Issue 35 Tribute Magazine

Featuring Sharon Gulley

Editor’s Note This year has been crazy. To say the very least! But it has been an eye opener! It has redefined what is important! Take time to be in the moment! Love those around you and work hard!

We have always known our words have Power! But as our world shut down and closed up, we found out more and more the power of positivity and love!

If we are true to ourselves and use our words wisely, we can create the world we dream of. A world of love and peace. A world better for the next generation.

So, pick up your pen, open your mouth and share your story!

Teresa Hawley-Howard CEO of WOM Enterprises Publisher, Author and Writing Coach

Teresa Hawley Howard is a best-selling author, blogger, empowerment coach, and radio host. She lives in Murchison Texas with her husband Rickey.

She is a mom and a Mimi. www.WOMEnterprises.com

Coming 2020

Tribute Magazine Celebrates

Cover Spotlight Sharon Gulley

When we feel like we don't know who we are, it's because we have forgotten what Jesus said. “I am the vine; you are the branches.

If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”~John 15:5

Knowing Who We Are! Do you ever have days where you feel like you don’t know who you are anymore? Some days people, life and events get in the way of our ‘knowing’ and we find ourselves wondering.

You will hear people even say, “I need to find myself!”

“Who am I?” “Why am I here?”

Those are the days we need reminding, that we are part of something bigger….something connected to a bigger purpose.

Self-Realization Is - And Can Be Found - In Every Moment Recently, I was talking with a Mentor and Friend of mine about deep self-realization. She made a very simple comment that the soul is the total sum of all of our experiences. It profoundly touched me how this meant that every experience adds to our soul, and there is no experience that can detract from it.

Since we share experiences with many other souls, then, that would mean that our souls overlap; Any

where our experience overlaps, our souls would also overlap. And since we overlap with so many other souls, ultimately all souls are connected through this sharing of experience. So whenever a particular soul has a profound experience of awakened consciousness, or self-realization, their experience of the totality of consciousness by definition includes all experiences and all the apparent souls out there in the world we share.

I believe Every experience is actually an experience of self-realization. In each and every experience, we are realizing a capacity or aspect of our soul, and by extension, an aspect of our true nature as (of) being. Since all there is, is Being, every experience is an experience of being. Every experience adds to the totality of our understanding and realization of our true nature. There is no other possibility. This can become a dilemma if we believe there is a better, truer, more spiritual aspect of our Being that we want to be realizing.

So, what if my anger is part of my true nature? What if my pain, sadness, fear, confusion, lust, and or greed are all a part of my true nature, along with all the peace, love, joy, and gratitude that are also part of ‘Being?’ In waiting and hoping for a better experience, we may lose sight of the significance of our present moment experience, just as it is. It isn’t that sadness and greed are equivalent to peace and joy, but every experience has its own significance, since every experience is an experience of our true nature and a learning process to empower our self on a grander scale of self- realization. The experiences that we may reject because we think they aren’t the correct experience may actually be made up of the same peace, joy, and love we are hoping to have. We think of this world as a world of opposites, or dualities; but if we look more closely, we find that the so-called opposites are really just different amounts of one thing on different levels.

Light and dark are an example: There is no such thing as dark, only light existing as photons. However, when there is little or no light, we call that dark, even though there is no such thing. Similarly, the only thing that exists is our true nature that which is filled with joy, love and light.

If we are experiencing little or no joy or love, we may call that sadness, fear or anger, although those are really only the relative absence of joy and love, and peace, of course, there is often some joy in sadness and some love even in fear. What if every experience is a unique gem of our multifaceted Being?

(Something I like to call ‘Soul Contracts’ I won’t go into this now but can at a later time.) What if every experience adds to the abundance of our soul and moves us toward the greatness of our true nature?

What if what you are experiencing right now is unfolding your self-realization in the most amazing, unique and predestined way? Perhaps there isn’t some special experience of self-realization that is the way to realize true nature. Maybe every soul’s realization of true nature is meant to unfold in a completely unique way so that every soul’s experience can also add to the experience of the ‘One Being’ that all souls are a part of; just as every experience adds to the richness of your soul and the souls of others?

We Want Self-Realization to Look a Certain Way We resist this perspective when we want spiritual realization to look a certain way. We want our realization to be like the dramatic experiences you read about in the spiritual biographies of the Great Masters and Teachers, Scholars of our time. We use the fact that there are bigger experiences of selfrealization to consider and reject the smaller experiences we are already having; And yet, the experiences we are having are also aspects of our Being. Everything from the most human thought or emotion to the most cosmic dimension of existence is an aspect of ‘Being.’

Self-Realization is in Every Single Moment While there is freedom in experiencing a profound realization of an infinite dimension of our true nature, that freedom is only added to by an experience of a very human or limited dimension of that same true nature. Every experience adds to your soul, and no experience takes away from your true Being. This doesn’t mean you don’t discriminate between a small experience and a big one. Just as you can easily tell the difference between a cat and an elephant, it is inherent in a small experience for it to feel small and for an infinite experience to feel infinite.

While the experience you are having right now while reading these words may or may not be the biggest realization of your life so far, it is the realization you are having right now. It will naturally feel big or small or somewhere in between. It will naturally have the specific qualities of this unique moment and not the qualities of any other experience. And yet, because it is happening right now, it is the most important realization you can have. In fact, it is the only realization you can have. It’s too late or too soon to have any other experience than the one you are having right now at this moment, and this experience is making your soul richer and more fully realized than it was a year ago, a day ago, or even a moment ago.

Knowing who you are is for some, one of the easiest but for others the most perplexed experience we have as humans and souls. I say this because who knows who we are better than ourselves and yet, some spend a life-time trying to figure out the answer that was given to us hundreds of years ago. Whenever in doubt, pull this verse and read it aloud, feed your heart, soul and mind with the knowledge of who God is, and who he says, You are.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you; you will bare much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” ~John 15:5 Will you accept the precious gift that God and life is giving you right now?Much Love & Light My Beautiful Friends, Sharon Gulley

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF. I started Writing & Publishing at the age of 48 while I was a caretaker of my mother who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia; I used to be a Truck driver and Heavy equipment operator and I retired my Class A - CDLs’ to care for her. I began to write poetry during this time and read it to her to entertain her and soon published my first book of poetry called ‘The Butterfly Flutters By’ a book of childhood memories and life lived. Soon after I met Teresa Hawley Howard and through her began to write about my experiences of domestic violence. In the 5 years I have written with WOM Enterprises, LLC I have become a #1 Bestselling Co-Author 16 times in the US and internationally in her amazing list of anthologies listed on my Author’s page on Amazon. I have also been blessed to have written in Teresa Hawley Howard’s Tribute Magazine. I Co-Author published with Kelly Fitzgerald owner of IbbilanePress in the anthology called ‘Resilient’ with Lisa James and Co-Author published with Sundi Sturgeon in one of her Angel anthology book collection called ‘Warrior Women with Angel Wings for the Soul.’ I have also been blessed to have written in the pages of PathMag.com in their Body, Mind & Spirit column I have been Podcast interviewed by Donya Zimmerman (CYA) Powerful Biz Woman and Estela Kelly in the Estela Kelly Show; Author video spotlights on YouTube by Teresa Hawley Howard and Stacie Johnson and an interview with International Angels Network by Host Suzi Parrett & Claudia Ibarra, and by Candace Nadine Breen in her podcast where we talk about ‘Metaphysical Healing.’ I have been featured by Penstra.com in Every Author has a Story and I have been featured multiple times at Poetrysoup.com where I share my love of poetry. I am also an avid lover of photography which I share on my website along with my blog articles and at weebly.com, wordpress.com and LinkedIn.com

