Book Review- Sunshine and Rain

Two young ladies with opposite names but the same goal… never let the streets take you under.

Meet two young women from the hood who are destined to meet and sure to win your hearts. When Sunshine learns that her mother is dying from AIDS she thinks that her world in coming to and end, not realizing that it is just beginning. When she gives her mother her last kiss goodbye, she is then introduced to her fly caseworker Ms. Waters who takes her to her new foster home where she meets Cathy.

Cathy is a very beautiful woman that knows how to hold it together. A beautiful home, a nice car, and full of love... but there is a secret life that allows her to be at the top and that is something she doesn’t want to share with anyone… especially her new foster child.

When Rain and her two young brothers wake up to prepare themselves for the day ahead, they know something is wrong when their father’s door is locked and Rain’s receives a call that he doesn’t show up for work. What could have happened to cause Rain and her brothers to be thrown in foster care, her brother placed in juvie, and their separation for a long period of time?

When Sunshine and Rain meet, there is a bit of jealousy but nothing compared to what they goes down when Sunshine has an encounter with the dude that Rain adores… Terrance. While this wannabe hustler Terrance plays games with Rain, he never mentions the connection nor the disdain that he has for their foster mother Cathy. What could be the beef between the two that could cost people their lives? You will never know until you read the book!

Although the book has a rushed ending you will be surprised as to how it ends. A book two is definitely in order.

Sunshine and Rain is an awesome page turner that captures your interest from the very start.

Check it out and share your thoughts...

Heather Elitou- Reviewer

Women Who Jam!!!

What do you get when you have a room filled with amazing female talent and a group of female commissioners that offer advice to help enhance the awareness of the artists’ performance by making them aware of their showmanship? You get a rocking house of Women Who Jam. A session created by the NABFEME (National Association Black Female Executives in Music and Entertainment).

The mission of NABFEME is to raise the profile and increase the awareness of Black women in the music and entertainment industry and they accomplish this mission through activities that foster empowerment, education, mentoring, career development and networking opportunities. One of their creative geniuses is Women Who Jam Sessions.

Let’s face it... it is never easy to hear people tell you that what you think has been done to make yourself hot can stand to be hotter. Being under the eye of other industry professionals can be very unnerving, but what you take from it can make you not only stronger but place you at the top of your game.

The Philly network had its 1st Women Who Jam Session at one of Philly’s finest restaurants North by Northwest and it was off the hook! This female driven movement by women for women was a chance to see how even seasoned women handle the pressure of being critiqued in order to enhance they stage presence, their style and/or their performance.

Hosted by the True Soul (Neo-Soul) activist and Power 99 radio personality Tiffany Bacon, she set the stage for Ghetto Songbird (Rock), Lyrispect (Spoken Word), Mia Harvey (R&B), Rhapsode (Spoken Word/ Neo-Soul), Alaina Nelson (R&B), Andrea Pinkett (Gospel), Desi (Gospel- Spoken Word) as they shared their seasoned talents under the watchful eyes of industry professionals: Cheryl Wadlington, Evoluer celebrity stylist and fashion consultant; Patricia Coates, entertainment lawyer; Stephanie Renee, radio host and spoken word artist; and Heather Elitou, Senior Editor representing Infinite MagaZine.

Although the performances were great, it was Desi, the Gospel/Spoken Word artists that won the opportunity to visit New York and perform for the NABFEME Women Who Jam!

What made this event a night to remember besides the awesome performances that were given by each of the artists, but the networking that took place afterwards. Networking is a very important part in the growth of artistic development because everyone needs someone that can help them advance further in their careers. When people work together to make a change for the better, whether it is personal or as a community it reflects in the person and the world around us.
Introducing yourself, handing out business cards, following up and staying connected is what makes you and your business remembered and prosperous. Without it you are merely a goldfish in a fishbowl wishing you were in a pond.

If you are an artists that is seasoned or amateur and you are looking for the exposure and the honest help that you need to place your foot in the industry’s door, then sign up for this event— it is something that you have to be a part of. If you are truly a fan of the arts, love to hear good performances, and looking to support women with a cause, then be sure to check it out.

