Mary J. Blige Duets with Beyonce on New Album:
Two of the biggest voices in the industry are about to shut it down this November. Beyonce and Mary J. Blige have recorded a duet track called “Loving a Woman” for Blige’s 10th album, “My Life II: The Journey Continues (Act 1)”.
I don’t know about you, but Mary J. Blige’s “My Life” album will always be her best album to me. There were so many emotions coursing through that album that have made it a classic by today’s standards. She really outdid herself, though at the time she most likely was unaware of its impact. Now, as Part II nears completion, we’re eager to see what the two ladies have in store for us on this particular track.
What do you think about this duet?
(SWAGGGirlicious Exclusive Interview) Sometime people should take the time to reflect on the people they’ve met within the last year or so and meditate on that person. I decided to this over the weekend. Looking back in my life, I took the time to realize what phenomenal women I’ve met, women whose lives since our first encounter had been altered in some form or fashion due to a particular circumstance. Thais Mills name came to me for her life was altered in a way of good change of course; but stemming from what we now remember as Hurricane Katrina.
I like to remember Hurricane Katrina as God’s Will, if you will, no pun intended, as a driving force that changed the lives of many and while was others had and/or have the option of stepping out on faith and gratifying a vision, Hurricane Katrina would be Thais Mills driving force that would strengthen her enough to tap into her childhood early on learned business skills and really make them work for her, since she is now of age!
The friendship between the two of us got it’s jumpstart off in the era when “MySpace” reigned supreme and newly developing entrepreneurs who were getting the hang of social networking /independent marketing/self promotions and branding.
Remaining true to the promise of keeping in touch, the two of us always started off our conversations with touching basis, congratulating each other on our newest venture and ended with wishing each other God Good Graces, lots of love and luck! This year and this week we decided to end on a different note, with a plan this time, designed to support each other in the best way we know how! Hence
I had the opportunity to catch up with Thais and what started off as a good conversation between the two of us ended up; an inspiring interview for me of course because I was able to get Thais to share some very good advice, insight and tips to share with others who I personally know could use the advice as well as our loyal readers who simply just may admire what we do.
Tip #1 Readers: If you have a brand, describe your business to everyone as though they are going to cut you a million dollar check! Most of the times in networking, you never know who you’re really talking to! ~ADL
Editor: So Thais, what’s going on with you, tell me what’s materialized for you over the last couple of years…
Thais: I now have 3 dot coms that all serve a very different but wonderful purpose.
1. www.EnticingObjects.com is my oldest dot com est. in 1999 – With this business, I offer Original Home Decor. Everything is made to order, such a relaxing escape painting for lovely homes around the world.
2. http://www.lipserviceink.com/ , which is the company I was launching when you and I met was created after Hurricane Katrina and was designed to keep in contact with my displaced readers who were known all over the world. The main focus was then and still is literacy; we strive to make reading the lavish experience it was created to be.
3. www.creativewritingandediting.com derived from many of my friends who had paid me to manage their Social Media platforms for years. It just made sense to build a home for more who needed the same attention.
Editor: Wow, you are most definitely staying busy to say the least. So tell me what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place?
Thais: It’s important to believe so deeply in yourself that you take the biggest risk of all “Working For Self”! It’s the ultimate challenge. There’s no one to fuss at if you’re not earning, no one to talk to about overtime, it’s a race ran with yourself. Being a business owner is designed to test you at all sorts of levels. Since starting a babysitting club at the age of 12, I’ve never wanted to do anything else but continue to add coals to that fire of “Self Employment”.
Editor: I can relate and appreciate that comment Thais. What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?
Thais: My Mother! Even though she took the traditional route by going to college, getting the good job, etc… she always believed in my ” Sky High ” dreams, as crazy as they seemed to others. My little sister Alyse Mills is amazing too! Just call us the 3 little women who lived in a NOLA shoe !!! LOL We’ve always supported each other’s dreams and goals. Another great influence for me is Nicci Carter, she’s a marketing woman of major wit and wisdom and Top News Anchor Sally Ann Roberts who is also a huge factor in my life and one of the best mentors one could ever wish to have. My Aunt Shirley Morris Adams is always there for me, my little brother Christian Adams and even my stepmom Paula Adams. So many amazing forces in my life. I’m truly blessed
Editor: It’s something as little girls we know that what we dream of is far from within our reach only because of age, but the ability to even dream about your future is a very inspiring thing. Sometimes my dreams ended up being the only thing I had to hold on to. So, let me ask you, what would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date have been for you?
