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Description: Award Winning Writer and Author of the Bestselling book, Mind Hustle. She is the CEO of Swan Simpson Media Group of Companies and the Publisher of Moguls Magazine.

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Available NOW at Amazon.com See What Celebrities Are Saying About Mind Hustle Book: “Essential Resource to learn the Artistry of Entrepreneurship.” Waliyy “Main Event” Dixon StreetBall Legend & 2014 Hip Hop Honoree Award Recipient Forward By Cookin’ Ty The Official Hip Hop Chef to the Stars To Book Swan please contact [email protected] www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com

Visionary Entrepreneur and Global Business Leader. She’s excelled as a MillionDollar Producer in the Payments Industry, an Independent TV & Music Producer,Award Winning Writer and Author of the Bestselling book, Mind Hustle. Sheis the CEO of Swan Simpson Media Group of Companies and the Publisher ofMoguls Magazine.A long time Pioneer of Black & Latino media inclusion, she founded FusionNetwork TV a few years back. A Business Leader who’s been consistentlyrecognized by Who’s Who as an International Executive whose run GlobalOrganizations like Ziami, Inc.In 2006, she received Special Congressional Recognition by CongresswomanCynthia McKinney for her work in International Relations. And she presentlyserves as the Chairperson of RAM Technology, the Nation’s only Minority ownedTablet & Mobile Technology Manufacturing Company. www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com 3



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FromThe Del Editor yPublisher & CEO Director GeneralwhO Am ITalkingTo? OMS estoyhablando?Somebody is listening to us. Just like David from the Alguien nos está escuchando . Al igual que David de lasscriptures, we got a little rock and a slingshot and it’s aiming Escrituras , que nos dieron un poco de rock y una hondaat those big media giants who are controlling what we see y es el objetivo en los grandes gigantes de los mediosand hear of ourselves. we are only on issue #2 and Moguls que están controlando lo que vemos y oímos a nosotrosMagazine has blown up all over the place. Our website www. mismos . Nosotros sólo estamos en el número 2 yBlackMogulsMagazine.com has been so slammed on certain mogoles revista ha volado por todo el lugar . Nuestrodays that servers have gone down. we are trending on Social sitio web www . BlackMogulsMagazine.com ha sido tanMedia and our supporters and following is steadily growing; criticado en ciertos días de que los servidores han ba-and so is the size of ourmagazine. For all that this continues jado . Estamos en tendencia en las redes sociales y queto become, “we give thanks in advance to the SOUrCe.” I was nos apoyan y que sigue es cada vez mayor ; y así es elgiven a vision for local that has grown into global overnight tamaño de ourmagazine . Por todo lo que esto continúathrough the power of digital. I am so thankful for those who para convertirse , “ damos gracias por adelantado a lahave supported this grassroots movement of media for and fuente . “ Se me dio una visión de local que ha crecidoabout Black and Latino entrepreneurs. Our goal will always be hasta convertirse en una noche mundial a través delto give voice to the least of these and to promote a standard of poder de la tecnología digital . Estoy muy agradecido aexcellence within our community. los que han apoyado este movimiento de base de los medios de comunicación para y sobre los latinos yIn this quarterly issue #2, we celebrate astandard of excellence empresarios Negro . Nuestro objetivo siempre será el dethat we recognize to be OUr TrUTH. And that is the “immutable dar voz a los más pequeños de éstos y para promover unpower” of Black & Latino women in America. Moguls Magazine estándar de excelencia dentro de nuestra comunidad .is proud to recognize The 20 Most Powerful women In Urban En esta edición trimestral # 2 , celebramos astandard deAmerica. Some of these women you may have never heard excelencia que nos reconocemos como nuestra verdad .of, but their accomplishments, dedication and achievements Y ese es el “poder inmutable “ de Black & Latino Mujeresare certainly to be lauded and celebrated. we then round out en América. Moguls revista se enorgullece de reconocerthis issue with our “not so typical”woman of The Year. Our Las 20 mujeres más poderosas de América urbana .chosen woman of the Yearis further proof that we are not little Algunas de estas mujeres puede que nunca han oídoyes people seeking to be accepted, sanctioned or approved hablar de , pero su logros , dedicación y logros sonby anyone. Our 1st ever woman of the Year truly balances ciertamente ser elogiado y celebrado . Entonces Com-the scales of fire and ice, Ms.Terri J. Vaughn. read all about plementamos este tema con nuestro “ no tan típica “her in our cover story as well as so many other women of mujer del año . Nuestra mujer elegida de la prueba másPower throughout the pages of this Fall 2014 Issue of Moguls Yearis que no somos gente pequeña yes buscando serMagazine. I am certain that you too will agree, that we have aceptado , sancionado o aprobado por cualquierfound some of the “baddest” sisters in this Nation and putthem persona. Nuestra primera vez la mujer del año equilibrafront and center. So, it’s only proper that our woman of The verdaderamente las escalas de fuego y hielo , Ms.Terri J.Year be icing on this delicious red velvet cake. Vaughn . Leer todo sobre ella en nuestra historia de portada , así como tantas otras mujeres de Poder en lasFinally, help us spread our message by sharing this issue of páginas de este otoño 2014 Emisión de MogulsMoguls Magazine with your following and tweet me your Magazine.thoughts and comments onTwitter @swansimpson and @BlackMogulsMagInstagram BlackMogulsMagFacebook BlackMogulsMagazine52 www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com

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Power Plays Celebrities like Diddy, Justin Timberlake, Ludacris, and others either have purchased stock or have given their names to endorsing various brands of alcoholic beverages.$3.7 Million… It is apparent that with the right brand, the return on the investment can be astronomical to say the least.I’ll DrinkTo Alcohol brands have started taking notice that Hip Hop and Urban Music blend quite well with martinis and cocktails. Take this case in point; before Diddy attached his name to Ciroc, the top end of sales were approximatelyThat! 50,000 cases annually. After Diddy endorsed the brand, sales drove upwards of 2 million cases annually. That is an amazing return on the Urban influence. But these brands are still affordable to most regular folks and people with jobs and careers. But in recent years a new brand has hit the market and there is no faking the funk with this one. The world- renowned Leon Verres Luxury Group announced the sale of “Le Billionaire”and turned up the heat. Just as the name suggests, pretty much a brand of vodka that ONLY a billionaire can happily partake. One 5-liter bottle of Le Billionaire costs a breathtaking and astounding $3.7 MILLION DOLLARS! How many bottles can they push with a Cash Money or Nicki Manaj endorsement? Imagine if you owned stock in this company, “can ya say hella wealthy!” I’m sure you are wondering what makes this brand of vodka worthy of such a hefty price tag? First, let’s start with the bottle. The bottle itself has an estimated 3,000 diamonds and Swarovski crystals. Secondly, is the vodka inside of saidbottle. Unlike other vodkas that undergo simple distillation procedures, Le Billionaire vodka is also poured through pure diamonds as part of an additional distillation process. This one is definitely for the Mogul that has reached an elite status. It’s time to turn your game up and reach for that next level of success. So, when you plan that holiday gathering or that movie or record release party with your friends and family, place a couple of bottles of Le Billionaire on your tables with the price tag showing and just sit and wait for everyone’s expressions. That’s the definition of a true Baller; the one that has reached the height of definitive Mogul status. Happy Tasting! Andre Thomas is blogger and new media Producer. He is also the Producer of the award winning tv show College Talk. You can follow his blog at www.AndreJThomas.com6 www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com

PRODUCTIVITY 101Incorporating Simple Changesthat are both easyto doAND easy notto do.De-Cluttering Your Life Increases Your Productivity & ProfitDuring the everyday shuffle of life from balancing checks, Ex. A clear shoe box sized container labeledbusinesses, and family our lives can become disorganized and quarterly and insert envelopes for eachcluttered. Valuable seconds are lost due to the misplacement of category. Business related categories couldkeys, important contracts being lost amongst a pile of disarray, include: Travel, Uniform, Business Meetings,or simple errors are made simply due to disorganization that may etc.have cost you a potential client or income. Here are a few tipsto assist you with de-cluttering your workspace and hopefully c. Discard calendars, phone books, business cardsincreasing your productivity as well as your profit: There are several phone apps that a client can download that will scan business cards 1. There is a space and time for everything. and important documents. My personal a. Designate a space for your office and important recommendation is www.dropbox.com. paperwork. b. Invest in storage and shelving equipment and d. Purchase a dry erase or magnetic board to display properly label each. all important dates, information or paperwork. c. Allocate a specific time each day to tackle your “Your mind cannot remember, what your eyes can work related tasks. not see.” d. Delegate tasks to family members, hire assistance, or outsource if needed. KeAndea “Kema” Williams is the CEO of A Luxurious Life Boutique Agency based in Memphis, TN with offices 2. Loose the clutter throughout the Southeast. She was recently nominated by a. Junk mail should be discarded after two weeks. the Tri-State Defender at the Best in Black Awards for Best b. Create a receipt filing system for all business related Event Planner and Best Concert/Party Promoter of 2013. expenses Her company works with high profile individuals offering professional services including Concierge, Promotions, Virtual Personal Assistants and more. Visit her website at http://www. aluxuriouslifeboutique.com for a complete menu of offerings. www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com 7

