What's Your ShadeOfSuccess?
Share Your Story With Us and Let's Celebrate Together!
Share Your Story With Us and Let's Celebrate Together!
LaKisha Johnson is a girl after God’s own heart, boldly handling one part of her
purpose ... the writing.
Lakisha has been writing since 2012 as has penned more then fifteen novels,
devotionals and journals.
In addition to being a self-published author, she’s also a wife of 21 years, mother of 2,
Co-Pastor, Sr. Business Analyst, Devotional Blogger and more.
LaKisha writes from her heart, as she hopes the messages, on the pages, will relate to every reader. She doesn’t proclaim to be the best author, she simply writes because she knows, ”Writing didn’t find her, it was etched within when God created her.”
Connect with Author LaKisha
www.facebook.com/AuthorLakisha
www.twitter.com @_kishajohnson
purpose ... the writing.
Lakisha has been writing since 2012 as has penned more then fifteen novels,
devotionals and journals.
In addition to being a self-published author, she’s also a wife of 21 years, mother of 2,
Co-Pastor, Sr. Business Analyst, Devotional Blogger and more.
LaKisha writes from her heart, as she hopes the messages, on the pages, will relate to every reader. She doesn’t proclaim to be the best author, she simply writes because she knows, ”Writing didn’t find her, it was etched within when God created her.”
Connect with Author LaKisha
www.facebook.com/AuthorLakisha
www.twitter.com @_kishajohnson
Author, Entrepreneur Dominique L. Watson
I am a published author and entrepreneur. I’ve been in the literary industry for 15 years. I published my first book in 2005. I’ve always had a love for reading and writing. When I first started writing and looking to publish, I could not find the guidance or support that I now offer through my company Diamond M’Press.
There were so many authors and literary professionals who had written many books and who were very successful. None of them wanted to help me. So I started researching the literary industry on my own. I taught myself the business. Learned how to become a better writer with each book I published; I learned the industry.
I started out writing in inspiration and poetry. I released my first fiction novel in 2008.
I created my first Christian fiction series a few years later.
In the midst of writing, I launched my own literary magazine, Pen’Ashe, hosted various blogs and sites that promoted writers in various genres.
In 2014 I launched my own publishing company, Diamond M’Press Publications. DMP stands for a woman ruler. Through DMP, I offered various services for authors and writers to enhance their literary career and established myself as a literary mentor.
I’ve published more than 20 books in the genres of inspiration, poetry, urban Christian fiction, urban fiction and mystery and suspense.
My goal is to help authors learn the literary business and enhance their literary career as well as offer them the support I never had as an up and coming author.
I am a published author and entrepreneur. I’ve been in the literary industry for 15 years. I published my first book in 2005. I’ve always had a love for reading and writing. When I first started writing and looking to publish, I could not find the guidance or support that I now offer through my company Diamond M’Press.
There were so many authors and literary professionals who had written many books and who were very successful. None of them wanted to help me. So I started researching the literary industry on my own. I taught myself the business. Learned how to become a better writer with each book I published; I learned the industry.
I started out writing in inspiration and poetry. I released my first fiction novel in 2008.
I created my first Christian fiction series a few years later.
In the midst of writing, I launched my own literary magazine, Pen’Ashe, hosted various blogs and sites that promoted writers in various genres.
In 2014 I launched my own publishing company, Diamond M’Press Publications. DMP stands for a woman ruler. Through DMP, I offered various services for authors and writers to enhance their literary career and established myself as a literary mentor.
I’ve published more than 20 books in the genres of inspiration, poetry, urban Christian fiction, urban fiction and mystery and suspense.
My goal is to help authors learn the literary business and enhance their literary career as well as offer them the support I never had as an up and coming author.
Meet Jodaea
My name is Jodaea and I am an authorpreneur who has self-published 2 novels, SUNDAY CHRISTIANS and CAREFUL WHAT YOU PREY FOR.
As a fiction writer of cautionary tales, my novels are written with entertaining, yet thought-provoking stories that are meant to expand one's view and open dialogue to complex, real-life situations.
SUNDAY CHRISTIANS is a unique novel that takes an unorthodox view of the church from the congregational side of the pulpit through the ups and downs of two unlikely romances. While SUNDAY CHRISTIANS is not Christian book per se, it differs from other novels that focus on the scandals and back-door politics of mega-church operations. Have you ever looked around the church congregation during service and asked yourself, "I wonder what they're like during the week?". Then SUNDAY CHRISTIANS is one of the answers to this question.
CAREFUL WHAT YOU PREY FOR takes an in-depth look at mental illness; abuse of power by those in positions of integrity; as well as the PTSD many of our Black men suffer from on a day-to-day basis. Some who don't even realize they do until its too late.
Both novels are available at NOVELSBYJODAEA.COM.
My name is Jodaea and I am an authorpreneur who has self-published 2 novels, SUNDAY CHRISTIANS and CAREFUL WHAT YOU PREY FOR.
As a fiction writer of cautionary tales, my novels are written with entertaining, yet thought-provoking stories that are meant to expand one's view and open dialogue to complex, real-life situations.
SUNDAY CHRISTIANS is a unique novel that takes an unorthodox view of the church from the congregational side of the pulpit through the ups and downs of two unlikely romances. While SUNDAY CHRISTIANS is not Christian book per se, it differs from other novels that focus on the scandals and back-door politics of mega-church operations. Have you ever looked around the church congregation during service and asked yourself, "I wonder what they're like during the week?". Then SUNDAY CHRISTIANS is one of the answers to this question.
CAREFUL WHAT YOU PREY FOR takes an in-depth look at mental illness; abuse of power by those in positions of integrity; as well as the PTSD many of our Black men suffer from on a day-to-day basis. Some who don't even realize they do until its too late.
Both novels are available at NOVELSBYJODAEA.COM.
Meet N'Tyse
CEO | N’TYSE ENTERPRISES, LLC
A former private banker and portfolio officer for over 12 years, Dallas, Texas native, bestselling novelist, agent, screenwriter, and documentarian, N’Tyse, creatively juggles her entrepreneurial undertakings in media and entertainment, all while balancing her roles as wife, mother of two, and champion for women BOSSES. The multifaceted literary luminary's ongoing credits also include fieldwork as an investigative journalist and a certification from C.I.T.I. (Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative) Program in Social & Behavioral Research in Human Subjects. A creative visionary at heart, the mompreneur received her Bachelor of Arts from Arizona State University with a multicultural and interdisciplinary concentration in Creative Writing and Film & Media Studies.
N’Tyse is best known for her evocative colloquial prose, female centric dramas, and cautionary “hood” tales, which from a journalistic lens, explores the underbelly of impoverished and crime-ridden neighborhoods--similar to those, she grew up in. Her works have been highlighted in Library Journal, USA Today, Black Expressions, Dallas Morning News, DonDiva Magazine, Parle Magazine, Kontrol Magazine, and many more.
With a burning passion to broaden awareness to complex intersections amid people of color and underserved communities, N’Tyse produced and directed her first documentary feature film, Beneath My Skin (2014). Her upcoming doc, Behind the Mask: My Naked Truth, raises awareness for mental health disorders within the African American community. In more recent news, N’Tyse joined forces with a film distribution powerhouse where she will adapt several literary projects to film, personally coining them "pulp urban noir", all under the umbrella of her Dallas based film production company Boss Magnet Media.
Connect with N'Tyse!
Facebook: Author N'Tyse
Instagram: @ntysethecreator
Gutta Mamis Film
Instagram: @guttamamisthemovie
Stay Up to Date with Boss Magnet Enterprises, LLC
Boss Magnet Media
Facebook: Boss Magnet Media
Instagram: @BossMagnetMedia
CEO | N’TYSE ENTERPRISES, LLC
A former private banker and portfolio officer for over 12 years, Dallas, Texas native, bestselling novelist, agent, screenwriter, and documentarian, N’Tyse, creatively juggles her entrepreneurial undertakings in media and entertainment, all while balancing her roles as wife, mother of two, and champion for women BOSSES. The multifaceted literary luminary's ongoing credits also include fieldwork as an investigative journalist and a certification from C.I.T.I. (Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative) Program in Social & Behavioral Research in Human Subjects. A creative visionary at heart, the mompreneur received her Bachelor of Arts from Arizona State University with a multicultural and interdisciplinary concentration in Creative Writing and Film & Media Studies.