Thais: “Not hiding my undying love for literacy”. With me being blessed to write for so many magazines, it was never required of me to review books and bring light to amazing authors and because of that, I was inspired to create and develop my company www.LipServiceInk.com. The ideal and twist for the concept was designed to make it cool to read. When I think about the entire story and how it all came to fruition, just brings tears to my eyes.
Editor: What’s the best advice you’ve received in business that you wouldn’t mind passing on to our readers?
Thais: “Always take advice from people WHO know”. My mom told me that piece of advice on my first day of high school and from that day until my tomorrow, I’ve never forgotten it and will never forget it. What that one liner did for me in my life, it taught me and gave me the strength to humble myself by admitting to myself first when I don’t know something and I open myself up enough to respect the other person who has taken the time out to show and share the path(s) to success with me.
Editor: I like that advice. Take advice from the people WHO know not WHO YOU know. Sometimes we get so comfortable with our surrounding and the people within it that we start to rely on them as our resource. I’ve too, like so many others along our way, have learned the importance of not being afraid to reach out and follow up with some great people. One never knows what riches in resources they really possess. So tell us, what has been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your business?
Thais: I know it sounds SO old school but just Word of Mouth. No matter who I meet, I share with them my current goals and inquire about theirs as well.
Editor: Oh yes, you have to be sure to inquire about the other person as well and not just come off as a talkative show off….LOL A great display of listening skills AND reading ability is in high demand and is what everyone wants if not need. What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has really worked in your favor well over the years?
Thais: To embrace the freedom of being a small business but prepare for the structure that comes with evolving into a big brand.
Editor: Well it sounds to me like your definitely prepared and evolving as we speak. Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you run your business? And this doesn’t have to be traditional response that relates to the Policy and Procedure 101 Guildline to Owning You Own Business….LOL
Thais: The Bible. In times of my struggle I simply hold it open, drop it on the floor and whatever page it falls on I read. It’s my savior on bad days and my right hand on good days.
Editor: Funny how everyone I speak with has a different way of doing what we all end up doing which is opening the bible. I like your way as I share that way as well. Today, to digress a little, I opened up to Psalm 112: 1-2 “PRAISE ye the Lord, Blessed is the delighteth greatly in his commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon earth; the generation of the upright shall be blessed.” I can now appreciate what I read earlier today for I have understanding to what brought this interview together and I look forward to many more interviews with other women such as yourself who are phenomenal in their own right. I’m glad I got to start with you dear friend. So tell us, do you have any new projects coming up or have you just completed a big project, reached a milestone, etc….? If so, please tell us about it.
Thais: I’ve structured a fun loving interactive “Creative Writing ” program for kids and teens and I’ve been testing it out at several kid friendly locales. It’s been OH so rewarding and I look forward to introducing it to more markets.
Editor: Well if nothing else from this interview, we’ve learned that you are a woman in demand but tell us, what do you do for fun or what does a simple day of relaxation consist of for you?
Thais: Oh I like doing things such as visiting museums, various types of galleries and I still enjoy new amusement parks. When time permits, I’m not one to turn down a cruises and I look forward to the times when I can travel with my family. A simple day of relaxation for me would consist of curling up somewhere with a good book or painting in which you can check out some of my work on www.EnticingObjects.com
Editor: Great, so all the men can understand that just because you’re busy, it doesn’t mean you’re a house hermit….LOL Tell us, what is Thais #1 Business Goal that you plan on utilizing more of over the next year?
Thais: To meet even more new interesting people and share their life story with others and included with this goal, wanting to place one million bookmarks in the hands of new readers is on the TOP of my list.
Editor: I just can’t help but to think that someone other than the two of us are really going to appreciate you for sharing yourself with us. I’ve been summoned to write a book soon! Along with many other greats who have accomplished this task before us, I wondered if you’ve been stricken with the same discernment to write a book and if you have what would you write about?
Thais: I absolutely have and most definitely will create my first edition that will house all my poetry. To date I have well over 4000 poems and one day I plan to publish them all.
Editor: Well Thais darling, it has been a pleasure as always speaking with you but before we close, is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Thais: Yes. After you’ve read this interview ( cuz its almost done.. lol) find something else amazing to read. Your brain craves the exercise.
SWAGGGirlicious News realizes that we have only shared a small piece of Thais Mills with and for those who would love to inquire and learn more about her and from her, please be sure to check out the following sites listed below and click onto the contact page(s). SWAGGGirlicious will feature Thais work throughout the week so please be sure to support her movement or at least thank you for the good advice and tips she gave us all.