PBroawnedring Why Women Have an Unfair Advantage Over Men In Business8 www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com

randingMale entrepreneurs who read this headline may feel some relationships and as a result long term business growth.type of way, so let’s start with the numbers and the facts,shall we? Men entrepreneurs have a tendency to be more focused on the bottom line and could sometimes carewhy do I want to start with numbers before sharing my less how someone feels. This is usually because men3 ways women have an unfair advantage over men in are more results driven and like to keep emotion andbusiness? feelings out of the picture along the way.well, it’s actually quite simple… 3. women are willing to be more transparent than men. when you’re willing to share your story of struggleBusiness Mogul Jay-Z said it best,“Men Lie, women Lie, but and setbacks throughout your life to show that you’reNUMBerS Don’t!” a real person, more people will be willing to let their guard down and do business with you because theyBased on detailed information conducted by the Center can relate to you.for Women Business Research, women own 10.6 millionbusinesses in the United States, they employ 19.1 million Men sometimes have a hard time publicly sharing ourworkers(that’s one in every seven employees) andtheir losses and struggles. Sometimes it’s the things thatbusinesses account for $2.5 trillion in sales. we have gone through growing up that holds us back and keeps us from allowing ourselves to connect withNow this article isn’t to argue who has the most businesses, more people who may have been willing to do busi-who creates the most jobs or who accounts for the most ness with us.sales between female and male entrepreneurs.This articleis to expose, “Why Women Have an Unfair Advantage Over here’s an example…Men In Business.” Billionaire, Oprah winfrey, was molested by a relativeOf course I could share several ways that women have an as a little girl and by her sharing her story, she’s been“Unfair Advantage” over male entrepreneurs, but for the able to impact millions of lives across the globe.sake of time, let’s dive into the top three…. From Oprah’s willingness to share her story, Billionaire1. Now I’ve been blessed to work with, coach and train Tyler Perry, said he was more open to sharing his story entrepreneurs from all over the globe with all different of being abused and molested as a child. Now look at types of backgrounds and something that I’ve noticed the empire he’s been able to build by being more is that women are more open minded to personal transparent. Take note. growth and are more coachable minus the eGO. If you’re a female entrepreneur reading this and you Here’s what I mean… haven’t fully recognized the power you possess in having these 3 “Unfair Advantages” I highly encourage A lot of times, as men, we get stuck in our ways and when you to start embracing this power today. And if you’re it comes to us following the instruction of another male a maleentrepreneur reading this… or female our egos kick in and our minds shut down. Many times we forget that to be great leaders, we have I highly encourage you to embrace the traits of our female to be great students. Entrepreneurs because these 3 traits will have a BIG of an impact on both your business and your income. women are wired differently and have this down to a science and show more willingness to grow into the Marquel Russell is a World Renowned Business and Per- person they have to become in order to be successful. sonal Transformation Strategist. Marquel has helped women are also willing to accept instruction and course countless amount of Entrepreneurs from across the correction a.k.a “construction criticism”. U.S., Australia, Canada, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, The United Kingdom, Singapore and Malaysia build highly2. women are naturally nurturers so when it comes to profitable business empires. To learn more about Mar- building teams, working with employees etc. they are more quel visit www.MarquelRussell.com empathetic. This type of attitude creates long term business www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com 9

CROWDFUNDING Made Simple Yolanda Williams3TIPCFSURONDWIDNG Crowdfunding; where lots of people contribute small amounts of moneyHave you heard? You can get your to help fund a start-up, a project, orbusiness started, your project funded, a social cause. The crowdfundingand your dream advanced all without a industry is global. There arebank loan, a government grant, or a tin literally millions of projects beingcup. Want to know more? successfully funded as you read this article. What about you? In 2014 crowdfunding is expected to finish off the year nearing $10 billion in online funding. To me that sounds like opportunity knocking. There are a number of crowdfunding platforms to choose from. In fact within the USA alone there are over 450 crowdfunding platforms. While Kickstarter.com and Indegogo.com are the largest today, Atlanta has its own female entrepreneur who launched Kenectit.com in December 2013. Kenectit’s niche is supporting start-ups, creative projects, and social causes that have community impact. They offer guidance and support services from beginning to end to help with the planning and technology used to run a successful campaign. www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com 11

1 Tell a great storyThe most effective way to do this is via telling a great story – either about yourself, the story of your project or company, or the story of your customers; the people who your project will truly impact. The story should include a text description of 500 words or less and a compelling, well-executed video (90 seconds to 3 minutes max). 2Get Family/Friends to helpHave people set and ready to start funding the launch of the campaign on day one. You will need what we call ‘advocates’ to help you do that. Your family and friends should be your first source for this support. Their credible endorsement will go a long way to ensuring your success. You should know that campaigns that accelerate more rapidly early on and attain a significant percentage of their funding goal in a short span of time often attract more attention as a whole over the life of the campaign.3Do the Pre-work Let me dispel a myth…the crowd-funding platform you select is far less important a decision than most Successful crowdfunding campaign owners put in tens to hundreds of hours on the creative marketing and planning side of their campaign before launching. They then also have a plan for several “pushes” in their marketing to launch, fund, and push to close funding at or above their goal. This makes perfect sense. Think about it. Garbage in…garbage out. You may not have to do a full out business plan, but you do have to put time in to craft and share your message effectively.Yolanda Williams has Consulted with Fortune 100 companies & others including;GE, Abbott Labs, Ford Motor Company, Home Depot, SunTrust, Wendy’s/Arby’sGroup, Teradata, United Rentals, The Gap, Sears Holding Company, and E*TradeFinancial. She is the CEO of KenectIT where she plans to enable the start-up of1000 new businesses.12 www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com

GTHHeIVAeIrNTGOF of us have defined this more as an individual or personal obligation of good will. You give of yourself throughwhy philanthropy and Giving Back Are A Must! volunteerism and donations, but we don’t consider theseAs entrepreneurs and business owners many of us may contributions as acts of philanthropy. Often times we con-not have a million dollars in the bank, and may sometimes sider philanthropist as people that have wealth and canstruggle to keep our business afloat. Some of us may in- give large sums of money to nonprofit organizations and/deed have thriving business with money in the bank and or causes that they are passionate about. we think of in-planning to expand and/or start a new endeavor. whatever dividuals such as Oprah winfrey, warren Buffet, Bill Gatesyour business finances tend to be the question is are you and other famous or wealthy individuals who have madegiving back to thecommunity? what is your philanthrop- a name for themselves through their work, fame andic practice? How are you leveraging your donations and charitable giving practices. But how often do we con-contributions? Is it all going to one place such as church sider Mother Peterson, who volunteers everyday down ator a religious organization? Or are you dividing it amongst the homeless shelter, Brother Marcus who mentors at riskother organizations that help the entire community as a youth 3 days a week at the recreation Center, Mrs. Sheilawhole? who advocates for students and parents in the educationRedefining the idea of philanthropy: system, or even the mom and pop small restaurant thatwe all have given many hours of our time and donations provides free dinners on Fridays to the families in histo many individuals and organizations. However, most community. Aren’t they philanthropist, aren’t they giving back to their community? According to the webster’s dictionary philanthropy is defined as the practice of giving money and time to help make life better for other people. By this simple definition, we all are philanthropist in one way or another, if you are www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com 13

helping others through unpaid time, providing services, of helping community if done right. And it can help usexpertise, donating supplies or materials or making a build our brand and our reputation with our customers,financial contribution to help others, that is philanthropy. as well as the organizations we support. This is a strategicPhilanthropy is not defined by the amount of money we form of philanthropy.have or give. we have to change our way of thinking about It is never too late to start.our philosophy of giving. we all have a heart to give,sometimes we may not have time to volunteer or feel like with 2014 nearly coming to an end, many of us arewe are not giving enough financially. But there are simple preparing for our annual taxes and fiscal accounting,more practical ways that you can practice philanthropy and many nonprofits are gearing up for their charitablethat will provide a mutual benefit for our business and giving campaigns and are depending on us to supportthose wecan help in our community. In business the their efforts. Contributing your time, money expertise,saying goes “time is money and money is time”. According in-kind donations, helps nonprofits tremendously. If youto Independent Sector online, “The estimated value of already have a plan in place great, re-evaluate your currentvolunteer time for the year 2013 was valued at $22.55 per practices to see if you can improve them. If you have nothour”. created a philanthropic practice here are few tips on howSo what does this all matter and mean to you? to start.Only a small percentage of the population was born witha silver spoon or inherited wealth. The rest of us have • Do your research, find a cause or an organization actually put in the work to obtain the“American Dream”by that you are passionate about and want to support.pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps. And sometimeswe forget that our brothers and sisters and neighbors • Begin to build a relationship with them by and friends need us. So, we don’t volunteer our time and volunteering, sitting on the boards and attendingresources. Neither do we give to organizations outside of meetings.church. But we must do better. Our survival depends on it.In the midst of maintaining the quality of life we want and • Provide financial support and/or in-kind gifts such supporting our own families, we must also consider how as Goods, Services and your expertise.we can support the local community where we reside. Anddetermine how to help others less fortunate, remembering • Use your “tithe” wisely by giving to BOTH religious that we all at one point benefited from some level of and community organizations.assistance (student loans) and support (family, mentorsand friends) to get where we are today. whether it was with any of these options, you not only build a relation-financial, personal or professional support; we all received ship with an organization that serves the community, butsomething to help us move forward. It’s not about giving you can build a solid businessreputation reflecting yourpeople a handout, it’s about helping with a hand up. If values with potential customers. And with the exceptionwe did more of this in our community, the Government of volunteer time, you can get a tax break on the monetarywould have to do less. remember that giving benefits the expenses or contributions that you make. This eliminatesboth Giver as well as the receiver. And business owners the excuses for not doing so.can receive added benefit through tax incentives for thegiving that you do. So, why aren’t we giving more? Finally, be sure to quantify your business’ philanthropicwhat Now. contributions by sharing them in your advertisementsAs business owners and entrepreneurs, we need to re- and business marketing materials. This is especially trueifevaluate our giving and redefine our thinking about it’s an organization that you intend to support long term.philanthropy and its long term impact on the community Most importantly consider expanding on how you are giv-as a whole. we must create strategies that will allow us ing back today!to leverage our philanthropic practices and incorporateit into our business philosophy and infrastructure. Most There are several websites available to help you withpeople don’t define their giving as a business transaction understanding the benefits of giving outside of churchor contribution, but why not? Incorporating both our and back into the community as a whole:personal passion to help others with our business Independent sector:practicescan be beneficial and rewarding. It’s killing two https://www.independentsector.org/volunteer_timebirds with one stone. It will fulfill the personal gratification IrS.Gov: http://www.irs.gov/Charities-&-Non-Profits/ Charitable-Organizations/Charitable-Contribution- Deductions Fidelity Charitable: http://www.fidelitycharitable.org/ about-us/news/11-12-2010.shtml14 www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com

SMheanloenfedea EIsnttheerpCrEisOeof SISTAS (Sistas Initiating StrategiesTo Achieve Success) Born and raised in Northeast Portland, Ms. Menefee both understands and actively participates to empower and support her community. Understanding that the disenfranchised community in Portland, Oregon needs a stronger voice, Ms. Menefee has built strong partnerships with a variety of organizations over the past several years which has helped bring attention to these important issues. She has served as a board member on several Multnomah County Boards such as: the Citizen Involvement Committee, Citizen Budget Advisory Board for Human Services, the Commission on Children Family and Communities and the CFCC Poverty Action Council as well as several grassroots nonprofits within her community. Additionally Ms. Menefee is committed to empowering women and youth in her community to realize their own potential, and has developed programs, curriculum, and workshops to help provide strategies and empowerment skills for those whom desire the extra support. www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com 15

