A Queen’s Truth

Being a Graduate Student, Law Student, Humanitarian, and a Queen, Jenna Jackson talks about being Miss University of Georgia and Everything in Between.

A Native of Fayetteville, GA, Jenna Lee Jackson is Miss University of Georgia 2013. She never thought that one day she would be one of the faces of her university. “[It] never even entered my realm of possibilities” Jackson says. “There had not been a Black Miss UGA in 20 years.”  Jackson was crowned Miss UGA on January 19 of this year. Even though she is a second year law student, when she found out that graduate students were eligible, she leaped to the opportunity. “I thought it could potentially be a great opportunity to be a positive role model in a time where little girls often look to reality TV and music videos for examples” she explains. She’s made it clear that her work is not done yet, even though she’s accomplished being Miss UGA, she will be running in the Miss Georgia Pageant. “I look forward to representing the university in June in the Miss Georgia Pageant.” Read closely to get a quick glimpse into the life of Miss University of Georgia better known as Jenna Lee Jackson.

The Agenda: What made you decide to run for Miss UGA?

Miss UGA: If one girl becomes motivated to further her education, becomes excited at the prospect of becoming an academic, or finds confidence in her beauty even though she doesn't look like the Victoria Secret Angels, then it would all be more than worth it.

“Write your own story…”

The Agenda: What is some advice or tips that you would want to share with others?

Miss UGA: Do not feel pressure to conform to what the world says is successful, right and good. Write your own story and be careful not to fall into the trap of pleasing others. While material things are nice, do not forget what really matters in the end: making a positive impact on each other.

The Agenda: What makes you, you?

Miss UGA: Great question! The things I love make me, me. I love my Savior, my family, my friends, good food, Batman, nail polish, thinking outside the box, and sprite.

The Agenda: What's your favorite food and why?

Miss UGA: This is probably strange, but I love pickled okra. You can only find it at Publix or Kroger, but I honestly could eat a whole jar.

The Agenda: What's your favorite color?

Miss UGA: Orange is my official favorite color, an ode to my alma mater Mercer University, but white is my favorite color to wear. (she laughs)

The Agenda: What is one of your favorite memories as a child?

Miss UGA: Playing in the mud with my little sister. I am not sure I enjoy anything now as much as I enjoyed playing outside with her back then.

The Agenda: If you could have a room full of any one thing, what would it be?

Miss UGA: Pillows!  I also wouldn't mind having a pool full of that Welch's sparkling grape juice, delicious.

The Agenda: What books have you read lately that you enjoyed?

Miss UGA: I recently read To Heaven and Back by Dr. Mary Neal. It is awesome and really puts life into perspective. I am currently reading Pink Lips and Empty Hearts by Heather Lindsey, a great book for women.

“Iron sharpens iron.”

  

The Agenda: What quote(s) do you live by?                       

Miss UGA: “Whatever you did for the least of me you did for Me" - Matthew 25:40

"Pray like it depends on God, work like it depends on you."

The Agenda: What do you value most about other people?

Miss UGA: Their opinion! I believe the reason I have been able to grow as a person and as an analytical thinker is by listening to what different people believe, why they believe it and having to defend my views to others. Iron sharpens iron.

The Agenda: What’s more important, inner beauty or outer beauty? And why?

Miss UGA: I love the quote: "If the whole world was blind, who would you impress?"  I will leave it at that :).

The Agenda: What do you believe is the biggest challenge to young people today?

Miss UGA: Being of substance in a world that often worships solely material things.

The Agenda: What community organizations or causes are you involved in? Why is that important to you?

Miss UGA: I volunteer with Project Safe; it is an organization that helps victims of domestic violence. It is important to me because it promotes the notion of strong women taking control of their own future.

The Agenda: If you could have dinner with celebrity, dead or alive, who would, you pick and share why?

Miss UGA: Jesus! I am not sure he counts as a celebrity but I would love to talk to Him about leaving the comfort of heaven to live as human and then proceed to live perfectly in this crazy world. Considering how hard it is to just be perfect for an hour that blows my mind!

