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Black Women------that makes us PROUD
Topic Started: Nov 12 2010, 02:48 AM (48,992 Views)
Malia

Rodney and Mattie Perry Promote Vegan Movement

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Name: Mattie Merrell and Rodney Perry

Company: Green Seed Vegan Food Truck

What impelled you to create the Green Seed Vegan food truck?

We wanted to redefine the vegan experience by handcrafting menu items primarily using tender, neighboring, high quality ingredients that are natural, unprocessed, and free of common allergens such as soy, dairy and wheat.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your business journey?

How we have been embraced by the Houston mobile food scene. We have received extraordinary feedback from local, national, and international guests, in addition to exceptional reviews from our food critics throughout the city and state of Texas.

Why have you decided to branch out from your popular food truck?

We come from a community lacking healthy food options and after a year of creating countless first vegan experiences in the community, we realize that by branching out into a full service café we will be able to offer an expanded menu, longer hours, build out a juice and smoothie bar, and provide a cozier eating environment. We want to let our fans know that we are not getting rid of the food truck but with the café we will have the opportunity to share healthier cuisine and food options with even more residents of Houston and surrounding areas by transporting and catering.

What’s the Premise behind the “Streets to the Seats” movement?

Green Seed Vegan has until March 1, 2012 at 12:59 EST to raise $12,000 and we are reaching out to the community, our awesome supporters, and our newly discovered fans to help kick-start our growing business so that we can take our food truck “From the Streets to the Seats” in a café. We want our customers to have a place to delight in good food and share good conversation with fellow health conscious diners. Using the Kickstarter platform, the funds donated will go toward giving the building a complete green face-lift, including painting and interior redesign. Funds will help purchase commercial kitchen equipment, dining room furnishings, biodegradable packaging, and cover city code fees.

For more information, please visit

kck.st/gsvfund http://www.greenseedvegan.com www.facebook.com/greenseedvegan www.twitter.com/greenseedvegan
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Malia

National Fitness Expert Andrea Riggs Shares Small Daily Changes to Lose Weight

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If you’ve tried dieting, joined the gym and nothing has seemed to work in the New Year, then it’s time to grab your sister and friends a pledge to “Get Body Beautiful” alongside national fitness expert and author Andrea Riggs. Riggs is helping thousands of women across the country to make small achievable changes in 3 key areas critical for weight loss and better health: lifestyle, nutrition and fitness.

Our disconnect between reaching our New Year’s resolutions happens when we put too much pressure on ourselves to make drastic fitness and nutrition changes. Success in weight loss is based on focusing on sustainable changes that can be maintained over several weeks or months. The kind of changes that begin with healthy habits, from the time you wake until you go to bed, that help you feel better, look better and take accountability for your health.

The end result will be a more active and healthy lifestyle and weight loss without dieting, plenty of delicious foods to eat and a lean body that burns fat on auto-pilot. So forget about making drastic changes and failed New Year’s attempts to lose weight and make these small daily changes in lifestyle, nutrition and fitness:

LIFESTYLE CHANGES

First, schedule a physical and take your vitamins. Next, call your physician to schedule a routine wellness visit. They will be pleased you are starting a fitness program and eager to check your weight, cholesterol and any other screenings that will confirm you can safely and effectively begin your health and fitness journey. In the interim, start back on your daily multi-vitamin and begin to give your body the nourishment it needs. A liquid multi-vitamin will provide the most benefit.

It helps if you can see your goal. Take a few minutes and write your goal body weight and clothing size on a 3 x 5 index card. Post the card on your refrigerator or a bulletin board so you will be forced to look at it daily.

Finding support will be easier than you think. Consider engaging a family member or close friend you love and trust who also wants to lose weight. Then, resolve to help each other. If possible, enlist the expertise and accountability of a certified personal trainer to push you towards your next level of fitness.

NUTRITION CHANGES

Drinking water is a must. As soon as you wake up, have a glass of water. Water will not only help you feel full, but it is essential to your body’s fat burning process. Then, as the day goes on, continue to drink water before and after meals, as well as after working out. Best of all, water satisfies your appetite without adding any calories to your diet. A good rule of thumb is to consume half of your body weight in water.