MWILoLemNNaIAnLTisha Deshields, Owner and Founder of Original Belly worksInterview By Moguls Magazine Stylecorrespondent, Alicia edwardsI met Tisha a few years ago and I could not help but beimpressed with her transparent personality, her businesssavvy and her ability to balance everything she does.A former college athlete, Tisha Deshields, is as striking in approachable and defies any negative stereotypes thather favorite sneakers as she is in 4 1/2” heels. She is the reality TV continuously perpetrates about Black women.mother of 4, but doesn’t look a day over 35. Tisha is the Moguls Magazine: What did you enjoy the most aboutfounder and owner of Original Belly works (OBw). OBw being pregnant?offers a belly casting kit to those mothers to be, and aprefabricated fiberglass sculpture for those who becomemothers through non-traditional methods like surrogacy,foster care and adoption. Original Belly works is a premierbelly casting company offering fiberglass sculptures. Acreative and business genius, Tisha currently holds 5patents. while Tisha is certainly as beautiful, poised andpolished as you would expect from a woman with her evergrowing list of accomplishments, she remains humble, Tisha from OBW: I enjoyed all 4 of my pregnancies. I felt like I was the most beautiful woman in the world. Fortunately for me, I did not experience the unpleasant aspects of be- ing pregnant. I did not have any morning sickness, severe weight gain, swollen ankles/feet, or traumatic deliveries. So it was after 4 blissful pregnancies that you conceived Original Belly Works? Actually it was when I was carrying my 4th that I was awestruck by the beauty and promise of a pregnant woman’s form. I realized that no gift could be more poignant than providing the expectant mother a way to preserve the splendor of pregnancy. I began to re- search the possibility of producing a copy of my pregnant form. You have always been athletic and in amazing physical shape... when you were expecting did you have a hard time adjusting to your expanding shape? No, I reveled in the change and I continued exercising in moderation, of course. I always had a healthy diet before pregnancy so I didn’t gain much weight at all. with my first son, I gained the most weight, 21 lbs, very much within the doctor’s16 www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com

recommendation range for expectant mothers. are some very distinguishing lettering.Is the belly casting something that can be done at a baby We of course like to showcase some of our work on ourshower? Or can it be a bonding experience for the mother website and so we may select your finished belly designand father? The beauty of our Original Belly Works do for promotional use but neither or your likeness with theit yourself kit, is that it can be ALL THAT and MORE. You belly cast. All of the artwork completed by the Originalcan truly make your casting experience…yours. Some Belly Work design team belongs to Original Belly Works.pregnant women may very well want to share the casting For those women that are artists themselves, can theyexperience with their shower guests. Some more private decorate their own cast? Once your plastered your bellymothers may simply want to share it with their immediate and you have sent it back to us to fiber glassed, we canfamily and close friends. Then you have some mothers either send the fiber glassed belly back to you, primed,who wish to share the experience with their Husband and ready for you to express your inner artist or you canor Significant Other. Ultimately, it is up to the expectant have one of our very talented OBW designers help youmother. create the finished artwork.How far along should the expectant mother be to capture The cast is just a “non traditional” blank canvas. It is justthe best cast? We encourage all of our expecting mothers like any other canvas but it’s simply shaped differently.to plaster their pregnant tummy in the last trimester as Whatever art medium that you can use on a traditionalto have the largest canvas. I highly recommend having it canvas, you can use to create your one-of-kind finisheddone in the 8th month of pregnancy. design.How do people find out Original Belly Works? People can Do you partner with maternity and children’s boutiques?find out about Original Belly Works from their Friends and We have not partnered with any maternity or kids boutiqueFamilies, in select Doctors’offices. Our presence can be seen as of yet, however that is part of our plan when we launchon the internet. Our website is www.originalbellywork. our National Marketing Campaign.comHow do you maintain a balance of privacy in the eraof constant oversharing? I have a both a personal andbusiness presence on-line and because they are bothpublic, I am strategic about I post. I know that I am anexample to my children and young women in general so Ikeep that in mind.What is the biggest misconception about the entire bellycasting process? There is a perception that the processis hard or complicated and in reality it is very easy. WhenI was pregnant with my 4th child, my 14 year old sisterplastered my pregnant belly. If you follow the step-by stepinstructions, it’s as easy as 1,2,3 and it should only take youabout 30 minutes to complete the plastering. You don’thave to possess any artistic skills.What if the mother has sensitive skin? All of the productsthat we use are medical grade and are used in hospitalsacross America.I see that your website showcases many pictures ofbeautiful casts? If you have a super high profile client, howdo you balance their desire for privacy with your desire toshowcase their artwork?We actually have many celebrity clients that currentlyhave their bellies are on our site, and for the most part, it’shard to determine who’s belly belongs to who unless there www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com 17

How can one give this as a gift? It is easy to purchase one excited about their pregnancy. They are eager to captureof our Original Belly Works Kit. Simply go to the website: and savor EACH & EVERY moment.www.originalbellyworks.com, place your order, and you What would you consider is your biggest business successshould receive the kit in the mail with 3-5 business days. to date? With every belly that we complete, I consider itAs the age of first time motherhood creeps upward...do a success. There is a lot of work that goes into finishingyou find that women crave more mementos? a customized belly sculpture. We want our clients , inAbsolutely! Some women have selected to wait, for regards to the final design, to be as involved in the decisionvarious reasons, to start their families and they are very making process as possible so when we have helped them see their vision on the belly canvas, then we are successful.18 www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com

Did you seek out mentors when you first launched your Monica is in charge of Business Development andbusiness? Marketing for Original Belly Works. She & I both prospectWithout a shadow of a doubt, ABSOLUTELY! Let me just say for new clients by networking, making cold calls, advertisethat I was a“Domestic Engineer”. Now that’s a $40 word for or other means of generating interest from potentialHOUSEWIFE. I was simply going about my life as a wife and clients.mother when I got my“GOD IDEA”. That’s the only way I can Monica has a thorough knowledge of the market, thedescribe Original Belly Works. God simply planted a “seed”, solutions and services that Original BellyWorks can provide,an idea. I knew absolutely NOTHING about sculpting, let and of the company’s competitors. Strategic planning isalone belly sculpting. With God as my Pilot and I, the co- key and it is her responsibility to develop the pipeline ofpilot, we have been navigating this business together. I new business coming in to the company. Monica helpsseek Him in prayer constantly that He will connect me grow and retain existing accounts by presenting newwith other visionaries and like minded individuals that can solutions and services to clients.help facilitate His Vision. And ultimately, I had to take a I primarily preside over the organization’s day-to-dayfew courses in Entrepreneurship and Business. I attended operations. I am the visionary and ultimately I set theseveral Leadership and Business Networking events to direction in which Original Belly Works should go. Therefurther my education and by stretching myself in those are so many roles that I must fill and it is my responsibilityunfamiliar territories, I have met some remarkable and as a Director, Leader, Decision Maker, Manager, Motivatorextraordinary people who have been very passionate and Executor to make sure things operate effectively andabout mentorship and sharing their resources. efficiently.Mogul is a term that can be overused much like “diva” or There have only been a couple of times when Monica and“guru”. What is your definition of Mogul and why? I have had a disagreement and it was so long ago that IIn my opinion a Mogul is powerful person who controls can’t even remember. I really respect what she brings toany media enterprise, either through personal ownership the company: her insight and direction.or a dominant position. Many have the misconception Our personalities are similar in many ways, however; wethat because you are a POPULAR & have a successful can be very different at times. When we are strategizingbusiness or several businesses that, that alone will make and coming up with creative ways to pitch the productyou a MOGUL. and attracting clients we are very much alike, howeverFor example, The Olsen Twins, as much as I love them, when there are conflicts within the company that requireas much as I respect them for their craft and their ability attention, we tend to handle them quite differently.to brand themselves and become these savvy business Monica is great at resolving conflicts and I am perfectlywomen, I would not necessarily call them moguls. They are content allowing her to handle them. . The fact that wevery accomplished. Now Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford, J.P. have been able to balance the good with the bad andMorgan, John D. Rockefeller and Cornelius Vanderbilt, on respect each other’s “voice” in regards to Original Bellythe other hand, I would call them Moguls. Works, this has allowed us to work together well andLast question I promise, since this is our First Annual remain friends throughout. So, the Reality TV images areWomen’s Issue of Moguls magazine, I wanted to get your not always true of Black women as a whole.take on Reality TV’s depiction of women of color. Reality TV We at Moguls Magazine agree with you wholeheartedly.shows of women of color that are seemingly accomplished, The perceptions of Black Women and women of color inbut can’t seem to get along with other women. You and traditional media, must be challenged with truth. We wishyour Business Partner, Monica, have great relationship, you all of the best in your business endeavors.how do you maintain that without all the drama?At the end of the day, the reason we have so many reality Follow Original BellyWorks @origbellyworksshows is that they have become popular due to the DRAMA @OriginalBellyWorksthat ensues on those shows. Reality TV gives a false gaugeof what’s REAL and what’s considered REALITY. It’s simplysensationalism at best. My business manager, MonicaPolo and I have great working relationship. She is actuala more Type A personality than me. But even in the mostconfrontational situations she handles them with swiftlyand professionally. www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com 19

Located Inside LAFitness Snellville.Fitness andNutrition underone roof. Stone Mountain 5295 Stone Mountain Hwy, Stone Mountain, GA 30087 Phone (770) 465-8423 Snellville 2279 Pinehurst Road, Snellville, GA 30078 Phone (770)982-176520 www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com