If you’d like to know more about Jackson follow her on Instagram: @JennaLee711 and/or Twitter: @JennaLee10. Take the time to see the world through her eyes.

You’re INVITED!

You’re invited to the 19th Annual Lauren's Run and CURE Annual Picnic happening on Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 8AM.

Last year Gary Guyton had the opportunity of participating in the Atlanta area nonprofit organization Cure Childhood Cancer’s event called Lauren's Run & CURE Annual Picnic. And this year he’s back at it again along with some of his NFL friends, Michael Johnson and Dominique Franks.

Not only will there be the 5K Run, 2K Fun Run/Walk, and Tot Trot, but there will be lunch served by Folks Southern Kitchen, some great family-friendly games and three Flag Football Games. Please note that Flag-football will be booked on a first-come first-serve basis and is free to anyone who participates in the Lauren’s Run. To play just register, on Saturday morning, look for the Gary Guyton Flag Football Game registration table.

Just click HERE to register online for the 5K or 2K run.

All of the proceeds from this event will benefit research to find cures for the most difficult to cure pediatric cancers. So please do come out for this wonderful event to support a great cause.

To learn more about the CURE go to this link: http://www.curechildhoodcancer.org and to register for the Lauren’s Run go to this link: http://www.firstgiving.com/curechildhoodcancer/2013-laurens-run-and-cure-annual-picnic.

Join Gary and CURE Childhood Cancer for the 19th Annual Lauren’s Run and CURE Annual Picnic!!

Five Expos Planned for Black Businesses in 2013

"The Small Business Expo, the largest trade show for small businesses, today announced the addition of three new cities for their landmark trade show. The popular B2B conference is a wonder opportunity for small business owners to network with other businesses and vendors, attend workshops, seminars and watch product demos.

The show which offers free registration to all small business owners via it’s website starts May 16th in New York, followed by Dallas in June and back to the East Coast in Boston Massachusetts. For the West coast the show will have an event in November in...."

Read more here: http://atlantablackstar.com/2012/12/26/five-expos-planned-for-black-businesses-in-2013/

Beauty

beau·ty\ˈbyü-tē\
noun
1 : the quality or aggregate of qualities in a person or thing that gives pleasure to the senses or pleasurably exalts the mind or spirit : loveliness
2 : a beautiful person or thing; especially : a beautiful woman
3 : a particularly graceful, ornamental, or excellent quality
4 : a brilliant, extreme, or egregious example or instance
5 : bottom 9
Other forms: plural beauties

From Merriam-Webster Dictionary...

So how the photo below become the images of beauty? Something must change.

Logos with Higher Design, LLC !

Since 1995 Sonya McDowell has had the dream of opening up her own graphic design business and in 2011 she and her husband, Brennan McDowell, woke up and decided that they no longer wanted to wait. Higher Design, LLC is a graphic design business located just 3 miles outside of Raleigh, NC.

“I am so thankful to have found such a professional person to work with; I had worked with other designers, some who had even stolen my original domain names. I knew I had a concept, just needed the right person to help me grasp it, Sonya did that for me. I have found Sonya to be professional, trustworthy and patient. She really aims to please her customers and it was a pleasure working with her. I will refer anyone I know to her for any web design or graphic design needs.” said Christy Paul who is from Site Smart Solutions. Higher Designs had the opportunity of designing for their company in the beginning of 2012.

Of course there were hardships here and there but within the first months of business together they quickly learned what they had to do, which is something they’ve always done; trust in God. They continue to live by “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Thanks for your inspiration and advice Higher Design, LLC; I hope that this encourages others to fulfill their dreams.

The Agenda: What is the reason behind the name Higher Design, LLC?

Higher Design, LLC: This name came to me years ago, and after several years passed, I never forgot it. I took it as a sign that it should be the name.

TA: What is a good early story about your business?

HD: So, we attempted to do our own taxes the first year. We thought, we'll buy Turbo tax and do it ourselves it'll be simple enough. Wrong! We were so lost; we bit the bullet and hired a tax expert! Probably we should have done that from.