N’Tyse is best known for her evocative colloquial prose, female centric dramas, and cautionary “hood” tales, which from a journalistic lens, explores the underbelly of impoverished and crime-ridden neighborhoods--similar to those, she grew up in. Her works have been highlighted in Library Journal, USA Today, Black Expressions, Dallas Morning News, DonDiva Magazine, Parle Magazine, Kontrol Magazine, and many more.
With a burning passion to broaden awareness to complex intersections amid people of color and underserved communities, N’Tyse produced and directed her first documentary feature film, Beneath My Skin (2014). Her upcoming doc, Behind the Mask: My Naked Truth, raises awareness for mental health disorders within the African American community. In more recent news, N’Tyse joined forces with a film distribution powerhouse where she will adapt several literary projects to film, personally coining them "pulp urban noir", all under the umbrella of her Dallas based film production company Boss Magnet Media.
Connect with N'Tyse!
Facebook: Author N'Tyse
Instagram: @ntysethecreator
Gutta Mamis Film
Instagram: @guttamamisthemovie
Stay Up to Date with Boss Magnet Enterprises, LLC
Boss Magnet Media
Facebook: Boss Magnet Media
Instagram: @BossMagnetMedia
I Am Mary Ramsey
After years of fanfiction writing (like a certain famous erotica writer who seems to love Twilight and the color gray) I wrote a 180,000word novel inspired by internet celebrities. love and the paranormal. In 2017, after a year of querying agents with no success, I assumed that I needed to save thousands of dollars to self-publish.
During my time querying, I was introduced to ERA, a forum where people share romance/erotica stories. I had also been working
on an80,000 word superhero-paranormal erotica romance inspired by the racial/social-economical turmoil of the 2016 elections.
I entered astory in their contest; a stand-alone tale of a Benjamin Bratt inspired Latino superhero. This story made it into their
book 'Unearthly Delights:Tales of Paranormal Desire (The ERWA Anthologies Book 1)'
In 2018 I saved up and self-published my first book, 'Dakota Son' (part 1 of 2) with Authorhouse. I learned a lot from my time at Authorhouse. But now that I had a link/title to advertise, I learned how everything I had done could be done for free.
As an artist, all I truly wanted as the ability to design my own cover. I found out from numerous self-published bloggers that this was easily done through Amazon Kindle Direct. FOR FREE.
So I started to take stuff from my blog and put it on Amazon. It was easy and now I tell everyone; if you want to write- write! You don't need an agent or a contract with a self-publishing house (where they will try to bleed you dry for money at every turn.)
If you have an idea, put it to paper and send it out into the world.
You can check out my latest work at dourdan.wordpress.com
After years of fanfiction writing (like a certain famous erotica writer who seems to love Twilight and the color gray) I wrote a 180,000word novel inspired by internet celebrities. love and the paranormal. In 2017, after a year of querying agents with no success, I assumed that I needed to save thousands of dollars to self-publish.
During my time querying, I was introduced to ERA, a forum where people share romance/erotica stories. I had also been working
on an80,000 word superhero-paranormal erotica romance inspired by the racial/social-economical turmoil of the 2016 elections.
I entered astory in their contest; a stand-alone tale of a Benjamin Bratt inspired Latino superhero. This story made it into their
book 'Unearthly Delights:Tales of Paranormal Desire (The ERWA Anthologies Book 1)'
In 2018 I saved up and self-published my first book, 'Dakota Son' (part 1 of 2) with Authorhouse. I learned a lot from my time at Authorhouse. But now that I had a link/title to advertise, I learned how everything I had done could be done for free.
As an artist, all I truly wanted as the ability to design my own cover. I found out from numerous self-published bloggers that this was easily done through Amazon Kindle Direct. FOR FREE.
So I started to take stuff from my blog and put it on Amazon. It was easy and now I tell everyone; if you want to write- write! You don't need an agent or a contract with a self-publishing house (where they will try to bleed you dry for money at every turn.)
If you have an idea, put it to paper and send it out into the world.
You can check out my latest work at dourdan.wordpress.com
I am Shaneisha Dodson
My success story began the moment I decided to use my God-given gift. In 2015, I walked away from my six-figure income to pursue my God-given purpose in the arts. I am the founder of Black Girlz Productions. I have successfully written, directed and produced three full length productions and one short play. In 2017, my play Vagina Rights debuted off-Broadway in NYC at the Strawberry one-act festival. The play won best theatrical presentation at NYC Success in the Arts awards. In 2018, my short play Dog, Cat and the Red Bird was published by Drama Notebook. Over the years, I’ve won numerous awards for my literary works.
The inspiration around my work comes from life in general. It could be a sound, shape, color or buzz word that inspires me to write a play. I love to write because I’m able to give a voice to the voiceless. It’s also a special way for me to address issues that are secretly plaguing our communities.
My road to success has been full of ups and down. But, it has been worth it. Each loss taught me ways to improve my process. Each win was confirmation that I’m on the right track. No matter which way the road turned, I never quit and this is why I’m successful.
My success story began the moment I decided to use my God-given gift. In 2015, I walked away from my six-figure income to pursue my God-given purpose in the arts. I am the founder of Black Girlz Productions. I have successfully written, directed and produced three full length productions and one short play. In 2017, my play Vagina Rights debuted off-Broadway in NYC at the Strawberry one-act festival. The play won best theatrical presentation at NYC Success in the Arts awards. In 2018, my short play Dog, Cat and the Red Bird was published by Drama Notebook. Over the years, I’ve won numerous awards for my literary works.
The inspiration around my work comes from life in general. It could be a sound, shape, color or buzz word that inspires me to write a play. I love to write because I’m able to give a voice to the voiceless. It’s also a special way for me to address issues that are secretly plaguing our communities.
My road to success has been full of ups and down. But, it has been worth it. Each loss taught me ways to improve my process. Each win was confirmation that I’m on the right track. No matter which way the road turned, I never quit and this is why I’m successful.
My name is Kimberly Griswold.
I am the CEO of Create-A-Polish LLC and Manicure Nurse LLC.
For me my success comes in stages throughout my life.
My first success was to graduate high school as a single teen mom of my 8 month old son, who now is a freshman in College. After having my last child I put myself through school to become a licensed nail tech. Working hard within the first 6 months after graduating I was awarded as the top nail tech in the Kansas City East area in 2010-2011.
From my career as a nail tech I built not 1 but 2 different companies.
My first company is Manicure Nurse LLC in home health care. As a nail tech I seen opportunities in my community that there was a need for personal care services. After contacting the State I was able to write a proposal to offer personal care services to elderly and disabled clients being reimbursed from state funding programs. We have 2 locations in Missouri and have serviced over 100 clients in 7 years in business and counting.
My second company is Create-A-Polish LLC allows you to create and customize unique nail polishes. As a nail tech I seen an opportunity to allow the customer the opportunity to create their own polish. In a 4 stage process you create your polish color, effects label and bottle size and style.
I have become successful from my
Drive
Responsibility
Encouragement
Ambition
Motivation
Skills
Thank you for allowing me to share my success stories with you.
I am the CEO of Create-A-Polish LLC and Manicure Nurse LLC.
For me my success comes in stages throughout my life.
My first success was to graduate high school as a single teen mom of my 8 month old son, who now is a freshman in College. After having my last child I put myself through school to become a licensed nail tech. Working hard within the first 6 months after graduating I was awarded as the top nail tech in the Kansas City East area in 2010-2011.
From my career as a nail tech I built not 1 but 2 different companies.
My first company is Manicure Nurse LLC in home health care. As a nail tech I seen opportunities in my community that there was a need for personal care services. After contacting the State I was able to write a proposal to offer personal care services to elderly and disabled clients being reimbursed from state funding programs. We have 2 locations in Missouri and have serviced over 100 clients in 7 years in business and counting.
My second company is Create-A-Polish LLC allows you to create and customize unique nail polishes. As a nail tech I seen an opportunity to allow the customer the opportunity to create their own polish. In a 4 stage process you create your polish color, effects label and bottle size and style.
I have become successful from my
Drive
Responsibility
Encouragement
Ambition
Motivation
Skills
Thank you for allowing me to share my success stories with you.
I Am Crystal
About 5-7 years ago, I really discovered my love for writing. I've been writing everything from books to movies to plays to poetry ever since I was a kid, but I always used it as therapy...I never seen myself doing it as a career.
Well, last summer, I was on my way to work in an Uber. Out of nowhere, my driver says,
"You need to get your Books published." This was out of nowhere and I have never met this
man before in my life, nor have I said anything about writing!
I thought about it for weeks. It was clearly a sign that I needed to use my gift instead of
working for a company all day and only coming home to sleep. I took a month long vacation from work and started my first book, 'Black and Blue Skies'. I was so nervous about publishing it and
told all my friends and family about it when I released it in October 2017.