BUSINeSS TrAVeL Cruises are one of the common modes of transportation usedIDeAS cRUISeS: to travel around the world. This amazingly popular way of travelheRe ARe SOMe can also be very good for your business. Be sure to talk withThINGS yOU your Accountant about writing off your cruise for businessShOULD kNOw. purposes. writing off your “vacation” is one of the many perks of having your own business and being an entrepreneur. And cruses are a very popular for both business and pleasure. According to www.skift.com, 21.3 million people took a cruise in 2013. Most of those cruises were to the Caribbean. Here I just want to share some important tips for making the most of a first time cruise you may be taking whether it is for business or pleasure. #1- Arrive the day before your date of departure: Many people arrive the day of the cruise. It would be best to arrive the day or night before to avoid missing your ship. The day of departure is uncertain to weather, flight delay andany other unexpected situation. #2- Leave dieting at home: Cruises are great for having a vari- ety of different foods and many restaurants. You can also order breakfast in your cabin, eat at the snack bar or have a midnight bite. enjoy the different foods and expand your taste buds. Of course, please inform your cruise specialist of any food aller- gies and health restrictions before the date of your trip. #3- Time limits at different ports: each cruise, depending on length of cruise, hasspecific time allotment at each port. some cruises port for 6-8 hours; a few port overnight which would be good to give you a better feel of the island. Cruising into different ports allows you to experience many different places and countries in the shortest amount of time. It is absolutely the best travel value by far. And if you enjoyed yourself for the short while you are at a port, you can book anothertrip in the future and stay longer. Be sure to carry and hand out some business cards just to keep things in perspective (wink). #4-Bring tip money: Unlike some all-inclusive hotels that have a no tip policy, cruises have a “please tip policy”. remember to save money not only for souvenirs, but tips for the waiter and the head waiter at the different restaurants andthe cabin steward who cleans your cabin. This will show the entire staff your appreciation and gratitude for all of their service on your cruise. And as a general rule of thumb, tips are collected the night before returning back to port of call. So, remember all of those good deeds along the way. And be prepared to say your thank you(s) by appropriately tipping everyon that served you. You are now prepared take your first cruise or your next cruise. And if you are looking for a great getaway for both business and pleasure visit www.awesomeadventuresinc.com; then pack your bags and get ready to board. enjoy! rosi Corney is a Certified Travel Consultant and the CeO of Awesome Adventures. www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com 21

“BLpeeRTB’OSefTTIATTLSeKRwrTIehLSLAIDANULwAwLAA”GySeS:22 www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com By: calvin Lunsford, II. Growing up I was taught like every child, go to school, get good grades, go to college, graduate get a good job and that was the blueprint to success. After following those steps, I quickly came to learn that it was something missing. while listening to Jim rohn, a light bulb went off in my head once I heard his fam- ous quote “Profits are better than wages. wages will make you a living; profits can make you a fortune.” It blew me away once I realized that this was true, because most people who become financially successful are people who get on the profit side of business rather than the wage side. On the profit side, you own and can reinvest your money to create more money, but on the wage side in order to make money you have to trade time. Time away from your family, hobbies, and building your own dreams. Most people choose the wage side because its low risk, but what people don’t realize is that it is low re-ward. No one becomes wealthy from the wages side. On the other hand, when you look at every single person on the Forbes List there is one thing in common, they are all on the profits side. You are probably like I was once I found this out, won- dering how to get on the profit side. Getting on the profits side is simple, all you have to do is start or own your own business. when it comes to starting a business most people get scared because they do not know what to do or they lack the capital to start up. I know the feeling I felt the same way, until I found a way to get on the profit side. which was a home based business that caught my attention because it was low start up with the benefits of commissions, bonuses, and residual income. Knowing what I knew about resid- ual income, which means doing the work once and getting paid a lifetime made to much sense. Be-ing able to get paid residual income like a Hollywood Movie Star or Grammy winning recording Artist with royalties and syndication was an eye opener. I knew by getting paid on work that was done once, over and over was a way to put generations of my family on the profits side. So if you ever really wanted to build true wealth for generations to come I suggest you look on getting on the profits side. For more information on how I did it visit www.theblueprinttowealth.com

fOOD 101onciergeTerlane Bolden became a vegan after her teenage to create a service that will do all of the leg work todaughter was diagnosed with a deadly and rare form ensure that vegans and non-committed vegans alikeof cancer. She lost her daughter in the battle, but the can have a true vegan dining experience when diningfight to change how people of color eat helps her out across the country.carry out her daughter’s memory with passion. Since 2004, The Vegan Concierge has travelled aroundIt is without a doubt that the change in their diet was the U.S. looking for places that holistically embracea major factor in prolonging her daughter’s young vegan lifestyles. Through this journey of discovery,life. This was the beginning of her crusade to change Terlane Bolden, creator of The Vegan Concierge, hasthe eating habits of her entire family and friends. amassed a strong knowledge of restaurants andMeatless does not have to be boring. In fact, hotels that cater to vegan eating.vegetarians and vegans enjoy a healthy variety of The Vegan Concierge has taken all of the guessworkfoods, beverages and even libations. How can one out of dining out. Terlane has spent years identifyingtake the road to experiencing the vegan lifestyle ingredients, speaking with Chefs and has put togetherwithout all of the hassle of trying to figure things out a full bank of information and resources to help herall by oneself? clients have an awesomeThe Vegan concierge comes To dining experience close toThe Rescue home as well as when travel- ing. This dining experienceThe simplest way to try is for the vegan and thevegan food is to locate a vegan curious.good vegan restaurant in “Dream your experience andyour city. The challenge we can make it happen. Thisis finding restaurants could be a good chance tothat will you serve more impress a vegan date or ve-than so called “rabbit gan friend with catering tofood” consisting of a their special vegan needs.salad and perhaps some Just know you don’t havetype of so called“veggie” to navigate all the inform-burger which can be ation by yourself, we areloaded with chemicals here to help.” She says.and toxic food by You can follow The Vegan Concierge onproducts. Just because one makes a burger without twitter @conciergeveganmeat doesn’t make it “vegan”.To make this process easier for more people toexperience healthy vegan food, Terlane decided www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com 23

24 www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com

UNDer 30 CeOWHY WE MUSTBECOMEENTREPRENEURSSISTAHS WE CANDO IT!when you think of the word entrepreneur, what comes to mind? women of color entrepreneurs has grown at a rate of 113% overIs it someone who’s in their 40s, possibly even retired, white, and a time period between 1997-2007.male? Usually that is the image a person gets when discussingentrepreneurs. A young, 20-something black female is probably Since this increase of black female entrepreneurs, there is also ansomeone that was last to come to mind, but think again. increase in support for those of us who wish to go our own way. From websites geared towards black females, such as walker’sGrowing up as a black female, I was blessed to have a first Legacy, to grants from private and public sectors, even to awardshand account of entrepreneurship, as my family own and for best minority start-up, such as the Blacks in Technologyoperated their own printing company. During that time, I Business competition ran at SXSw. with more options thanwitness struggles and setbacks, along with great success and before, right now is the perfect time to start working for youself.recognition. My family went into to work for themselves, over20 years ago because they knew they had to support a large with all of the hype about huge success stories like Oprahfamily, and everything else was not sufficient. Two decades later, and Tracy reese, some may be intimidated about owningthat mindset is coming back, and in the minds of young, black their own business or running their own company. However,females. you, myself, and every other black female, young or old, can become entrepreneurs. All it takes is an idea, will power, andBeing an entrepreneur and starting a business was once always the confidence within us. It may be hard, and a lot of work, butseen as something young women of color was unable to do, or having the freedom of being your own boss, and deciding yourmaybe even uninterested in doing. Society has constantly told fate, is all worth it. Now that’s Freedom.us that the business world is no place for a female, much less afemale of color. while the economy is doing better, it is still not *Casserly, Meghan. “Minority women entrepreneurs: Go-Get-good enough for many people, especially with most minimum ters without resources.” Forbes. (http://www.forbes.com/sites/wage jobs are barely enough to support a single person, much meghancasserly/2013/08/28/minority-women-entrepreneurs-less a family of any size. go-getters-without-resources/ ) (accessed August 5, 2014).As women of color, we face many challenges when it comes rachel wilson is a Freelance writer and Special Contributor to theto success in the workplace, which makes entrepreneurship Moguls Magazine Brands. She is a native and current resident ofvery appealing to us, especially those of us in our 20s-30s. By Cleveland, Ohio; and holds a BA in english and a M.ed in Adultbecoming our boss, we have control over our life. we can make Learning from Cleveland State University. when not writing,our own hours, create our own workspaces, set our own salaries, she can be found volunteering in the community or makingand even find the perfect life-work balance. All of that is very something yummy in the kitchen.enticing, which is why, according to a 2013 Forbes article, www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com 25

yISOyUORUhRewAeLTAhLThKNOwING wHeN ANDHOw TO STreTCHDo you know when and how to stretch? Or do you even stretch some Static Stretching. This helps to get the muscles back to theirat all? Most people understand the concept of stretching so they normal form. If you do not stretch after a workout, the musclesalways revert back to the type of stretching they did in a P.E. Class will likely tighten up on you and put you in a world of discomfort.when they were younger. So make sure you are stretching your muscles properly beforeWhat I’ve found to be the greatest challenge to a solid workout and afterto help prevent injury and keep you flexible.is that there is a large group of people that absolutely avoids Alonzo “Zo” Arnold is a Certified Personal Trainer who isstretching altogether. But knowing the correct ways of stretching passionate about Fitness. He studied at the National Personalcan help you ensure that you are getting the most out of your Training Institute (NPTI) in McDonough, GA and has been aworkouts and avoid certain injury. Professional Personal Trainer for 6 years. He helps his clientsBefore I go any further let me just say that I understand everyone achieve their fitness goals with proper exercise, nutrition andis different; and what works for one person may not work for personal accountability.another. But no one can argue stretching, no matter the type, Email: [email protected] a key component to a good workout. Having said that, let’s www.alonzoa.bodybyvi.comlook at the two common types of stretching one could use in theirroutine.Static StretchStatic Stretching is comprised of various techniques that graduallylengthen a muscle to an elongated position (to the point ofdiscomfort) and hold that position for at least 30 seconds and upto two minutes. Some examples of static stretching are:1. Reaching for your toes2. Bending backwards or pulling the heel of your sneakers up to your butt.Whichever one you may have been doing, you should probablystop.Instead you should begin your workout with DynamicStretching.Dynamic StretchDynamic Stretching is used to enhance rather than restrictperformance. With Dynamic Stretching, you can achieve a greaterrange of motion, blood flow as well as oxygen in to the soft tissuebefore you work the muscles to exertion. So, jogging in place,marching in place, air swimming, light kicking and punching areall forms of doing a Dynamic Stretching. Performing these typesof stretches before each workout will help you go through yourworkouts feeling good.Once you have finished your workout you can now end it with26 www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com

