Quick Fix with Keren Charles:: Swapnista, FashionEnvy, Operation Prom ATL

Sareena Beasley (SB): What is Swapnista?

Keren Charles (KC): I started Swapnista to encourage women to swap, not shop, in order to update their wardrobes without spending too much money. From that, the Swapnista events emerged as a chic alternative to shopping for a "new-to-you" wardrobe. Specifically, with Fashion Envy Dress Boutique, we offer once-loved fashion from attendees & donations from retailers & designers. We also allow you access to a wide array of accessories in our vendor suite, a pampering lounge, and specific items are donated to a local nonprofit. 

SB: Which nonprofit are you working with?

KC: Operation PROM Atlanta. We provide free prom dresses to high school seniors that are in need. Phaedra Parks, Real Housewives of Atlanta, is among some of the celebrities that have donated to this worthy cause. We will be accepting donations until March 19, which is the big prom give-a-way. Students can obtain applications from their high school counselors (North Fulton County and Atlanta Public Schools) to be a potential recipient. They will receive complimentary hair, makeup, styling consultations and of course a PROM dress.

 As a personal stylist I always work with women to help them achieve a certain look, and I truly believe that young women need this encouragement as well. 

SB: When did you develop an eye for fashion?

KC: When I was a little girl. I have always enjoyed dressing up. Growing up in a single family household, we didn’t have a lot of money, so I developed a love and eye for my own style, even when shopping at thrift stores. My style can’t be defined in a box, but it is always chic and classic. 

SB: What is one of your most memorable styling projects?

KC: I have been so blessed to have worked with women such as Ann Huff, who I styled for President Obama’s inauguration, and so many others. Overall, I enjoy working with the everyday woman, and creating their extraordinary looks.

SB: How can we get that quick fix?

KC: Visit www.fashiontoenvy.com 

Haute Game Plan for Super Bowl XLV:: Super Bowl Gospel Celebration- 2.4.11

Super Bowl XLV is headed to Texas where "everything is bigger and better" and the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration must be added to your game plan!  Get ready for a star-studded evening as gospel icons Marvin Sapp, Israel Houghton & New Breed, Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin, “Players Choice” James Fortune & FIYA, the NFL Players choir,  the Voices of Destiny church choir and “The Best Church Choir in America” – Verizon’s How Sweet the Sound winning choir, grace the stage in addition to a few added surprises.

Gospel's music sweetheart CeCe Winans is hosting the NFL sanctioned event on Friday, February 4, 2011 at 7:30pm at the Music Hall in Fair Park. This year, the North Texas charitable partner is Pat and Emmitt Smith Charities, who are devoted to providing unique opportunities and educational experiences for underserved children.

This is the place to experience great music, support a worthy cause, and refresh your inspiration for 2011 and beyond. Visit www.superbowlgospel.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

The Super Bowl Gospel Celebration is sponsored by Verizon Wireless, the official wireless service of the NFL; and American Family Insurance, the nation's third-largest mutual property/casualty insurance company.

Haute Off The Red Carpet with Kenny Leon

     

Q&A with Kenny Leon....

This Is His Script

Sareena Beasley (SB): What is something most people don’t know about you?

Kenny Leon (KL): According to Phylicia Rashad’s research, my name means……Kenneth=handsome, Leroy= king, Leon=lion.

SB: Behind every success story there has been a struggle or obstacle to overcome.   What is your story?

KL: I was a country boy born in Tallahassee, Florida. I graduated from Clark Atlanta University, a historical black college in Atlanta, with a degree in political science. For me, I had to get out of my neighborhood, then I had to get out of the state, and then I had to forget about what people were telling me I should do. I found my way! My mother thought I was going to be a minister or teacher- which I am doing on the American stage and television. Everyone has a different story, but in order to move forward you just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other to find your passion, and to overcome those obstacles. I think people should spend their life trying to find their passion, and what it is that they would love to wake up everyday and do, and then find a way to get paid for it.

SB: When did you realize this is what you were destined to do?