The sad and embarrassing part is that only about 5 of my family members purchased a book.
I have to tell you, it hurt me to my core that no one believed in me! But suddenly, people that I never met, people who may have just been scrolling on Amazon, not only purchased it, but
reached out to me and gave me words of encouragement. Because of that, I published my
2nd book "Cut That Check" in December and have three unpublished works that I plan on
publishing in March.
When strangers showed me more support than the people I knew, that was the moment when I decided that I was successful. It's not about making millions of dollars in a day like I thought so many years ago. I am successful because I love what I do... and people love my work as well. All the stress of writing, editing, revising and rewriting is worth it when I hear those four words. "I loved your book!"
I guess you can say my shade(s) of success are "Black and Blue"!
About 5-7 years ago, I really discovered my love for writing. I've been writing everything from books to movies to plays to poetry ever since I was a kid, but I always used it as therapy...I never seen myself doing it as a career.
Well, last summer, I was on my way to work in an Uber. Out of nowhere, my driver says,
"You need to get your Books published." This was out of nowhere and I have never met this
man before in my life, nor have I said anything about writing!
I thought about it for weeks. It was clearly a sign that I needed to use my gift instead of
working for a company all day and only coming home to sleep. I took a month long vacation from work and started my first book, 'Black and Blue Skies'. I was so nervous about publishing it and
told all my friends and family about it when I released it in October 2017.
The sad and embarrassing part is that only about 5 of my family members purchased a book.
I have to tell you, it hurt me to my core that no one believed in me! But suddenly, people that I never met, people who may have just been scrolling on Amazon, not only purchased it, but
reached out to me and gave me words of encouragement. Because of that, I published my
2nd book "Cut That Check" in December and have three unpublished works that I plan on
publishing in March.
When strangers showed me more support than the people I knew, that was the moment when I decided that I was successful. It's not about making millions of dollars in a day like I thought so many years ago. I am successful because I love what I do... and people love my work as well. All the stress of writing, editing, revising and rewriting is worth it when I hear those four words. "I loved your book!"
I guess you can say my shade(s) of success are "Black and Blue"!
I Am Serrica This Is My Story
I'm thinking he was going to be a father figure but turns out he was a a monster who likes
burying children. From day one he was so mean to myself and my oldest brother. I met the
monster at 5 years old in my hometown which is Atlanta Georgia. This man was horrible
always fighting and hitting my mother. Moved from Georgia to the Washington D.C. to watch
my own mother be abuse even more. There were times where he would put me, my brother
and mother out.We would sleep in the cold car until he allowed us to come back in; at that time
I was in kindergarten and he was in the 1st grade.
I also remember one day as we was getting ready for school they was fighting about something;
he drags our mother back in their room and hit her in the face with the gun. What happen next
will blow your mind, he then runs towards my brother and I with the gun and we started crying
and screaming. Saying he would kill us now and then kill her. We look up our mother comes running towards us saying please no I will do whatever you want. After all that she announce
that she is pregnant, now we moving again to the Maryland area. We are not living in a one bedroom with four kids, one on the way and two adults. He started coming into the living where
I slept at which was on the pull out couch.
One night sleeping I felt something heavy on me and I go to roll over I felt this heavy force to my leg which he pushes my leg back. Immediately I wake up and he is ducking down beside the pull
out couch with his finger inside of me. Crying my eyes out because I'm not understanding why
or what's going on I immediately ask him to stop. He tells me no and tell me to go back to sleep.
My mother happen to open the bedroom down before she could see him he runs into the
kitchen.
My mother happen to go into labor one day; now he is treating me like the women of the house.
He would pick me up and bring me into their room and make me watch porn; telling me those
are the things I will be doing one day soon. Remember you at this time I'm in the 1st grade; he is
kissing me, rubbing me. Just all so gross and creeping; yet again I'm asking him to stop and
why is he doing this to me.
We moved yet again to another part of the complex which now we are in a bigger places.
Which is better now for two adults, and five children. When my mother was away I was the
mother to the children. So I had to grow up pretty quickly. More fighting in the home, then he started locking her out the house, that gave him more time with me.
He would force me to do a lot of things I knew was wrong but I couldn't understand how he
didn't see that. There was times we would be outside playing and one of my siblings would go
in the house he would tell them to tell me to come in to get the baby. Every time I would go the baby wouldn't be woke it was just to get me to do something sexual to him.
Here, we go again we are moving once more and now I'm noticing that our house is the crackhouse. Now he is performing oral on me and making me take baths and leaving me instructions to come into his room.
As time went on things got worst for me. I now have scars on my body from where he burned
me with the crackpipe, cut with the machete. This man would pee on me, in my mouth, he would ejaculated on me or in my mouth, he would blow crack smoke in my face. I remember at 12 years him about to sale me to three men to get my mother out of jail. He just keep saying they want
three things, he points to my mouth, butt, and my private area. I was like NO she got her self in
it she can get her self out.
Learn More By Connecting With Serrica.
Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/inspiration_motivation_author/
https://www.instagram.com/voiceless_survivor_movement/
https://m.facebook.com/home.php
I'm thinking he was going to be a father figure but turns out he was a a monster who likes
burying children. From day one he was so mean to myself and my oldest brother. I met the
monster at 5 years old in my hometown which is Atlanta Georgia. This man was horrible
always fighting and hitting my mother. Moved from Georgia to the Washington D.C. to watch
my own mother be abuse even more. There were times where he would put me, my brother
and mother out.We would sleep in the cold car until he allowed us to come back in; at that time
I was in kindergarten and he was in the 1st grade.
I also remember one day as we was getting ready for school they was fighting about something;
he drags our mother back in their room and hit her in the face with the gun. What happen next
will blow your mind, he then runs towards my brother and I with the gun and we started crying
and screaming. Saying he would kill us now and then kill her. We look up our mother comes running towards us saying please no I will do whatever you want. After all that she announce
that she is pregnant, now we moving again to the Maryland area. We are not living in a one bedroom with four kids, one on the way and two adults. He started coming into the living where
I slept at which was on the pull out couch.
One night sleeping I felt something heavy on me and I go to roll over I felt this heavy force to my leg which he pushes my leg back. Immediately I wake up and he is ducking down beside the pull
out couch with his finger inside of me. Crying my eyes out because I'm not understanding why
or what's going on I immediately ask him to stop. He tells me no and tell me to go back to sleep.
My mother happen to open the bedroom down before she could see him he runs into the
kitchen.
My mother happen to go into labor one day; now he is treating me like the women of the house.
He would pick me up and bring me into their room and make me watch porn; telling me those
are the things I will be doing one day soon. Remember you at this time I'm in the 1st grade; he is
kissing me, rubbing me. Just all so gross and creeping; yet again I'm asking him to stop and
why is he doing this to me.
We moved yet again to another part of the complex which now we are in a bigger places.
Which is better now for two adults, and five children. When my mother was away I was the
mother to the children. So I had to grow up pretty quickly. More fighting in the home, then he started locking her out the house, that gave him more time with me.
He would force me to do a lot of things I knew was wrong but I couldn't understand how he
didn't see that. There was times we would be outside playing and one of my siblings would go
in the house he would tell them to tell me to come in to get the baby. Every time I would go the baby wouldn't be woke it was just to get me to do something sexual to him.
Here, we go again we are moving once more and now I'm noticing that our house is the crackhouse. Now he is performing oral on me and making me take baths and leaving me instructions to come into his room.
As time went on things got worst for me. I now have scars on my body from where he burned
me with the crackpipe, cut with the machete. This man would pee on me, in my mouth, he would ejaculated on me or in my mouth, he would blow crack smoke in my face. I remember at 12 years him about to sale me to three men to get my mother out of jail. He just keep saying they want
three things, he points to my mouth, butt, and my private area. I was like NO she got her self in
it she can get her self out.
Learn More By Connecting With Serrica.
Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/inspiration_motivation_author/
https://www.instagram.com/voiceless_survivor_movement/
https://m.facebook.com/home.php
My name is Nicole McKenzie and I would like to share my success story.
For as long as I can remember I always made excuses about writing. What will others think? Oh, my goodness I’m a mother and a wife? What will my family think? For years I allowed that fear to cripple me and prevent me from writing all the wonderful stories that I would think of. I would even go as far as buying a journal and start a story but I would never finish it, I would just tuck it away and try to act like I never started.