n Moguls Magazine presents The 20 Most powerful women In Urban America 2014IN URBAN AMeRIcA 2014 La La Vazquez-Anthony Shonda rhimesMy team and I have searched the country to find 20 women who fit the Sonia Bookercriteria that we were looking for in this issue. The 20 women found on Corvida raventhese pages are making small splashes and in some cases, big waves ofdifference in our community. Some are doing things quietly in the local Dr.Lisa robbins, M.D.community and some are on the global front. I thought it was import- Swan Simpsonant that we salute women from all walks of life that deserve to be Angela Bentonrecognized as “powerful” by Black Media. The majority media spendsan enormous amount of time promoting poor images and even false Marquita Thomasimages of today’s Black and Latina women, therefore; Moguls Magazine rickie Byars Beckwithwas compelled to deliver our audience a well-rounded, thoughtful andcompelling annual list that shows our true colors (no pun intended). There Lisa Cortesis an outright assault on the image of women of color. Our evolvement Orenda watersas women has been stifled by trash singing r & B. Demoralized in video emelyn Stuartby sexist rappers and poorly portrayed on so called reality TV. There is Aisha & Daniellea thin line between entertainment and insult. And one of the best ways Moodie-Millsto manage what people see and hear about you is to control the mes- Dalila Ali rajahsage. Keri washingtonMoguls Magazine delivers you an alternative to the mainstream media Alfre woodardand the typical so called Black Media. we are and will always remain in Dr. Barbara Kingfull control of our message. Dana OwensThe women who made our annual list are just as diverse as the areas of Janelle Monaebusiness and industry that they each represent. The women who made Dr. Helene Gayle, M.D.our list come from entertainment and Media, Health Care and Ministry,Technology and Community Service as well as other Professions and www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com 27beyond.we believe that there is nothing more POwerFUL than a woman of col-or who rises against all odds and comes into her own. with that beingsaid, we honor and recognize the following 20 women who made thelist for our 1st Annual 20 Most Power women In Urban America 2014.They are not listed in any particular order. Ladies, Moguls Magazine isproud of all of the work that each one of you is doing and we recognizeand properly salute you for it. Namaste!

20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMerica20 Most Powerful woMen inLaLaVazquez-Anthony urban aMerica20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericaMother, DJ, VJ, Actress, Author, entertainer, married to NBA Star Carmelo Anthony. Started working at the campus radio station at Howard University and went on to launch her professional career at MTV and eventually her cosmetic line for women of20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericacolor and her own realityTV series. La La is a strong proponent for the inclusion of Black Latinas in media.20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMerica Shonda Rhimes Prestigious Peabody Award winning Screenwriter, Director, Showrunner and exec-20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericautiveProducer.AgraduateofDartmouthCollegeandagraduateoftheUSCSchool of Cinema-Television, rhimes was an unemployed screenwriter struggling in Hollywood. To make ends meet, she took a variety of odd jobs including being a Counselor for homeless people struggling with mental illness. She got her first big break working20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericaon the award winning documentary Hank Aaron: Chasing The Dream. She is best known as the Creator, Head writer, and executive Producer of the medical drama television series Grey’s Anatomy, its spin-off Private Practice and political thriller20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericaseriesScandal.SheisthefirstBlackwomantoachievesuchanaccomplishment.20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMerica20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericaSoniaBooker real estate Investor, Award winning Author, wealth Coach. At the age of 24, Sonia20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericasold her Allstate Insurance Agency and became a real estate Investor. And now for nearly two decades, she has carved out a successful niche in real estate Investing with her Partner, Mentor and Friend, Herman J. russell, Founder of H.J. russell & Company. Sonia is the Creator of iBuild wealth expo and The everything real estate20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericaConference and expo.These are two events where she teaches others how to build wealth and to create a legacy.20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericaCorvidaRaven The Founder of SheGeeks.net an award winning tech blog that delivers tech news in plain english. Corvida has been Named by essence Magazine as a Power Player20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMerica(2011)andMSNBC’stheGrioasoneof100HistoryMakersintheMaking(2012).She ranks as one of the 20 Most Influential People in Social Media, 50 Most Influential women in Tech and a Social Media Curator to watch. She was also named by Glamour Magazine as one of their 21 Amazing Young women of 2011 and Time Magazine’s20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericaTechlandBlogasoneof25FacebookProfilesYouShouldSubscribeTo.20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMerica 28 www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com

20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMerica20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericaDr.LisaRobbins,M.D. Dr. Lisa C. robbins takes her patients and her practice to heart. She is an Internal Medicine doctor who is also board certified in Holistic Medicine, Nutrition, and Medical Thermography. She completed her medical education in Texas and her residency in Virginia. She has practiced medicine for over 15 years. She received her certification20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericain medical acupuncture from UCLA which is one of her true passions. Her additional certifications include Bio-identical Hormone replacement, the Silva Method, and raw Foods instructor. She’s made television appearances on the “Monique” Show and has received numerous honors and awards including Patients Choice Award (2008, 2010-2200 MMoosstt PPoowweerrffuull wwooMMeenn iinn uurrbbaann aaMMeerriiccaa2013)andtheCompassionateDoctorrecognition(2012-2013). Swan Simpson20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericaShe’s received Special Congressional recognition from Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney (2006). recognized by who’s who In Black Atlanta (2010). Stanford’s who who in American Business (2011) and (2013). She is the Publisher of Moguls Magazine and the CeO of Swan Simpson Media Group of Companies. Her company20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericais involved in the overall development of all things urban and media; this includes serving as the Chairperson of rAM Technology Partners, the Nation’s only Black owned manufacturer of tablet computers and Mobile entertainment. Her company Co-Sponsors an annual event with the Hip Hop Community to help alleviate hunger20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericainAtlanta.20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericaAngelaBenton In May 2010, Benton held a private summit called NewMe Conference in washington DC that included Black and Latino entrepreneurs, private equity investors, and20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericatop government officials. The event, similar to a think tank, focused on gathering information from its attendees on how to make minority tech entrepreneurs more successful. Since that time, she has set the tech world on fire. She is the Founder & CeO of New Me Accelerator. New Me has helped hundreds of20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericaentrepreneurs launch businesses and raise funding from investors, most notably several companies from their equity portfolio have raised over $16MM in funding since its launch in 2011. Fast Company named Benton one of their Most Influential women in Technology in 2010. Business Insider named her as one of the “25 Most2200 MMoosstt PPoowweerrffuull wwooMMeenn iinn uurrbbaann aaMMeerriiccaaInfluentialAfrican-AmericansinTechnology.” Marquita Thomas20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericaMarquita is a Los Angeles-based activist and marketing strategist who formed “Out & About events for women” in 2002. As the leader of Out & About, Ms. Thomas produces an eclectic array of social, business networking and activist events. She is the current President of the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce,20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericawhich strives to increase economic strength for LGBT businesses, professionals &20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericaalliesthroughbusinessdevelopment,visibility,leadershipandadvocacy. www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com 29

20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMerica20 Most PowerRficukile woMen inByarsBeckwith urban aMerica20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericaAka “rickie BB”, is a New Thought Movement Musician, recording Artist, Director of the 200 person Agape International Choir and married to Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith, the Founder of The Agape International Spiritual Center, in Los Angeles. rickie’s extensive music catalogue can be heard on the radio, movie soundtracks20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericaas well as television. Her songs of unconditional love and spiritual transformation are the highlight of consciousness raising events throughout the world. She has performed in five sessions with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. And at countless Peace Concerts that promote unity and the principles of non-violence.20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMerica20LMisaoCosrttesPowerful woMen in urban aMerica A former Music Industry executive who launched the Def Jam brand and served as CeO at rush Artists Management. Lisa has returned to her first love, film and storytelling. She now serves as the CFO of Lee Daniels entertainment where also20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericaserved as executive Producer of the Academy Award winning Film, Precious. Lisa20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericarecentlystartedherowncompany,CortesFilms,whereshesitsasCeO.20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericaOrendaWaters Stylist, Actress, Life Coach and CeO/Owner of O My Hair Studio in Los Angeles. recognized by KTLA TV as one of the area’s Top Stylists, her list of clients include20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericaCelebrities as well as working class and Professional women of color. She treats all of her clients with the same amount of VIP attention. She is very passionate when it comes to hair and image and sees her craft as part of her life’s calling.20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericaOrendaisatransformationexpertandtakesawholisticapproachtohairandbeauty.20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericaNewclientshaveoftencometohercluelessastowhattheywanttodowiththeirhair. But like an Artist to their canvass, she creates healthy, classy styles with movement and flair. Orenda is very involved with helping women raise their self-esteem by recognizing and bringing forth the beauty they already possess.20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMerica Emelyn Stuart20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericaCeO of Stuart Films, a boutique Production Company that’sbuilding a new industry20 Most Pwithout glass ceilings, for emerging cast & crew in theater, film & television. She is the Producer of the film “Heads or Tails” that went from the festival circuit straight to Network TV. emelyn also Produced a widely successful webseries called“12 Steps To recovery”. The series won her a Best Producer’s Award at the LAwebfest. The “12 Steps To recovery”owerful woMen in urban aMericawentviralandcannowbeseenin35millionhomesoncablenetworkPunchTV. 30 www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com