KL: I was in law school and I had to come home and wait a year before I could return. During that year I started teaching theatre in the prison and school system, and I was also doing plays at night. Following that year, when it was time for me to go back to law school, the man that hired me to do all of the theatre work asked, “what are you going to do now?” I realized that I had found it, and I didn’t want to return to law school. I wanted to continue with theatre!  

SB: Tell me about your mentor(s) and how they helped to position you to reach the success you have to date?

KL: One is the great August Wilson, whom I spent a great amount of time with before he died. I directed two Broadway shows with him, which was incredible! He helped me to understand why it’s so challenging for an African American artist to make it in the industry. Then I had Joan Lewis who taught theatre at Clark Atlanta University. Lastly, I admire people like my grandmother, who worked hard all day in the field, and others that were apart of the Civil Rights Movement. It made me realize that I am the result of these generations of prayers. 

When I look at the people I am working with (Samuel L. Jackson, Will Smith, P. Diddy, and so many others), they all have one thing in common- no one will ever out work them. You have to give it all you got, and push yourself to the next level before you can succeed. 

SB: What is one of your proudest moments?

KL: Actually it was last year when Denzel Washington was on the stage accepting his Tony Awards. I was so proud of him, and the work he had done. The first thing he said was, “if you ever get an opportunity, you have to work with Kenny Leon.”  That was amazing!

SB: Fill in the blank: The last time I laughed so hard was when......

KL: I think that God gives us two great releases. The ability to laugh and cry. Laughter is good. It’s like a security blanket that protects us.  It keeps you human, and if you can’t laugh then I don’t want to be around you.  If you attend one of my shows and you don’t laugh, then it’s not one of my shows. Sometimes I laugh more at drama then comedy. In drama, the comedy is inherent in the writing, versus comedy when they are trying to make it funny. I enjoy comedy that comes from natural situations- laughing at life, and I laugh everyday.

SB: Do you maintain any constant themes within your productions?

KL: Authenticity, Honesty and Raw. I want everyone to be able to find themselves in my work.

SB: What is the biggest difference in being the artistic director for the Alliance Theatre Company and True Colors Theatre Company?

KL: There is a difference between a large institution and a small institution. The difference between a $12 million budget (Alliance Theatre) and a $2 million budget (True Colors Theatre). At the large institution there is more politics, people, complexities, and more issues when you try to merge various cultures.  When I was at the Alliance, a historically white institution, my goal was in trying to diversify it with African Americans. Whereas now, the core audience for True Colors is African American, and I am trying to diversify it with other cultures. I actually think it’s easier to diversify other cultures around African American culture. I’m still doing the same thing, just trying to do it a different way. I’m all about using theatre as a tool to unite all audiences. At True Colors Theatre, the core of our mission is to preserve African American classics and unite Anglo-Saxon cultures around it.

SB: Where do you see True Colors Theatre in the next 5 years?

KL: I want True Colors to be a home for African American artists. As we get older there are so many wonderful artists out there, and I want them to know that they will always have a home at True Colors Theatre. We must continue to tell our story to our communities.  I want them to have a place to come and continue to do their work. I want to ensure that this company will live long after me. So I welcome the next young African American artist to come in and continue the movement.     

SB: What are some of the challenges in reaching this goal?

KL: The challenge is always financial. In the African American community we have to make sure that we are supporting this institution (True Colors Theatre). When you build sets, the wood and nails cost money. When you fly artists in to perform it cost money. So you want the entire community to support and embrace the theatre in ways where they are not always looking for a hook up.  As long as we have the support of the community it will live. We have to realize that as time goes on, we have to be careful about who is telling our stories. We can sustain our culture through our stories. More than half of our audience is female. We are constantly trying to get our men into the theatre to hear these stories, so they can grow in terms of relationships and life. Another major challenge is reaching out to young people. We want to let them know that there are careers in the arts. They have to learn the art of storytelling, and we want to prepare them for that.

SB: Can you give me the details surrounding your upcoming projects?

KL: I am directing The Mountaintop, premiering this spring. It was written by Katori Hall, who won the Olivier Award in London last year. I was able to convince Samuel L. Jackson and Halle Berry into doing this two character play. This will be Halle’s first stage production, so I am looking forward to that. It’s based on an idea of what happen the night before Martin Luther King Jr., was assassinated. It includes elements of past, present and future worlds combined. People will not want to miss this up close opportunity with the cast. Tickets go on sale in a few weeks. I am also working on a movie called Cotton- produced by the same people that did Pursuit of Happiness. The film is based on the real life story of Ronald Cotton, who was accused of raping two white women in North Carolina, but the real story is about the power of forgiveness.