What changed for me was the advice of a good friend, they reminded me that you only live once and that you should never have any regrets about your life. I thought long and hard about that advice and filed it away for several months while I continued to make excuses. But that all changed when I returned to college to finish up my bachelor’s degree. I realized in that moment that I could accomplish and be anything I wanted to be and so my journey as a write began. I couldn’t write fast enough once I accepted and acknowledged that I was blessed with this talent. But more importantly I realized that I was evolving into the woman I had always dreamt of becoming.
No longer do I worry about what others think about me writing erotica, I have replaced those fears with my vision board. Becoming a best seller, expanding my reader base, having an opportunity to have a book signing, having my bold sold in a book store. These are my focus and I know that with hard work and determination I will accomplish all these things.
I released my first book in September of 2017 which is titled “Embracing Love…. On Her Own Terms, my second book “Fetish Fantasies, Volume 1, was released in November, 2017. And while I am proud of both Fetish Fantasies is a collection of the many stories and poems that I started years ago and never found the courage to finish until now. I want my readers to know that it is okay for them to embrace who they are and explore what love and sexuality is for them. There is no one size fits all and it is absolutely to be open minded and explore. Enjoy it, embrace it, do it.
There is a saying that I use quite often “Sometimes God takes us through the rough waters not to drown us but to cleanse us for something better” and I am a true believer of this.
Connect With Nicole McKenzie
Author Page on Facebook
Website: www.nmckenzie.com/
I am Valerie Marshall
Around 2008 my career seemed to be plugging along quite nicely. I was working for my local school district and completing a degree in teaching. Well long story short no degree in teaching, but God saw fit for me to teach anyway.
For the next three years I was happily educating young minds. Due to budget cuts, I was laid off.
I floundered for a bit and found another job in education. I loved it. I thought this was it!!!! Then August 1, 2011. I was fired. I went into shock, panic, and depression.
I had been talking about going overseas. I didn't know how, when, or where. This became my new focus.
August 2012 I reached my goal and became the only African American female living in Haikou, China. I went there to teach at a high school. I went with 2 young Caucasian males. My mind grew by leaps and bounds. I was able to tap into my gifts as I conquered life abroad.
I started with a one year contract. That contract lasted 4 years!!!! I learned culture, customs, and a more simplistic way of life. I was living the life and shared pieces of it on social media.
My return to the states was marred by a blood clot in 2016. I was hospitalized in China. I got the best of care there. My community surrounded me with love, care, and concern.
Now back in the states I am flourishing as an educator. God continues to amaze me with his blessings!!!!
Around 2008 my career seemed to be plugging along quite nicely. I was working for my local school district and completing a degree in teaching. Well long story short no degree in teaching, but God saw fit for me to teach anyway.
For the next three years I was happily educating young minds. Due to budget cuts, I was laid off.
I floundered for a bit and found another job in education. I loved it. I thought this was it!!!! Then August 1, 2011. I was fired. I went into shock, panic, and depression.
I had been talking about going overseas. I didn't know how, when, or where. This became my new focus.
August 2012 I reached my goal and became the only African American female living in Haikou, China. I went there to teach at a high school. I went with 2 young Caucasian males. My mind grew by leaps and bounds. I was able to tap into my gifts as I conquered life abroad.
I started with a one year contract. That contract lasted 4 years!!!! I learned culture, customs, and a more simplistic way of life. I was living the life and shared pieces of it on social media.
My return to the states was marred by a blood clot in 2016. I was hospitalized in China. I got the best of care there. My community surrounded me with love, care, and concern.
Now back in the states I am flourishing as an educator. God continues to amaze me with his blessings!!!!
My name is L. Loren and I am a successful author because I decided to take a chance at writing
as a career in my forties, and it changed my life.
My brand, LoveRotica is something that I am proud of creating, It means I write love stories with an edge of sexy. My stories always center on strong, but vulnerable women of color, because
I felt that type of character is under represented in the romance/erotica genres.
I may not be a best seller yet, but I still feel like a success each and every time I type the
final words of a manuscript and press publish. Accolades will come in time, but that feeling of accomplishment is priceless.
as a career in my forties, and it changed my life.
My brand, LoveRotica is something that I am proud of creating, It means I write love stories with an edge of sexy. My stories always center on strong, but vulnerable women of color, because
I felt that type of character is under represented in the romance/erotica genres.
I may not be a best seller yet, but I still feel like a success each and every time I type the
final words of a manuscript and press publish. Accolades will come in time, but that feeling of accomplishment is priceless.
My name is Lisa W. Tetting and I am an author! It took a long time for me to be able to add
that title to my resume, so forgive me if I get excited.
Maya Angelou defined success as “liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it”. Since she is one of my favorite writers, and this is one of my favorite quotes,
I have chosen to adopt this theory.
I am successful because I like myself, the good, the bad and the ugly. This wasn’t easy, as I had to grow into that way of thinking. I now like what I do, after leaving the corporate world to
live out my dream of being a writer, and I like how I do it because I do it on my own terms
as an indie author.
So when you see my books online or in stores, please know they are written with love and that makes me successful too.
that title to my resume, so forgive me if I get excited.
Maya Angelou defined success as “liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it”. Since she is one of my favorite writers, and this is one of my favorite quotes,
I have chosen to adopt this theory.
I am successful because I like myself, the good, the bad and the ugly. This wasn’t easy, as I had to grow into that way of thinking. I now like what I do, after leaving the corporate world to
live out my dream of being a writer, and I like how I do it because I do it on my own terms
as an indie author.
So when you see my books online or in stores, please know they are written with love and that makes me successful too.
My name is Jenee M. Edwards I am a writer/author/poet from the NJ area. I have two
published books my first book in 2015 and recently released my second an erotic poetry volume.
The thought of success never comes in overnight. My journey unfortunately is a little different from others. I never thought I'd become a writer it was all God's will. Starting out very late in
age in my late thirties it helped open me up and delivered me with a purpose. His Grace and
Mercy has carried me through and I'm thankful for his unconditional love.
I have experienced a lot of pain through life, relationships, fear and family. Barricaded through experiences that left me high and dry, the feeling of bitterness, anger and not being able to forgive stained my soul and effort to move on in life. God exchanged the pain for a pen and it is through him that led me to this point of opening up with my memoir Thoughts & Collection by JME.
From that moment on I began to embark on a more spiritual journey through self healing, prayer, self love and writing. I believe God wanted me to inspire others throughout this journey.
Being a writer I also would love to step into other genres and poetry means a lot to me whether its inspirational and beyond it is a blessing just to write and know nothing is impossible without God. So if I have to say I am success it is because I've finally learned to forgive myself and others and love me successfully.Through the unusual dilemmas and circumstances in my life I'm thankful for life itself and I will continue to be a rainbow in someone's cloud. I'm wise enough to know now rarity and being yourself sparks enough power. Thank you for connecting with me.
Namaste
Pick Up a Copy of Jenee's Menoir Entitled
Thoughts & Collection by JME
Available on www.amazon.com/authorjme
And
Welcome to Adult Candy Land
(Erotic Poetry Volume for All Adults)
Available on www.authorhouse.com
published books my first book in 2015 and recently released my second an erotic poetry volume.
The thought of success never comes in overnight. My journey unfortunately is a little different from others. I never thought I'd become a writer it was all God's will. Starting out very late in
age in my late thirties it helped open me up and delivered me with a purpose. His Grace and
Mercy has carried me through and I'm thankful for his unconditional love.
I have experienced a lot of pain through life, relationships, fear and family. Barricaded through experiences that left me high and dry, the feeling of bitterness, anger and not being able to forgive stained my soul and effort to move on in life. God exchanged the pain for a pen and it is through him that led me to this point of opening up with my memoir Thoughts & Collection by JME.
From that moment on I began to embark on a more spiritual journey through self healing, prayer, self love and writing. I believe God wanted me to inspire others throughout this journey.
Being a writer I also would love to step into other genres and poetry means a lot to me whether its inspirational and beyond it is a blessing just to write and know nothing is impossible without God. So if I have to say I am success it is because I've finally learned to forgive myself and others and love me successfully.Through the unusual dilemmas and circumstances in my life I'm thankful for life itself and I will continue to be a rainbow in someone's cloud. I'm wise enough to know now rarity and being yourself sparks enough power. Thank you for connecting with me.
Namaste
Pick Up a Copy of Jenee's Menoir Entitled
Thoughts & Collection by JME
Available on www.amazon.com/authorjme
And
Welcome to Adult Candy Land
(Erotic Poetry Volume for All Adults)
Available on www.authorhouse.com
I Am Lori
Hey all, after working for 15 years in a demanding job, working in all outside elements,
working 10 hours a day, 6 days a week...having one day off...I decided to QUIT at age 50...