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS. Through writing and going back to school after mother passed, I decided to be of service to others and one day run my own non-profit. I am now the CEO and Founder of my business Beautiful Expectations of Faith (BE’OF) Where I am a Certified Life Coach of the American Union of NLP (ANULP) (www.aunlp.org) who coaches women on face book and locally who have been touched by domestic violence; I coach and lead them to a healing pathway that can better their movement forward. A movement forward that allows them to move without the pain and regrets from the past accompanying them into their beautiful future. I also encourage those to share their story and teach not only how to move forward and heal but how they can heal themselves by teaching others by sharing their story. I am also a ULC (Universal Life Church) registered Minister and I minister to those who believe in Faith and God, and I share a step by step daily guide on ‘How To Find Yourself In God’s Purposed Plan.’ I am also the Founder and CEO & the Host of my own Podcast show called, BE’OF, where I share about ‘Collaboration, Celebration, Faith and Business;’ and I am also the CEO and Founder of BE’OF Magazine that will be coming out in August 2020. I teach English language to underprivileged children in Uganda and minister to them about the love of Jesus by reading children’s bible stories to them and them reading back to me. I am a Faith Minister, Spiritual Healer, Wedding officiator who does baptisms and christenings. I also go on house calls to cleanse and bless homes, anoint and pray for those who

request for me to come to their homes. I visit jails and shelters to speak encouraging words of Faith, life and the love of God and healing forward.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU? I am inspired by nature and children because of their resilience. No matter what has been done to them, they offer continuous peace and love without judgment.

NAME ONE THING YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED FOR. I would like to be remembered for being a loving and caring soul.

Social Media Information https://www.facebook.com/BeautifulExpectationsOfFaith/ https://www.facebook.com/greenilygulley/ https://www.linkedIn.com/SharonGulley/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-gulley https://www.poetrysoup.com/me/greenbutterfly https://www.amazon.com/Sharon-Gulley Contact Info and Websites: Sharon Gulley Beautiful Expectations Of Faith Jacksonville, Florida 32219 (904) 330-8773 https://www.sharongulley.weebly.com/ https://wordpress.com/home/beautifulexpectationsoffaith.wordpress.com BE’OF Magazine comes out in August 2020!!

Where To Find My Podcast Shows https://anchor.fm/sharon-kay-gulley https://www.breaker.audio/beof-podcast https://radiopublic.com/beof-podcast-6BVLbo https://pca.st/nsn4t35t https://open.spotify.com/show/7I0bEpGLDaSCAzBBa1NU5i BE’OF Podcast Interview Links https://anchor.fm/sharon-kay-gulley/episodes/Episode-1-Thriving-with-Jennifer-Foxworthy-as-Guest-egpn80 https://anchor.fm/sharon-kay-gulley/episodes/Episode-2---Specialty-Publicist-Connector-egtlma https://anchor.fm/sharon-kay-gulley/episodes/BEOF-Podcast-Presents-Teresa-Hawley-Howard-Episode-3Celebrating-Women-Entrepreneurs-ei95kh Weekly Podcast with Host Sharon Gulley Links https://anchor.fm/sharon-kay-gulley/episodes/Mindful--Magnificent-Monday-ei8fejBE’OF https://anchor.fm/sharon-kay-gulley/episodes/BEOF-Podcast-Present---Thankful-Tuesday-with-Host-SharonGulley-ei9mjn https://anchor.fm/sharon-kay-gulley/episodes/Loving-Wednesday-ei2fl4 https://anchor.fm/sharon-kay-gulley/episodes/Sharing-Thursday-ei3bcs https://anchor.fm/sharon-kay-gulley/episodes/Friendship-Friday---Centering-in-times-of-chaos-ei5186

Where to find Books & Co-Authored Books

https://www.amazon.com/SharonGulley/e/B01EG4ONGW

Spiritually Healing the Mind, Body & Spirit

One of the major precepts of healing we are taught is that the only person we can heal is ourselves and this is achieved through a change in perception and through the acquisition and application of knowledge and understanding. Without it there can be no healing, be it of mind, body or spirit. In healing oneself we are given the opportunity to learn the lessons necessary that enable us to help others to heal themselves. In truth, every Spiritual practitioner is a facilitator of knowledge and understanding regardless of the degree of expertise they have achieved, for self-healing it is much more about changing our perception which in return changes a physical condition, for one is a prerequisite for the other. As co-creators we give meaning to the experiences we live through; this is why there is no standard response to any given situation or experience. People feel and deal with things differently and a change in perception leads to a change of values, and a growing understanding of what’s happening and why.

The healing process may still be physically or emotionally painful but it becomes a pain with purpose and meaning as through this change in perspective we recognize it for what it is, working through it in order for it to be healed, released, and let go of. On this personal journey, fear and regret are often our travelling companions. Regret is the one who is always lagging behind; it tries to get us to turn back, to turn around and focus on the past. It constantly reminds us of whom and what we once were, regret like a scornful parent is ever dismissive of what we have achieved, how far we have travelled, the changes we have made and the person we have become. Regret tells us that the Success and Happiness we seek has to be earned and we do not deserve it because of who we are and the mistakes we have made and therefore hinders our healing process. Fear unrestrained runs ahead of us, it lays in wait ready to jump out and sabotage our progress when we least expect it. Fear creates the illusion of barriers where none exist in the spirit realm and leads us to believe that our path is fraught with hazards and pitfalls, with every concealing danger ready to bring any progress to a premature end.

Happiness can only be experienced in the moment; the present moment, for this is all the time we have, but if we continually focus on the past or the future, we deny ourselves the opportunity to create the happiness and healing we desire in the here and now. Problems arise when we link our happiness and healing progress to the achievement of goals instead of focusing on the creation of happiness and healing in itself. In doing so we convince ourselves that happiness and healing is the result or by-product of an external experience

instead of an internal, powerful, spiritual process. Happiness is a state of mind; a thought process that elicits an emotional response which then creates a physical sensation and ultimately an external experience.

Through the power of our thoughts our psychology becomes our biology and directly affects our health and wellbeing. Every thought will find a way to express itself; thoughts that if sustained will go on to create our beliefs and eventually the reality we experience in our healing.

When happiness is linked to attainment, we are sending out the message that we can’t be happy in the here and now, in the present moment because our happiness and healing has to be earned and will only be achievable if we are talented, able gifted or worthy enough to receive it. All of these thoughts are negative based self-judgments that promote the idea that happiness and healing is ‘out there’ somewhere waiting to be discovered, instead of an internal experience waiting to be created. By attaching happiness and healing to the acquisition of things or the achievement of goals we are saying that our happiness and healing has to be put on hold until the achievement of those goals bring about the happiness and sense of healing we desire. Any delay or even failure to achieve those goals can result in disappointment and a sense of failure which can then trigger feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and delayed healing. In some extreme cases the onset of depression and over time illness and disease through the suppression of our immune system takes control.