20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMerica20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericaAisha & Danielle Moodie-Mills Owners of D.C. based Politini Media and the combined Hosts of Politini, a politics and20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericapopcultureradioshowairingonblis.fm. AishaandDanielleCo-Authorthepopular Blog, Living, Loving, and Laboring OUT Loud. The couple gained notoriety when they became strong advocates to help bring marriage equality to our Nation’s Capitol and have been married since 2010. Their wedding was the first LGBT wedding to be featured in essence Magazine. The dynamic duo also launched FIre (Fighting Injustice to reach equality), a policy initiative at the Center for American Progress, which works to eliminate the social,2200 MMoosstt PPoowweerrffuull wwooMMeenn iinn uurrbbaann aaMMeerriiccaaeconomic,andhealthdisparitiesexperiencedbyLGBTpeopleofcolor. Dalila Ali Rajah20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericaActress, Activist, Talk Show Host, executive Producer and writer. She is the CeO of Fyre Faerie Pictures. Dalilais also Co-Creator and executive Producer of the successful late night talk show, Cherry Bomb, which originally aired on MTV’s After ellen webtv network. She is active in numerous community based organizations including the20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericaScreen Actors Guild Diversity Committee and is deeply involved in diversity and20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericaequalityintheentertainmentIndustry.20 Most Powerful woMenKerryWashington in urban aMerica Primetime emmy Nominated Actress best known for her ground-breaking role as Olivia Pope in the television drama, Scandal. Kerry became the 2nd Black woman in American History to land a Leading Network TV series role since 1974 (“Get Christie Love” was the first). She’s received numerous NAACP Image Awards for Best Actress20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericaandBestSeriesandtheNAACPPresident’sAward. She was appointed by President Barack Obama to the President’s Committee of the Arts and Humanities in 2009.20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericaShealsostarredintheAcademyAwardwinningfilm,“ray”,TylerPerry’s“ForColored20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericaGirls”andSpikeLee’s“SheHateMe”.KerryisacommunityActivistsupportingcauses to bring awareness and an end to violence against women. In 2014, she was named by Time Magazineas one of the 100 Most Influential People in the world.20AMlfroeWsotodPaordwerful woMen in urban aMerica Actress, Producer, Mother, Political Activist and star of the new fall Network TV political drama, “State of Affairs”. Alfre will play the first woman President of the United States. In the early years when she first moved to Los Angeles, she was told20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericathere were no film roles for Black Actresses. She’s been quoted as saying, ”I’m not a fool. I know that. But I was always confident that I knew my craft”. This critically acclaimed actress has since made emmy history in 2013 for 17 Prime- time emmy Nominations for 16 different roles. She has been nominated once for an20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericaAcademyAwardandGrammyAward,18totaltimesforanemmyAward(winningfour), and has also won a Golden Globe Award and three Screen Actors Guild Awards. She is very active in the Democratic Party and serves as a Board Member. She is a big20 Most Powerful woMen in urban aMericasupporterofMarriageequalityandLGBTrightsandHumanrightsacrosstheboard. www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com 31

20 Most Powerful Women in Urban America Dr. Barbara King Author, Minister and Founder of the New Thought Church, Hillside International20 Most Powerful Women in Urban AmericaTruth Center, in Atlanta, GA and friend of Oprah Winfrey. Former Faculty at Atlanta University and Dean of Students at Spelman College, she started the church in 1974 and was faced with mounting personal attacks. Dr. Barbara was persecuted for being a woman in Ministry and her church was called a cult. Blazing a trail for women20 Most Powerful Women in Urban Americain Ministry, she continued to prevail against all the obvious odds. Preaching her message of faith in God, belief in self, and the power of positive thinking, her church membership has grown to 5000 mostly young adults. And she eventually became20 Most Powerful Women in Urban AmericathefirstfemaleChaplainfortheAtlantaPoliceDepartment.20 Most Powerful Women in Urban AmericaThe Hillside International Truth Center also has satellite congregations throughout the United States, and has established a church in South Africa. The list of prominent Guest Speakers who have come to the church includes Oprah Winfrey, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, Tavis Smiley and many others.20 Most Powerful Women in Urban AmericaShehassinceestablishedtheB.L.KingScholarshipFundandtheBarbaraKingSchool of Ministry to train new Leaders in compassionate Ministry.20DManoaOswtePnsowerful Women in Urban America Aka Queen Latifah is a Rap Artist, Activist, Record and TV Producer, Actress, Singer, Songwriter, Talk Show Host and CEO of Flavor Unit. The Hip Hop Pioneer, Feminist20 Most Powerful Women in Urban Americahas earned a Golden Globe award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, two NAACP Image Awards, a Grammy Award, six additional Grammy nominations, an Emmy Award nomination and an Academy Award nomination. She has her own cosmetic20 Most Powerful Women in Urban AmericalineforwomenofcolorwithCoverGirlcalled“QueenCollection”.20 Most Powerful Women in Urban AmericaJanelleMonae Singer, Composer, Producer. The sexy tuxedo clad female arch-android with her signature perfectly coiffed hair hit the music scene as the Prodigy of OutKast’s Big20 Most Powerful Women in Urban AmericaBoi. TheQueenofPsychedelicSoul,sheisthepictureperfectexampleofstyleand20 Most Powerful Women in Urban Americaandrogyny. JanelleisaneclecticArtistthatencouragesherfanstobeindividuals. A winner of an NAACP Image Award and nominated for numerous Grammys and BET Awards, she has prevailed as a female Artist that can keep her clothes on and still remain highly appealing and successful.20 Most Powerful Women in Urban America Dr. Helene Gayle Dr. Helen Gayle, M.D.,M.P.H., President and CEO of Care USA, a leading international humanitarian organization with approximately 10,000 staff whose poverty fighting20 Most Powerful Women in Urban Americaprogramshavereached82millionpeoplein87countries.ShehasaB.A.inpsychology from Barnard College, an M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.P.H. from Johns Hopkins University. Gayle previously directed the HIV, TB, andReproductive Health Program at the Bill20 Most Powerful Women in Urban America& Melinda Gates Foundation and spent 20 years at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), focusing primarily on HIV/AIDS. She also served as chair of the Obama Administration’sPresidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. She has been called one of the top female Leaders and Global Thinkers in the world. As of 2014, she20 Most Powerful Women in Urban Americaislistedasthe78thmostpowerfulwomanintheworldbyForbesMagazine. 32 www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com

arMs.Terri J.Vaughn How is my favorite Actress doing today?” SheLyrics by Swan Simpson, gave me a big smile and a warm hug hello as IPublisher properly introduced myself. we actually spent some time chatting for a littleI met Terri back in 2013 when me and the cast while about her “invitation only character actingof a web-series that I was Producing were class.” I wanted to know how I could be downusing the stage to rehearse at The Green room and get some professional coaching from theActor’s Lounge. This was a little spot that Terri lady herself. She told me that I had to earn theopened and it was tucked away in Atlanta’s right by taking the beginner’s class. And thatposh section of the city known as Buckhead. I had to excel in THAT CLASS FIrST in order to be recommended to take the one that sheI’ve always been a huge fan. actually taught. My exact words were, “Terri,with me always being in the mix around that is too much work lady and ain’t nobodyAtlanta, I would oftentimes see her having got that kind of time”. I was serious and wedinner or at some premier. we never had needed to resolve this issue today, like rightthe opportunity to speak or chat. So, when now over a smoothie at her vintage lounge. Ishe walked in that day, I looked up and said,” even offered to buy Her one lol. www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com 33

Needless to say, Terri is just as funny, quick acumen by opening the Green room Actor’switted, down to earth and homegirl next door Lounge in Atlanta a few years back; bringingcool as many of her characters. a little slice of her native San Francisco to thewe’ve watched her go from the very country area.Lovita Alize’ Jenkins-robinson (whew!) on Terri’s business, The Green room, has sincethe Steve Harvey Show; where she won three closed its doors in 2014. But just as one doorNAACP Image Awards. To her role as a Teacher closes, the Universe will open many more.on will Smith’s All of Us. And then there was And for Terri, life has seemingly become evenher groundbreaking role as a lesbian character more rock-bottomly good.named eva Holly on “Soul Food”. who could She has since given birth to her 3rd child atforget that long passionate kiss between eva dawn of turning 45. And she’s Produced theand Byrd (Malinda williams). Original Television Movie, “Girlfriend Get-That kiss helped earn Terri a nomination for aways”, for TV One. And her Take wingsan NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Foundation provides Mentoring and Scholar-Supporting Actress in a Drama series. Her ships to young girls from the inner city andstellar performance demonstrated her range the Foster Care system.and depth for diversity as an Actress. we“Soul Not too bad for the around the way girl whoFood” junkies could not wait to see what was grew up in the projects in Hunter’s Point ingoing to happen next. San Francisco.And of course let’s not forget Terri’s most recent It is this kind of tenacity, barrier breaking, de-sitcom role as the sexy, sassy, always schem- termination, and giving back, that makes using Nurse named renee on Tyler Perry’s Meet proud to name Actress, and now Producer,The Browns. The funniest episodes always con- Terri J. Vaughn the first ever, Moguls Magazine,tained a scene with renee because she loves 2014 woman of the Year!to cut people in their “thokes”. Let’s all tweet congratulations toTerri’s character even had an “HIV scare” @TerriJVaughn as we honor and celebratereminding us as a community to get tested this beautiful Black woman who has goneand take better steps to protect ourselves. against the odds, pushed passed theTerri J. Vaughn has graced us with her talent barriers, walked to the edge andfor more than two decades. That is a very achieved what some would think to belong time to be in Hollywood and still remain impossible. And be sure to follow usgrounded. @BlackMogulsMag and meShe has ventured out and done other televi- @SwanSimpson cONGRATULATIONS TeRRI!!!sion related work, entered into a 2nd marriage,and starred in stage plays. She’s also shown Thank you for inspiring women of color everywhere!!us another side of her business34 www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com

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GwONhBeeALcTADOUcONkS?Swan Simpson, the Publisher of Moguls Magazine, was the not seek their own freedom in masses. It was a process that Guest Speaker at a recent Black Friday. Black Friday is a weekly would lead to the “control” of the human will by dehumanizing,event held at the Opportunity Hub in Atlanta and organized humiliating and rendering dumbed-down, African Slaves ergoby Black eCON. Black Friday is where entrepreneurs gather so called “nig**rs”.to exchange ideas and information. entrepreneurs can get willie Lynch’s “technique” was instituted on Plantations andmentorship and assistance with ideas, planning and execution. eventually took effect quite immediately. The details of the letter are shocking because it is the picture perfect condition ofBlack econ is a movement whose aim is to revolutionize Black today’s Black community.economics. Founded by a group of Millennials who wanted to The letter is detailed and graphic. You can read the letter in rossi’smake a lasting impact, this movement is gaining momentum book or view it online (http://www.freemaninstitute.com/lynch.with Black Friday events happening all across the country. htm) from pitting the darker complexioned Slaves against the lighter ones, to public beatings and murder, to rape and incestFounding Member, Andre Amos says,“Black people don’t take to to controlling language to cross breeding to distrust. everythingBlack Leadership. It is not within our culture to seek Mentorship.” in between is perfectly described in this document. Because itSo, Black eCON was started to foster this type of thinking. is so detailed, some question its authenticity, but NONe have been able to factually dispute it.Founding Member, rossi eason, has written a book called, rossi says the effects of willie Lynch’s process were to lastrestore Black America, and in it he outlines a 6 Step Action Plan for generations. The time period would have included thefor massive change to take place over the next 100 years. eason unexpected interruption by the emancipation Proclamation.got the inspiration for the book after getting his hands on the rossi estimates that the overall time frame for willie Lynch’sactual, infamous, willie Lynch Letter. effects to have been fully worn off after Slavery was the year 2013.The willie Lynch Syndrome So, while speaking at Black Friday, Swan Simpson begs the question, “what Us Gone Do?”The willie Lynch “letter” is more of a speech that Lynch delivered In my talk to the standing room only crowd, I spoke about Livingon the banks of the James river in 1712 to his fellow slave Your Dreams NOw! It is important that you no longer delay theowners. Lynch was a British slave owner in the west Indies. life that the Universe intended for you.He was invited to share his “wisdom” with slave owners in theColonies. The speech outlines physical abuses and psychological Is ThAT Jesus ever coming Back?tactics and trickery that were designed to keep African Slaves inpersonal, mental, psychological and emotional turmoil for up to Black folks have been waiting on one thing or the other to make300 years. The term “lynching” was derived from his name.The creation of nig*ersLynch’s process would be the means by which Slaves would36 www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com