YES! I did it...scared and excited, but I did it.
Around the age of about 47, 48 I began feeling a shift in my spirit that I should be doing
what was in my heart, which was working with women..I knew that the feeling I was feeling was
God nudging me in the right direction I knew I didn't want to punch a clock anymore and I was determined to be my own boss..to begin doing the WORK..emotionally and spiritually to be in a position to coach women to live in truth, alignment and purpose I truly believe we women are
so Powerful and when we are in alignment, standing in truth, we can indeed change this world.
I began wrapping healing stones to wear for my own reasons and it has turned into a
small business...slow to start but I'm patient..i believe in divine timing and attracting those that truly need what you have to serve..so I feel successful because I followed my heart and left a job I no longer felt good about going to, and I believed in my self enough to create a small business with my beautiful and meaningful jewelry that I hope will help others tap into their truth and purpose.
THANK YOU FOR allowing me this opportunity.
Hey all, after working for 15 years in a demanding job, working in all outside elements,
working 10 hours a day, 6 days a week...having one day off...I decided to QUIT at age 50...
YES! I did it...scared and excited, but I did it.
Around the age of about 47, 48 I began feeling a shift in my spirit that I should be doing
what was in my heart, which was working with women..I knew that the feeling I was feeling was
God nudging me in the right direction I knew I didn't want to punch a clock anymore and I was determined to be my own boss..to begin doing the WORK..emotionally and spiritually to be in a position to coach women to live in truth, alignment and purpose I truly believe we women are
so Powerful and when we are in alignment, standing in truth, we can indeed change this world.
I began wrapping healing stones to wear for my own reasons and it has turned into a
small business...slow to start but I'm patient..i believe in divine timing and attracting those that truly need what you have to serve..so I feel successful because I followed my heart and left a job I no longer felt good about going to, and I believed in my self enough to create a small business with my beautiful and meaningful jewelry that I hope will help others tap into their truth and purpose.
THANK YOU FOR allowing me this opportunity.
My name is Candis M. Johnson I am the editor of S.O.U.L (Say On Universal Languages) a
literary magazine I started in April of 2016.
As a writer from Camden New Jersey one is often stigmatized I chose to be the change and
defy the odds despite what things might look like. Since the launch of the magazine I've released
3 more issues and have had people submit from Texas to Nigeria. The first issue featured myself
and a bunch of my talented friends. I am amazed and grateful at the progress S.O.U.L is making.
Truthfully, I don't have a fancy formula that I follow for success I mostly trust my gut and pay attention to what's working and do my best to improve on what isn't working. I'm thankful for
how far I've come and the places I will go. If I had to say what success is to me then I'd say, its unwavering belief! Especially when everything is going wrong seeing the finish line is what
matters most!
Pick Up a Copy of S.O.U.L (Say On Universal Languages) a
Literary magazine Today!
Click Here to Purchase S.O.U.L
literary magazine I started in April of 2016.
As a writer from Camden New Jersey one is often stigmatized I chose to be the change and
defy the odds despite what things might look like. Since the launch of the magazine I've released
3 more issues and have had people submit from Texas to Nigeria. The first issue featured myself
and a bunch of my talented friends. I am amazed and grateful at the progress S.O.U.L is making.
Truthfully, I don't have a fancy formula that I follow for success I mostly trust my gut and pay attention to what's working and do my best to improve on what isn't working. I'm thankful for
how far I've come and the places I will go. If I had to say what success is to me then I'd say, its unwavering belief! Especially when everything is going wrong seeing the finish line is what
matters most!
Pick Up a Copy of S.O.U.L (Say On Universal Languages) a
Literary magazine Today!
Click Here to Purchase S.O.U.L
I Am Corene
It all began in the year 2002, when I went through a very hard divorce. I got remarried in 2008and went through another horrific divorce. I was depressed, suicidal, and felt rejected. However, I turned my pain into purpose. I took my story of hurt, pain, rejection, and divorce and begin to write.
Today, I am author of five books, I have my own Television broadcast, " Living Life in Purpose, where I bring on others to share their stories of pain to purpose. Today I travel from city to city doing tours on my Crushing Place book. Encouraging men and women alike to know that it's ok to go through many hard places but it's all about what you produce in that hard place.
It all began in the year 2002, when I went through a very hard divorce. I got remarried in 2008and went through another horrific divorce. I was depressed, suicidal, and felt rejected. However, I turned my pain into purpose. I took my story of hurt, pain, rejection, and divorce and begin to write.
Today, I am author of five books, I have my own Television broadcast, " Living Life in Purpose, where I bring on others to share their stories of pain to purpose. Today I travel from city to city doing tours on my Crushing Place book. Encouraging men and women alike to know that it's ok to go through many hard places but it's all about what you produce in that hard place.
My name is Kisha and I have been trying to write my story for a little over a year. My BFF and Sister kept asking me to write my story and I kept telling her that I don’t have a success story like the other women on 50ShadesOfSuccess. I felt that because those sisters owned businesses, wrote books amongst other things that I have not done that I was not as successful as them. I’m just a 45 years old mother of 2 and grandmother of 1 biological (also have an adopted son, with two more grandchildren). I questioned, how could I compare myself to them and how could I write a success story? Kisha in return reminded me that I am a Success Story and that I have traveled a long journey that was worth sharing. So I am here to share some of my life’s journeys, my success!
As I sat down to finally start writing, I tried to figure out where I should start, how much to share and how far to go back. I decided to start at Chapter 14 of my life, which is where I met my BFF.
I was 14 years old when I moved into my 4th foster home (I was in foster care from 12 ½ to
21 years old).
It was in Brooklyn, NY where I had met a 15 years old girl, who not only had the same name is me but also spelled it the same way. That was a big thing for the both of us, because not many girls spelled Kisha without an “E”. We became inseparable. Throughout our first year of friendship, my mother was in the hospital battling cancer. We went to visit her often. A month after my 15th birthday, my whole life changed, as my Mom lost her battle with cancer and I became a motherless-child. Kisha was there to hold me up, because I was so lost. As my mom’s death became oh so real, I realized that I had to be what she had always dreamed of me becoming. I had to stop playing around and taking life for granted. You see I was a fighter, fought all the time and discussed that I had to do better and be better, as my Mom was looking down on me. I got my act together and graduated high school (on time, with honors) and college. I was the first one of my mother’s children to do this as I have an older brother and sister and a younger brother from my mom.
Fast forward to 30 years later. Today, I work in the Social Work field, where I am a Senior Reentry Specialist, assisting formerly incarcerated individuals in becoming positive members of their community. I began working in this field over 20+ years ago, because I knew the importance of having “Great” Case Workers/Social Workers. I had 4 Case Workers my 8 years in foster care. 1 was not good at all. 1 got burnt out after a year. My last 2 Case workers were “great”. They cared for me and about me. They were there for the good and bad times, holding me during my lows and celebrating my highs. They pushed me to become the woman I am today. This is why I am a compassionate Case Worker. I want to give back to my community and also reach those who feel like they have been forgotten. Each day I try to make a difference in someone's life, because I know it’s the little things that really count.
I am currently working towards attaining my Masters in Social Worker, as I aspire to becoming a Licensed Family Counselor and owning my own practice.
My Shade of Success is the Ability to Overcome. Although my life is a struggle, I continue to push through and make the best out of whatever is thrown my way. Maybe one day, I will write a book telling my story of overcoming darkness, because I have truly been thrown to the wolves but I came out leading the pack. Through it all, I have learned how to stand in my truth and walk into my greatness, because I know my worth! And because of that, I am able to help others see their worth.
As I sat down to finally start writing, I tried to figure out where I should start, how much to share and how far to go back. I decided to start at Chapter 14 of my life, which is where I met my BFF.
I was 14 years old when I moved into my 4th foster home (I was in foster care from 12 ½ to
21 years old).
It was in Brooklyn, NY where I had met a 15 years old girl, who not only had the same name is me but also spelled it the same way. That was a big thing for the both of us, because not many girls spelled Kisha without an “E”. We became inseparable. Throughout our first year of friendship, my mother was in the hospital battling cancer. We went to visit her often. A month after my 15th birthday, my whole life changed, as my Mom lost her battle with cancer and I became a motherless-child. Kisha was there to hold me up, because I was so lost. As my mom’s death became oh so real, I realized that I had to be what she had always dreamed of me becoming. I had to stop playing around and taking life for granted. You see I was a fighter, fought all the time and discussed that I had to do better and be better, as my Mom was looking down on me. I got my act together and graduated high school (on time, with honors) and college. I was the first one of my mother’s children to do this as I have an older brother and sister and a younger brother from my mom.