SB: The science of being Broke (Broke-ology)... What is that?

KL: This is a play by Nathan Jackson that I directed. It’s about life and love in the African American community. It exposes those universal issues of family, love and fatherhood. Jasmine Guy and Afemo Omilami have two loving sons that find themselves strangely at odds. It’s a real play that answers the question – If you’re broke can you be happy? Furthermore, it goes a little deeper in regards to: What is happiness? What is being broke, rich or poor?

SB: What do you want viewers to walk away with from Broke-ology?

KL: I want them to leave and go home and hug their kids, husband or wife. Call their parents. In the end, it’s going to be a beautiful feeling about the connectiveness to family.

         

Don’t miss your opportunity to experience Broke-ology                      January 25-February 20, 2011 at the Southwest Arts Center in Atlanta, Georgia.                                 

Click here for additional information and to purchase tickets.

This article should not be copied or transcribed in any way without the written consent of the writer(Sareena Beasley of T-3Concepts)

Haute Off The Press::Q&A with Kimberla Lawson Roby NY Times Bestselling Author

Q&A with Kimberla Lawson Roby in Atlanta.....

              Haute Off The Press

She gracefully enters the room wearing all black. I know she has arrived because loud cheers and “Oh my gosh it’s her” fills the room. I wait anxiously as she stops to speak with each person along her path. Instead of shaking hands she offers me a hug and I immediately feel her energy and passion. She sits with excellent posture, hair pulled back into a loose bun and we joke about this Atlanta weather. Who is this New York Times best selling author that has published 15 novels, received numerous honors/awards and remains connected to her readers and the community? She is Kimberla Lawson Roby.  

Sareena Beasley(SB): How were your holidays?

KLR:  It was wonderful! Each December, I am really focused on preparing for the next Reverend Curtis Black novel. I will admit that sometimes I sneak in a little work (laughing), but I make sure to spend the actual holidays with my family, and we truly had a great time.

SB: Best moment of 2010?

KLR: I have always had interest in obtioning the film rights to Casting The First Stone- which is the first installment in the Revered Curtis Black series, and it finally happen in November.

(we give each other a high five) Yes, I am so excited. The rights for One In A Million have been optioned since 2008, so I'm happy about that as well.With the Curtis series, I have so many readers asking me when they will see him on the big screen or in a television series, so I am glad to have been given the title of executive producer for this particular project.

SB: When did you realize that you could turn writing into a career?

KLR: When I was 30. I had been working in marketing, human resources and other fields in Illinois, where I live. I just always felt that there was something else that I should be doing. Honestly, I didn’t know what it was, but writing was always of interest to me, and I knew if I really wanted to make this change then I had to have a plan. Writing felt natural to me. I reflected back to my beginnings- elementary school, high school, professors in college who would say that I should consider a career in writing. Early on, I didn’t pay a lot of attention to these remarks especially in high school as I compared the salaries of writers and thought, “Oh no no no that’s not gonna happen.”  I wanted a successful career, to make some money, and business seemed to be the path that would lead me there. I look back now and tell students not to let money be their driving force. Figure out what your passion and purpose in life is and if you do what you are supposed to do then the money will follow. So I continued to work and started writing every weekend, holiday and free moment that I could. Research in the field also played a major key. Learning more about those that turned writing into a successful career was amazing, and I knew that it was possible.

SB: You were apart of the corporate world for some time but made the transition into writing- How has having a business degree benefited your success to date?

KLR: It has been a huge help. When I first started, I received so many rejection letters from agents and publishers. My husband encouraged me to use my business degree and start my own company and make it work for me. My mom encouraged me not to give up because the copies of my manuscript that were being read by readers locally were getting really good reviews. So that made all the difference- I became self published and within 6 months I had sold over 10,000 copies. With that business degree, I was able to create a business and marketing plan and really focus on my niche audience. I really don’t think I would have been able to do this as easily without my business experience in the work force. Even to this day, I am completely hands on. Writing is a big part, but I also create the buzz/marketing efforts to go along with it. Another key part has been connecting with my readers and learning how to reach new ones.