Many people already know from personal experience that getting upset or angry can raise their blood pressure and some have found to their cost that if anger or aggression has become their ‘default response’ their immune system is suppressed to such an extent it can over time, result in the onset of ill health, heart disease and strokes. If negative thoughts and emotions have an adverse effect on our happiness and wellbeing then so it is correct in the same through self-healing; positive thoughts and emotions such as joy and happiness can provide a measurable antidote that effectively boosts our immune system, lowers our blood pressure and drastically reduces the risk for cardiovascular disease. Our thoughts and the emotions they create have far reaching consequences; our gene pool, our DNA the very fabric of our being is influenced, enhanced or adversely affected when our psychology becomes our biology through the quality of our thoughts and the attitudes and beliefs they create.

While the adverse effects of negative thoughts and emotions are well documented there are a growing number of studies that now confirm that success doesn’t lead to happiness, happiness actually leads to

success and has measurable benefits to our health and wellbeing. Pioneering work in this field of medicine provides growing evidence that when people who are in a distressed state of mind are able to create or induce a feeling of, contentment, joy or happiness it has a positive and measurable effect to their health and wellbeing and leads to amongst other things a quicker recovery of normal heart function. It is also noted that the simple act of smiling also has the power to lower blood pressure and induce a more rapid heart rate recovery. So while some say there is no evidence to show that Spiritual healing works; other studies have shown that something as simple as a compassionate or loving touch has a measureable positive life affirming effect, so maybe it’s now time to reevaluate the evidence available to us or simply change our perception of what Spiritual Healing is and the way it works. When we say that we can help to heal ourselves we are using a powerful, positive Faith in action statement to inform ourselves of the power that lies within us, that gift of spiritual knowledge and understanding of who we are at a core level, through Self-Awareness.

I feel as a Spiritual practitioner I have a responsibility and a duty of care to empower people to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing when it’s right and appropriate for them to do so and healing should never be shrouded in mystery or hidden by rituals and tradition.

Healing is more about education than it is about changing a physical condition, through knowledge and understanding there is nothing stopping us from spiritually healing and in return our body just miraculously follows. Healing like any concept spiritual or otherwise must transcend theoretical discussion and become a real-life experience to be lived and learnt from. Positive thoughts and the emotions create the power to heal and transform, happiness as part of that process has the ability to improve our quality of life, protect our health, healing and wellbeing, and enhance many aspects of our lives including work, health, relationships, creativity, and self-confidence, whilst generally raising our energy levels. All of which is available to us without prescription, and it falls squarely within the realms of healing one self, which is after all what spirit is asking us to do. By healing ourselves, we are opening up the healing pathway to all as we teach and share the knowledge of true Spiritual healing that every person on this planet inherited from the day of their birth.

Don’t Buy More Clothes…Buy More Jewelry!

Crystal Kennedy Have you ever said to yourself, “I don’t have anything to wear?” Or how about, “It’s time to revamp my wardrobe?” Have you ever thought to yourself? “I wear the same thing over and over again?” Trust me, I feel your pain and you are not alone. Well my friend, I have the perfect solution for you. Don’t buy more clothes. Buy more jewelry!

More jewelry you might ask. Yes, more jewelry! Do you know that you can change your whole outfit just by the jewelry you choose to wear? Think of how many times you’ve worn that same black suit. Yes, I know that you may feel that everyone has seen your wear that so much that it has become monotonous and mundane. Well, have you considered sprucing it up with a spectacular pearl necklace set or how about a vibrant, blue turquoise stone set? See, by changing up your jewelry, it now becomes the show piece. By choosing a statement piece of jewelry, you are now diverting the eye from the black suit to the jewelry set.

Jewelry enhances the beauty of the wearer which compels the eye of the beholder. Yes, jewelry was designed to enhance your beauty. Let’s take your eyes for an example. Say you have blue eyes and let’s say you choose to wear all black. Choose a necklace set that is all blue or a set that has blue in it. By making this selection, your eyes will stand out and have now enhanced your beauty.

When choosing jewelry to match your outfit it can be challenging for some and exhilarating for others.

Personally, when I shop for clothing, I save selecting the jewelry to accompany for last. Here’s what I do for an example, say I am purchasing a green dress. I then look for a necklace set that very well may have a variety of different colors in it, but if it has a hue of green, I know that it would match perfectly with it. Then that necklace set would not only enhance the beauty of the dress, but my beauty and personality as well.

Sometimes, you might have to think outside of the box. Interesting you may think…. yes! When I say think outside of the box, I mean that sometimes you may have to step outside of your comfort zone. You may like a simple dainty one-piece rhinestone necklace and/or a pair of stud earrings. But sometimes to make an outfit pop, you may want to wear a teardrop or a chandelier earring and depending on the dress or blouse, it may call for you to wear a collar or matinee necklace.

Selecting your jewelry should be a fun process. I know it sure is for me! Next month we will talk about the different types or styles of jewelry. I bet you didn’t know that there are several different ways you can rearrange the way you wear some of the jewelry you already have in your wardrobe! Think of the pieces that you already have. Now, combine some of them together. You my friend just created a whole new jewelry set. We will talk about that as well. So, remember, you don’t necessarily have to buy more clothing, buy more jewelry.

BIO Crystal Kennedy is a native of Long Island, New York where she was born to Christopher L. Thomas and Charlene Thomas currently resides in the beautiful State of Florida.

Crystal is an incredible influence in both ministry and in the housing industry. For over 18 years she has been a successful Property Manager, helping families and individuals find homes. She is also an Independent Consultant for Paparazzi Jewelry. Crystal is truly a humble and faithful witness for Christ. She has a genuine concern for God's people and demonstrates it through her walk.

Over the years, she has devoted herself to ministry by sharing her personal testimony and teaching others to have faith and to stand on God's word.

Crystal is well regarded in the Community for her many gifts and talents, including singing and teaching the gospel. Crystal is a woman of faith, purpose and determination that’s been called to live a life that’s acceptable to God. She strives to be an example of a virtuous woman - a woman who is yielded to God in every area of her life.

Spotlight Dr. Karla Ivankovich

Dr. Karla Ivankovich is a board-certified clinical counselor holding a PhD in psychology. Together with her husband (and best friend), they established a not-for-profit, One Patient Global Health Initiative, aiming to treat the mental health and medical needs of those in underserved communities. Her private practice focuses on mental health, relationships/sex, and communication. Whether she is in session with clients, meeting patients, or lecturing to classrooms of students, Dr. Karla is best known for passionately keeping things real.

Her willingness to tackle subjects many still find difficult or taboo makes her a highly sought-after speaker and leader in multiple fields.

Dr. Karla Ivankovich has been providing counseling services to individuals, couples, and families for more than two decades. Currently practicing in Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Karla is board-certified as a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) and a board-certified tele-mental health provider (BC-TMH). Studying at North Central University, she earned a doctorate in psychology; at Lincoln Land Community College, she received an undergraduate degree in business administration; and in the University of Illinois system, she received an undergraduate degree in psychology and two master’s degrees in human development counseling and INO-disability studies. To round out her knowledge of the educational field, Dr. Karla continued her graduate education by completing significant coursework in the field of educational leadership.

