My 10 Year Milestone: On this day, ten years ago, I took my life back and became a DV survivor. To some, this may not mean a lot. There will be some who I KNOW will question why I’m sharing this at all. But, if you had known me the way that my children knew me 10 years ago, you’d know I was holistically broken with no real plan of how to care or love me or them the way we all deserved. Today, I can honestly say I love myself & do my best to make sure my children know they have my love & support. I am a happy, healthy wife, mom, MiMi, entrepreneur, executive director, national speaker, 2x Best selling author and committed to helping the community in the way it has been given to me to do. I’ve met the most beautiful people who’ve helped/supported me along the way (celebrities, and more importantly, ordinary people like me). I have never desired to be popular. I do, however, desire to be impactful. I want to have to heart of service like Edna with the smile & realness of John (my grandma & daddy).
If you’ve done anything (marriage, a job, a business, etc.) consistently for 10 years, you know it takes dedication, discipline, consistency, strong belief and your why (personal/professional) has to be stronger than any opposition you face (family, friends, colleagues, your own self doubt). It’s encouraging for others to see, hear and know.
I cannot begin to tell you what a personal and professional honor it was to be the Keynote speaker for the NHBW, Inc. Dallas Chapter’s Women of Excellence Awards. To be in the company of so many prominent, professional and inspiring women of color from all walks of life is an opportunity I will always cherish. The food and entertainment was wonderful and everything was well planned.
I do not believe in coincidences. So, when I arrived and looked at the bios of each of the recipients, it made my address that much more personal. Each woman, in their own area of service, represented a woman who had supported me during my transition from victim to survivor to thriver of abuse and self sufficiency. I felt as though I started my journey alone. But, along the way, I met other women who would stand in the gap for me. It was extremely inspiring to see and know these women went above and beyond to do the same for others while maintaining some of the most high profile positions at their places of responsibility.
The National Hook-Up of Black Women, Inc. is a nationally recognized organization founded by Dr. Arnita Young Boswell and 13 other spirited women in 1974. Fannie Lou Hamer is connected to and recognized as an NHBW, Inc. Shero. If you do not know about this amazing organization, I strongly urge you to please visit their website and learn how you can get involved at http://www.nhbwinc.com/history.html
I truly appreciate every freelance writing opportunity I receive. My latest came in the form of interviewing Chauniece R. Thompson, executive artistic director of Ballet on Wheels (BOW).
Attendees witnessed a future Misty Copeland, Ashley Murphy or Ebony Williams over the Memorial Day weekend as they experienced a magical twist on the broadway classic “Annie” at the Ballet on Wheels Dance School and Company’s End of Year Dance Recital.
Ballet on Wheels Dance School and Company is Memphis’ only non-profit, pre-professional, community-based classical ballet school and youth dance company. Tamia Elliott starred as Annie. (Photo: Courtesy of Ballet on Wheels)
When I was asked if I’d be able to interview Valeshia Butterfield Jones, I calmly responded by saying ‘sure I can do it.’ On the inside, I was screaming with excitement! Here I was, new to the freelance world and having the opportunity to interview one of the most influential black women in the world of technology, equity and young women around the globe. She’s a Google executive, worked as part of the President Obama Administration, a CEO, wife and mother among her many hats. She was in Memphis, TN as the keynote speaker at the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis luncheon.
One of the most impressive points about her is her humble spirit. She’s smart, beautiful, articulate and knows what she knows-well. She speaks with confidence and understands her weight of her platform. There were four of us who were allowed to give an interview. I was the last person to interview her, and I was honestly disappointed because the two more well known press cut into the interview time for myself and another writer. The writer before me was fine with what she heard from the others and had only one question which was indeed different from everyone else.
Our interview felt more like two friends talking. And, I sincerely think she was impressed with the fact that I wanted to know more about WEEN. You should have seen her face light up when I did! Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network, or her ‘baby’ as she calls it, was a relevant part of why she was speaking in Memphis in the first place. If you are not already familiar with Mrs. Butterfield Jones, I strongly encourage you to Google her, pun intended!
I do hope to meet her again and possibly work with her. I was very transparent with her about my experiences with domestic abuse, particularly in my late teens/early adulthood and the work I’ve done with young ladies. Her work with WEEN specifically, continues to speak to my heart. But, her overall character is what has been an inspiration to me, and I’m sure, to many of women. Especially to those of us who identify as women of color.
I’m excited to tell you about Kyles Connections: Connecting People, Purpose & Productivity! Formally known as JP Connections, it has been a joy to restructure and rebrand our writing and web design business. We added some new services and a new name, literally! I married my business partner three years ago. I would love to have you read our personal and professional history, learn about our services and connect with us for your business and organizational needs. Here’s a quick look at our why:
PEOPLE. Our clients span across amazing backgrounds and target audiences. Our pricing has been designed to fit various budgets and goals.
PURPOSE. Domestic violence is our personal social cause. We encourage entrepreneurship. We’re committed to elevating your purpose to the next level.
PRODUCTIVITY. We believe in acquisition and retention. We want you to see tangible and measurable results for success and longevity.