Fast forward to 30 years later. Today, I work in the Social Work field, where I am a Senior Reentry Specialist, assisting formerly incarcerated individuals in becoming positive members of their community. I began working in this field over 20+ years ago, because I knew the importance of having “Great” Case Workers/Social Workers. I had 4 Case Workers my 8 years in foster care. 1 was not good at all. 1 got burnt out after a year. My last 2 Case workers were “great”. They cared for me and about me. They were there for the good and bad times, holding me during my lows and celebrating my highs. They pushed me to become the woman I am today. This is why I am a compassionate Case Worker. I want to give back to my community and also reach those who feel like they have been forgotten. Each day I try to make a difference in someone's life, because I know it’s the little things that really count.
I am currently working towards attaining my Masters in Social Worker, as I aspire to becoming a Licensed Family Counselor and owning my own practice.
My Shade of Success is the Ability to Overcome. Although my life is a struggle, I continue to push through and make the best out of whatever is thrown my way. Maybe one day, I will write a book telling my story of overcoming darkness, because I have truly been thrown to the wolves but I came out leading the pack. Through it all, I have learned how to stand in my truth and walk into my greatness, because I know my worth! And because of that, I am able to help others see their worth.
Hello, my name is Christy Sanderson, I’m 28 years old and I’m from a small town in Mississippi. When I was 8 years old, my life story begins. My mother died in front of my face while I was talking to her from a disease called Lupus. So of course, there were never really any positive role models or females in my life. When I was 11 my grandmother died from Cancer. By the time I was 14 my family told me I was nothing and I would grow up to be nothing. They called me everything but my name, they turned completely against me. As a result, my self-esteem was completely shot. In life I always felt like I wasn't pretty enough, thick enough, tall enough or good enough for anything. So of course, by this time I turned to ungodly things for love or attention. By the time I was 19 years old I become a mother. By the time I was 23 years old I tried to commit suicide.
But that was my turning point because that's when God and I met face to face. That's when I finally said, "I surrender to Your Will, I will do whatever you say, and I would say whatever you want me to say." At that time, I was tired, heartbroken and I was tired of living life in sin. It seems like after that I went through Hell, I was living from place to place. There were times I remember sleeping on someone floor just, so my son could have a bed to sleep in at night. There were days I would go hungry just for my son would have food to eat. So finally, I told God it has to be a better way out, I didn't care what I had to do I had to make a better future for my son and me.
At this time, I had no choice but to stepped out on faith, I moved to another place I never been to before. Of course, it was Atlanta, Ga, I knew no one there, I had no family or friends. All I had was God and that's when God open doors of opportunity for me. I was hired in education but that still wasn't enough. I was tired of living from paycheck to paycheck, so I asked God to open more doors for me and that's when I became a self-published published Author, but after that my life changed forever because I became an Entrepreneur and my ministry start growing through God.
What I’m trying to say is no matter what you have been through God will make a way for you. Once you see an opportunity that comes your way take action, so you won't get left behind. I am an average person, everyone has a story to tell. Trust me you can win in life, change your life and walk into your purpose! So, I will not allow anyone else tell me what I won't and cannot do. God says all things are possible through him. So, I’m making the impossible into possible.
I’m the Founder of Glory Nation, an Author, an Entrepreneur, and a Public Speaker. At the young age of 23, I fully committed myself to God, letting Him take total control of my life, and started my own ministry, Glory Nation. My life purpose and mission are to experience and share God's Glory, to fulfill God's promises, and to help others become closer to Jesus Christ to find their life purpose.
I’m also a woman of God, I live according to God’s will and not Christy’s will, and I’m a follower of Christ. I’m also a virtuous woman. Therefore, I strive to live for The Lord and to be the woman God created me to be! I have been featured on the cover of UBAWA Magazine, and several radio interviews. I’m the Author of the series Woman of God. My books includes Woman of God: Who God Create You to be?, From Nothing into the Woman of God and Woman of God Stop Looking for Love. In fact, I was once a Co-Host on the Digital Breeze radio show in Atlanta, Ga and I have done serval public speaking events.
Check Out My Website: www.glorynation.org
But that was my turning point because that's when God and I met face to face. That's when I finally said, "I surrender to Your Will, I will do whatever you say, and I would say whatever you want me to say." At that time, I was tired, heartbroken and I was tired of living life in sin. It seems like after that I went through Hell, I was living from place to place. There were times I remember sleeping on someone floor just, so my son could have a bed to sleep in at night. There were days I would go hungry just for my son would have food to eat. So finally, I told God it has to be a better way out, I didn't care what I had to do I had to make a better future for my son and me.
At this time, I had no choice but to stepped out on faith, I moved to another place I never been to before. Of course, it was Atlanta, Ga, I knew no one there, I had no family or friends. All I had was God and that's when God open doors of opportunity for me. I was hired in education but that still wasn't enough. I was tired of living from paycheck to paycheck, so I asked God to open more doors for me and that's when I became a self-published published Author, but after that my life changed forever because I became an Entrepreneur and my ministry start growing through God.
What I’m trying to say is no matter what you have been through God will make a way for you. Once you see an opportunity that comes your way take action, so you won't get left behind. I am an average person, everyone has a story to tell. Trust me you can win in life, change your life and walk into your purpose! So, I will not allow anyone else tell me what I won't and cannot do. God says all things are possible through him. So, I’m making the impossible into possible.
I’m the Founder of Glory Nation, an Author, an Entrepreneur, and a Public Speaker. At the young age of 23, I fully committed myself to God, letting Him take total control of my life, and started my own ministry, Glory Nation. My life purpose and mission are to experience and share God's Glory, to fulfill God's promises, and to help others become closer to Jesus Christ to find their life purpose.
I’m also a woman of God, I live according to God’s will and not Christy’s will, and I’m a follower of Christ. I’m also a virtuous woman. Therefore, I strive to live for The Lord and to be the woman God created me to be! I have been featured on the cover of UBAWA Magazine, and several radio interviews. I’m the Author of the series Woman of God. My books includes Woman of God: Who God Create You to be?, From Nothing into the Woman of God and Woman of God Stop Looking for Love. In fact, I was once a Co-Host on the Digital Breeze radio show in Atlanta, Ga and I have done serval public speaking events.
Check Out My Website: www.glorynation.org
Author Mercedes Johnson is a young author and speaker from Chicago who now resides in Dallas, TX. Her first book was an autobiography titled HerStory Breaking through Darkness. She has enjoyed touring and speaking to teens and adults about healing from traumas and challenges that life throws your way.
As a young girl Mercedes learned to survive in the toughest environments. She lost her mother at the age of 9 and her father went to Prison when she was 4 so growing up without the love and covering of her parents was by far the most challenging thing she had to face. Despite her situation she has blossomed into a beautiful young lady with a smile that shows that pain, fear, doubt, confusion, and rejection did not break her down and keep her in a box.
Connect With Author Mercedes Johnson
Website: https://www.authormercedesjohnson.com
Good morning! Good afternoon! Good evening! My name is Tamara Wellons-Blanks and I am honored to share a piece of me, my story amongst other amazing Queens.
I was born in Albany, GA, raised and residing in Cordele, GA. I am the youngest of my parents three children. I am a graduate of Crisp County High School in my hometown of Cordele. As for college certificates, diplomas or degrees, I am a Certified Electrocardiograph Technician (EKG), however I am not presently employed in that field. From 2003 to 2007, I attended college off and on in the field of Business, both two-year and four-year. Though, I have not physically obtained my degree, I have accumulated over the amount of credits to have my Bachelor’s Degree in Business and begin my Masters, according to the student advisor of the last school I attended. Yes, I know...but within every downfall, every mistake, every one step forward and two steps back, there is growth, as well as a lesson.
I am a divorced, single mother of three beautiful daughters. I have 18 year old twins that will be graduating May, 2017. My youngest is 15 and a freshman in high school. I gave birth to my twins at the age of 19, married their father at the age of 20, gave birth to my youngest daughter at the age of 21 and divorced by the age of 23. Yes, my marriage was very short lived. During our separation, I experienced one of the most degrading and immoral acts a man could do to a woman, in my opinion. I felt demoralized and devastated, extremely. My biggest mistake was remaining quiet. Trying to force the demoralization to recess in the back of my mind only caused mental, physical and emotional pain. I lost around 60-70 lbs in two months, stopped eating, stopped caring about myself, stopped socializing with family and friends and worst of all, I could no longer be a proper mother to my daughters. Physically, I was there, however mentally, my mind was on repeat of being violated. I became an emotional, unstable recluse.