Please visit www.myspace.com/NABFEME for information on the next event in Philly and New York.

v The Mom Drum Circle- FEAT. Marcy Francis was the opening performance that made everyone ready to jam!!! They KILLED IT with their fantastic energy!!! Be sure to check out their performance on the YouTube.

Heather Elitou-Reviewer

Prayz1 Makes “The Difference”

What’s the difference between Gangster Rap and Christian Rap? It's what they talk about. While one writes about Cristal, the other raps about Christ. Although both are limited genres it is this reviewer's opinion that there are some very good lyricists out there who make good use of their limitation lyrically. It’s as if there is some sort of Divine Hip-Hop rap battle going down.

Prayz1 is the next Kanye West with a cleverness that reminded me of the God MC- J Hova (Jay-Z) who also started out in a culturally conscious and religious genre of Islam.

Born James Frager, he has been a faithful member of his church and has been blessing the microphone with his born again street skills since receiving a Holy Hip-Hop CD from a friend.

His debut titled, “The Difference” was a tight CD. Although I am not Christian, the intro was hypnotic with good arrangement. In fact, the first four tracks including, the intro, Life, Heavenly Father, Church Fan and It was Love had my attention. It did begin to become too preachy for me but I can see people who ascribe to the Christian belief getting into it.

James is a prolific lyricist, but I don’t think we have received the full scope of his talent because for a non-Christian he is limited. I know that he has a talent and can rap about Christ, but can he rap about anything else? Overall, the CD is very fluent and I did nod to it.

Get the CD and tell me what you think?

Aalim Elitou- Reviewer

Beautiful Hair by Creme of Nature

Face it, women are nuts about their hair. Every woman wants to maintain having healthy and beautiful hair. We have our concerns from what is the right styles that compliment our faces to what are the right products to put on our hair textures which will promote healthy, full and beautiful hair. Crème of Nature has been listening to the needs of women and their hair for 30 years and has delivered by giving us excellence in product. The shampoos were first introduced to women in 1976, and have been cleansing and conditioning African American women’s hair since. Many women are most familiar with the rich color of the permanent gel hair color and the awesome texture that the relaxer kits give to hair making it healthy and shiny.

In celebration of Crème of Nature’s three decades in business, they have recently made another breakthrough as the first multicultural hair care brand to feature Certified Organic Ingredients. Listings of the new products are new Kiwi & Citrus Ultra Moisturizing Shampoo, New Red Clover & Aloe Soothing Shampoo, Lemongrass & Rosemary Leave-In Creme Conditioner, New Chamomile and Comfrey Healing Conditioner. They have also been celebrating with a seven market tour to continue to inspire women to live a Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise lifestyle. They will be offering hair consultation, product samples, and style expertise from the Crème of Nature style experts which includes Crème of Nature’s healthy hair expert, Pat Grant-Williams.

Pat Grant-Williams is one of the best in the industry. In the business for more than 20 years, a former salon owner of several successful salons, a featured monthly columnist for HYPE Hair Magazine and a feature in Rolling Out Magazine, Beauty Store Business, Vibe Vixen, Essence, etc. her expertise and extensive knowledge of hair is just what Crème of Nature needed to make their new product line a success.

We were pleased to speak with Pat as she shared some of her hair care facts and the brilliance of the new Crème of Nature product line.

How has the experience been working with Crème of Nature?
It has been wonderful. It is always my goal to help educate consumers about healthy hair because it is based on understanding the hair.

Why should women focus more on their hair care?
I think that women of color are looking for complete wellness. We see more women taking more care of their bodies, skin and hair. I hear from the consumers that they don’t know as much as they should about their hair care maintenance. They go to salons and they are still in need of knowing more about their hair and the best hair care they can receive.

So do you think that one-on-one consultations are in need from the stylist to their client?
Always! I think that before you can treat a client, you need to understand their hair and know what kind of hair they have in order to give them the best results. I think that the consumer should have the information about the product that she is using, and know how to maintain healthy hair after the salon experience.

How do the natural ingredients as in the new Crème of Nature Products help more in the promotion of healthy hair?
The hair should be shampooed everyday and especially if you are using more than two products (hair spray and gels) on you hair a day. Over time, the chemicals may damage the hair follicle and that is where the hair grows from the root. If you want to have healthier hair, then you must release the chemicals daily from the hair follicle and use natural products without pesticides and fumigants which is going to be healthier for the hair.

