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For the Female Entrepreneur
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F E A T U R E S
5 EDITOR’S LETTER19 MONEY WITH MICHELLE
20 LIPSTICK CHRONICLES23 STILETTO STATEMENT
27 MANAGING ME
APRIL COVERBROOKE BURNS
CAROLINE RHEAHAMS IT UP 7ASK ANENTREPRENEUR16LISA WU: LIFE ASA ‘HOUSEWIFE’31
– BUSINESS
ISSUE 19 APRIL 2013
©2013 Lioness Magazine is thefirst online magazine gearedtoward female entrepreneurs. Wedeliver sharp and compelling infor-mation on a variety of topics thatare relevant to female entrepre-neurs and professionals. Our mis-sion is to elevate, educate and sup-port female professionals.
We celebrate the unique challengesand achievements of women inbusiness. We believe women aremulti-dimensional creations whoflourish, personally and profes-sionally, when they take time tonurture their spirits.
Editor-in-ChiefKatelyn Gendron
Copy EditorJeanne Wroblewski
Art DirectorLeonardo Pilares
Director of PhotographyDenise Smith
ColumnistsCrystal Senter Brown
Brenda’s ChildErin CorriveauKristina Chapell
Michelle Perry HigginsAliyah Cherrisse
Contributing WritersLamara HunterEmily ThurlowJennifer SawyerCarley Dangona
Published by The Lioness Group.Founder, Natasha Clark.
welcome to
LIONESS APRIL 2013 5
Katelyn Gendron
editor’s letter
Much of my thought process as of late has surrounded the strength and fortitude necessary for women to achieve success in the professional arena. Isit possible for women today to have it all; or must we sacrifice one professional aspiration to achieve a personal one (or vice versa)? I, like so many,have nothing definitive to offer as it pertains to these age-old queries, however, I can offer humorous and humbling examples of how two featuredwithin this month’s issue are making the best – and the most – of the personal-professional balancing act.
Motherhood, according to actress Brooke Burns and comedienne Caroline Rhea, certainly added to their personal responsibilities but also translatedinto some unconventional professional development. Rhea shared a story of how forgetting to fully dress her toddler one morning made for a snafuin a public restaurant but also provided some content for her latest standup comedy tour. Burns described the depth of love and knowledge necessaryto raise her daughter as a personal education that has aided in the emotional development of her characters.
Maybe what it all boils down to is that women must strive to be circus performers who spin plates on top of sticks making every effort to ensure thatgravity doesn’t get the best of their dinnerware. Or maybe Rhea was correct when she said that it’s the broken plates that make us better calculatorsof the gravitational pull our personal and professional lives have on our psyche. I don’t have the answer and I doubt anyone else does either. I will saythis, however: let’s about forget trying to be professional jugglers and just throw those plates against the wall and see what kind of beautiful disasterbecomes of the pieces. Are you with me? Either way, we’ll surely get one heck of an education!
Juggling prerequisite for personal-professional development
Katelyn
Are You An Entrepreneur?We want to hear from you
Send your email to [email protected]
LIONESS APRIL 2013 7
Caroline Rhea brings joys, comedyof motherhood to CityStage
By Katelyn Gendron
Caroline Rhea believes that it’s possible forwomen to have it all, both the career andthe family life, and it turns out, the “all” canprovide some great comedic moments forher latest stand-up tour.
Rhea, who will be appearing at CityStage inSpringfield, Mass., on May 4, said she hasintegrated some real life experiences as acomedienne, actress, 40-something motherto a 4-year- old and all around “multi-tasker”into the show.
“Women can multitask. It’s amazing howmuch women can accomplish. There’s a listthat you go through of 2,500 things thatyou’re checking on as a mother and thensometimes you blow it in such an obvious,hilarious way. My daughter was dressed like
her American Girl doll and we were out at arestaurant [recently]. I pick her up to leaveand I realized that I forgot her underwear. I[said to myself], ‘Today I forgot her under-wear but usually I get it right,’” she recalledof a foul-up most have experienced at onetime or another.