Eating breakfast boosts your metabolism, increases your alertness and raises your energy level for the day. It’s also a good idea to pack a snack. Take a piece of fruit with you as you head out the door. It’s a great metabolism booster and will prevent you from feeling so hungry throughout the day.

Cut portions in half. Eating less food is a good place to begin your journey to better health. Begin with cutting your normal meal in half and adding fruits and vegetables to help you feel full.

FITNESS CHANGES

Stretch 5 minutes for improved flexibility and performance. Reach down to touch your toes, lean backward, then to each side. Now follow it with some calf and hamstring stretching, both excellent for improving lower extremity tone.

Add 15 minutes of walking to your daily routine. Whether you stop at the mall or walk on your lunch break, take a brisk walk with your dog, or dedicate a few minutes to walk up the street for some fresh air. Walking gets your blood moving and keeps your spirits high.

Increase door-to-car parking distance. If you choose a space far from the entrance of work, the grocery store or school, you will automatically and easily increase your physical activity. Those extra calories burned each day will add up.

Meet Andrea Riggs

Andrea Riggs is one of the nation’s leading health and fitness experts in the country. A sought after speaker, spokesperson, and author who passionately shares her “GET BODY BEAUTIFUL” campaign message across the globe encouraging millions to make small changes to achieve better health through LIFESTYLE, NUTRITION AND FITNESS. Get Body BEAUTIFUL with Andrea Riggs (ISBN: 978-0-9827183-8-4) can be ordered now at www.GetBodyBeautiful.com. Contact Andrea at andrea@getbodybeautiful.com.
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Malia

Candice Anitra Discusses the Magic of Creating Life-Changing Music

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Candice Anitra believes that she became a singer before birth. Her father would sing to her during the months when her mother carried her in her womb. She eventually began singing as a child and later became a prolific songwriter. Anitra is now one of the most sought after singers on the independent circuit. On Feb. 10, Anitra will perform at the Apollo Music Cafe and the Dance Theatre of Harlem on Feb. 12. Anitra sat down with rolling out magazine to discuss how music can take on a life of its own. –amir shaw

What was the feeling like of first going into the studio to record?

When I first went into the studio, I felt so proud and I was also pregnant at the same time with my youngest daughter. I remember feeling like I was giving birth to something very special in the studio. I knew that I would never forget that feeling. It felt like the beginning of something really exciting. As an artist, when you’re able to tap into that spiritual and magical place, it’s like nirvana.

How did the tragedy in Haiti a few years back inspire you to create great music?

When there are moments of crisis I’m always moved. Whether it’s to donate or compose something artful like a poem or a song.That’s how I process things. What strikes me about this earthquake is that I remember just feeling the pain of all the mothers and all the parents. … I needed to write something. I wanted to write something hopeful.

What do you want fans to get from your new album, Big Tree?

I want them to see themselves reflected in the work. Because when we have that moment of connection, there’s a very spiritual thing that happens. Like when you read a story or you hear a poem. You feel like you’re not alone and we want to feel that connection. I want my music to help people feel inspired, energized, active and aware.
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Malia

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As if WCLK radio in Atlanta wasn’t already as acclaimed as it is, and if Jazz at the High wasn’t already as hot as it is, having a sultry voiced siren like Nicole Sweeney in the lineup for both can’t hurt. As a matter of fact, Sweeney just sizzles and Atlanta listeners are fortunate to have her. The popular host of “The Midday Jazz Swing” on Jazz 91.9 FM WCLK and wclk.com’s “The Jazz of the City” admits that although she had reservations about relocating from Philadelphia to Atlanta, the move has proved to be a professionally prosperous one. –roz edward

Why did you choose to work in radio?
I listened to radio like it was my life. When I was growing up in New York I didn’t have a TV in my room, but I did have a radio. So when I was on punishment and my parents sent me to my room, I would turn on the radio and record shows for two hours — commercials, music what the deejay said, all of it. … Radio was an experience. It wasn’t just the music, you connected with the deejay, and I fell in love with radio.

