50ShadesOfSuccess is Honoring and Celebrating Beautiful Women and their Success!
This is the first leg of 50ShadesOfSuccess – Keep the movement going by acknowledging women you would like to celebrate Success with. Together we can make a difference, together we can create positive change.
I Am Eriquea
I am not a singer, actress, entrepreneur, owner of a fancy franchise, or have billions of money. I'm just a small Southside young lady whose success story involves a pen, paper, and her thoughts. I am a writer who enjoys the ability to let my third eye creates magical wonders of my everyday life as well as stories who are diverse yet realistic to the imagination. However my pen and paper became mute on a unforgettable father’s day.
I've been writing since i was 10 years old. I would drift off to these scenarios in my head and would quickly grab a sheet of paper and pencil to write what was in my head. My very first poem that i ever wrote was BROTHER MALCOLM. I was 14 years old and often wondered what my life would have been like if i ever had my twin brother in my life. The word in my family grew and before i knew it i was writing as if someone stroked my ego into thinking i was the next Maya Angelo or Langston Hughes. I loved writing about everything. From mountains, trees, birds, life in the ghetto, to writing about the joy of god, and the sweet desire of romances and pleasures. I was well on my way to growing as a writer until the morning of 9:45 June of father’s day. The day my paper pen and imagination became mute.
It was sunny day on that morning of June 21st 2012 and I had just finished my shopping on Jamaica Avenue. As i was walking to catch a cab I noticed a small clothing store called lots 21 with a red maxi dress that caught my eye at the window. I went in to that store for the first time ever. It was early so no one was inside the store except for a man named Jose. He was a average height man with a thick and heavy Spanish ancient. He had gray hair and clear glasses on. He asked me if I needed help in the store and being friendly, I asked for help for the red maxi dress I saw outside the window. He offered to help yet kept admiring my body and telling me "you have a beautiful body". I in return would simply say thank you. And then I saw it...the most beautiful pink and black flower maxi dress I’d ever saw. I asked the man about it and he said the dress
was 10.00 dollars I couldn't believe it. He asked if I wanted to try it on but I quickly noticed there were no fitting rooms in the store except a big long mirror that hung next to the register. I said no, but however wanted to try the bright yellow cardigan to go over the dress. He grabbed the sweater, I thought he was helping me place it over my shoulders behind me in the mirror. While looking at the sweater on me, I noticed that he was looking back, left and right to see if anyone was coming and did the unthinkable. This man grabbed his manhood and began rubbing it all around my behind grabbing my waist. I never had that happen to me before and instantly froze.
I was only 20 years old and he looked like he could've been in his 60's. As he kept doing that he placed his hand in my shirt to grab my left nipple. I was in a serious bad state of shock and couldn't believe he violated me and my body. As I ran out the store I screamed and cried for my father who shortly came after and we called the police and the man was later arrested.
I stopped writing after that incident. The nightmares of his face wouldn't let me. I started to take Benadryl to help me sleep at night, but slowly started become hooked. The picture of myself you see before you was taken the day after I was violated by that man whom later on i found out was the store manager himself.
Needing to confide in someone, I confided in my older sister about my becoming hooked on Benadryl. She was furious and yet concern as to why her baby sister was doing this. Knowing of the situation she comforted me and told me this was the wrong answer to heal from what happened and that instead I should go back to writing. Then that same night before I went to sleep words started coming to my head and of course I did the usual and that's grab my pen and paper. Before I knew it, I was writing my 16th poem, entitled curse of a sick man. I smiled and realized how therapeutic writing became for me. Shortly afterwards I began writing again...which I still do till this day.
Who would have guessed my success would come from the one thing I've been doing since I was 10. This creative ability to write had also become my hero, figuratively speaking. Writing became the reason I was able to be free from what had happen. Writing became the reason why even as a young child, I could create scenarios and magnificent stories in my head. I am a success. Not the success you see advertised
on TV, but brought to you by the spirit of life.
My name is Eriquea and THIS is my success story.