When asked how she is able to keep hercareer moving forward in spite of an indus-try that tends to focus on the youngest, sex-iest stars, Rhea replied with a laugh,“Always try to play an immortal.” She hasbeen able to land otherworldly roles such asHilda Spellman, a quirky sorceress in“Sabrina, the Teenage Witch” from 1996 to2003, and even as Mrs. Claus in a 2001made for TV movie.
“I look at Joan Rivers and she’s such aninspiration. [To be successful] is a choice
that you can always buy into. There’s alwaysa voice of doubt that tells you you’re notgood enough,” she said, adding that shepushes to be a better professional not justbecause of her own drive but for the benefitof her daughter. “Nothing will make youwork more than being a mother becauseyou’re responsible for someone else’s life.
“Women are just natural entrepreneurs.There are so many tricks for women to feeldefeated. You have to fix your priorities andyou want to be adding to the world, not tak-ing away from it in any way ... you have toembrace all the great qualities you have asa woman,” she continued.
For tickets to Rhea’s May 4 show atCityStage at 8 p.m., visit theCityStage/Symphony Hall website, locatedat www.citystage.symphonyhall.com.
Caroline Rhea
ActressBrooke BurnsPhoto courtesy ofCapital Productions 8(SV) Inc. and Reel OneFilms 3 Inc.
“My personality has always been living yourlife without fear. I’m willing to try anythingonce in order to make an educated decisionif I’ll ever try it again. Growing up, I’d alwayssay, ‘Life belongs to the enthusiastic,’” shesaid, adding that her fearlessness couldalso be perceived as a detriment to herhealth.
A diving accident in 2005 caused Burns tobreak her neck and live the rest of her lifewith a titanium plate, rod and screws in herback. “I was in a [neck] collar for fivemonths. I would walk around the set [of
FOX’s ‘North Shore’] with a hula-hoop so noone would bump into me. FOX was reallygreat about not firing me,” she recalled asshe laughed at herself once again.
The show’s single-season run and her phys-ical recovery did not deter Burns from con-tinuing in the industry, rather, it spurred heronward, especially with her then-5-year-olddaughter Madison at her side. Burns gavebirth to Madison in 2000 during her three-year marriage with actor Julian McMahon.
LIONESS APRIL 2013 9
Actress Brooke Burns plays Suzanne, ‘A Sister’s Revenge’Photo courtesy of Capital Productions 8 (SV) Inc. and Reel One Films 3 Inc.
Burnsrevealsthe fireheatingup herlife’swork
By Katelyn Gendron
Brooke Burns can’t keep a straight facewhen recalling the chance encounter thatspawned her modeling and acting careersome 20 years ago.
“My mom and I were sitting having break-fast, stuffing our faces with pancakes andthis JC Penny guy came over and said, ‘Youshould model. You have a fresh face,’”Burns said with a laugh, noting that shecouldn’t have looked camera ready with amouthful of flapjacks and syrup on her lips.
The man’s remarks, although not taken seri-ously at the time because Burns was a ded-icated ballerina, were a springboard formother’s attempt to woo her daughter out ofa deep depression following a career endinginjury to her anterior cruciate ligament.Burns joked, as she does with so manyuplifting and tragic moments within herlife’s history, that injuries and happen-stance lead to her having three careersbefore most others finish college. Burnswas a ballerina until age 12, a model begin-ning at age 15 and then an actress in herfirst big role as Jessie Owens on “Baywatch”from 1998 to 2001. Continued on page 11
LIONESS APRIL 2013 11
Motherhood comes first these days, Burnssaid, citing her Twitter bio, which states,“Above all else … MOM. Philanthropist,Host, Actor, Student, Believer in Love L.A.”She explained that as a mom she searchesfor projects such as Lifetime’s “A Sister’sRevenge” airing April 27 at 8 p.m. EST/PT,which allow her to be challenged profes-sionally while away from her daughter andfiancé Gavin O’Connor for the least amountof time.