How did you get into jazz?
A lot of music hip-hop included sampled jazz, when I was growing up. … I didn’t grow up sleeping with jazz albums and I couldn’t tell you what Donald Byrd played, or what Miles Davis or John Coltrane played. But, I could tell you about Biggie Smalls and A Tribe Called Quest. When I stated working at a jazz station while I was in college at Temple, I started researching and I fell in love with jazz … Latin jazz, Cuban jazz, Afro jazz, Caribbean jazz, it was like the nucleus of all this music I grew up around.

How has radio changed?
It’s more about the music than the radio experience. Even now the music is so different. Back then music really spoke to you and it made you feel good. There is music now that makes you feel a little off and a little weird. I don’t think we have the same connection with radio now, it’s all about the music.

What’s your take on the radio landscape?
Radio personalities need to talk to their audiences. I think now they don’t pay attention to their listeners. They look at it as a whole, they look at is a million listeners vs. that one person who needs us. … I don’t think radio taps into the individual any more and it needs to.

How do you deal with the contradictions between jazz and contemporary music?
I interviewed a saxophone player out of New Orleans named Donald Harrison, Jr., who was a mentor to Biggie Smalls. He had Biggie listening to some of the greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Bill Evans. … Jazz has been the common denominator that connects us to many so many types of music.
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Malia

Paulette Boggs of Torch of Wisdom Foundation Encourages Giving and Jazzin With the Deltas

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If there was ever any doubt about what a group of determined black women can or cannot do — like change the world — put your doubts aside. Indeed, black women have been the catalyst of some of the most rapid and expansive changes are culture has ever experienced. The Torch of Wisdom Foundation Inc. a nonprofit arm of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, was established to address pressing social issues in Detroit and its surrounding communities. Established in 1993, the organization’s focus is to enhance community enrichment efforts, support cultural arts and provide scholarships for deserving students. Paulette Boggs, Torch of Wisdom Foundation president and board chair, spoke with rolling out about the organization’s goals and the needs they address. –roz edward

What is the criteria for receiving a grant or a scholarship from the Torch of Wisdom Foundation?
Our primary client has been the Delta Sigma Theta sorority. But there are specific programs that the [applicant] organization must offer on an annual basis, either scholarship or mentoring that they are requesting funds for. … Some of the other organizations that we provide funding to include Black Girl’s Rock, Flip the Script, which is a part of Goodwill and Volunteers of America, just to name a few. And we give scholarships, generally book scholarships, to individual students whether they attend local schools or go elsewhere. “

Is there an event coming up?
We’re putting on Jazzin’ with the Deltas, a fundraising event in order to raise funds for scholarships and our mentoring programs. What we have done in alignment with our mission is identify a cultural arts activity that brings in local artists, as well as give people an opportunity to give back to the community. Headline acts include the KDJ Trio Kimmie Horne, Yancyy and the Ralphe Armstrong Quartet and the money that we receive will be utilized to strengthen our grant-giving, scholarship and mentoring programs. That event will be Saturday, Feb. 18 at the Millenium Theater in Southfield.

What’s the fundraising target?
We’d like to increase the number and the amount of scholarships we provide. But beyond that we want to meet the needs of our community … that could range anywhere from a block club needing support or other activities that we identify either through our interface as board members, or through various issues and causes that align with three aspects of our mission — community enrichment, cultural arts and scholarships.

For more information on Jazzin with the Deltas and the Torch of Wisdom Foundation visit www.towfinc.org or call 248-327-6815.
Read this interview in its entirety at rollingout.com.
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Malia

Black Rock Coalition President LaRonda Davis on Surviving as a Grassroots Organization

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The controversial decision to downgrade from 109 categories to 78 at the Grammy Awards has been met with fears that it will eliminate an avenue of increased exposure for independent and economically challenged recording artists. One organization that is committed to filling that void is the Black Rock Coalition (BRC), which was founded in 1985 by guitarist Vernon Reid, journalist Greg Tate and producer Konda Mason. Since then BRC has provided resources and a platform for independent artists through their signature concert series and advocacy work. Rolling out spoke with BRC president, LaRonda Davis about how the organization has survived for 27 years at the grassroots level.