See Pat's 5 Tips for Promoting Healthier Hair!!! (Side Bar)

Heather Elitou-Reviewer

A True Fashionista!!!

Mary Lafayette is no stranger to the fashion industry. She has been styling and creating the latest fashion trends for some of the most well-known artists and fashion magazines in the world. Do you remember the infamous Vibe cover with Mary J. Blige in which she stated that she was not happy with the image? Well, although Mary was not pleased with the cover picture, she was pleased with the styling of Mary Lafayette. Mary’s other clients have included Busta Rhymes, Prodigy, Xzibit, Ginuwine, En Vogue, Usher, Nas, Chris Tucker and Kimora Lee Simmons. Her work has been featured in such magazines as Vibe, WWD, Essence, Ebony, and Teen People just to name a few.

As a trend-setter, Mary has embodied the meaning of fashionista and does not take her business lightly as this New York City lady always in travel, forever seeking knowledge of growing trends in order to create them and enhance them. In 2001, Mary founded her fashion consultant, styling and design company Fashion Luv Joenz in order to provide assistance to those looking to create an image that would enhance their personal and business image. The name is from the deep love jones she has for fashion, but the spelling is a tribute to her late grandfather, Joe Davis. In May 2001, she landed her first styling assistant gig and from that day she knew that she wanted to be a full-time stylist and decided to start her own business.
As of recently, she has just signed with the Victoria Agency for representation adding to the many major moves that Mary has set for herself this year. “I am very excited about joining the Victoria Agency, and look forward to successful representation," she said. With the representation of this agency she will possibly add to her already famous list of clientele and her schedule will become more hectic than ever before.

We recently had the opportunity to speak with our friend Mary Lafayette about her decision to become a fashionista and she has become such a fashion success.

What made you choose to be a fashionista?
I shared with a former co-worker, while working in Marketing and Events for Vanguarde Media, Inc. in 2001 that I was interested in Fashion Styling, and she introduced me to a stylist.

How long have you been in fashion?
As a professional, 6 years, but on a personal level I have been styling and into fashion since I was born. If you see pictures of me as a baby and into my youth, my mother always dressed me well from head to toe. She made sure I was always on point!

How did you know that you have this talent?
I guess because my mother made sure I was always in the latest fashions or at least looking fashionable. I’ve always been into fashion, and my friends would always want me to go shopping with them to help them pick out an outfit for a school dance, a date, prom, the club, etc. I never knew that I could make a career out of shopping for and dressing people.

How important is fashion to you?
Very! I read magazines, I’m always online researching the latest fashions, and I write articles periodically for magazines, online publications or organizations who want to offer ideas to their customers on the latest fashion trends. I love to people watch and see what others are rocking on the street. I must say that Brooklyn has the best fashion dons and divas in terms of creating original fashion ideas.

Where did you get your inspiration for your styles?
From designers, fashion ads and shows, street fashion, vintage films and photos.

How do you define success?
Being mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally healthy. Achieving this is always a work in progress, but with prayer and positive people in your circle, you will always be successful in anything you pursue.

What advice would you give to aspiring stylists?
Get exposure by going out to fashion events and let people know that you are interested in pursuing fashion styling as a career. If you have time to go to school, it’s not a bad idea so that you gain the technical experience that will enhance your skills and make you more marketable, because the competition is serious.

What is your goal for 2007?
Continued success! Staying focused and in prayer!

To learn more about Mary Lafayette and her company, visit: http://www.fashionluvjoenz.com/ and www.myspace.com/fashionluvjoenz

Heather Elitou-Reviewer

Literary Review- Black People: For Entertainment Purposes ONLY

Who would have thought that there was a book out there that gave a powerful message and at the same time gave you action, love, conspiracy and murder? Of course there are plenty of books out there that deliver but only a few deliver like, Black People: For Entertainment Purposes Only.

W. Ivan Wright’s, Black People: For Entertainment Purposes Only is an compelling tale about a successful African American author named Jurney who delivers a book with the same title and becomes one of the most hated people amongst the people he wrote it for: African Americans. Although he has tried to explain what the meaning and the purpose behind his book, it doesn’t stop a crazed veteran named Cephas from trying to kill him. Also to add to the list of drama, he learns that he has a daughter from a past relationship and the mother is trying to get in his pockets.