SB: If you could do it all over again would you have started writing earlier?

KLR: I've thought about it. I remember talking to my mom early on in my writing career about how I should have majored in journalism and focused more on a writing major. I wondered if that would have made it so much easier and would have maybe encouraged me to start in my early twenties. I never forgot her reply. She said, “Yes, all this is true, but you really hadn’t experienced anything in life just yet, so what were you going to write about? I think you have started exactly when you were supposed to."  I thought, wow mom that is a really good point. So now the answer to that question is no, I’m glad that I started when I did.

SB: You often speak about your mother and how much she has inspired you. Tell me about her?

KLR: This November will be 11 years since she has passed away. She was the type of mother who always told me that I could do anything. Sometimes I would catch myself saying I don’t really think I’m that good at this and she would say, “Yes you are, and you are just as good as anyone else.” Deep down I knew that she had to know there were some things that I couldn't do, but her motivation inspired me to want to try. She taught me such strong moral values and to always treat people the way I wanted to be treated. I know for sure she has been right about that.  

SB: What is the first thing you do when you are preparing to write?

KLR: My inspiration comes from my readers and their feedback. There is nothing better than what I am doing right now. Being out on a national book tour, traveling from city to city and creating these interactions. Of course, you are always your own worst critic, and when I’m writing I am constantly thinking, "Is this good enough?" So, when I get my readers' feedback that encourages me to write the next novel. Facebook has done more wonders than ever. Sometimes when I’m actually on my page, I can read reader's replies and react in real time to what they are saying. So it’s amazing what my readers do for me and how much they inspire each novel that I write. 

SB: When confronted with writer’s block how do you break out of it?

KLR: Well, for me I outline the first half of the book before I even begin writing, so I pretty much know every chapter at least 50% of the way. Sometimes it changes because the characters really do take on a life of their own, so I may not have planned for everything that will happen. When it comes to actual writer's block in general, I really don't experience that. I just keep writing until I get to the last quarter of the book when I am preparing to end it and trying to figure out how that will happen. There are times when I literally have to walk away from it, and it may take 2-3 days before I complete the ending. Sometimes, I’m in prayer, asking God for the direction that it should be going in. Also, it is always my hope that my books will benefit someone and that there is a lesson learned. So after praying and going about my daily routine, the ending will suddenly come to me.

SB: Which character would you say you relate to the most in Love, Honor, and Betray and why?

KLR: I would say Curtis’s and Charlotte's son Matthew. Though he is only 17 and a junior in high school, I can relate to him because his actions remind me of my mother’s teachings. He is the one character in the book who always treats people the way he would want to be treated.  He truly believes in doing the right thing and has a really great heart.

SB: What do you say to the criticism of implementing such controversial topics into your work?

KLR: Well, you know the interesting thing is that when I am talking about corruption and specifically in the church you expect people to say why are you exposing this dirty laundry which has always been kind of hush hush. But honestly, that has never really happen. I have had pastors' wives approach me at events and say, “thank you for writing my story and for saying what I can’t say. Thank you for letting members of congregations know that you only see us on Sunday morning without having any realization of what we are going through the other 6 days of the week.” So I have appreciated this feedback. The Revered Curtis Black series is similar to real-life scenarios taking place in so many cities in the country. I did know what was going on in Illinois, but I don’t think I fully had an understanding of what was happening so many other places until after I heard from readers. So that has been very interesting.

SB: You present a constant theme of relationships throughout your novels. How do you feel men and women are relating to each other today? How can they find a deeper connection?

KLR: I think that parts of the reason that Curtis has had issues with his current and past wives is because there is a huge lack of communication. That is what is lacking in so many relationships today, and it is usually one of the main reasons people can’t get along and things don’t work out. They are not listening and don’t know each other very well. It's best to talk about your issues or problems then and there and not wait until later. It’s not healthy to go to sleep angry… then you wake up angry and the cycle continues. Honesty is another huge necessity and making each other laugh. I recently celebrated 20 years of marriage with my husband September 2010. Just this past Thanksgiving I was reflecting over our relationship, and I can honestly say that he still makes me laugh to this day. We let each other know how important we are to each other and never take that for granted, plus we are best friends. My husband has always said that we can’t let anyone inside of our circle and that includes family.