After 27 years BRC remains a very underground organization. Was the decision to not go mainstream a deliberate approach or one due to circumstance?

The mainstream embrace has never really been a focus of ours. When you’re always talking about bands that only a handful of people have heard of you’re unfortunately bound to meet with a certain level of obscurity. We figure that artists and musicians who have hit the mainstream don’t need as much support. We’re also interested in historical correction that rock is black music and we are its heirs, which sadly is not in the best interest of the mainstream.

Your organization is run entirely by volunteers. This poses many staffing challenges. How do you handle those issues?

We attempt to address the challenge by reminding people that the organization is what we make of it and in order to stay vibrant and relevant we need them to get involved. The main benefit to being a grassroots organization is that we know we have the support of the community because it has sustained us for the past 27 years.

Engaging your membership base is crucial to sustaining longevity and that begins with leadership. What are your tips on developing strong leadership and member engagement?

The key really is communication and selflessness. When we reach out to members and other sympathetic supporters, they know it’s for a freer culture of creativity and for musicians who are contributing to our community without benefit of big budgets or fanfare. As for developing strong leadership, it’s just a matter of noticing who shows up and displays an altruistic sense of the organization and giving them increasing responsibilities. We’re always looking for more people like that.

For more information please visit: www.blackrockcoalition.org.
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Malia

Aleathia Brown on How to Go From a Starving to a Thriving Artist

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The profession of creative artistry is often viewed as antithetical to business. However there are an increasing amount of artists who are utilizing business savvy techniques to financially and commercially sustain themselves. One such case is award-winning artist, Aleathia Brown. Brown’s work has been featured in Upscale magazine, commissioned by Dr. Richard Payne of Sloan Kettering and exhibited at an array of prestigious artistic and cultural institutions. Brown shared with rolling out how she has survived as a working artist through brand marketing.



What are some key strategies for marketing yourself as an artist that you recommend?

You have to change the way you think about the business aspects because you will magnetize negativity toward you. I recommend learning the industry from reading material that libraries supply. Going to artist development workshops in arts organizations helps build broader audiences habit and styles of business. It’s important to embrace technology because avoiding learning to use it on many levels won’t help you. You also need to be customer aware, friendly and really work on your service attitude.

You’ve built a loyal following. What advice can you share on cultivating and keeping such an engaged base of collectors?

Art is a thing that you don’t have to have to live. That makes it a high-end product. So what turns my customer into a client is the genuine personal touch and joy I put on the work I do and how warmly I embrace them. I also know the story behind the art I created endears folks. I will also randomly call folks to touch base. … Touches go a long way.

Some artists have difficulty putting a price on their artwork. What criteria do you suggest they use to determine prices that will help them make a profit while also being realistic for everyday collectors?

I suggest considering small, lower-end items or paths to attract business to your artwork such as limited edition reproductions of the art pieces most popular in your collection; miniature originals; open edition small prints of a few pieces; and art novelties such as T-shirts and greeting cards. Also consider leasing the use of your images for flyers and businesses. Sometimes simply going through 50 business cards over a 2-day process once a month or even quarterly can draw business to you.

For more information, please visit www.AleathiasArt.com.
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Malia

Charli Hunt Shows Inspiration Can Lead to Dream Realization

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Charli Hunt’s latest musical project, “Sweet Loving,” is causing a stir on the Internet. The self-trained vocalist, poet, and writer is earning her stripes as an emerging artist. I was able to catch up with her to discuss her interest in poetry, being an artist from the Midwest, coming to the forefront after playing back-up for many bands and her Blog. Tony Binns

How do you think being a vocal artist from the Midwest has been advantageous to your career?
I’ve found it has been an advantage because Chicago is such a melting pot for so many cultures — much like New York. Chicago is unique because people come here and I believe they find that the central region of the country is a little more accessible than in a place like The Big Apple where it is also metropolitan, but a bit more standoffish.