I am not a singer, actress, entrepreneur, owner of a fancy franchise, or have billions of money. I'm just a small Southside young lady whose success story involves a pen, paper, and her thoughts. I am a writer who enjoys the ability to let my third eye creates magical wonders of my everyday life as well as stories who are diverse yet realistic to the imagination. However my pen and paper became mute on a unforgettable father’s day.
I've been writing since i was 10 years old. I would drift off to these scenarios in my head and would quickly grab a sheet of paper and pencil to write what was in my head. My very first poem that i ever wrote was BROTHER MALCOLM. I was 14 years old and often wondered what my life would have been like if i ever had my twin brother in my life. The word in my family grew and before i knew it i was writing as if someone stroked my ego into thinking i was the next Maya Angelo or Langston Hughes. I loved writing about everything. From mountains, trees, birds, life in the ghetto, to writing about the joy of god, and the sweet desire of romances and pleasures. I was well on my way to growing as a writer until the morning of 9:45 June of father’s day. The day my paper pen and imagination became mute.
It was sunny day on that morning of June 21st 2012 and I had just finished my shopping on Jamaica Avenue. As i was walking to catch a cab I noticed a small clothing store called lots 21 with a red maxi dress that caught my eye at the window. I went in to that store for the first time ever. It was early so no one was inside the store except for a man named Jose. He was a average height man with a thick and heavy Spanish ancient. He had gray hair and clear glasses on. He asked me if I needed help in the store and being friendly, I asked for help for the red maxi dress I saw outside the window. He offered to help yet kept admiring my body and telling me "you have a beautiful body". I in return would simply say thank you. And then I saw it...the most beautiful pink and black flower maxi dress I’d ever saw. I asked the man about it and he said the dress
was 10.00 dollars I couldn't believe it. He asked if I wanted to try it on but I quickly noticed there were no fitting rooms in the store except a big long mirror that hung next to the register. I said no, but however wanted to try the bright yellow cardigan to go over the dress. He grabbed the sweater, I thought he was helping me place it over my shoulders behind me in the mirror. While looking at the sweater on me, I noticed that he was looking back, left and right to see if anyone was coming and did the unthinkable. This man grabbed his manhood and began rubbing it all around my behind grabbing my waist. I never had that happen to me before and instantly froze.
I was only 20 years old and he looked like he could've been in his 60's. As he kept doing that he placed his hand in my shirt to grab my left nipple. I was in a serious bad state of shock and couldn't believe he violated me and my body. As I ran out the store I screamed and cried for my father who shortly came after and we called the police and the man was later arrested.
I stopped writing after that incident. The nightmares of his face wouldn't let me. I started to take Benadryl to help me sleep at night, but slowly started become hooked. The picture of myself you see before you was taken the day after I was violated by that man whom later on i found out was the store manager himself.
Needing to confide in someone, I confided in my older sister about my becoming hooked on Benadryl. She was furious and yet concern as to why her baby sister was doing this. Knowing of the situation she comforted me and told me this was the wrong answer to heal from what happened and that instead I should go back to writing. Then that same night before I went to sleep words started coming to my head and of course I did the usual and that's grab my pen and paper. Before I knew it, I was writing my 16th poem, entitled curse of a sick man. I smiled and realized how therapeutic writing became for me. Shortly afterwards I began writing again...which I still do till this day.
Who would have guessed my success would come from the one thing I've been doing since I was 10. This creative ability to write had also become my hero, figuratively speaking. Writing became the reason I was able to be free from what had happen. Writing became the reason why even as a young child, I could create scenarios and magnificent stories in my head. I am a success. Not the success you see advertised
on TV, but brought to you by the spirit of life.
My name is Eriquea and THIS is my success story.
Throughout everything I've been through, I am proud to say my name is Adrienne Laws from Birmingham, AL and I am the owner of Ladybug Organics. Ladybug Organics specializes in natural products that promote healthy living or should I say a healthy lifestyle. We live by the motto that Ladybug Organics gives you wings of health and we plan to stick by that!