Although the book had one of the most boring openings, I continued to read and begin to really enjoy the message that all blacks are interested in being or acting like basketball players or rappers. I also appreciated the mild action that did not leave you thinking of blood, guts and gore.

If you like a book that starts off slow but builds to a book of great meaning and purpose then this is the book for you. W. Ivan Wright will truly deliver in the end.

Agasa Elitou-Reviewer

Literary Review- Harlem Heat by 50 Cent and Mark Anthony

If you like Bonny and Clyde or Thelma and Louise then you’ll like Harlem Heat. This is a story about two women Roxy Reynolds and her daughter Chyna who run a gun trafficking ring. These women take charge and rule the streets all on their own but with a price to pay.

Roxy a young mother and her daughter Chyna who is following in her footsteps are real hustlers. They have done it all from exotic dancing to prostitution, and now they are the leaders of a successful gun-trafficing ring. Roxy had been a member of a powerful gang for many years before most of the members were incarcerated many years ago. She gained plenty of experience as a hustler of all trades and she has taught her daughter Chyna everything that she knows especially loyalty and keeping her mouth shut. Although the business was a success, things began to get shaky when old-time gangster Panama Pete is released from prison and has to stay with the Reynold's women.

Chyna is given a tip that Panama Pete is no good and that he has broken one of the major laws of the streets— don’t snitch. It is being said that he is working as an agent for the cops. When Chyna learns this information, she decides to watch his actions to be sure that what she hears is not just bad wax in the ears. When suspicious acts begin to unravel including the rape of Chyna and the theft of all the money that the women had to keep her gun clients happy is stolen by a few thugs, Chyna confronts her mother and tells her that she is being played by her long time friend and things get heated.

Roxy and Chyna are forced to get their money back in a way neither of them expected and now there are cops and gangsters chasing them. Will they manage to get away? Will they be able to keep their heads? Will one of them die?

Filled with heart racing action, Harlem Heat is a one-day reader that you never want to put down. Mark Anthony caught my attention with this book and I hope that there is a Harlem Heat 2.

Agasa Elitou- Book Reviewer

The Truth About Grant Money and Businesses

Urban legends, old wives tales, community myths, misinformation, and misconceptions – no matter what you call it – they continue to plague the community.

We've all seen the headlines: "Millions in free government money for your business." Late-night infomercials, reference guides and websites promote the availability of grant money to entrepreneurs for starting and expanding businesses. Does it sound too good to be true? Well, it is! Your small business resource, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) (http://www.sba.gov/), has valuable information to help turn your entrepreneurial dream into a thriving new business.

Would-be entrepreneurs often ask the Small Business Administration “Where can I get find grants to start a business?” And, sadly, some of these individuals pay big money to attend business financing seminars that travel from city to city focusing on “free” government money for their business. All you have to do is pay these folks up front and they will fill out some paperwork for you to apply for these “grants.”

The trouble is the rare few grants that are available are so highly specialized in research fields that the odds of getting them are astronomical. In other words, it’s a dead end. Forget about government grants to start a new business. It won’t happen.

The truth is that federal and state governments do not provide grants for starting and expanding small businesses.

The Small Business Administration or banks will not give money to anyone unless they meet a certain criteria. They have several lending programs, which makes it easier for a small business to borrow money. SBA administers these three separate, but equally important loan programs: 1) The 7A Loan Guarantee Program, 2) The SBA Low-Document Program, and 3) SBS 504.

To apply for an SBA loan, you need to visit your local participating bank or lending institution. General lending criteria for the Small Business Administration include: 1) outstanding credit history (FICO/Credit Score of over 700), 2) cash flow adequate to service the debt, 3) collateral, 4) equity, 5) character, and 6) experience.

Banks do give out loans, but they typically aren’t a good source for new companies unless you have built a relationship with the banks.

The four main types of loans that banks offer are: 1) Installment loans, on which the business makes monthly payments over a certain number of years, 2) Term Loans, with which the entire loan is paid off after a predetermined term (usually one, two, or five years), 3) Asset-based loans, which might be for inventory or equipment, and 4) Revolving lines of credit, which businesses can draw upon when cash is low and then pay off when cash flow is high.