Like most, Dr. Ivankovich wears many hats. She is a prolific public speaker and passionate educator who addresses a wide variety of topics from relationships, sex, burnout, empowerment, corporate culture, communication, all topics millennial, how social media affects self and body esteem, and everything between.

She has a private practice, acts as a clinical internship supervisor, and teaches undergraduate psychology for

the University of Illinois at Springfield and graduate-level counseling psychology for North Park University.

She has co-authored a textbook chapter, published scholarly journal articles, presented at national conferences and summits, and is often called upon to provide expert opinion for national media sources, authors, and organizations including: The Atlantic, Aljazeera Television, Best Life, Britt&Co, Business2Community, Chicago Tribune, Dr. Oz: The Good Life, Elle, Fox8, Fox32, Fitbit, Glamour, Health Magazine, Health Technology, Huffington Post, Market Watch, Men’s Health, NBC News, New York Post, New Parent, Reddit, The Science of Relationships, Self, Springfield’s Own, Teen Vogue, Well and Good, Women’s Day, WGN Radio, WLS Radio, Yahoo, and Psychology Today.

Dr. Ivankovich has been featured in SO magazine, Health Technology magazine, Health News Illinois, Glenview Lantern, Northbrook Tower; on Becker’s Healthcare Leadership podcast, Money Matters podcast, CNN News Network, Fox News Chicago, WGN Radio, and WLS Radio. For years, Dr. Karla hosted a weekly radio show on iHeart radio, Life and Love, with her husband, orthopedic spine and trauma surgeon, Daniel Ivankovich, MD. In her most recent endeavor as an author of the popular Psychology Today blog, Talk Dirty to Me, Dr. Ivankovich explores the taboo of sex, education, relationships, and open communication.

Ranked as a top executive by the National Council of American Executives, in her full-time role Dr. Karla serves as CEO and co-founder of OnePatient Global Health Initiative, a non-profit she co-founded with her husband. OnePatient Global Health Initiative is dedicated to treating the mental and physical health needs of Chicago’s underserved communities, regardless of ability to pay. Dr. Karla’s extensive professional history as an industry executive has allowed her to develop and manage university and state-wide programs of assistance. Understanding how deeply entrenched the medical community was in helping others, she saw the need to address the mental health needs of medical providers, front-line workers, medical students, residents, and physicians. To do so, she created a parallel program providing similar confidential counseling services.

In her position as CEO, Dr. Karla’s primary role is to provide executive oversight through outreach, mental health assessment, strategic planning, financial management, organizational development, program operations, and clinical compliance.

Dr. Karla lives in suburban Chicago with her husband and their three dogs, Max, Holmes, and Aspen.

Together, they have a blended family of six adult children. Most recently, Dr. Karla’s newest title is “Mimi” to her grandson Paxton.

With a laugh, she says, “I literally have my hands full with everything trying to help people, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

What inspired you to write your book?

“I was fortunate enough to have a father who insisted on my being educated, in all areas. At the age of 10, he sat me down to discuss the “birds and the bees”. He did so in a way that didn’t seem odd, or creepy, but honest and heartfelt.” “The older I got, the more it became evident that everyone did not get the same education. That conversation shaped my future and gave me the courage to have authentic conversations with my patients and clients. My father’s words of wisdom allowed me to give others hope. He remains my inspiration.”

What do you want others to get out of your book?

“I hope this book will help the reader explore their own experience as it relates to communicating about issues of an intimate or sexual nature from their familial, religious or cultural perspectives. Then it will help the reader unravel the mystery of communication between partners to unlock the tools to aid in future discussions with powerful outcomes.”

Who is your audience?

“Anyone who struggles to talk about sex.”

Are you planning another book?

“Yes! I always have ideas brewing for the next book, but I would really like to write two different books, one addressing the challenges faced by Gen X women and another for Millennial Women.”

Where can we get your book?

“Amazon”

How can we follow or get in touch with you?

@IamDrKarla /KarlaIvankovichPhD karlaivankovich Website: www.karlaivankovich.com

What is one thing you would tell others if they want to write?

“Just start. Far too many times, I sat down to write this book and it never really seems the right time, or I had too much to do.” “If you want to write a book, just do it. The time will pass, and in the end, you will have chosen to write the book, or chosen to just pass the time.”

“Either way, it was a choice.”

Share your story and change the world!

Marketing Tips

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BE CONSISTENT

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Let others know about your business

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Have a Marketing budget for each month

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Share on all your social media

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Have a clear message

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Do FB Lives

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SHARE, SHARE, SHARE YOUR BUSINESS!

Coming In December

COMING IN 2021

My favorite makeup tips and tricks Janvier Guidry I am going to start off with some priming tricks and work my way through each step of makeup. I have always had really larges pores, which becomes a problem when applying foundation because it creates holes in your makeup. One of my lifesavers when priming is to start off with a good moisturizer for your specific skin type, then follow it with a blurring primer. Blurring primer essentially fills in all of those pores on your face and gives you a photo ready and smooth look. My next tip is to always apply powder before your foundation, yes, before. As silly as it may sound, it does wonders for the foundation application and makes for a smoother and fuller look. When applying foundation, always use a brush for the application part then follow behind with a sponge. Next, we will tackle eyebrows. There is so much confusion as to how to properly fill in your brows. As someone with naturally thick brows, if I’m going for an everyday look, brow gel is my go-to. Brow gel allows me to brush in some color to give my brows a fuller look.

If I’m doing my makeup for a night out, I like to use a pomade. A pomade is just a little pot of eyebrow gel and I like to use this with a very thin brush. I use this thin brush and outline from the middle at the bottom and top of my brow to give it a sharp outline and fill it in. Then after the middle part is filled in, I take my brow gel and brush that in at the start of my brows, ultimately giving my brows a cleaner look.

As far as mascara goes, do not just go up with it, when applying also apply from the top of your lashes to give them a fuller look and make sure to put focus on the tips of your lashes to elongate them.

Next, we will discuss contouring and highlighting. When highlighting, I take an extremely light concealer and put three dots under my eyes, one on either temple, and on my nose and under my lip, then I blend.

When contouring, I like to use a darker concealer shade and put that at the tops of my cheekbones and around my hairline and my jaw line, and blend it. After you blend in all of your concealers, come back with a powdered bronzer and go over what you just contoured to give a more chiseled look. When applying highlight, always apply at the very tops of your cheekbone, not over your blush or contour, so that you get the full glowing effect. These are my favorite makeup tips and tricks, and I hope you all enjoy and try them out.

About the Author

Hello. My name is Janvier Guidry. I am 19 years old and attend Louisiana State University. I have been an avid makeup addict since I was in middle school. I love messing around with new eye shadow colors and trying out new makeup tricks so I am here to teach you guys a few things I have learned.

Spotlight Dr. Samuel L. Hayes Jr. and Dr. Andrea Marsh Hayes

Tell us about yourselves.

We are, Dr. Samuel L. Hayes Jr. and Dr. Andrea Marsh Hayes.

What would you like to spotlight?

We are spotlighting our book ‘Making Love Work while Leading your Family:’ Lessons from a Power Couple.

Tell about us your book.

