a good idea to purchase travel insurance in case you need to cancel your trip, especially when traveling with young children. Make a shopping list of all the items that you have to purchase before you go. Purchasing that perfect last-minute swimsuit or outfit can be a nerve-racking experience.

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Happy planning and remember that vacations are a time for relaxation! ■ 46

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TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS | MARCH/APRIL 2011