TA: What is unusual or unique about your business, in comparison to your competitors or similar businesses?

HD: My business is a little different in that I like working with new business owners. I negotiate on pricing and even barter so that new business owners can get the branding they need to make an impact without breaking the bank.

TA: How would someone external describe your business?

HD: Here's a testimonial: Higher Design, LLC was a pleasure to work with. Sonya took our vision and developed it into an exciting logo. She took direction and created exactly what we asked for. She communicated with us and completed the project in a very timely manner. Higher Design, LLC provides a smooth and easy service experience.

TA: Do you do any charity or non-profit work? If you do or plan on to, please you share.

HD: So far, I've volunteered work for No Limitz in Albuquerque. It's a program dedicated to women and helps soldiers who have been abused deal with the abuse and move on with their lives. For them, I did site maintenance for free for a month. I also volunteer services for the Turning Point of Chester, which has a men's halfway house, food shelter and a thrift store.

TA: What is an interesting story about a customer interaction you had?

HD: So we learned early on that we had to require deposits up front. We had quite a few clients who we started work for, but they decided they didn't want to pay for services. Thankfully

TA: How does it feel to be in business together? Is it what you expected it to be?

HD: It's invigorating. It is exciting. Early on, we took a class together and tried to learn as much as we could about running a business. Brennan was also even tried to learn how to do design work so that he could help me with it. It's really something we can both [are] proud of. It's actually going a lot better than either of us ever thought it would. God is great!

TA: What is some advice or tips that you would want to share with others?

HD: 1. When it comes to taxes, hire a professional. 2. Always protect yourself. Never offer your service or product without any protection for yourself. As much as we would like to trust our clients, there are some out there who will take advantage if given the opportunity. And finally 3. Take breaks. Take time to rest and vacate when you can. Otherwise, stress will take control.

TA: What matters to you the most in satisfying your customers?

HD: That is what matters most… satisfying them. My ultimate goal is to make sure they are 100% happy with what I've given them.

TA: Where do you get your inspiration?

HD: God, other websites, things I see all around me

TA: Do you have any favorite designing websites, or magazines? If so, please share.

HD: Designdump.com, GC magazine, w3schools.com

TA: How do you feel about Black Ownership in America? Should there be more of it?

HD: I feel that black owned businesses get a bad rep. I personally have had some bad experiences and it hurts me whenever I run across a poorly run black owned business. I know that there are tons of good ones out there and I try to support them as much and often as I can, but I hope that we can improve. I believe there should be more, as I would like to see black people reach for the stars and share their talents with the world.

TA: What would you say to encourage those who are interested in starting their own business?

HD: It’s hard work, so be ready to commit lots of time and effort. You have to be persistent and tenacious and very well organized. And whatever, you’re not good at, find someone who is and get help!

For more information feel free to contact them by email mccdesigner81@att.net at or cell phone at (864) 650-2418. And if you’re just interested, be sure to check out their site www.higherdesignllc.com.

Ebony Magazine, Jet Magazine and more...

The late John H. Johnson started his publishing empire in 1942 with a $500 loan on his mother’s furniture. Sixty-eight years later since its days as Negro Digest, Johnson Publishing Company, Inc. has grown into one of the world’s largest black-owned publishing company. Johnson Publishing Company (JPC) is the preeminent publisher of EBONY and JET magazines and owner of Fashion Fair Cosmetics, a global prestige cosmetic brand for people of color. Mr. Johnson's wife, Eunice W. Johnson, was the dynamic, confident and uncompromising creator of the Ebony Fashion Fair, the world's largest traveling fashion show, and cofounder of JPC. Beyond publishing, the company also has subsidiaries in cosmetics, television production and fashion. Headquartered in Chicago, the company also has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., London, and Paris. Today, Linda Johnson Rice carries on this legacy and maintains JPC's position as a Black owned company. Purchase some make-up from Fashion Fair Cosmetics, and pick up an Ebony or Jet Magazine.