Tell me about your new project?
Sweet Lovin’ is the name of the album; it is also the name of one of the singles on the album. The tune started off as a tune I wrote with another reggae artist in the city and we kind of got together to create a certain mood in the song. They used it on their CD originally and they allowed me to use the same song with my own unique arrangement. I placed it on my CD and it has done well — so it has gotten twice the hits and lots of great feedback from all over.

How has being a back-up singer prepared you for a solo career?
It not only allowed me to get valuable time on stage and become comfortable with performing, but it also trained my ear to work with an ensemble of people live and in front of an audience. You have a lot of solo artists who will be on stage but they don’t know how to sing with other people. They have a more difficult time working with the other components of what’s happening around them during a show.

Talk a little about your blog?
A lot of social networking sites … are very much cookie cutter by design and also very limiting in some ways, because of the content they do not use. I thought if I have my own blog and my own specialized spot I can avoid all those different types of distractions and have something representing the presence I want to have as well as the product.



For more information visit:
sightunseenmedia@gmail.com
http://cdbaby.com/cd/charlihunt
http://charlihunt.wordpress.com/
http://www.facebook.com/CharliHunt.fb
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cisslybee2012
The REBEL
shutupalready
Jan 22 2012, 12:35 PM
You have an old lady fetish.
It's not that.

It's just that classy to them means women they don't want to fuck. :D

If they see a woman they want to fuck and discover she's classy, then they back off in shock and go blank. :D
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Malia

Ella T. Gorgla, the Force Behind I-ELLA.com

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Haven’t you heard — I-ELLA is here, so there’s no need to fake it until you make it with knockoffs and ill-fitting suits ever again. In fact, you can list your own goods and earn a little dough from that as well.

In the world of I-ELLA the latest high-quality, fashion forward clothing and genuine designer accessories are within your budget and just a click away.

The fashion marketplace is a favorite of InStyle, Lucky, Essence, Women’s Wear Daily and Gotham among others, is “an innovative, fashion-forward, charitable online marketplace where members can buy, sell, borrow and swap the latest must-have fashion apparel, accessories, and more,” Ella T. Gorgla, CEO and Founder of I-ELLA.com, tells rolling out.

You can feel altruistic about your purchases as well, as 10 percent of every transaction fee is donated to charity. (Past celebrities to participate in the I-ELLA celebrity auctions have included La La Vazquez Anthony, Selita Ebanks, Whitney Port, and celebrity stylist Mary Alice Stephenson.)

Rolling out caught up with Ella T. Gorgla to gain insight on her savvy business sense.

What did you do in your previous professional life?
Prior to launching I-ELLA.com, I worked as a management and strategy consultant for global institutions and investment banks. Then I led a small firm focused on raising capital for clients doing business in West Africa. I am from Liberia.

Why did you launch I-ELLA?
I’ve always, always, wanted to be an entrepreneur. I-ELLA.com combines my interest in fashion, technology and philanthropy.

What is a primary benefit for the customer who rents couture?
You don’t have to worry about being seen in the same thing twice.

What sizes do you carry?
I-ELLA is a marketplace so our sizes are completely up to what our members supply. If you can’t find your size, then jump in and start listing your items on I-ELLA.com.

What brands do you carry?
We carry all the top brands — Chanel, Valentino, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Prada, etc. — contemporary brands, emerging designers and vintage.

What items are popular right now?
Handbags. We sell Chanel at up to 50 percent off.

What has been the most satisfying part of operating this business?
Giving women a platform to sell their goods while giving back to causes in which they believe.

What do you wish you would have known about this business before you launched your own?
The highs and lows can be incredibly close. The journey is an unpredictable one.

What is your best style advice for today’s professional woman?
Know your body.

For more information, visit www.I-ELLA.com.
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