After accepting the fact that I needed help, I finally made the call to my physician. Thank God I did because I had no idea I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Since my father and the doctor had a long time history and my brother lived alone in a calm, peaceful area; instead of placing me in a facility, I was able to live with my brother for a few months, while attending therapy. He lived in a different town. I was heart broken having to be away from my daughters. I was destroyed in every imaginable aspect. God, thoughts of my daughters and prayers were my strength, motivation and much needed love during my time of recovery.
Moving forward, I did not jump right back into the job market or college for a couple of years. I needed time to get my life back together, as a mother. I occupied my spare time writing poetry, short stories and I also began a journal. Eventually, I began working again, as well as beginning college classes. As the years passed, it was not easy being a single mother, full-time college student and full-time employee. I knew it would be difficult and stressful, however due to past stressful circumstances, the last thing I needed was an overwhelming amount of stress. After all, I was on another employer’s clock when I was traumatized by a gun being pointed in my face during a robbery. To this very day, I get panicky if someone is too close to me when I am paying for my merchandise or just browsing in any type of store.
When I became overwhelmed, my only option was to place college on hold for a while. Obviously, the job was not an option to let go...at the time. Nevertheless, I continued going to college on and off, learning more, gaining more knowledge, as well as credits and always getting one step closer to the goal of receiving my degree in Business. Eventually, I had to place college on hold indefinitely. As my daughters got older, the financial demand was higher. I did not complain about my income being the only income, I did what I had to do to care for my children. If that meant overtime, I got it, as much as I could get. Even though I did not physically have my degree, I had obtained the knowledge. Since I had the knowledge, employers offered me opportunities to apply the knowledge and gain advancements or promotions.
In 2011, I had to stop working, indefinitely, to help care for my parents. After one year of adjusting to life living with my parents again, I was able to place a little more focus on myself. Once again, I knew it would not be easy, however as always I was prepared for the challenge. I wasn’t getting any younger and my only thoughts were, “If not now, when?”
Becoming a published author has been my dream since I wrote my first play in the fifth grade. It was performed in front of two additional classes. I felt like a young broadway producer! Lol. It became a goal when I was in high school selling my poems for $2.00 per poem. My poetry mended and ended a lot of relationships. However, my poetic words made the ending a little less unfriendly. Lol. I wrote poetry for church programs, entered contests and wrote extra essays for extra credit in classes. I loved writing, expressing myself and researching, learning facts and history, different aspects of literature. Becoming a business owner has also been a goal since my high school years and I was selling a variety of my handmade crafts. The originality of my crafts became popular amongst students, teachers, friends and family. I was not the only craft hustler, nevertheless I considered myself the most experienced and kind a perfectionist. One of my mother’s sisters taught me the art and beauty of plastic canvas crafting when I was in the 3rd grade, at the age of 8. Word of mouth was my biggest and most effective promotional tool. Of course, these were the days and times before the expansive amount of social media. Word of mouth remains one of the best promotional tools today, in my opinion.
I began my journey into the creative writing world officially, the Fall of 2012. Under the circumstances, I was unable to work for anyone else due to having to always be available for my parents needs. Instead of asking myself “why?” and trying to legitimize illogical excuses, I began planning and writing, writing and planning. It was time to begin applying the knowledge I obtained over the years. I began refreshing my knowledge and researching additional aspects. I asked questions, I took advantage of free writing classes and pulled out a variety of old college books; from Accounting to Literature/English to computers to office management. I never sold my books after finishing and passing a course, I always knew they would be needed again.
The next two years were stressful, however knowing the difference between necessary and unnecessary stress can be vital. Once I fully let go of the unnecessary, the necessary did not seem as frustrating. I was able to be a mother, care for my parents and remain consistent striving for the goals I had been trying to achieve for years. I admit, it was long overdue, but never too late.
I decided I to use a pseudonym, as well as my actual name. I wanted a name that defines me. I chose the name Dandii_Lion. A dandelion is considered a pesky weed by many farmers, as well as others. The dandelions are either plucked up or chopped down out of yards, flower beds and/or crops. The reason they are considered pesky is because whenever dandelions are plucked or chopped, they always grow back, in multiples. With that being said, I chose the pseudonym Dandii_Lion for three reasons: (1) I have been plucked and chopped many times, but I always come back, (2) I am a Leo, a lioness and (3) If I have not realized anything else, I realize my life has been Dandii through every up and down.
I began submitting my projects for copyrights; poetic works and a children’s book in 2014. After the first copyright submissions, I remained continuously writing, editing and proofreading, all independently. There were many days I functioned off of 3-4 hours of sleep. Mentally, I was prepared for the challenge of late nights and early mornings. My goal was to have a specific number of books ready to publish at my discretion. I published my first book entitled, Biblical ABC Learning, a children’s book, May 17, 2016. I published Poetic Compilations of the Heart, Mind and Soul December 13, 2016. Having published two books in one year and having several others ready for publication at my discretion, I felt a small percentage of contentment. Once this goal was accomplished, I was able to begin placing some focus on my next phase, crafting and business ownership.
Plastic design crafting is time consuming, however the finished products are worth the time. I noticed years ago, this type of crafting is admired, moreover no one really wants to invest “that” type of time into it. Well, if it is something you’re passionate about, time consumption is somewhat irrelevant. I began crafting various designs. With the help of my daughters, we were able to produce a sufficient amount of plastic design crafts to begin displaying. Just a little side note, I began teaching my daughters this specific craft when they were between the ages of 9-11. Ironically, for a period of about 4-6 months, they began selling plastic design crafts to school faculty and students.
I developed the slogan, Keepin’ It Roaring with Dandii_Lion because I have earned the right to continuously roar! After the many downfalls, curveballs, moments of having to slow down and giving myself reality checks, I am still roaring. I am born a lioness, a queen. As the song goes by Donnie McClurkin, “We fall down, but we get up!”
So to sum everything up, I am a mother, writer, poet, author, Georgia Notary, crafter, EKG Technician and I unofficially have my degree in Business. Which leads me to my final work in progress, building my business and remaining my own boss. After obtaining a variety of leadership and managerial positions through employment, I have acquired skills, knowledge and invested time into the career I have always wanted. The jobs have given me the opportunity to work on and build skills, also gain experience. Time management, office management, communication and a variety technological aspects, just to name a few of the on hand opportunities within the employment.
To the many women striving for excellence, keep pushing, keep striving, do not let anything stop you from achieving your goals. As long as you are alive and able, you have the ability to reach your goals. Never stop seeking knowledge. Use all the knowledge, skills and experience you have obtained until you reach your goal. There is always something to learn that will be beneficial. A piece of paper does not define an individual, the individual gives clear definition to themselves. With or without a certificate or degree in a specific field, ask yourself, “What am I doing with what I already have?” The answer to that one question can be the first or next step to achievement, with the right actions applied. No Queen’s journey to success is ever the same.
To the women trying to overcome any type of demoralization, stay strong and you do not have to stay quiet. SPEAK UP QUEENS! Physical, mental, emotional, sexual and/or verbal abuse should not be tolerated. Abuse of any type is not love, nor acceptable. Know your worth, never lower your standards and above all else, KEEP GOD FIRST AND IN EVERYTHING YOU DO.
Thank you for taking time to read a little bit into my life. My prayer is for other Queens to be inspired, encouraged and unstoppable. I love each of you, unconditionally! May you all continuously be Blessed abundantly.
Connect With Me
Website: www.dandiilion.com
Blog: www.authordandiilion.wordpress.com
Facebook: Author Dandii_Lion
Twitter: DandiiAuthor1
Google+: T.W. Blanks (Author Dandii_Lion)
Instagram: @keeping_it_roaring and @author_dandii_lion
I was born in Albany, GA, raised and residing in Cordele, GA. I am the youngest of my parents three children. I am a graduate of Crisp County High School in my hometown of Cordele. As for college certificates, diplomas or degrees, I am a Certified Electrocardiograph Technician (EKG), however I am not presently employed in that field. From 2003 to 2007, I attended college off and on in the field of Business, both two-year and four-year. Though, I have not physically obtained my degree, I have accumulated over the amount of credits to have my Bachelor’s Degree in Business and begin my Masters, according to the student advisor of the last school I attended. Yes, I know...but within every downfall, every mistake, every one step forward and two steps back, there is growth, as well as a lesson.