Our book focuses on lessons from our experiences as a married couple throughout the years. We want to emphasis the importance of acknowledging the challenges that marriage brings but highlighting the lessons that can be learned from the difficult times.

Tell me something you have overcome or success you have achieved.

We have overcome the challenge of growing up together, as we were married very young, and being on the brink of divorce.

What would you like to achieve in 2020?

We would like to be best-selling authors, complete the workbook to accompany our current book, and complete our second book and workbook focusing on marriage.

Social Media Links Face book: Dr. Sam - Dr. Drea Hayes Instagram: Dr. Sam_Dr. Drea

Website and contact Info drsam-ddreahayes.com

Give me a quote for your spotlight. Something that you say or a quote that means something to you. “Teamwork makes the dream work.�

Spotlight Dr. Teresa Elaine Sanders

“Small class, big results: Safari Small Schools”

Tell me us about yourself.

I’m Dr. Teresa Elaine Sanders. I am a California transplant to Texas and I love it. I spent 20 years working in community Mental Health in Sacramento, California before relocating to Texas in 2005. I have been an educator for 14 years. I am certified K-12 Special Education I work primarily with students with severe behavior problems and Emotional Disturbance (ED). I love working with this population and my students never cease to amaze me with their academic and creative potential. I am dedicated to ensuring these often-challenging students not only achieve academically, but socially and emotionally as well.

What would you like to spotlight?

“My Business.”

Tell us about it.

The students I serve are often significantly behind academically and lack social and coping skills needed to be successful in life. In the public-school system, these

learners are frequently neglected socially and academically and are very often left behind to fail in school and life. As a human being, mother and educator, I cannot contribute to the failure of children.

To combat this unconscionable failure, I developed Safari Small Schools, a fivestudent micro-school designed to meet the unique needs of students who for whatever reason are not thriving in the traditional classroom. Students are taught the way they learn best with flexibility to allow movement, frequent breaks or other accommodations that helps the most fragile students excel.

Tell us something you have overcome or success you have achieved.

“I read an excerpt from a soon-to be- released book (Fall 2020) called Ctrl+Alt+Del: Reset Your Mind and Thrive by author Francine E. Gregory. In the book, the author discusses the need to interrupt negative thought processes and resetting the mind in The entire time I have been an educator, I have been alarmed at the state of our Nation’s public schools.” The system did not and does not align with the needs of the students within. I knew I had a passion for children and education and wanted something different for my students, but never felt qualified to create a school or program to meet their needs.

The excerpt I read helped me to see I was on the right track with my desire but I needed to get my thinking in alignment. I learned that fear of failure was the malicious code that kept me from believing I could make a difference. When I conquered the fear, I opened a school.

What would you like to achieve in 2020?

“I am looking forward to an awesome year with the first of many classes at Safari Small Schools.”

Social Media Links Twitter @DrTeresaSanders @SafariSmall Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrTeresaSanders/ Linked in https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresaesanders/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.teresasanders/

Website and Contact Info Website: www.safarismallschools.com www.TeresaESanders.com (469) 360-8528 TeresaESanders@gmail.com SafariSmallSchools@gmail.com

Spotlight Lois Hermann Tell me who you are.

I am Lois Hermann, board-certified spiritual hypnotist, success coach, author, speaker, Reiki Master Teacher, and retired medical professional.

What inspired you to write your book?

I was asked by the Ancient Ones, amazing spiritual beings during a hypnosis session to bring their messages of hope to help save humanity before it is too late!

What do you want others to get out of your book?

I hope to inspire others to embrace positive energy, living with honesty, integrity, and respect for each other and our planet. I wish to share the messages I was honored to receive and teach others how to live a life of health and happiness, with hope for our future.

Who is your audience?

Spiritual seekers, people who are looking for positive ways of living, those who are disenfranchised and concerned with our current world issues.

Are you planning another book?

Yes, this is Book 2 in a series of 3 Books.

Where can we get your book?

Amazon, Barnes & Nobel, it’s website: www.ChroniclesofHope.net

Social Media & Website Contact Info Lois@LoisHermann.com www.LoisHermann.com / www.ChronilesofHope.net Face book: @LoisHermannSuccessCoach & @ChroniclesofHopeTheMessages YouTube: Lois Hermann & Associates Twitter: lois_hermann LinkedIn: loishermann Instagram: @loishermann What is one thing you would tell others if they want to write?

Be sure you have a great editorial team. They make your work polished and professional which allows you to spend your time writing from your heart.

Spotlight Matt Granados

“Unmotivated is not a character trait but it is a state of mind. A simple conversation can change a state of mind.”

Tell me about yourself.

My name is Matt Granados and I am the co-founder and President of Life Pulse Inc. I am a husband to my amazing wife and partner in EVERYTHING I do, Maria as well as a very happy father to Natalie and Zach. I enjoy being a “family man.” Strange family traditions and fun times with them is what I enjoy most.

I have spent my entire life building businesses and it wasn't until the last decade I realized as much as I love growing businesses, I feel most fulfilled when I am growing people. When this realization came, I was able to change my focus and work with as many people as I possibly can. I love doing what I do so for hobbies, I enjoy Golf, Snowboarding, and any other relaxing time with people I care about. But I get maximum fulfillment when I get to tie any of those things with having deeper conversation with the individual, I am doing it with.

What would you like to spotlight?

I would like to spotlight the launch of my book on July 8th. The book is Called Motivate the Unmotivated: The Proven System for Sustainable Motivation.

Tell us about it

Motivate the Unmotivated provides a simple Motivation Formula that works seamlessly and continuously to motivate even the least engaged individual, whether that’s yourself, an employee, a co-worker, a romantic partner, a child, or yes…even a pet!

Finally, a book that gives you applicable, implementable techniques for how to boost motivation in all areas of your life—as well as the lives of others.

You know "what" you should do in order to motivate yourself and others. So why don’t you do it? Most likely it is because no one has ever systemized the "how" to what you already know you should do.

To experience consistent results in ourselves and others we need to do one thing: connect actions to outcomes before they are experienced. It’s the value that is recognized when this happens that drives our behaviors and ensures our continued investment in a task or project.

Most unmotivated people would never say they are lazy and it turns out most simply lack awareness of the relationship between their actions and their desired ends. Sometimes, they aren’t even sure what it is they value. In order to motivate the unmotivated—whether that’s ourselves, others, or both—we need to strengthen the synapse between actions and outcomes.

Tell me something you have overcome or success you have achieved.

At first when I think of achievements, I start thinking about the stats of the business. Working with companies like Twitter or the United States Air Force to build multimillion-dollar businesses. Yes, these are achievements that I am very proud of but outside of an interesting talking point or a great testimonial, I don't like to label my success on achievements alone. Instead I like to focus on the path taken while trying to reach the goal.

Being in the field of consulting, I am constantly learning and taking my experiences learning from them. Usually it is when I hear someone else's story, I can grab a new piece of wisdom but in this case, it was my story. The most recent thing in our life that we have had to overcome and work with is the diagnosis of our daughter’s medical condition.

Natalie was diagnosed with a rare genetic mutation (PROXYD1 gene) that caused a form of muscular dystrophy.

When we first realized this was a longer-term issue than any parent would want, we tried our best to work on the physical delays she was dealing with. When doing her physical assessment, we were told to do a cognitive test as well. I was against it because she had no mental delays… just physical.