My journey began as a little girl growing up always knowing that I wanted to play an important role in the healthcare field in some way. Throughout high school my intentions were to attend medical school so when graduation came I shipped right off to Nashville, TN where I attended the prestigious Tennessee State University for three years. Suddenly college came to an end being that I could no longer finance the tuition to attend school so back to Birmingham I went. Getting back into the swing of things at home, I became a personal trainer which is something that I fell in love with as soon as I was introduced to it.
Over time I had my first child and was enjoying motherhood. Shortly after having my son, my mother became ill and after months of testing, the Monday before Thanksgiving, she was diagnosed with lung cancer. At that point, my life became less about me and more about everyone else. I'm now 24 taking care of a newborn, my ill mother, and my elderly grandmother whom my mother cared for due to her progressing dementia. After her 9 month battle with cancer, unfortunately she passed away. Death didn't stop there, it swept through our family back to back. First my eldest uncle, then my mother, next my grandmother, then my youngest uncle. I was a wreck!!! How do I pick up the pieces after everything I've ever known was now gone. I lost not only my family but any property they left behind also. Realizing I had to continue on for my son, I picked my self up and made things work out.
The next chapter in my life started with me becoming a mother again to a beautiful baby girl. Her name was Sydney and was my little ladybug. God allowed her to be apart of my life for 14 whole months. She passed away from complications caused by pneumonia that was overlooked by the children's hospital. Again, my world has crashed down on me as I tried to move on with my life. God would not let me ever forget the moments we shared because it all came to me during my time of grief. He put it in my heart to honor her while doing something I love but also honor my mother by providing products for cancer patients or anyone battling an illness or even the average person who wants to become healthy conscious. Sydney is the inspiration behind the Ladybug Organics name and she continues to bless this business, which began to do well after I officially named it after her, and I know with her watching over us we can continue to give you your "wings" of health! God Bless you!!!
My journey began as a little girl growing up always knowing that I wanted to play an important role in the healthcare field in some way. Throughout high school my intentions were to attend medical school so when graduation came I shipped right off to Nashville, TN where I attended the prestigious Tennessee State University for three years. Suddenly college came to an end being that I could no longer finance the tuition to attend school so back to Birmingham I went. Getting back into the swing of things at home, I became a personal trainer which is something that I fell in love with as soon as I was introduced to it.
Over time I had my first child and was enjoying motherhood. Shortly after having my son, my mother became ill and after months of testing, the Monday before Thanksgiving, she was diagnosed with lung cancer. At that point, my life became less about me and more about everyone else. I'm now 24 taking care of a newborn, my ill mother, and my elderly grandmother whom my mother cared for due to her progressing dementia. After her 9 month battle with cancer, unfortunately she passed away. Death didn't stop there, it swept through our family back to back. First my eldest uncle, then my mother, next my grandmother, then my youngest uncle. I was a wreck!!! How do I pick up the pieces after everything I've ever known was now gone. I lost not only my family but any property they left behind also. Realizing I had to continue on for my son, I picked my self up and made things work out.
The next chapter in my life started with me becoming a mother again to a beautiful baby girl. Her name was Sydney and was my little ladybug. God allowed her to be apart of my life for 14 whole months. She passed away from complications caused by pneumonia that was overlooked by the children's hospital. Again, my world has crashed down on me as I tried to move on with my life. God would not let me ever forget the moments we shared because it all came to me during my time of grief. He put it in my heart to honor her while doing something I love but also honor my mother by providing products for cancer patients or anyone battling an illness or even the average person who wants to become healthy conscious. Sydney is the inspiration behind the Ladybug Organics name and she continues to bless this business, which began to do well after I officially named it after her, and I know with her watching over us we can continue to give you your "wings" of health! God Bless you!!!