“The role of Suzanne [Dell in ‘A Sister’sRevenge’] was something I’ve never donebefore. She’s mentally unstable and I knowpeople who’ve struggled with schizophreniaand it was fascinating to dip my toe in thatpool to begin with. [I had] to find some kindof reason or justification for her actions,”Burns explained, adding that life’s experi-ences allow her “to have more layers” as anactress.
She said Suzanne’s character was particu-larly challenging, not only because of hermental instability but her willingness toseek revenge quite seductively and unre-lentingly on one man, Michael Miller, playedby Tim Rozon.
Burns said she’s currently looking for othercomplex roles, while also shooting a pilot forthe Game Show Network, titled, “WhereHave You Been All My Life,” a 2013 versionof “The Dating Game.”
When asked how she manages to balanceher career, motherhood and philanthropicendeavors all while planning a summerwedding, Burns replied with a giggle, “It hasbeen tricky.”
She added, “It also helps to have a familythat is very business minded. My dad is alawyer and entrepreneur and alwaysinstilled in us [my siblings and I] the desireto work. I live my the motto that if anythingis worth doing, it is worth doing well.”
‘A Sister’s Revenge’
Brooke Burns as Suzanne Dell, ‘A Sister’s Revenge.”Photo courtesy of Capital Productions 8 (SV) Inc. and Reel One Films 3 Inc.
By Paul LeJoy
America continues to be the world’slargest economy and boasts the
lion’s share of global billionaires. Infact, there were reportedly 442 bil-
lionaires in America in 2012 – themajority of the record 1,426 people who
have earned this laudable distinctionaround the world. When considering thestaggering success only an elite few attain
in business, it begs the question: “Whatdo these billionaires know that the rest
of us don’t?” And, just as important-ly: “How can we avoid failure as we
aspire to achieve career successof any measure?”
To achieve a notable amountof success at anything andcertainly a notable measureof wealth, you must become aspecialist at what you do.And, you must “do what youdo” better than anyone else.You must become indispensi-ble – the go-to personbecause your results are supe-
rior. In working towards thisobjective it is important employ
a specific combination of essen-tial elements that, combined, will
make you a force to be reckonedwith.
With this in mind, here are eight pitfalls toavoid that’ll assist the proverbial 99 percentin their quest for success:
1) Short-sightedness: Every success-ful person at some point in their lives had avision for what “could be,” and set out inrelentless pursuit of their dream. FromThomas Edison to Steve Jobs and countlesssuccess stories in between, visionaries arefilled with a passion and purpose that drivesthem every day. Those who are short-sight-ed and unmindful of future consequencesof their efforts, both the good and the bad,are more likely to fail than those who are
thoughtful and perceptive in their approach.
2) Inaction: Have a vision or a goal? Thefirst step is to write down along with objec-tives and action steps related thereto. Nowyou’ve taken initiative, which is the criticalfirst step to achieving success. Post it yourvision statement in your bedroom, bath-room and office. Share it with others. And,be sure to follow your action steps. By takingthese minor steps, you make yourselfaccountable and become the master of yourdestiny. Take quantum action and you willsurely have a breakthrough. Or, find con-tentment with the status-quo and, well,remain there.
3) Contentment: You may have thevision. You may write it down. You may haveshared it with others, but without passion,that vision will likely wither. Passion for whatyou seek to accomplish should be almostpalpable to the extent that others can seeand feel your drive. The key is to match yourvision with something you can be truly pas-sionate about. Something that will keep youengaged every moment of every work day tobring you one step closer to the measure ofsuccess that you personally desire. Or,approach your job with a lackluster attitudeand suffer the inevitable ominous conse-quences.
4) Instability: Many have vision and pas-sion, but lack the self-discipline required tostay the course. The pain of living a life ofdiscipline is less than the pain of regret forwhat “could have been if.” Those who areself-disciplined motivate themself to contin-ue with their action steps and persevereamid adversity, asserting sheer willpowerover their more base desires and instinctsto give up or turn attentions to somethingmore enjoyable in the moment. This requi-site self-control will channel emotions,behavior, and desires toward obtaining thereward of success and, as importantly, toavoid the punishment of failure.