If you can't find what you're looking for, make it! AMSALE Wedding Dresses

Bringing a “timeless modern” look to the world of bridal and evening couture since 2001, Amsale Aberra founded her fashion design line AMSALE out of a desire to provide classic styles to women with modern sensibilities. Her New York-based studio boutique creates top-quality, hand-sewn, custom-designed dresses at a range of prices to make any woman look and feel glamorous – including celebrities like Vanessa Williams, Halle Berry and Vivica A. Fox. "Everything was so overdone and with too much ornamentation," says Amsale, who was sure that her taste in gowns was shared by many other brides-to-be. And so, with a few responses, a sketchpad full of designs, and a small team of couture sewers, Amsale started her business out of her New York City loft apartment. Amsale's love of fashion began as a young girl growing up in Ethiopia. However, Amsale never considered becoming a designer: "In Ethiopia there were no fashion designers. I never knew that designing beautiful clothes was a profession to which one could aspire."

AMSALE
http://www.amsale.com/

Carol's Daughter, Lisa's Story!

Once a kitchen hobby, Carol’s Daughter got it's first start, where founder Lisa Price mixed oils and natural moisturizers and presented them as gifts to her friends. The Brooklyn-based company offers natural products for the hair, skin, and body from its online and retail stores, and at large retail chains, including Macy’s and Sephora. Carol’s Daughters has been known for its natural beauty products for more than 20 years. Each hair, skin and body indulgence collection is infused with rare ingredients that bring out your natural beauty. The company's newest faces: Solange Knowles, Cassie, and Selita Ebanks. Cassie, who is of black and Filipina descent, or Selita Ebanks, who has Jamaican, Irish, Indian and African heritage and grew up in the Cayman Islands. Solange Knowles is of African-American and French Creole descent. "Redefining the color of beauty"! People describe Carol's Daughters products as perfect, wonderful, brown sugar, worth the money, and some more. Try out Carol's Daughter and visit their website at www.carolsdaughter.com.

YOU Decided # 2 Part. 1 ".... See this is why I can't support Black Owned Businesses."

Over the years there have been a number of Black Businesses failing. Why is that? Why are businesses failing? ".... See this is why I can't support Black Owned Businesses." in our community we hear this too often. At least one or even two of your friends have said this. There are so many complaints about Black Owned-Businesses; whether being the customer service, the professionalism or the quality in the product. What makes a business an overall great and successful establishment? Do we change the style of the business, find new strategies, relocate, show more customer service, lower prices, etc.?

Well we are going to do a quick survey. Please don't hesitate to share your opinion. The only way businesses can become better is if they are corrected on the wrong doings. Let's give these businesses some tips on how to become better at their business.

Email me at lk81588@gmail.com to give me your tips on how to become a better business.

Hopefully by the end of next week I'll have just enough to share with you 10/15 top tips to become a successful business.

Hope to hear from you.

Always remember....
The Agenda is OUR Agenda.

"Gabrielle Jordan Williams, Prince George's County's youngest CEO of the Year "

"Most 12-year-old girls are focused on having fun, but not Gabrielle Jordan Williams. She has her own company and a long list of accomplishments.

She is the owner of Jewelz of Jordan, which sells custom, hand-made pieces across the country.

Williams says she loves to make jewelry. From necklaces to earrings to bracelets, she’s done it all."

Listen..., if this young girl can become an entrepreneur at the tender age of 12, so can you! This should be your motivation to become better!

Article courtesy of ABC News 7. Written by Jummy Olabanji

Read More of the article: http://www.wjla.com/articles/2012/08/gabrielle-jordan-williams-prince-george-s-county-s-youngest-ceo-of-the-year-78580.html

For more information, visit http://www.jewelzofjordan.com/.

Photo Image courtesy of Jewelz of Jordan Website.

Something you should know!

Black Truths...

These images are all courtesy of The Complex Media and Design.

‘10 DAYS OF BLACK TRUTHS’ CAMPAIGN SPREADS ACROSS FACEBOOK JULY 3, 2012

http://www.thecomplexmedia.com/blog/2012/07/10-days-of-black-truths/#