the decision to live in FreeDOM. From waiting on Jesus (which that are niche based like Moguls Magazine. Niche basedwas actually the name of the 1st British slave ship to reach the magazines are highly targeted. But I strongly suggest youAmericas owned by Sir John Hawkins. An actual ship that Slaves advertise in Moguls digital space.would quietly sing about on the Plantations, hoping it would • No email address. No smartphone. No website. No computer eventually come back to return them to their homeland. It was or mobile device, you are already on the short yellow bus.not a gospel song. (http://www.nairaland.com/241597/first- • Flashy websites with bells and whistles but no substance. Any-britsh-slave-ship-reach). one with a flash intro on their website should remove it now. Apple, does not allow flash to be read on any of their devicesI believe the wait is over! to date. This means people with iphones and ipads will not be able to quickly load your website from their smartphoneIn my talk, I outlined how the Internet is the great equalizer and or tablet. And will move on to the next.that the revolution has already started, but yet Black America is • No “mobile” website. If you have a website and it is not mo-still asleep at the keyboard using facebook and twitter to spread bile ready, just shut it down because it will be difficult to readgossip instead of making money. on Apple, Android and Amazon devices. People who have to pinch and pull to read things, in many cases will abandonI used examples of how I’ve taken small amounts of money, your site and move on.huge amounts of faith and the Internet to start businesses for • Not taking advantage of all the freebies that Google offers less than $100. you to run a business online. It’s in excusable. It’s 99% free and very useful in today’s small business climate.Like always the emotions ran high and there was thunderous • “Waiting” for Investors. Black Econ has a group of people applause. But the belief that I was accurate had not reached the ready to give you money for the right ideas.masses. I could tell this by the questions people were coming up • Kenectit (ad is in this issue of Moguls Magazine) has createdand asking me. Or the discussions I had with some over lunch a crowdfunding Platform specifically to aid Black and Latinoafter the event. Businesses to find capital online. And crowdfunding in gen- eral (Indiegogo, Kickstarter and the like) where total strangersPeople were still “waiting” on the perfect moment and “waiting” will give you money in exchange for promotional items likeon the right Investors (massa) to save them. photos and t shirts. One Kickstarter campaign has raised over $8 million to date for a goofy looking cooler to hold drinks orexercise your Mind hustle beer.The Internet or Information Super-Highway is an intellectual eco Get off of the plantation mindset and come into the 21stsystem. It costs you nothing more than your own creativity and Century. Stop being fearful of being free. If your first idea doesthe cost of an internet connection to go online. And in some not take off, try another and another. But give your ideas timecases, you can even do that for free. to cultivate. rome was not built in a day, but with the Internet, it can be built in 1-2 years or sooner. Finally, purchase a copy ofwillie Lynch’s system of dumbing down African Slaves and my book, Mind Hustle, at http://www.amazon.com to help youeventually modern day Black people, is creating road kill on get mentally unstuck. Invest in a Mind Hustle seminar to dive inthe information super-highway. we are getting left behind in deeper. It will change your perspective and your life. Peace,massive numbers. blessings and caviar dreams! www.SwanSimpsonMediaGroup.comThe world has already changed and is continuously changing @SwanSimpson follow me on twitterever more, we cannot afford to be lost this particular timearound.Lheogwa“cwy aiting”Is costing you yourIf you own a business and do not come into the 21st Centurywith your marketing and your ideas, you will be road kill. Hereare some tips to answer the question, “what Us Gone Do?” I takea deeper dive in my workshops and seminars, but here are somebasics.• Business Cards are lame. This is why in most cases they are so cheap. A website is the new business card and brochure all combined into one.• Freebie websites do nothing for your business and you do not own the domain name (which is an important piece of online “real estate”). Buy your own domain. Pay for a hosted website. Freebie sites advertise the name of the hosting service not you.• Traditional Advertising is fool’s gold. It’s a complete waste of money for small businesses. SeO/SeM (internet advertising is what drives traffic to your website (your new business card/ brochure). The only exception to this rule is print magazines www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com 37

Food 101- 2014 and 2015. The“Official Growing up in New York, Where Moguls Magazine did you get your passion for food? Cheesecake” Comes From I began assisting my Mother and Grandmother with Thanks- J’s Specialty giving dinners at the early age of 6 or 7. My interest grew, and Cheesecakes I began experimenting at home. At the age of 16, I worked at McDonald’s after school. Then I went to work at Red Lobster andI ran into Chef J Leon shortly after he got his business license and some other restaurants that helped me to develop some skillsopened shop at a community kitchen in Atlanta. We decided which would eventually lead me to Culinary Arts School. Into set aside some time to meet and talk shop. I invited him to 2005, I graduated from Culinary Arts School.meet me at Hibu Atlanta’s Headquarters. Two weeks later, wesat down to talk about his masterfully crafted cheesecakes that Why Cheesecake?come in a number of flavors including a “vegan” version.Being mostly vegan, I was skeptical about his “vegan” version. As a youngster, my Father used to bring home the best Pizza’sMost of the so called vegan cheesecake I had tasted at this and Cheesecakes. All of my life I’ve loved desserts; mainlypoint was cheaply made and absolutely disgusting. So, I asked Cheesecake. When I relocated from NY to GA I couldn’t findthe Chef to bring me some “samples” so that I could put my Cheesecake to fit my standard of taste. I came across a recipediscerning palate and his product to the test. which I had been holding on to for years, and tried it; it was great!We greeted each other in the lobby. Chef had the biggest smileon his face and as promised, cheesecake in hand. We sat down I heard you use to work at a hospital bakingand talked about how he got started as a Chef, his passion for cheesecakes for co-workers and friends.making cheesecake, and his marketing strategy for the rest of I use to work for Southern Regional Health Systems. And I took some cheesecakes to the hospital during the Holidays. I had no intention of selling them. My Cheesecake was so appealing, that38 www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com

people started encouraging me to sell them. I gave it a test run,it went well, I decided to make it official.So, that’s how J’s Specialty cheesecakeswas born?Yes. I opened an online bakery with delivery in the Atlanta onNovember 25, 2013.what’s your current MarketingStrategy?I use the website to help me get my menu in front of as many It was close to 9 o’clock in the morning and I was about to samplepeople as possible. Because my product is fresh, we only deliver cheesecake. This better be some kind of good.in metro Atlanta. But I’ve expanded online ordering so that I can Chef had everything on dry ice for me because his product issafely ship fresh product to consumers in certain markets as freshly made without preservatives and will spoil if not refriger-well. everywhere I go we give out samples. And we are in talks ated soon. I took my first bite of the lemon and fell in love. I waswith the people at wholefoods Market. like wow! So creamy, delicious, flavorful and full of nothing that would set my allergies off. I had become the Chef’s unofficialThat is some exciting stuff. I’m glad that we praise Ambassador. This was the best cheesecake hands downwill be able to help you with your growth. period! regardless of it being vegan or not.But Vegan cheesecake….really chef?VeGAN chocolate carob Dream cream J’s Speciality Cheesecakes offers a variety of traditional style-cake to be exact Ms.Swan. Got you cheesecakes for folks who like the actual cheese and dairy in theirsome samples right here. There isvanilla, lemon and of course the famouschocolate carob dream cream which ismy signature vegan item. cheesecake; along with specialties for Vegans and other people with special diets like Gluten Free and Diabetic. His cheesecakes come in flavors like Strawberry Kiwi Lime, Chocolate Chip, Carrot, The Hawaiian, red Velvet, Pineapple Upside Down and many others you can view on his website. He delivers directly to those in the Atlanta Metro Area with old fashioned white glove service. And he has the ability to ship anywhere in the country. Chef J Leon is a powerful man of tremendous faith and is passionate about using his gift to serve others. Order his award winning cheese cake online at www.JsSpecialtycheesecakes.com www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com 39

Auto Star has a complete line of Luxury vehicles and other reliable brands such as Toyota, Infinity, Honda and Nissan in stock. Low Pressure easy going staff of Professionals ready to serve your automotive buying needs. Flexible credit terms, on-site service center & affordable payments for Business Owners in Georgia. 4 Convenient Atlanta Metro Locations http://www.autostarone.com For Sales/Fin7an7ce0C-o4n8ta5ct-C4o8rn4e0lius or Larry and mention Moguls Magazine for this special financing offer.40 www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com

ompany Mama Fanta is more like a Dance Coach taking in the individual talents of each of her students and pushingI stopped by the studio of rakaba to check out the them towards excellence and appreciation for culture….rehearsals for this season’s coming Kwanza celebration. their culture.when I walked into the room, the Drummers had the place rakaba is all about dance. African, Hip-Hop, Modern,on fire! I’d arrived in the middle of a dance class being Acrobatics, Choreography, Liturgical and Ballet. There aretaught by Instructor/Owner Fanta Mawusi Ma’ at Turay. classes for both the Beginner and the Intermediate stu-I stood quietly in the back and got a head bobble going dent. There is also an Adult class called “For Sisters Only”.to the beat of the music. One of the drummers invited me This class offers movement for the grown folks.to sit down and join them. I told him that I did not want rakaba welcomes children of all ages including toddlers. Yes,to mess up their rhythm so I would have to decline. He even the babies. The different classes have varying tuitionlaughed. and in many instancesa child is not turned away becauserakaba is the non-profit brainchild of a woman who of the parent’s inability to pay. Check out their websitehas put in years of passion for teaching dance; and who www.rakabaDance.com for both class schedules and toabsolutely loves our children. purchase tickets to their Annual Kwanza Celebration.Ms. Fanta has earned the reputation for being seriousabout the students who walk in her door. watching her islike seeing a mother hen taking all of her little chicks un-der one big wing. This is probably why some affectionatelycall her “Mama Fanta”. She is both fun and firm whenmanaging a room full of varying personalities and ages. www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com 41