Remember that 90% of all start-up money for a business comes from private sources such as moonlighting jobs, working part time, divorce settlements, child support payments, yearly income tax returns, 401K’s and other private and government pensions. Over 25% of all companies are started with less than $5000.

Raising money for your company is hard work and it can be completed only with careful planning and research. And again, don’t wait around on grant money to start your business.

Successful steps to opening a business is listed at (www.angelspress.com/businesslevels.html) Top business mistakes are listed at (http://www.angelspress.com/10topbusinessmistakes.html).

Cathy Harris (http://www.cathyharrisspeaks.com/) is a motivational speaker and business consultant.

Copyright © 2007. Cathy Harris. All Rights Reserved

ASK DEDAN

A Reader’s Question:
What’s up? I’ve been with my girl for a year now and I’m very displeased with our sex life... or lack thereof. We only have sex once a week, if that. When we finally do it, its horrible. All she does is lay there. She’s very inexperienced when it comes to sex, which is actually a good thing although sometimes I wish she had a little more “skills”. I’m actually the second person that she’s been with.
I try to get my girlfriend to try different things to spice up our sex life but she just isn't interested in experimenting. My question to you is, am I doing something wrong or are my requests unfair or unreasonable? I think I have a right to enjoy having sex with my woman. I love my girl and would never want to step out on her but the temptation is there. What can be done?

My Advice:

First, let me commend you for being a stand up guy and remaining faithful to your relationship. When faced with similar circumstances, many men turn to the comfort of other women to satisfy their sexual appetite.
You need to keep in mind that all women are different. The things that arouse one woman may not arouse another woman. Have you tried talking to your girlfriend about things that could possibly improve your sex life? Maybe she’s willing to experiment with new things but is just too shy to bring it up.
Another thing to consider would be your girlfriends religious beliefs. The Bible teaches us that sex before marriage is wrong. If your girlfriend shares these beliefs, she could feel very guilty after having sex with you, which may cause her not to be as into it as you would like. If this is the case, then you need to be respectful of her beliefs. The guilt that she may be feeling may be overwhelming and she may not know how to talk to you about this subject because she’s not sure how you feel about it. This is exactly why good communication is essential in all relationships.
As far as your girlfriend being inexperienced is concerned, you should be grateful because many men have to deal with the fact that their girlfriend was promiscuous in college and slept with multiple guys. My advice to you would be to continue to be faithful, understanding and respectful in your relationship.
Too many couples place too much emphasis on their sex life. There are way more important things to focus on in a relationship. If you really care about one another, your sex life or lackthereof should never be a reason to be unfaithful.

Hopefully, I’ve shed some light on this subject for you.

“Ask Dedan” Sex, Dating & Relationships- Volume I available now at: www.dedantolbert.com

The Sensationnel Road to $25,000

Have you ever heard the saying “beauty comes with a price”? Well, let me tell you there was a price to pay for the contestants in the Sensationnel Hair Idol Model Search. There was a lot of practice, getting pictures taken; getting your hair done, getting make-up before and during the big day arrived at the Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA.

I was thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this great event that was brought to Philly by the infamous Glynn Jackson of the Glynn Jackson Agency and Sensationnel Hair. Glynn Jackson, also known as the founder of the largest hair shows in the country, including the Golden Scissor Awards was a great coach to all of the models. At every practice along with Cyndi Lane of Iconz Models, we had to look good. Our walks had to show that we were going to serve the runway and we did.

The day before the actual event, we had to get prepared for the Press Party that took place at the World Live Café which included entertainment and a brief conference that explained the purpose of the Sensationnel Hair Idol Model Search which is to recognize the winner in each and every woman. There were women of various shapes and sizes that participated in the event. There were also young women who were working mothers that received recognition for their efforts to stay strong and beautiful (inside and out) during their struggles with hardship. These women received wonderful makeovers and gifts from various sponsors.