This could have been the biggest mistake we could have made in raising our daughter.

She was half her age physically but over twice her age mentally. My mind was blown with how poorly I was going about this. I wanted to “fix” her “issues” and realized myself and clients do this daily with the people we are managing. This was the day my paradigm shifted. From then on, the philosophy we live by when working with anyone is to manage weaknesses but leverage strengths. Because of this we are using her cognitive advancements to help her understand her physical setbacks… the results have been amazing.

So what was the achievement? I overcame myself. Sometimes I am the barrier between me and the correct answer. Sometimes I am what is holding me back from getting the result I want. Sometimes we need to get out of our own way and our own thoughts and ANYTIME we can do this, I consider it an amazing achievement based on how humans are wired to think.

What would you like to achieve in 2018? (I am assuming you mean 2020) Each year we select one word that represents our focus for the year. 2020’s year for me was GROWTH. Wow what an interesting turn of events with the world coming to a stop early in the year.

With fear and uncertainty spinning through the entire world, we had to refocus our goals as well as our clients’ goals. The biggest thing we recognized is we do not need to give up on our goals but we needed to find a new way of achieving this goal.

So our goal was growth in a world that completely shut down. We needed to change our approach. We went from a focus of sales which leads to growth, to marketing and building content which also leads to growth.

Now that the world seems to be opening back up, we are experiencing growth in a way that

we could not have expected at the beginning of the year.

Although we expect to have GROWTH like we stated in the beginning of the year, it looks different than what we expected. The exciting part is I am confident that it will be better than before.

We have a book launch getting great reviews. We have new clients coming on regularly. We have new programs being offered to individuals all over the world. We have lives transforming as they experience our exercises and content.

We are experiencing growth and I cannot wait for the second half of this year to see where the GROWTH (progress) leads us.

Social Media Links https://www.facebook.com/LifePulseInc https://www.instagram.com/lifepulseinc/ https://twitter.com/LifePulseInc https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-granados-12829224/

Website and Contact Info www.LifePulseInc.com Info@LifePulseInc.com Bookings@LifePulseIn.com

Give me a quote for your spotlight. Something that you say or a quote that means something to you.

Authors Spotlight!!!!

BOOK VISIONARY AND HOST: Laticia Nicole Beatty

Laticia Nicole Beatty is a certified life coach, motivational speaker, bestselling author, independent business owner, and founder of a non-profit organization, Purposed Professionals Inc. But, most importantly she is a child of the Almighty God and is on a mission to encourage and transform people out of dead situations with her #Speaklife Enterprises. La’Ticia has been on stages across the country inspiring audiences from all backgrounds.

With a heart to serve, Tish, as she is often called, received a BS in Nursing from Winston-Salem State University and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. She is currently a full time Minister and Life Coach. La’Ticia Nicole Beatty’s greatest accomplishments are her marriage to her husband, Antonio for nearly 21 years and their two children, Antonio II and Aden Cole.

Some Accomplishments/Awards

2013 Humanitarian Award 2014 Executive Director of the Year Award 2016 ACHI Mentor of the Year Award 2016 Spiritual Woman Award 2016 Author of the Year Award 2016 Devotional of the Year Indie Author Legacy Award 2016 God Phenomenal Woman Honor 2017 Woman of the Year Community Service Award 2018 Marketing Director of the Year Award 2019 Diamond of the Year Award 2019 Triumph Woman of Distinction Award Laticia Nicole #Speaklife www.LaticiaNicole.com

Author Alicia Spivey Johnson

Alicia Spivey Johnson is a wife, mother and self-proclaimed Serial Entrepreneur. Alicia was born in New York and raised in North Carolina. Upon graduation from King College in Charlotte, NC, Alicia moved to RaleighDurham, a place that would prove to be a great catalyst for her entrepreneurial spirit. Alicia was self-aware of her outgoing and tenacious personality and decided to use those qualities to pursue a career in sales. Ambitious and eager to accomplish more, Alicia went on to obtain her real estate license.

Outside of real estate, Alicia wears many other hats. She is an author of her published book entitled Don’t Question Your Flow: Your Mission Motivates Your Money. Alicia is a Financial Commercial Consultant with twentysix years at Commercial Capital, where she is a Certified Personal and Business Credit Specialist. In the medical field, she is a Certified Medical Billing and Coding Specialist. If that’s not enough, Alicia is also a motivational speaker and a Mobile Notary Signing Agent.

Alicia’s goal-oriented, no-nonsense mentality is taking her even further. She is using her personal experiences as a multi-faceted business woman to help small business owners secure their company’s financial stability by teaching them about business credit and assisting them in getting funds. Alicia knows what it means to make goals, commit and achieve. She has successfully balanced being a wife, mother and entrepreneur and she now hopes to inspire others to balance their personal pursuits with their family and professional lives. Alicia believes that everyone can shine and achieve their greatest potential, and she wants to help.

Alicia has been in the trenches- where you find yourself at this moment. She is now following her calling to help others find their paths in a complicated world, because when no one was around, she found her way and rewrote her story.

Alicia is committed to collaborating with her clients to assist them in leading “a life beyond limits.” Her approach is compassionate, curious, and resilient. Her goal is to empower her clients to embody their own

best selves, every day.

Alicia is heavily engaged with community involvement in the following areas: • Certified Success Coach • Member of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority • Real Estate Professional • Commercial Loan Broker Having lived and learned through the vicissitudes of starting a mission-driven company, Alicia is passionate about supporting others who want to contribute their talents toward a calling that fully inspires them.

Connect with Alicia Spivey Johnson: Facebook: fb.me/26realtygroup

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alicia-spivey-johnson-59827a30

Amy Timmons Miles

Rev. Amy Timmons Miles was born and raised in Burlington, North Carolina. She is the youngest daughter of Henry Timmons Jr. and the late Gloria P. Timmons. She has two sons, Joseph and Joshua. She has two beautiful grandbabies, Lauryn and Kamryn. She received her B.A. degree in Religion and Christian Counseling from Liberty University. Currently she is enrolled at Carolina Christian College seeking her Masters of Divinity.

Rev. Miles preached her initial sermon, July 9, 2006. She served as an Associate Minister at Ebenezer United Church of Christ under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Larry Covington. Under his leadership she facilitated many small group studies, as well as taught Christian Education Classes. She has been a strong supporter of women and youth ministries.

Rev. Miles performed many duties under the leadership of Rev. Dr. George Pass Sr. at St Matthews AME Church in Burlington. She has organized and led conferences directed at providing women a place of

freedom, worship, study and growth. Rev. Miles is the Senior Pastor at Awakening Outreach Church Inc. formerly Immanuel Christian Center, Incorporated, in Burlington, North Carolina. She is the founder of Pursuing Wholeness Ministries; a ministry devoted to encouraging, maturing, and healing God’s people.

Because of her love for God and for His people, she has promised to devote her time, gifts and resources to the kingdom of God. Rev. Miles is employed as a Commercial Accounts Manager with Piedmont Triad Insurance Agency. In her spare time, she likes to focus on her many hobbies; reading, movies, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Rev. Miles strives to aid the people of God by encouraging and inspiring them in their walk with Christ. She is in awe of the patience of God; Rev. Miles realizes that in her best effort she sometimes falls short. She is often reminded of the faithfulness of God. Her favorite scripture is Philippians 1:6 “Being confident of

this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ”.