I Am Robin
My Problem 8 yrs ago I weighed 287 pounds. For my height 5ft 4" this was considered overweight according to the BMI (Body Mass Index). I was always tired and according to my doctor I was at risk of developing diabetes. He told me I needed to change my diet and begin exercising to resolve my problems. Exercise has never been my favorite and that was one of the last things I wanted to do. I was just too plain tired and resolved that my declining health was just my destiny. Being overweight, my feet would hurt if I walked longer than 10 minutes. The Solution around this time I received a gift of this little sachet . I noticed right away that I was less stressed. I also noticed that I had a better disposition while taking the sachets.
After a few weeks, I started noticing that I was not as tired and could focus more at home. Other people around me started noticing changes also. It wasn't long before I realized having more energy and no longer needing my daily cup of coffee in the morning was a result of the sachet Soon I was taking brief walks during afternoons. This would have never happened without getting the "kick start" that the sachets were providing me. From there, things just started getting better. I am walking more. My 1 mile short walks turned into 5 miles. The weight started coming off which made me feel better day by day. My Weight seemed to be just melting away. I also have a little pedal thing I do at nite just at the edge of bed and I love my pedals.
And Now …Well here I am 8 yrs later and the 160 pounds still off…but most important I am feeling GREAT! My feet no longer hurt, I have more mental focus, better energy and an overall better outlook on life. I feel 20 years younger. I also hear this from Family and Friends! These products are the best thing that ever happened to me.
My health improvements are beyond my wildest dreams. I have now made these product and this lifestyle part of my Daily Routine. I would never have believed regaining my health would lead me to an income simply by sharing my story.
My Problem 8 yrs ago I weighed 287 pounds. For my height 5ft 4" this was considered overweight according to the BMI (Body Mass Index). I was always tired and according to my doctor I was at risk of developing diabetes. He told me I needed to change my diet and begin exercising to resolve my problems. Exercise has never been my favorite and that was one of the last things I wanted to do. I was just too plain tired and resolved that my declining health was just my destiny. Being overweight, my feet would hurt if I walked longer than 10 minutes. The Solution around this time I received a gift of this little sachet . I noticed right away that I was less stressed. I also noticed that I had a better disposition while taking the sachets.
After a few weeks, I started noticing that I was not as tired and could focus more at home. Other people around me started noticing changes also. It wasn't long before I realized having more energy and no longer needing my daily cup of coffee in the morning was a result of the sachet Soon I was taking brief walks during afternoons. This would have never happened without getting the "kick start" that the sachets were providing me. From there, things just started getting better. I am walking more. My 1 mile short walks turned into 5 miles. The weight started coming off which made me feel better day by day. My Weight seemed to be just melting away. I also have a little pedal thing I do at nite just at the edge of bed and I love my pedals.
And Now …Well here I am 8 yrs later and the 160 pounds still off…but most important I am feeling GREAT! My feet no longer hurt, I have more mental focus, better energy and an overall better outlook on life. I feel 20 years younger. I also hear this from Family and Friends! These products are the best thing that ever happened to me.
My health improvements are beyond my wildest dreams. I have now made these product and this lifestyle part of my Daily Routine. I would never have believed regaining my health would lead me to an income simply by sharing my story.
My name is Takisha Davis-Woods. I am the owner of Multiple Distinctions LLC, where education and motivation are the keys to success. I am originally from Birmingham, Alabama. I grew up in what most would call an “At Risk” situation. My mom was a single mom working two to three jobs to support me and all my dreams and aspirations. I never imagined I would be able to attend college but I found out quickly that God is able to do All things. Not only did I attend college, but I received a Bachelor’s of Science in Speech Language Pathology, Master’s Degree in Special Education, and 2nd Master’s Degree in Instructional Leadership.
I have worn many hats in my life. I have taught special education for 9 years. I am a licensed real estate agent in state of Alabama. I published my first book, “Sister To Sister: My Love Letter to You” and began my quest towards motivating young ladies in 2009. It was the start to my lifelong passion to inspire others. Though I love education, I am transitioning into my destiny of being a Life Coach.