The night was filled with wonderful music which included the featured appearance of Carol Riddick. She is an amazing talent and wow, can she sing. She swept everyone away with her jazzy and soulful song “Brown Eyed Girl”. After Ms. Riddick’s performance, Mr. Glynn Jackson called all of the contestants to the stage so that they could introduce themselves to the awaiting people who would be seeing us model at the hair show which included press and photographers so that they could get good pictures (kind of a before and after). Professional photographer for Infinite MagaZine (and my dad) Aalim Elitou got fantastic shots of me and the other models (thanks Nux).

Personally, I had the pleasure of meeting Nikki Tucker, stylist to Alicia Keys. She was there to teach stylists some of the new trends that would be set for the year to come. She was so nice and I look forward to meeting up with her again in the future.

Near the close of the evening, the models and I danced and had a great time. I was soon ready to go home because I knew that I had a long day ahead of me and tomorrow was going to start very early.

The next day; the big day; the day that I had been waiting for finally arrived. At ten in the morning I was ready to have my makeup done and that was a long wait because there were more than forty ladies waiting to get theirs done as well. While I was waiting to get my make-up done, I got the chance to talk to some of the contestants. Karita and Ashley my Iconz sisters asked me if I was nervous. I thought about it and I told them, “No, I am ready and very excited.” I had been waiting for this day to come so nervousness just never set in.
After my makeup was applied I looked in the mirrors and almost didn’t recognize myself. I had never had makeup done before and I looked so different. I was definitely ready now to serve the runway. “You look so nice,” said Kerry Scott of Fatboy Hype. I begin to practice with runway coach for Fat Boy and Tarantula designer Kevin Parker who has always been a support.
Hair was simple and easy for me because I was told to wear it wild and big and all that took was for me to tease it out and it looked fabulous. I was really impressed with some of the creativity that was surrounding me. There were people transforming right before my eyes. There were styles that were unique and wild and some that were simple and classy but nevertheless they all made a statement. I think that some of the fantasy styles were my favorite.

When the doors opened at 6:00 pm the downstairs began to fill up with family, friends, and media. I think that people with daughters, sisters, mothers, etc were more nervous and excited for us than we were. Come on!!! This was only the hottest hair show in Philly. Not to mention someone was going to win $3,000 and then be on their way to winning $25,000. The place was jammed packed in fifteen minutes and the show was soon to begin, on time.

This was my first hair show and I was not aware of what I was going to see. At the hair shows there is a lot of entertainment from the stylists and the models in which some dance and some walk the runway. The best of the night was the skit of women who were stealing a Sensationnel wig, the women who were robotic puppets (they really did it up), and the wild Barbie dolls that broke out of their boxes. I loved it.
The excitement backstage was also interesting because people had to change into their costumes as fast as possible so that they could appear on stage again. It was not long before we had to come out and be judged. It really all began to set in with me that I may win. What would happen next? Who will win? How will I do?

All the girls that went before seemed to be focused on their walk and they did their best. Mr. Jackson called “Contestant 24” which was me and everyone clapped. I wore a beautiful mint green dress that looked like it was straight out of Vogue Magazine. I did my pose and walked my walk to the T. The runway seemed to be so long and it seemed to last forever. I was not able to hear anything around me— not the sound of the music, not the sound of cheering, nothing. When I got down the steps of the stage I could hear again. When I got backstage, I walked up to a girl and asked, “How do you think you did?” She replied, “I am so sad that I am about to cry. I think I did a bad job”. However, before she could finish another girl said, “you did well” and that lifted the girl’s spirit.

The moment of truth was here and someone was going to get 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. All the models called to the stage for the finale walk. Before Glynn Jackson called the 10 finalists, he said that five women would be coming with him to Washington, DC to participate in another event. I was one of the five finalists invited to go to DC. I was very happy. When everyone got to the back of the stage Glynn Jackson called the 10 finalists and everyone went crazy and began screaming. They seemed to be pleased with the outcome. Contestant 60 came in third place winning $500, Contestant 21 in second place winning $1,500, and Contestant 56 won the grand prize $3,000. All three of them will be going to DC to finish the contest in November in order to win $25,000 in cash and prizes.

I had a wonderful time and it was a great experience. I want to thank Glynn Jackson and his team for all of their support, Cyndi Lane, and most importantly my parents for always being there for me.

Can’t wait to talk about next year, but in the meantime check out the images.

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Tweety Elitou