SB: What advice would you give a young woman that is looking for Mr. Right?

KLR: Always remember how important you are next to God. Know that you are worthy and you should be treated well. The signs are always there early on in a relationship so don’t ignore them. If you think it’s not that bad in the beginning it will be ten times worse later on. You have to respect yourself so when that good man comes along he will automatically have respect for you, too.

SB: In 3 words, what do you want your readers to gain from Love, Honor, and Betray?

KLR: Love, Honesty and Forgiveness. Those 3 things are extremely important in a relationship and in a marriage. Even when times are tough you still need those 3 things.

SB: Fill in the blank: There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t____________

KLR: Thank God for every single thing that he has done, what he is doing and what I know he is going to do in the future. I’m constantly working on my own relationship with God which has helped me personally and professionally.  

SB: Your favorite quote/bible verse that keeps you motivated and could keep us all in a good space?

KLR: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Kimberla Lawson Roby is proving that stepping out on faith to pursue your passion and make a profit is possible. Her 15^th novel Love, Honor, and Betray is taking the world by storm.Visit www.kimroby.com for an exclusive excerpt from the novel and a complete list of cities she will be visiting.

*Enter for a chance to win your own copy of this recently released novel                                      Love, Honor, and Betray.                                    Leave a comment telling us why you should win and continue to check back to Link To The City for updates.*

This article should not be copied or transcribed in any way without the written consent of the writer(Sareena Beasley ofT-3Concepts)

Win A Pair of Tickets to the Most Anticipated Tour of The Year:: Helping Women Succeed In America (Atlanta, Ga.-January 29, 2011)

Welcome to 2011! Those New Year's resolutions have been plastered on the mirror for you to see each morning and you have promised yourself to do what it takes to succeed this year. Turn your dreams and goals into reality with the help of 8 powerful and captivating women that are making it happen! Gain exclusive insight on ways to manage and grow your Money, Health, Tools for Successful Networking and so much more. People You Need to Know Magazine want to help you start your year off right..... which will lead to a better life. This is guaranteed to be a sold out event. Get your tickets now by clicking here.

Link To The City is giving away a pair of tickets to this life changing event. Share your story on ways that this conference can help you achieve your goals by leaving us a comment.
Check back to Link To The City for updates on our winners.





Get Linked...........

Super Hero vs. Alter Ego

I recently read an article that Beyonce is ready to lay her ultra alter ego, Sasha Fierce, to rest. She admitted that she has grown as a person and no longer needs to hide behind this image anymore. 

This topic sparked my interest further on various reasons we create an alter ego or celebrate a super hero. What comes to mind when you see Batman and Robin, Superman, or maybe even Hancock(the first black super hero that stumbled upon his powers-OMG this is a whole different blog people, lol)? The important thing to note is that they are all ordinary people that have extraordinary talents.

So does putting on a cape, changing your look, or giving yourself a new name (outside of the club of course because ladies we all know we rarely give out our real name) somehow amp you up to do things you wouldn't normally do or believe to have the power to do? 

Well, if that is what it takes to help you learn more about the person you are and the powers you have to motivate yourself don't let me stop you from putting an "S" on your chest: but, if I see you on the streets running around with a cape (and it's not a costume party) be prepared that I will keep walking.

I just want you to know that we all have extraordinary powers and ideas just waiting to be explored. Don't wait to develop a new persona, or a new look to capitalize on what you already have. You are a superhero to so many already- specifically the youth. They need real, everyday people to show them that anything is possible if they believe in color.

So I salute Beyonce for stepping in front of the world and admitting that she is powerful without "Sasha Fierce."  Take this moment and dig deep, pray and learn more about who you truly are because you have the power in your own hands to make a change/difference.

Sunshine Anderson- explains why you have not heard it all before-

I had an opportunity to sit down with Sunshine Anderson and discover the truth about where she has been, what she is doing now and where she is going.  