12 LIONESS APRIL 2013
Eight sure fire ways to fail
Continued on page 15
LIONESS APRIL 2013 15
5) Doubt: You have the visionand you take action to write itdown. You may even embellishthat vision with passion and bequite disciplined in your
approach. However, without thewill to endure you may not gettoo far. Life and work can behard and even cruel.
Remember, the race is not forthe swift but rather those who per-
severe. Rather than allowing doubtto seep in and poison the process, you oweit to yourself to remain confident in yourvision and your methodologies to get youthere. Sure, you can adapt as needed alongthe way, but always know that success willultimately be yours.
6) Going it Alone: No one is an islandand there’s strength in numbers. A master-
mind group, coach or mentor is an excel-lent way to get motivated. Meeting regular-ly can be a great boost to your morale andprovide new perspectives on yourapproach. The Internet makes it extraordi-narily easy to find a coach or mentor andjoin a mastermind group that can help pro-pel your vision to new heights and facili-tate invaluable networking opportunities.
7) Dishonesty: While it sounds cliché,honesty is indeed the best policy in busi-ness. Integrity is of paramount importancefor those seeking to find and sustain long-term success. True success comes whenyou are a person of your word, when youhave a pure conscience, and when youhave not cheated others on your way tothe top. Dishonesty has a tendency tosneak back up on you causing far moreproblems than the risk was work taking in
the first place.
8) Arrogance: Humility, like patience,hard work and integrity, is a virtue. So,when you finally reach your destination ofsuccess, when your vision becomes a real-ity, do not forget your humble beginningsand all those who helped you to get to thetop of the hill. Extend an attitude of grati-tude and thankfulness. There is no such athing as a self-made millionaire. Peopleget there because others helped them getthere.
If you have a vision, passion, take action,are determined and disciplined; if you geta coach or mentor; get in the right environ-ment; and are honest and humble you bewell positioned to achieve your dream
… whatever that may be.
Paul LeJoy, Pacific Realty Partners founder and principal, is a revered real estateinvestor and top business-building expert lauded for helping others realize success andcreate wealth. Paul may be reached online at www.LejoySolutions.com.
16 LIONESS APRIL 2013
1) How long have you been in business? April 5 [2013] will be our third month in busi-ness
2) Why have you chosen to dedicate yourself to this particular business? I chose to dedi-cate myself to this industry of work simply because as a mom to multiple children andone who is autistic, the words “I’m bored” are heard often. I figured if I could open up aplace that keeps kids active, healthy, and fit by doing classic games, obstacles, andsome arts-n-crafts it would make everyone happy. I can keep the cost down and kids canbe kids and have fun. No electronics are allowed during a session.
3) What makes Better Sports Initiative unique? The fact that there is really nothing elsein the area that offers obstacles, board games, classic games, arts-n-crafts at affordableprices for the whole family, as well as we do not allow electronic devices at all during asession.
4) You could have worked for anyone and would have been successful, why become anentrepreneur? Becoming an entrepreneur allows you to follow your dreams. You can’t besuccessful without failure.
5) What was your last, “why did I go into business for myself” moment? Today. You can'tplease everyone. So [what if] those moments are frequent, you just have to know thatyou are doing your best and put on a smile and make each day the best day possible. Iam actually in the process of opening another business but that remains a secret untilcloser to time.
6) Every female professional should have __________. CONFIDENCE!
7) If you could steal some business mojo from another mogul, who would it be andwhy? Giuliana Rancic. I think that she has proven that no matter what obstacles get inyour way, with confidence you can get through it.
8) What is your business motto? My Better Sports Business Motto would be Just HaveFun!
9) If you could give other entrepreneurs three tips, what would they be?1. Always do your best.2. Treat your customers well and listen to their feedback.3. Follow your heart.