If you want to check out the three (3) businesses of Thais Mills go to the following:
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www.creativewritingandediting.com
Follow Thais Mills:
www.twitter.com/lipserviceink | www.twitter.com/enticingobjects
www.facebook.com/lipserviceink
Interviewed by: Adrienne L.
Book Publisher Karen Hunter Talks Launching Digital Publishing Company
For everyone who got a dose of “Why Black Men Love White Women” by Rajen Persaud, “Confessions of a Video Vixen” by Karrine Steffans and “Mama Dearest” by E. Lynn Harris, here’s the woman behind those hot titles and now, the first digital book publishing venture.
An author and a Pulitzer –prize winning former journalist, Karen Hunter has been on a successful streak in her publishing career. She has co-authored J.L. King’s “On the Down Low” and books by Al Sharpton, Donda West and Mason Betha. In 2007, she teamed with Simon & Schuster to launch Karen Hunter Publishing, an S&S imprint focused mostly on popular nonfiction aimed at the market for African-American titles. In January of this year, the New Jersey native launched First One Publishing, a completely digital book publishing company focused on releasing fiction and nonfiction books by veteran and emerging authors.
We caught up with Hunter to learn more about starting an e-book firm, about her not being a primarily black book publisher, and turning this part of her career toward faith.
Have you done like your publishing house and gone “all things digital?” Is there even a bookshelf in your house anymore?
I have several bookshelves; my movement is not about eliminating the physical book, it’s about embracing technology and the future and helping others get there. I have several computers, but I still write down my goals on paper with a pen. I still write notes and letters to people.
As a mastered journalist, I’m sure there’s always breaking information and research coming at you. What news helped birth First One Digital Publishing?
[It had] nothing to do with journalism. What inspired First One was [my] watching [nearly] five years go by since Sony produced one of the first e-readers, and watching the industry I was involved in do nothing to incorporate this new, very convenient form of reading. I saw the music industry implode because of its unwillingness to accept the technology and innovation shown by Napster and others. I saw that very same thing happening to publishing. I didn’t want to be left behind. Before First One, there was Karen Hunter Media, [which was] devoted to e-books. First One, through Mgmt-One [a Cincinnati business advisory firm], allowed me to take that vision to a new level.
By Christina Burton
Women Behind The Music
Lisa Ellis – Music and entertainment executive
Lisa Ellis is an established music and entertainment executive, business woman, and writer. Lisa joined Fireman Capital Partners in December 2008, where she is part of an investment firm that focuses on film, entertainment and other related investments. In addition to working closely on evaluating and managing FCP’s investments, Lisa plays a leadership role in shaping the strategic vision of the firm and building out its platforms. Previously, Ms. Ellis held the position as Executive Vice President, Sony Music Label Group from June 2006 until January 2009, and prior to that she was President and General Manager of Sony Urban Music.
Women Behind The Music
Nicole George – Vice President, ASCAP, Rhythm & Soul
Nicole George is responsible for the daily operational management of ASCAP’s Rhythm and Soul Membership department on a worldwide basis. Her job is to outreach to some of the Society’s most prominent and successful members through executives in Atlanta, Los Angeles and New York. Outreach efforts include the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards, music showcases, educational panels, and attendance at many music conferences and industry events. George’s department’s success has resulted in a dominant market share in the Rhythm and Soul genre.
Women Behind The Music
Sure, there are some great black women music artists, but what’s even more impressive are the women behind the scenes. The deal takers and contract makers, the women who “make it happen.” Some of them you know and some you’ll get to know right here, but they all have one thing in common, they are the women behind the music.
Angelique Miles, Music Publishing Executive
Music publishing is obviously Angelique Miles’ calling. A graduate of Hampton University, Miles negotiated and signed songwriters, producers and artists while she held positions as the Vice President, Creative at EMI Music Publishing, Vice President, A&R at Universal Music Group, and Vice President, Creative at Warner Chappell Music. Miles is currently President at Imani Music Publishing, launched in September 2010.
Women Behind The Music
Sure, there are some great black women music artists, but what’s even more impressive are the women behind the scenes. The deal takers and contract makers, the women who “make it happen.” Some of them you know and some you’ll get to know right here, but they all have one thing in common, they are the women behind the music.
Catherine Brewton – BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations
Catherine Brewton, who directs all writer/publisher relations activities for BMI’s Urban Music Department in Atlanta, (which includes signing new writers to the company, creating showcases, and developing songwriting programs), was honored in 2009 by The Black Women in Entertainment Law Foundation for her contribution to the music industry, as well as her civic endeavors. Musicians attending the event in support of Ms. Brewton included Cee-Lo, Dallas Austin, Anthony Hamilton, and Yung Joc. In 2007, the Living Legends Foundation honored Brewton for her talent and significant contributions to the recording industry.