Jermain Smith

Jermain Smith is the founder & CEO of Smith Prudent Reads, LLC and the “Dream Big” author and illustrator of the children's book series- Brooklyn Astronaut (TM). He is involved with reading his books in the schools in the community, and plans to start a nonprofit organization in the near future. Jermain’s passion is to work through after-school programs to teach children about business and entrepreneurship. His goal is to motivate children to view entrepreneurship as a viable way to secure a prosperous future and live out their best dreams. Jermain believes that he can use his book series and his workshops on business and entrepreneurship to help our youth create new visions of their future, instead of getting caught up and wasting their lives in the streets.

Lisa Jones Stanton

Lisa Jones Stanton recently retired after 35 years in the automotive industry. Lisa has found a new passion/calling/career as a financial strategist, working to improve the financial lives of families to God’s Glory. A native of Ohio, she transplanted to Michigan to attend college in the 1980’s. She is a wife, mother of three adult children, and grandmother to one beautiful granddaughter.

Lisa received her B.S degree from General Motors Institute (Kettering University) and M.S. degree from the University of Michigan; both in Industrial Engineering. She spent over 40 years in the automotive industry. She rose to the position of an Engineering Manager in Program Management. She mentored and guided many young people in their careers. She successfully led the Women in Product Development Mentoring Circle for over 13 years. In 2017, Lisa was a recipient of the Women of Color Technology All-Star Award. After she retired, Lisa began a new career, becoming licensed and certified in financial services.

Lisa is the Founder and CEO of Financial Fitness for Freedom, a complete financial services business with an unique approach, in that she helps people find retirement money they lose unknowingly or unnecessarily.

Thus, providing for their financial future by delivering financial education, college planning, retirement planning, and tax planning.

In her role as a financial strategist, Lisa is a member of the Western Washtenaw Business Association and Power Through Networking. She is a community volunteer with Gleaners Food Bank, Ronald MacDonald House, and the Washtenaw and South Eastern Michigan United Ways; serving as a Vita tax preparer, mentor, and financial supporter. Lisa is a blossoming speaker, motivator and author.

Lisa shares her story with individuals who are experiencing life and financial challenges, and she spends her time mentoring women and young people. Her goal is to help 20,000 individuals, with “creating your forever money”. In her downtime, she loves traveling, hanging with her grand-daughter, water aerobics, all kinds of really good food, and understanding financial history.

Follow her on Facebook and Instagram at: Facebook: facebook.com/Lisa Jones Stanton Instagram: Lisastanton5@outlook.com

For a financial consultation: call/text (725) 333-5675 Email: Financialfitnessforfreedom@gmail.com Financialfitnessforfreedom.com

For a phenomenal business opportunity visit me at: https://LisaStanon.FreedomEquityGroup.com

Melanie Smiles

Melanie Smiles is a Michigan native, divorced mother of two adult children, and a grandmother. She is an author, registered nurse with 10 years of experience, specializing in emergency and trauma nursing. She is also a licensed cosmetologist, Surge365 travel member, and business owner of Mindful Missions Health and Wellness.

Melanie is a God-fearing, fun- loving, giving, caring, and nurturing woman with a gift to serve. She’s triumphed through the struggles of being a high school teenage mother of two children and survivor of narcissistic abuse.

Melanie has always been hardworking, devoted to her craft, and maintained a willingness to persevere and seek growth. She is a member and serves in the nursing ministry at Peoples Community Baptist Church in Westland, Michigan. She loves to cook, travel, and spend time with her grandson, family, and friends. She has an unwavering desire to be a woman of influence by inspiring, and encouraging others to heal, overcome brokenness, and live a more peaceful, and fulfilled life. Melanie seeks to achieve this by sharing the good works of Jesus Christ.

Mindfulmission19@gmail.com www.surge365.com/smilestours 248-688-6021 Instagram mel_rnsmiles Facebook: Melanie Smiiles

Monique Chantel Johnson

Monique Chantel Johnson is a born motivator, leader, gifted speaker, facilitator, published author and selftitled Purpose Pusher. Monique is a multifaceted business professional and works as a learning development manager, entrepreneur, notary, and as a certified financial counselor. A southern girl from New Orleans, Louisiana, Monique has a passion for women’s empowerment, travel and living life on her own terms.

Monique’s mission in life is to tear down the notion that women aren’t enough just as they are. Her goals are to replace those ideas with the thought that women come fully equipped and are capable of being everything they desire to become. It’s her life’s desire to teach women how to carry the confidence to go after everything that they want out of life. Through her life challenges, Monique wants to teach the everyday woman how to overcome obstacles in the pursuit of success. Her intent is to share her journey with the hopes of inspiring other women to see their own beauty.

Stay connected with Monique: For more information on Women’s Retreats, Purpose Driven Motivation Projects, Author Events and The Push to Purpose and appearances by going to www.purposedrivenmotivation.com

Pamela Thompson Smith

Pamela Thompson Smith resides in Raleigh, North Carolina. She is an entrepreneur at heart. She is owner of Thompson Smith Consulting, a full-service consulting firm specializing in non- profit fundraising and development, special event planning and coordination, corporate events, marketing, public relations, and community outreach.

She graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Radio, Television and Motion Pictures from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

With a passion for events and promotions, Pamela managed the Promotions Departments for Radio Stations FOXY 107/104 in Raleigh North Carolina for several years.

Her love for marketing led her into restaurant advertising and marketing in 2000 and she worked for over 15 years from home and traveled extensively as a Field Marketing Business Consultant for Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Sonic Drive-in and Rita’s Italian Ice Restaurant Chains where she facilitated local store marketing, promotional and operational strategies in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Florida.

In 2015, Pamela became a full-time entrepreneur. She has served as corporate planner for Capitol Broadcasting Company’s FOX Family Fun Fest, Development Manager for Raleigh Executive Luncheon for NC Med Assist, and as Donor and Special Events Contractor for Clinton College.

In addition to Event Planning, Pam found her niche in non-profit development and fundraising. She has served for seven years as the Event Planner and Development Coordinator for the Triangle Martin Luther King Committee, Inc. for the execution of the MLK Holiday Celebration Events. She has also served as Non-Profit Fundraising Consultant for Clinton College, Rock Hill, South Carolina, NC Med Assist, Charlotte, North Carolina, African American Cultural Festival, Raleigh, North Carolina, and other non-profits.

She was recently named Interim Executive Director for the non-profit African American Cultural Festival where she will guide the overall vision and coordination of programs and operations to successfully plan, program and present the 2020 African American Cultural Festival. .

One of her favorite quotes is when work is what you love to do, it is not work- it is SERVING! She loves her work and is THANKFUL for every opportunity to serve. She continues to serve many clients across the Triangle and other

areas in many roles. It is her PASSION that makes the difference.

She is the radio host for The Community Impact segment which airs monthly on the Sports Shop Radio Show, a WRAL Station and co-host of The Art of Balancing It All Podcast which airs on Podbean, ITunes, Spotify, and Google Podcast.