10) Has there been a piece of technology or software that has been alifesaver to you? I would say my computer. Being able to get my website, www.better-sportsinitiative.com, up and running has been a great thing for business.
11) What is your goal for the next year? My goal for the next year is to increase theamount of clients that come in to the studio, to open up another business, and to alwaysknow that no matter what I have put my heart and soul into everything I do.
12) When someone is telling their friend about your business, what do youhope they say? Wow, we had a great time and the kids can’t wait to comeback.
Ask an EntrepreneurAnswers By: Angie Jordan, owner and head coach, BetterSports Initiative, Agawam, Mass.
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Michelle Perry Higgins is a financial planner and principal of California FinancialAdvisors in San Ramon, Calif. Higgins specializes in wealth management, and has builta successful practice advising executive professionals into retirement. Her passion forfinancial management has helped hundreds of individuals better understand investingand financial planning. For more information, please visit www.calfinad.com.
Money with Michelle
LIONESS APRIL 2013 19
How to thief-proof your identityBy Michelle Perry Higgins
Quick! Your identity has just been stolen!What’s the first thing you should do? If ittakes you more than a minute to answerthat question, noted East Bay financialexpert Michelle Perry Higgins said it maybe time to re-think over your identify theftprotection plan.
“There are so many technologicaladvances that make it easier or moreconvenient for us to conduct businessand handle personal finances,” she says.“With each one there is a new opportuni-ty for a thief to steal your personal infor-mation.”
Being prepared for breaches in securitygoes beyond setting up new passwordsand being wary of dubious websites,according to Higgins. “Sometimes it’s thebusinesses and institutions that we trustwith our sensitive information that fallvictim to identity thieves,” she said.“Banks, stores, schools and even govern-ment databases have systems that aresometimes compromised, and that could
leave your personal information at risk.”
The dangers of identity theft go farbeyond having to replace credit cards,Higgins said. If gone unnoticed forextended periods of time, identity thievescan run up charges, ruin your credit andtake out loans in your name, some ofwhich you could be held legally liable.“You should regularly monitor your creditreports as a hedge against identitytheft,” she said. “In a worst case sce-nario, you could be dealing with the con-sequences of someone else’s actions foryears to come.”
Knowing how to properly respond in theevent of an identity theft can be key inminimizing the potential damage or loss.“Just as you would want to have an emer-gency plan in place in case of a robberyor natural disaster,” she said, “youshould also be prepared for an attackagainst your identity.”
Among Higgins’ simplest recommenda-tions for protecting yourself is to shredall personal information rather than put-
ting it in the trash or recycling. “It onlytakes a few pieces of information for athief to put together your identity,” shesaid. “Shred things with your name,address or social security number onthem, as well as bills, receipts and cred-it card or bank statements.”
She also recommends staying informed.“Knowledge is power,” Higgins said.“Call your credit card companies. Askwhat their policy is for reporting fraudu-lent claims and find out how to get erro-neous charges removed from youraccount.”
In addition, Higgins advises that individ-uals seek out the help of a professionalfinancial advisor. “They can put togethera plan for responding to identity theftthat is best for navigating your personaleconomic situation,” she said. “Theymay also have information on the latestfinancial scams and current protectivemeasures.” She added that a financialadvisor could be crucial in helping youstay one step ahead of the curve againstnew potential identity theft risks.
20 LIONESS APRIL 2013
Kristina Chapell is a single gal in her 30s making her way in the world. Passionate,savvy, and stylish; Kristina is a social relationship builder. You can often find her onFacebook and Twitter keeping up with the latest news and always supporting causes sheis passionate about such as the Alzheimer’s Association, Link to Libraries, and TheBusiness Channel.
By Kristina Chapell
Last month I shared the beginnings of datingin a new city and this month I have even morestories to tell. I can’t believe the “action” Ihave had and while I would like to credit mynew salon and hairdresser, the wonderfulDaniel from Muse Salon, the action comesfrom being more confident and comfortable,not just having good hair!