Women Behind The Music
Carolyn Williams – Senior Vice President, Urban Marketing, RCA/Sony
In 2009, Carolyn Williams was named Senior Vice President, Urban Marketing, RCA Music. Williams previously held the title of Vice President, Urban Marketing, RCA Music Group. Williams joined the company in 2001 as Director of Marketing, J Records, rising to her current position. In her SVP role, Williams is responsible for overseeing the label’s urban marketing division, with a focus on both superstar artists and developing acts. She creates and implements marketing efforts for artists including Alicia Keys and Jamie Foxx, as well as Mario, Fantasia, Monica and Jazmine Sullivan, among others.
Sweetie Sherrié is a professional, progressive woman with intellect, and astonishing accomplishments. This multi-ethnic, talented actor, named after her grandmother Arlene Sweetie, has proven herself to be a Triple Threat. Actor/ Producer/ Philanthropist Working at Miami based record label, Slip.N.Slide Records for six years, she wanted change and went after her passion to act. Traveling to the West Coast, she now has films, several guest star appearances on major networks, numerous commercials, and producing documentaries & shows under her belt.
Sweetie Sherrié also graced the pages of several top publications. Spotted in national commercials like; T-Mobile, Oil of Olay, Bud Light and currently running Sprint. She recently wrapped on “Mailman”, a film in Post Production with Percy Miller & Tony Cox, where she plays one of her most challenging roles… a drug addict named, Linda Bush.
On the rise, with a growing resume this actor, and now producer, recently launched her own production company, NEVAEH FILMS, Heaven spelled backwards. Miss Sweetie also has another attribute to add to her amazing resume. This philanthropist is one of the co-founder of, SERVICE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT and LEARNING ORGANIZTION.
The South Florida native plans to use her beauty and her mind as tools to help catapult her to greatness. Giving back to her hometown working on scholarship programs, teen pregnancy prevention, and feeding the homeless is just a few of the community programs her foundation has to offer. She also has future plans to open a center that caters to the underprivileged.
Supporting the National Eating Disorder Alliance, with Little in the Middle Clothing, Sweetie Sherrié walked in Miami & Los Angeles’s Fashion Week. She has kept herself tremendously busy, traveling between homes in Miami and Los Angeles, this young actor/producer/philanthropist has taken many steps in the right direction. She is constantly looking forward to her next challenge.
For more information or media please contact her team:
PUBLICIST:
Garder “Gigi” Craig
gardner@reddahliapr.com
http://rdprpressroom.blogspot.com
404.933.0942
Women To Know: Tika Sumpter
Tika Sumpter
One Love, One Life
Culture
At 17, Tika Sumpter, a Queens native, found herself hostessing at a New York City club, dreaming of a solid career in acting. She knew what she wanted, she knew she had the fire and passion for it, but like many other actors, could do little but work hard and hope it all paid off. A supporter of her dreams, Sumpter’s boss introduced her to an agent he knew and Tika set off working. Initially working as a model, landing gigs with Hewlett-Packard and Liz Claiborne, Tika kept up her studies at Marymount Manhattan College. The one day she got the break she had been waiting for, playing the role as Layla Williamson on the well known soap opera, One Life to Live. After years at the show Layla was able to transition from the soaps to a primetime roles on hit show like The Game and most recently on Gossip Girl as the love interest to Chuck Bass (played by Edward Westwick).
Women To Know: Elle Varner
Elle Varner
All In The Family
Culture
Taking on the family business can be a daunting task, but not for Elle Varner. Born into the music business with two songwriters for parents, Elle has never taken the talents that seem embedded in her DNA for granted. While sitting through one of her father’s recording sessions, Elle argued her him down one day, claiming one of his songs sucked. He left her in the studio for an hour, charging her with the task of writing a better one. When he came back, not only had Elle written the song, but sang it for him and recorded it. She was only thirteen years old.
This wasn’t entirely surprising as Elle started playing the flute at 6 and the piano at 9 and attended the Amazing Grace Conservatory. Her exceptional talent won her acceptance in to NYU’s prestigious Clive Davis Program of Recorded Music despite her having a ‘C’ average in high school. Elle headed to NYC, where her classmates quickly elected her “Most Likely to Win a Grammy,” and “Most Likely to Get Signed.”