OvercomeYour ChallengesToWeight Loss andOptimal HealthNow! Cassandra Jackson, MPHI’ve talked to hundreds of peopleabout losing weight and creatinghealth in their lives, and onething I hear often is that changeis too difficult.They tried. They failed. And nowthey feel so discouraged thatthey are reluctant to try again.Some people have even gonethrough this cycle four or fivetimes. They started a diet orpicked up a workout DVD. Atfirst, change seemed possible.They started to lose weight andfeel better, but eventually theyslid back into their old habits,perhaps ending up worse thanwhen they started.This is called “yo-yo dieting”, butis actually a pattern that we caneliminate. It’s incredibly common,largely due to the increasingnumber of fad diets and celebrityworkout routines. Since theseapproaches rarely address thereal problem—our behaviors andthe habits that reinforce them—any positive progress is short-lived.Creating health in your life is a if you have a practical plan and include a passionate communityprocess. Although the individual to support your new behaviors.For caring, professional personalsteps may be simple, you can still expect to have challenges coaching to overcome your weight and health challenges, emailalong the way. In simple terms, there are two types of challenges: me at [email protected] Challenges and Long-Term Challenges.Daily challenges are your immediate obstacles, like choosing Cassandra Jackson, MPH is a career Behavioralthe stairs instead of the elevator or drinking water instead of Health Professional and Certified Health Coachsoda. Long-term challenges often result from the accumulation who guides, supports and teaches you howyou canof many daily challenges. For example, obesity can be a gain control over unhealthy habits so you cansafelyconsequence of failing to overcome the challenge of maintaining lose weight quickly and eliminate Type II Diabetes,a healthy amount of activity. Similarly, diabetes often results High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol for good.from a lifetime of unhealthy food choices. www.CoachCassandra.tsfl.com/exploreI use the word “challenge” because we all recognize that makingchoices can be difficult. However, change is possible, especially42 www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com

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NET-WORK we are developing a powerful network of Black andBUILDS YOUR Latino women entrepreneurs who want to buildNET-WORTH bridges to wealth and prosperity. I am looking forWHO IS women who are business owners, thinkers, disrupters,SISTERCEO? pioneers, trend setters, top sellers, change agents and CeOs of their own growing company, start up or home based business. SisterCeO is for women who understand our power and who value our communit- ies. we will network, exchange information, share, respect and support the growth of each woman owned company represented within our organiza- tion. we are creating the ultimate Millionaire and Bil- lionaire Girls Club. This is a ground-floor opportunity for Black women and Latinas to combine our efforts and establish open dialog; creating life long bonds, friendships and business opportunities. Membership is free and open for now, but is reserved exclusively for serious professionals. There are currently 45 mem- bers of SisterCeO in the Atlanta area. To learn more visit http://www.meetup. com/Sister-ceO44 www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com

“Do not bring people in your Member Spotlightlife who weigh you down. Andtrust your instincts ... good re- personal Biolationships feel good. They feel My name is Lydia Hypolite. I have aright. They don’t hurt. They’re Bachelors Degree in Finance and Businessnot painful. That’s not just with and Masters in economics. My professionalsomebody you want to marry, background includes several positionsbut it’s with the friends that as Finance executive for a various largeyou choose. It’s with the people corporations. I am currently venturing outyou surround yourselves with.”- to establish my own company, readimaidsFirst Lady Michelle Obama Cleaning Service. Business Info readimaids Cleaning Services is an organic cleaning company that serves residential and commercial clients. we brand ourselves as “The Smart Cleaning Company”. Not only are all our cleaning products certified organic, we also incorporate technology into all aspects of our business. Customers can book service online via desk top, laptop and on-the go with smart phones. we are in pro- cess of incorporating an app that will allow customers to communicate with us from any location, with the click of a button. we use our unique chemical free and highly effective, steam technology to kill germs and bacteria from vulner- able areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. I decided to get into the janitorial/cleaning industry be- cause it is very customer centric, and you are able to de- liver instant value and gratification to your clients. what’s more fulfilling than providing your clients with a clean, fresh environment that they can enjoy instantly? And add to that the most enthusiastic cleaning technicians, and tech- nology to facilitate the process for our customers to book services. readimaids is definitely not your average janit- orial company. To learn more or to book an appointment visit us at web - www.readimaids.com https://www.Facebook.com/redimaids www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com 45

tlantaSeveral years ago, I blew money on office spaces and overhead Ohub (Marietta Street) sits at the center of Atlanta’s cultural,that could have gone towards the mission critical needs of my economic and innovative Downtown/west Midtown eco-sphere.old company. The two fulltime offices we had on opposite sides It’s central to all major points of interest in the downtown area.of town made no sense. So, I tried the virtual office route. Virtu- For example, Centennial Olympic Park (with its popular wind-al offices limited my use of their space so it too failed to deliver down wednesdays Jazz) is just a few blocks away. And there arethe flexibility I needed. I guess I was not looking for the com- plenty of eateries for client meetings and team lunches.mitment or the price tag of a fulltime office. And the virtual office Don’t worry about getting stuck in Atlanta’s infamous trafficwasn’t giving me enough and charged extra for everything in- trying to get on the freeway to your next destination. Ohub iscluding tap water and breathing. when will someone come up approximately 7 minutes from both the 75/85 freeways givingwith something better? Thus, enters the co-working disruption. you easy on and easy off access by way of williams Street.Co-working is “officing” the way you want and when you need it The new location is the perfect mix of industrial authenticityat prices less than my daily Arden’s Garden fresh juice. ($2.99). and solid concrete columns and floors, exposed brick walls,The co-working phenomena hit Atlanta a few years back, but high ceilings,and thousands of square feet of adaptable use fordid not give me the same feel of the spaces I had experienced about 100 companies of all industries and sizes. It is perfectlyin Los Angeles and Philadelphia. People were opening up situated at the corner of Marietta and Ivan Allen Boulevard, inspaces trying to capitalize off of this growing trend, but were the heart of the booming Midtown west neighborhood and ad-not delivering the business. One space I joined had a “board jacent to Downtown.room”, but no conference room phone to use for such a meet- In addition to work space and offices, Ohub offers membersing. Then the “church chairs” they used around the conference complimentary wi-fi, mentoring services, networking opportunit-room table, were extremely uncomfortable not to mention the ies, classes and events. word is spreading about Ohub’s startupvery bright white walls that made me feel like I was in an insane friendly environment. It’s an environment that is fostering ideasasylum. After I paid my money, I was given a book of rules (this from some of the best and brightest minds. Most recently awas going down hill already). The place felt more like a morgue group of Black Googlers held an event for Black businessmixed with the Principal’s office and parlayed inside of a library owners at the downtown space. And the Shark Tank reality TVwhere no one was “allowed” to talk above a whisper. Glad it was Series often scouts entrepreneurs from the Ohub community toa month to month situation. Perfect timing for my newest love appear on the show.Opportunity Hub. Membership starts at a dirt cheap $200 per month. AdditionalThere are currently 3 Atlanta locations (200 Peachtree Street and amenities such as mail service, parking, answering service, and426 Marietta Street and now the Loft at Castleberry Hill). Let me dedicated spaces are additional so start small then grow big!start by telling you that I am infatuated with The Opportunity An initiative called Invest Georgia exemption (IGe), is givingHub’s newest location on Marietta Street. The Opportunity Hub individuals an opportunity to invest in companies likeor Ohub is taking co-working in Atlanta to a whole new level. Ohubthrough recently implemented crowdfunding laws. OnlySpaces designed with the look and feel that young Founders Georgia residents can invest and must certify and verify thatfind motivating. environments conducive to collaborating. en- they are residents.ergy that says I am here to help you realize your dreams. To learn more about available space and events happening atIts Founders, rodney S. Sampson (Author of the best seller Ohub visit www.OHUB200.com“Kingonomics”), earl Coleman, Jr., Brandon rickman and Bradley words by Swan Simpson, CeO of Swan Simpson Media GroupKirkland collectively stepped out with a vision to create an en- www.SwanSimpsonMediaGroup.comtire “eco system” where entrepreneurs could survive and thrive.46 www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com

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exceLLeNce IN BLAck In the noisy world of reality TV, MusicMEET DELTA AIRLINES’ and entertainment, it sometimes seems difficult to separate fact from fiction.(ASA DELTA CONNECTION) Cable TV has risen in ratings thanks to a number of Black women appearing oni reality TV Shows creating drama and c looking a hot mess. Some of these shows k have given the American people and the world plenty of material by which to48 www.BlackMogulsMagazine.com judge all Black women. Likewise if you watch music videos and listen to the lyrics of many r & B songs and rap Music, you will find Black women being demoralized and treated as useless sex objects strictly to the satisfaction of ones over inflated ego. This is why more powerful and more realistic images of Black and Latino women are important in the world of business. we may very well be kittens in the bedroom, but we also bring much juice to the Boardroom. when I first heard about Delta’s historical all female and all Black Atlanta based flight crew, I beamed with pride. Black women are no strangers to hard work, dedication and achievement. It has been our drive and our unwillingness to be broken, that has kept the entire community afloat amidst chaos and calamity. ASA Flights 5202 and 5106 became the first commercial flights to be operated by an all Black, all female crew on February 12, 2009. This made not only Black History, but American History. Both flights are under the command of Captain rachelle Jones, 1st Officer Stephanie Brown Grant, Flight Attendant robin rogers and Flight Attendant Diana Galloway. “Fate may have a little bit to do with it, but for everyone that will look at us as role models or look to aspire to be what we are today, they need to know that it was hard work and dedication to get here,” Grant says. Captain Jones, was once a Customer Service agent for Delta, had never thought of becoming a Pilot until a friend suggested it. “Young girls need to see that yes, they can be flight attendants, and yes, they can be pilots, and the sky is the limit.”


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