I am married to my best friend, Chef Littleton Woods Jr. We have two sons. My family and I moved to Las Vegas Nevada, in pursuit of new beginning in July, 2014. I lost many of my relatives from March to May: my God Baby, Great Aunt, and my 92 year old Great-Grand Mother transitioned into Heaven. While coping my way through this difficult transition, I have learned that life is not about my preference, but God’s Will in my life.
I don’t really see my life as anything but a BLESSING. All that I have experienced has brought me to a place of peace and gratefulness. I find strength in my journey by keeping my mind stayed focused on God. I love inspiring others. The ability to motivate others is a gift from God and I plan on sharing my gift by coaching individuals around the world.
I have worn many hats in my life. I have taught special education for 9 years. I am a licensed real estate agent in state of Alabama. I published my first book, “Sister To Sister: My Love Letter to You” and began my quest towards motivating young ladies in 2009. It was the start to my lifelong passion to inspire others. Though I love education, I am transitioning into my destiny of being a Life Coach.
I am married to my best friend, Chef Littleton Woods Jr. We have two sons. My family and I moved to Las Vegas Nevada, in pursuit of new beginning in July, 2014. I lost many of my relatives from March to May: my God Baby, Great Aunt, and my 92 year old Great-Grand Mother transitioned into Heaven. While coping my way through this difficult transition, I have learned that life is not about my preference, but God’s Will in my life.
I don’t really see my life as anything but a BLESSING. All that I have experienced has brought me to a place of peace and gratefulness. I find strength in my journey by keeping my mind stayed focused on God. I love inspiring others. The ability to motivate others is a gift from God and I plan on sharing my gift by coaching individuals around the world.
Hello my name is Donna Kelly. I am a Consumer Marketing Expert, Business Owner, Entrepreneur, Former Talent Agent and Casting Director and Publicist. 12 years ago my husband walked into my Coffee Shop to do a book signing for my grand opening. Six months later I sold my interest to my business partner and so began my new adventure.
I had High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Chronic Headaches, Seasonal Allergies, Joint Pains and was scheduled for Carpal Tunnel Surgery. He introduced me to a Natural Way of giving your body the nutrients it needs to heal itself and I am now 12 years free of each of those conditions.
Today I am blessed to share his 6 daughters and 16 grandchildren. I live a lifestyle that allows me to spend all the time I need with my aging parents as their lives slow down. I realize how small our circles become as we age and I know that each and every person that crosses my path is dong so as part of my journey.
My life mission is to help other women achieve the lifestyle they dream of.
I had High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Chronic Headaches, Seasonal Allergies, Joint Pains and was scheduled for Carpal Tunnel Surgery. He introduced me to a Natural Way of giving your body the nutrients it needs to heal itself and I am now 12 years free of each of those conditions.
Today I am blessed to share his 6 daughters and 16 grandchildren. I live a lifestyle that allows me to spend all the time I need with my aging parents as their lives slow down. I realize how small our circles become as we age and I know that each and every person that crosses my path is dong so as part of my journey.
My life mission is to help other women achieve the lifestyle they dream of.
I Am Tia Lafayette
In 2006 my life forever changed when I was diagnosed with MS. I knew that a change was coming and I'm not talking about Obama (ba-ding ching)lol.
I knew that physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, my life had changed and I needed to do something quick. I started a check list of everything I needed in a new career. My new diagnosis had wiped out the only thing I'd done my entire work career. I no longer had use of my fingers to type (numbness and dead)and my vision blurring prevented me from driving. I needed to be some where close so that I can walk if my vision failed, I needed something with one day off during the week for doctors appts, low stress environment and minimum typing duties.
GOD IS GOOD because I found just that!! I received everything I needed. However, there is no such thing as the perfect job if you aren't the BOSS!!! Within 7months that job turned into the exact opposite of what I needed. It became stressful, I had to work everyday and some weekends, the location moved, the duties got greater and my raises and bonuses got cut!!!School didn't teach me how to work from home with MY OWN BUSINESS! They didn't show me a plan B just in case life threw me a curve ball that I couldn't catch!