Elle was later signed to MBK Entertainment management firm after being discovered playing her guitar while she worked the Santos Party Haus coat check in New York City. She is now signed to J Records and is looking at a fall 2011 album release.
A.B.C. Publicity - THE branding Group is based in Atlanta and New York with associates internationally. Offering Public Relations and integrated marketing solutions, A.B.C. is a strategic partner to small businesses, non-profits and entertainment driven companies, brands, products and events. Specializing in lifestyle/multicultural reach, particularly the youth, young trendsetters and key influencers who can promote and build your brand organically. The mission is to Assess, Build and Communicate an idea, image and brand to the world.
Spearheaded by energetic, inspired, and focused P.R. and Marketing strategists, the company was birthed out of the notion to support the creative ideas and elements of artists, entrepreneurs and foundations that may not always get the attention deserved.
Founded by a Native American woman, Dee Dee M. Cocheta, who lives and breathes her brand - A.B.C. ” Accenting Business & Culture” Adding integrity, morality & passion with a smile.
A.B.C.’s Team consists of: Crystal M. Beauford, Ancely Green, Celeste Dent, Allan Baldwin, Kimberly Stewart and Kimberly Bodden, a team whose fingertips remain on the keypads of technology, are the pulse of the youthful community and one degree away from knowing just about everyone…this teamed with Dee Dee’s influence has made A.B.C. widely known as Always Being Connected.
A.B.C. Publicity - THE branding Group aims to change mentalities, touch hearts and inspire people.
233 Mitchell Street, Suite 350
Spring Street
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
(888) 525-0901
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Women To Know: Amber Riley
Amber Riley
All Gleeked Out
Culture
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Amber Riley was no stranger to the entertainment industry. Despite her obvious talent, Amber’s age was a determining factor in auditions for American Idol and for the role of Effie White in the successful Dreamgirls movie, who both felt she was too young.
When Riley was cast by Ryan Murphy on the failed pilot St. Sass, it seemed as though another door was closed, but it would be the relationship with Murphy that kicked the door to Amber’s big break open. Later when Murphy was creating another pilot called Glee he remembered Amber and cast her as Mercedes in the new pilot. As the star of one of the top shows on television, doors everywhere are now ajar and Amber is bursting through them. She’s sang the National Anthem at the World Series, traveled the world performing with her fellow gleekers, was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for her role, and is singing her way into hearts with no signs of slowing down. American Idol missed out, but when you got it, you got it, and Amber is right where she belongs– singing with “glee.”
Women To Know: Christina Norman
Christina Norman
OWNing It
Business
In 2004 when Christina Norman earned the title of President of VH1 network, she had already spent years working to help change the failing cable network’s identity from an outdated channel with no core branding into a machine that cranked hit shows like I Love the 80’s and Best Week Ever. Norman’s watchful creative eye brought VH1 up to speed and helped the network not only survive, but thrive in the prime-time slot, taking its viewership numbers from 243,000 to 339,000. She went on to become president of MTV overseeing MTV, MTV2, mtvU, MTV Tr3s and MTV.com until leaving the company in 2008.
With endless television accolades and a trail of success in her wake, it was no surprise that Norman was amongst the top choice to run Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network. In January 2009 the then unlaunched network named Norman as CEO after over a year of searching for the right fit. OWN launched in January of this year and with Norman and Oprah at its helm it seems destined for success.
Women To Know: Liya Kebede
Liya Kebede
Model Behavior
Culture
There’s no sarcasm involved when calling Ehtiopian born actress Liya Kebede a “model turned actress.” Kebede has graced the cover of Vogue three times and has been named the 11th highest paid model by Forbes magazine. Her striking beauty has led to an almost fairytailed career as the inspiration to Tom Ford, the face of Gap, Dolce & Gabbana, Revlon, Tommy Hilfiger, Victoria’s Secret, Emanuel Ungaro, Yves Saint-Laurent, Louis Vuitton, and Escada…to name a few.
In 2009, Liya took on the challenging role of Somali born model Waris Dirie in Desert Flower. The film chronicles Dirie’s rise to success despite her traumatic experience of childhood genital mutilation in her home country of Somalia. Kebede’s powerful portrayal garnered critics praise and a standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival. The has received rave reviews at subsequent screenings and is currently playing in select theaters.
A champion for several women’s causes, Kebede is a Goodwill Ambassador for the World Health Organization focusing her efforts on Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health in the developing world. She has also started her own clothing line, Lemlem, which means “to bloom” in Amharic, created to preserve traditional weaving in Ethiopia and supporting local artists.