Pam is the 2016 winner of the ACHI Magazine Woman of Achievement Award and 2015 Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award.

Pam is an inspirational emcee, speaker, and praise and worship leader. She truly loves the Lord with all her heart and is always willing to serve. She is a member of Centennial AME Zion Church which is in her hometown of Bear Creek, North Carolina where she has served as Preacher Steward for over 27 years.

She wears many hats, stands daily on the promises of Jeremiah 29:11, serves in many roles; and her proudest role is that of Mom to her daughter who is currently a sophomore at Louisburg College, Louisburg, North Carolina.

Samantha Huntley

Trendsetter, Educator, Beauty Columnist, Salon Owner, and Celebrity Master Hairstylist are all titles for Samantha Huntley. Samantha served as the Educational and Artistic Director for Bronner Brothers Professional Sales Division from 2003-2014. Although it is extremely rare for one individual to hold both positions, the dynamic Durham, North Carolina native's stellar background declares she was well equipped to handle the job. Part of her unique responsibilities were to ensure that educators under her tutelage had a strong understanding of the ingredients in all Bronner Brothers Professional Sales products how these ingredients not only contribute to haircare but also the execution of the hottest techniques that yield a plethora of exciting runway-worthy looks. Huntley's flawless finishes have grace the pages in publications throughout the United States, the Caribbean, Tokyo, and London. Samantha has won numerous awards in categories such as, Fantasy, Braids, and Total Look. As the Artistic Educational Director, Samantha was heavily immersed in the professional Sales production for the Bronner Brothers International Beauty Show. She was responsible for selecting the educators, models, makeup artist, talent, and the lighting and props for the stage as well as the overall theme for the show. With all of these responsibilities on her slim shoulders Samantha, as salon owner, still managed to successfully service her Durham based clientele.

Currently, Samantha showcasing her "behind-the-scenes " talent locally, styling hair for music videos, and campaigns and producing fashion shows. Samantha is also celebrating two years of successful service as the ultimate Image Consultant; helping men and women cultivate the image of their dreams with Body Contouring, Scalp Micropigmentation, Hair Replacement, Hair Styling and Wardrobe Styling. Samantha is passionate about everything pertaining to beauty and she is very happy to add another acclaimed title to her list of accomplishments- Author.

Samantha Williams

Samantha Williams has 15 years of experience in the cleaning industry. She has worked at prestigious companies where she has learned the ins and outs of the business. She is passionate about providing the best services to her clients, as she is a very detailed and organized individual. Samantha decided to become an entrepreneur; she is part owner of a cleaning business and has implemented and perfected her own skill set to reach clientele across the Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina area. She also is an independent travel agent, working for a well-known travel company.

Contact Samantha: Email: williamss0709@gmail.com Myvortex365.com/SWtravels Surge365.com/SWtravels Facebook: @SamanthaWilliams

Sean Bethea

Lesley "Sean" Bethea is the mother of four adult children and the “Glam-Ma” of seven. Sean’s favorite thing in the world is learning. She is obsessed with information. Sean enjoys movies, especially going to the movies, sometimes twice a week. Sean is currently the caretaker of her 90-year old grandfather. She finds great pleasure in serving as his caretaker.

They say if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans. I guess God thinks Sean is a comedian. Sean hopes that her story will not only uplift you, but give you a renewed faith in God.

Sharon Dye

Sharon Dye is a Special Education Consultant with over 17 years of experience working with children and families in the state of Michigan. She’s a native Detroiter, mother, grandmother, Surge 365 travel club member and Team Builder, a blossoming speaker and author, founding member of The Real Business Team Detroit and CEO and Visionary of Sunshine Bridges. Sharon received both her B.A and M.A degrees from Wayne State University in the areas of Human Developmental Psychology and Teaching. Sharon Dye has provided her services within school districts, through online group forums, and through independent consulting. As a result, she has directly impacted children around the world. Her educational background in Human Developmental Psychology and her expertise in providing special education services for children and their families has given her a broad base from which to approach many relevant topics and concerns. Sharon is a survivor and overcomer and shares her story with women who are experiencing challenges in their lives. When she’s not inspiring young scholars to excel in school, she enjoys spending her time mentoring girls and women, going to Zumba, and trying out new recipes in the kitchen with her granddaughter Aniyla.

You can connect with Sharon at:

riseandshine365@gmail.com- (313) 748-3481 For FREE online Tutoring Services and Coaching in Basic Reading and Reading Fluency, visit: www.sunshinebridges.com For Home Based business opportunities visit me at: surge365.com/riseandshine.

FREE and Unlimited usage of my Discount Travel Site at: www.myvortex365.com/riseandshine Booking Packages of Travel: ytbtravel.com/riseandshine Follow her on Facebook and Instagram at:facebook.com/theaudacitytoshine/?modal=admin_todo_tourfacebook.com/sharon.dye.73

& instagram.com/sharonevetted/

Tonya Miller Cross

Tonya Cross is the owner of Accented Glory and The Vine Event Planning. Accented Glory is a handcrafted women’s fashion accessory brand that specializes in natural hair accessories and afrocentric jewelry designs.

The Vine Events is an organization that hosts informative events, such as personal development and small business workshops.

Cross merges her two passions to share with fellow creatives, ways to gain online brand visibility. Cross’ designs have been featured on Essence.com and MarthaStewart.com. Tonya has been married for twentyseven years to her high school sweetheart and has three beautiful daughters. Cross’ first book anthology embraces the opportunity to share her spiritual journey. Her hope is that readers learn from her experiences and pick up the knowledge gems dropped in this anthology. To learn more visit accentedglory.com and thevineevents.com.

Toy Jones-Jackson

Toy Nicole Jones-Jackson is a Durham, North Carolina native, widow and mother of two college-aged daughters. Toy is a certified licensed travel agent and has had a business in this industry for the last four years.

Toy is also employed with the United States Government Veterans Administration, where she has worked for the last fourteen years. She enjoys serving those that have fought for our country, including her father, grandfather, and uncle. Toy considers her job to be the best way to honor them.

Our Story His Glory is Toy’s first book project, as a co-author. In her chapter, Rejected for Purpose, Toy gives you the realness and rawness of her story, sharing the beginning of her journey. Toy’s chapter is filled with broken pieces, terrible choices, and ugly truths. It will also expose every reader to her major comeback, how she found peace in her soul and a love. Toy’s story exposes readers to love on another level; not just your ordinary love, but an unconditional love with no limits. This love molds and shapes Toy into the mother, widower, friend, sister, daughter, and author that she is today. This love saved Toy’s life.

Umeka Jackson

Umeka Jackson is a native of Detroit, Michigan. She currently resides in North Carolina, with her two daughters. For over twenty years, Umeka worked professionally as a Real Estate Legal Professional. Umeka is truly multi-faceted with passions in fashion, self-care, culinary arts, interior design, event planning and travel.

Umeka combined her passions to start PAMPERING STYLES, a mobile spa business, providing a variety of self-care services and products.

Umeka is a woman of faith, who has faced many adversities in life. As a wife of over sixteen years who recently became a widow, Umeka felt pulled to tell her story of the importance of the marriage vows that we take.

Umeka wants everyone whose ever lost a loved one to know that you don’t have to grieve what you’ve lost, but cherish what was shared.