Sunshine (biological name) Anderson continues to greet the sun every morning despite how cloudy her situation may appear to be. Her first love is music, but she emphasizes her loyalty to the fans, her family and most importantly to herself. 

Sunshine took a break from the industry after the birth of her child and has focused on raising her soon to be 3 year old and realizing the importance of being a good mother. She also stays busy as a cosmetologist at "Blendz Salon" in Atlanta, Georgia. 

In the midst of a divorce she wants to remain true to her art and share her story. "The new album is not all about bashing men or being angry, but if that is what is going on in my life then my fans have a right to know." The album is currently untitled, but Sunshine assures fans that they will not be disappointed.

The future is bright- "Life is a stepping stone, and you have to use every experience as an opportunity because it's all in God's plan." Sunshine remains positive that what some may call a set back was an opportunity for her to re-focus. Now, she is focused on her new album, working toward her own full service salon, and learning more about the things that bring sunshine in her life.   

Follow this link to view the full interview:

http://tiny.cc/f7389

Young Voices With New Visions

Atlanta (Pitchengine.com) November, 2010- Young Voices with New

Visions, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, announces the world

premiere of short plays by kids, about kids, for kids. The stage is

set at Woodland Elementary Charter School and the curtains will open

Thursday, November 11 at 5pm. The 2010 Short Play Competition was a

tough process for hundreds of students that entered their original

works, but only 5 aspiring playwrights were chosen by their peers to

showcase their talents on the big stage.

Students have been working vigorously putting the finishing touches on

scripts, auditioning the cast, working with The Woodland Ensemble

Company and Friends to ensure all musical selections are in sync and

so much more. Highlights of the evening will include plays by Cobe

Jackson (5th grader and Gold Medal Winner of YVNV short play

competition) as he presents “A Life Changing Adventure” – an epic

drama adventure of a young boy’s quest to find his father.  N’Kai

Lewis (6th grader and Silver Medal Winner of YVNV short play

competition) will debut  “Our Best Move”- a contemporary dramatization

that focuses on the power of Salsa dancing to resolve cultural

conflicts.

The YVNV artistic and production team is made up of dedicated parents,

community volunteers, faculty, and staff with professional acting,

directorial, dramaturgical and literary backgrounds. They have guided

the emerging artists through the processes of producing, presenting

and performing the plays for the festival. The writing is

accomplished, compelling and at times intentionally comic. Each

playwright’s unique voice will be honored by a fully staged production

with enthusiastic and committed performances by the acting ensemble.

About Young Voices With New Visions Playfest

Students went through a rigorous 10-week play development workshop

with Pamela-Faith Jackson, a professional dramaturg and Tamara

Beasley, a Talented and Gifted Certified Teacher and Math Coach from

Bethune Elementary School.  Bethune  and Woodland served as Young

Playwrights Unit sites where the students met to workshop their plays.

Dr. Ruth Baskerville and Dr. Gwendolyn Miller graciously opened their

buildings for the YVNV playwriting initiative. The original

student-written plays received a reading in the Spring and their peers

selected the most promising 5 works-in-progress.  In the final round

of competition, the scripts  were sent to YVNV adjudicators Sydne

Mahone, Associate Professor, Theatre Arts, playwriting and dramatic

literature, University of Iowa; Professor Susan Watson Turner, Lehman

College (NYC), Professor Kimberly Harding, Florida A & M, as well as,

Brenda Wilcox, Executive Vice President of the Southwest GA Film

Commission.

About Young Voices With New Visions

Pamela-Faith Jackson is founder of the YVNV,

Inc., co-founder of F.A.A.M.E. ARTS, LLC, and editor of Black Comedy:

9 Plays-A Critical Anthology With Interviews and Essays.  Her training

includes a B.A. Drama, Spelman College; M.F.A. Dramaturgy/Criticism,

Columbia University,; M.Ed. Early Childhood Education, Georgia State

University; and Talented and Gifted Certification.

Visit www.yvnvplays.org for more information

Tickets $4.00

Media Contact:

T-3 Concepts

Sareena Beasley

O: 404.981.2015

E: pr@T-3concepts.com