I am a divorced, single mother of three beautiful daughters. I have 18 year old twins that will be graduating May, 2017. My youngest is 15 and a freshman in high school. I gave birth to my twins at the age of 19, married their father at the age of 20, gave birth to my youngest daughter at the age of 21 and divorced by the age of 23. Yes, my marriage was very short lived. During our separation, I experienced one of the most degrading and immoral acts a man could do to a woman, in my opinion. I felt demoralized and devastated, extremely. My biggest mistake was remaining quiet. Trying to force the demoralization to recess in the back of my mind only caused mental, physical and emotional pain. I lost around 60-70 lbs in two months, stopped eating, stopped caring about myself, stopped socializing with family and friends and worst of all, I could no longer be a proper mother to my daughters. Physically, I was there, however mentally, my mind was on repeat of being violated. I became an emotional, unstable recluse.
After accepting the fact that I needed help, I finally made the call to my physician. Thank God I did because I had no idea I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Since my father and the doctor had a long time history and my brother lived alone in a calm, peaceful area; instead of placing me in a facility, I was able to live with my brother for a few months, while attending therapy. He lived in a different town. I was heart broken having to be away from my daughters. I was destroyed in every imaginable aspect. God, thoughts of my daughters and prayers were my strength, motivation and much needed love during my time of recovery.
Moving forward, I did not jump right back into the job market or college for a couple of years. I needed time to get my life back together, as a mother. I occupied my spare time writing poetry, short stories and I also began a journal. Eventually, I began working again, as well as beginning college classes. As the years passed, it was not easy being a single mother, full-time college student and full-time employee. I knew it would be difficult and stressful, however due to past stressful circumstances, the last thing I needed was an overwhelming amount of stress. After all, I was on another employer’s clock when I was traumatized by a gun being pointed in my face during a robbery. To this very day, I get panicky if someone is too close to me when I am paying for my merchandise or just browsing in any type of store.
When I became overwhelmed, my only option was to place college on hold for a while. Obviously, the job was not an option to let go...at the time. Nevertheless, I continued going to college on and off, learning more, gaining more knowledge, as well as credits and always getting one step closer to the goal of receiving my degree in Business. Eventually, I had to place college on hold indefinitely. As my daughters got older, the financial demand was higher. I did not complain about my income being the only income, I did what I had to do to care for my children. If that meant overtime, I got it, as much as I could get. Even though I did not physically have my degree, I had obtained the knowledge. Since I had the knowledge, employers offered me opportunities to apply the knowledge and gain advancements or promotions.
In 2011, I had to stop working, indefinitely, to help care for my parents. After one year of adjusting to life living with my parents again, I was able to place a little more focus on myself. Once again, I knew it would not be easy, however as always I was prepared for the challenge. I wasn’t getting any younger and my only thoughts were, “If not now, when?”
Becoming a published author has been my dream since I wrote my first play in the fifth grade. It was performed in front of two additional classes. I felt like a young broadway producer! Lol. It became a goal when I was in high school selling my poems for $2.00 per poem. My poetry mended and ended a lot of relationships. However, my poetic words made the ending a little less unfriendly. Lol. I wrote poetry for church programs, entered contests and wrote extra essays for extra credit in classes. I loved writing, expressing myself and researching, learning facts and history, different aspects of literature. Becoming a business owner has also been a goal since my high school years and I was selling a variety of my handmade crafts. The originality of my crafts became popular amongst students, teachers, friends and family. I was not the only craft hustler, nevertheless I considered myself the most experienced and kind a perfectionist. One of my mother’s sisters taught me the art and beauty of plastic canvas crafting when I was in the 3rd grade, at the age of 8. Word of mouth was my biggest and most effective promotional tool. Of course, these were the days and times before the expansive amount of social media. Word of mouth remains one of the best promotional tools today, in my opinion.
I began my journey into the creative writing world officially, the Fall of 2012. Under the circumstances, I was unable to work for anyone else due to having to always be available for my parents needs. Instead of asking myself “why?” and trying to legitimize illogical excuses, I began planning and writing, writing and planning. It was time to begin applying the knowledge I obtained over the years. I began refreshing my knowledge and researching additional aspects. I asked questions, I took advantage of free writing classes and pulled out a variety of old college books; from Accounting to Literature/English to computers to office management. I never sold my books after finishing and passing a course, I always knew they would be needed again.
The next two years were stressful, however knowing the difference between necessary and unnecessary stress can be vital. Once I fully let go of the unnecessary, the necessary did not seem as frustrating. I was able to be a mother, care for my parents and remain consistent striving for the goals I had been trying to achieve for years. I admit, it was long overdue, but never too late.
I decided I to use a pseudonym, as well as my actual name. I wanted a name that defines me. I chose the name Dandii_Lion. A dandelion is considered a pesky weed by many farmers, as well as others. The dandelions are either plucked up or chopped down out of yards, flower beds and/or crops. The reason they are considered pesky is because whenever dandelions are plucked or chopped, they always grow back, in multiples. With that being said, I chose the pseudonym Dandii_Lion for three reasons: (1) I have been plucked and chopped many times, but I always come back, (2) I am a Leo, a lioness and (3) If I have not realized anything else, I realize my life has been Dandii through every up and down.
I began submitting my projects for copyrights; poetic works and a children’s book in 2014. After the first copyright submissions, I remained continuously writing, editing and proofreading, all independently. There were many days I functioned off of 3-4 hours of sleep. Mentally, I was prepared for the challenge of late nights and early mornings. My goal was to have a specific number of books ready to publish at my discretion. I published my first book entitled, Biblical ABC Learning, a children’s book, May 17, 2016. I published Poetic Compilations of the Heart, Mind and Soul December 13, 2016. Having published two books in one year and having several others ready for publication at my discretion, I felt a small percentage of contentment. Once this goal was accomplished, I was able to begin placing some focus on my next phase, crafting and business ownership.
Plastic design crafting is time consuming, however the finished products are worth the time. I noticed years ago, this type of crafting is admired, moreover no one really wants to invest “that” type of time into it. Well, if it is something you’re passionate about, time consumption is somewhat irrelevant. I began crafting various designs. With the help of my daughters, we were able to produce a sufficient amount of plastic design crafts to begin displaying. Just a little side note, I began teaching my daughters this specific craft when they were between the ages of 9-11. Ironically, for a period of about 4-6 months, they began selling plastic design crafts to school faculty and students.
I developed the slogan, Keepin’ It Roaring with Dandii_Lion because I have earned the right to continuously roar! After the many downfalls, curveballs, moments of having to slow down and giving myself reality checks, I am still roaring. I am born a lioness, a queen. As the song goes by Donnie McClurkin, “We fall down, but we get up!”
So to sum everything up, I am a mother, writer, poet, author, Georgia Notary, crafter, EKG Technician and I unofficially have my degree in Business. Which leads me to my final work in progress, building my business and remaining my own boss. After obtaining a variety of leadership and managerial positions through employment, I have acquired skills, knowledge and invested time into the career I have always wanted. The jobs have given me the opportunity to work on and build skills, also gain experience. Time management, office management, communication and a variety technological aspects, just to name a few of the on hand opportunities within the employment.
To the many women striving for excellence, keep pushing, keep striving, do not let anything stop you from achieving your goals. As long as you are alive and able, you have the ability to reach your goals. Never stop seeking knowledge. Use all the knowledge, skills and experience you have obtained until you reach your goal. There is always something to learn that will be beneficial. A piece of paper does not define an individual, the individual gives clear definition to themselves. With or without a certificate or degree in a specific field, ask yourself, “What am I doing with what I already have?” The answer to that one question can be the first or next step to achievement, with the right actions applied. No Queen’s journey to success is ever the same.
To the women trying to overcome any type of demoralization, stay strong and you do not have to stay quiet. SPEAK UP QUEENS! Physical, mental, emotional, sexual and/or verbal abuse should not be tolerated. Abuse of any type is not love, nor acceptable. Know your worth, never lower your standards and above all else, KEEP GOD FIRST AND IN EVERYTHING YOU DO.
Thank you for taking time to read a little bit into my life. My prayer is for other Queens to be inspired, encouraged and unstoppable. I love each of you, unconditionally! May you all continuously be Blessed abundantly.
Connect With Me
Website: www.dandiilion.com
Blog: www.authordandiilion.wordpress.com
Facebook: Author Dandii_Lion
Twitter: DandiiAuthor1
Google+: T.W. Blanks (Author Dandii_Lion)
Instagram: @keeping_it_roaring and @author_dandii_lion
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