When I was diagnosed with MS, none of my notes, books or tests prepared me for what I should do next. I've been in the medical field my entire life and in 6 months I could no longer do what I've always done! What I had thousands of dollars in student loans in. Every time I went to work, my MS would have me immobilized and debilitated. Couldn't see, couldn't drive, couldn't feel, and couldn't take care of my family. At one point I couldn't see my 2yr old's face, or my darling baby girl as a newborn. Thank God I had a family who was there and supportive.
I was at my wits end! Then my cousin introduced me to Visalus Science and my life, finances, and health changed! My vitamin D deficiency...GONE!! In 2011 after a 6 month lay off and no income, Visalus kept us afloat. I hit the position of Regional Director and was able to bring home the $1500 a month that was loss from my husband's pay cut once he returned to work. Not to mention I also have my very own paid for by Visalus BMW!
I'm grateful for my time freedom, and the opportunity to be my own boss! I'm now living and not just existing! “When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.”
In 2006 my life forever changed when I was diagnosed with MS. I knew that a change was coming and I'm not talking about Obama (ba-ding ching)lol.
I knew that physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, my life had changed and I needed to do something quick. I started a check list of everything I needed in a new career. My new diagnosis had wiped out the only thing I'd done my entire work career. I no longer had use of my fingers to type (numbness and dead)and my vision blurring prevented me from driving. I needed to be some where close so that I can walk if my vision failed, I needed something with one day off during the week for doctors appts, low stress environment and minimum typing duties.
GOD IS GOOD because I found just that!! I received everything I needed. However, there is no such thing as the perfect job if you aren't the BOSS!!! Within 7months that job turned into the exact opposite of what I needed. It became stressful, I had to work everyday and some weekends, the location moved, the duties got greater and my raises and bonuses got cut!!!School didn't teach me how to work from home with MY OWN BUSINESS! They didn't show me a plan B just in case life threw me a curve ball that I couldn't catch!
When I was diagnosed with MS, none of my notes, books or tests prepared me for what I should do next. I've been in the medical field my entire life and in 6 months I could no longer do what I've always done! What I had thousands of dollars in student loans in. Every time I went to work, my MS would have me immobilized and debilitated. Couldn't see, couldn't drive, couldn't feel, and couldn't take care of my family. At one point I couldn't see my 2yr old's face, or my darling baby girl as a newborn. Thank God I had a family who was there and supportive.
I was at my wits end! Then my cousin introduced me to Visalus Science and my life, finances, and health changed! My vitamin D deficiency...GONE!! In 2011 after a 6 month lay off and no income, Visalus kept us afloat. I hit the position of Regional Director and was able to bring home the $1500 a month that was loss from my husband's pay cut once he returned to work. Not to mention I also have my very own paid for by Visalus BMW!
I'm grateful for my time freedom, and the opportunity to be my own boss! I'm now living and not just existing! “When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.”
Hi my name is Vanessa J. Ross, I am a 59 year old grandmother raising two of my grandchildren due to the death of their parents. My daughter passed away with Sickle-Cell -Anemia at the age of 28. I never thought in a million years I could get through losing my child at that age but, God was in the plan he never gives you more than you can bear.
In the process of my tragedy I done something positive. I published my book which was my daughter's last wish. The name of the book is A Mother's Journey Through Her Daughter's Eyes ( Following A Higher Calling)by Author Vanessa J. Ross then I went on to Co-Author Tainted Elegance and now I have my Poetry book coming out real soon. To me this is my success story simply because I continued to trust in God and use my talent he bestowed upon me.
#Be Encouraged ♡I Am Encouraged
In the process of my tragedy I done something positive. I published my book which was my daughter's last wish. The name of the book is A Mother's Journey Through Her Daughter's Eyes ( Following A Higher Calling)by Author Vanessa J. Ross then I went on to Co-Author Tainted Elegance and now I have my Poetry book coming out real soon. To me this is my success story simply because I continued to trust in God and use my talent he bestowed upon me.
#Be Encouraged ♡I Am Encouraged
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Phenomenal Women to Share Their 50ShadesOfSuccess Stories