After some Match.com dates I decided to letmy friend Anna’s boyfriend, Mario, set me up.He is an amazing guy and I am so happy forher, so when we were all out at our “homeaway from home” bar he said I needed a guy.While I don’t disagree, I didn’t necessarilyneed one tomorrow … but I did agree to listenmore.
Mario said his neighbor, also a good friend,has a younger brother who just moved fromNew Jersey. He showed me some pictures ofhim from Facebook and I wasn’t completelysure; they weren’t “what happened in Vegasstays in Vegas” pictures but they were certain-ly on the borderline. Regardless, I put my hes-itations aside and said if he’s interested,‘sure.’
A week later Anna calls my roommate, Carol,and we go out that night to, as Anna put it,“meet my boyfriend.” I hemmed and hawed,especially because I was curled up on thecouch and comfy but both Carol and I suckedit up, got gussied up and met everyone fordrinks.
He was late but that was OK as it gave me achance to have a few sips of my drink andrelax. I WAS nervous. So there we are, five ofus, sitting at the corner of the bar drinkingand chatting and he is sitting next to me. Heis quiet and I feel like I am carrying the conver-sation but that’s OK. Eventually he startedtalking more; ladies, ask him about his life –what he does, his animals, interests, etc. Thatwas what finally got him talking; I showed I
was interested in him. While I am from Massachusetts and he fromNew Jersey it was ironic he moved here theday before I did and lived not too far from me.He moved to be closer to his family, has agood job, two dogs, likes to bike outdoors andseemed like a really nice guy.
The “awkward” silence that started theevening soon disappeared and we were allhaving a good time and because we met for 7p.m. we wondered what next – bowling wasapparently the answer.
At the bowling alley Mr. N.J. was a bit touchy,feely with me. I had linked our arms walking inso he put his arm on my waist, then aroundmy neck, holding my hand, etc. Thingsseemed to be going well, minus my bowlinggame. Mario has assured me Mr. N.J. likedme.
As the two games came to an end we decidedit was time to go and all piled into Mario’sSUV. He dropped Carol and I off first and Ihopped out, without giving my number. Andhe hadn’t asked. So, on the drive home I reas-sured myself if he wanted my number heknew how to get it, he knew Mario after all.
Sunday came and went and no call, no newFacebook friend request, no news. I simplydecided it was on him and if he didn’t want tocontact me again then that was his problem,and honestly I truly believed that. I wasn’t atfault and I wasn’t sad. I had a fun night and ifit happened again, great, if not, oh well.
I admit, I am impressed by this thoughtprocess as I don’t always feel this way butladies, in all actuality if he doesn’t call you orreach out in a circumstance like mine, it is hisloss.
In fact, Carol was seeing what we thought wasa good guy until he NEVER called or followedthrough. They met at our “home away fromhome bar” and he sought her out through the
bartender. He met her for dinner and drinksand the very next night invited her over andmade her dinner. They had a good two nightsand then she didn’t hear from him for a week.Then he picks her up at her house for dinner,and because I live with her, I met him as hecame to the door; another good date night forthem; then nothing for another week. As wewere getting ready to go out to the bar Carolgets a text from him asking her to get a drink,so he meets us out. Two more weeks go byand they have dinner and that is the last timeshe has heard from him. Really buddy?
Here is another accomplished guy who has afew good dates and then doesn’t followthrough. Men! Wait, could it be he was fromNew Jersey? Just kidding.
Since Mr. N.J, I have met a few other guys.One was even from the town next to mineback home! Apparently I needed to move tofind a nice guy from home. Honestly, I was atmy “home away from home bar” and am intro-duced to this guy and he asks where I amfrom. I said Massachusetts and he probed fur-ther so I said western Massachusetts andagain he probed more. Usually that responseis enough but then I said Springfield, Mass.,and he says, “I am from Wilbraham, Mass.”
OK, I know most people around here aretransplants from other places but wow thatwas strange. He is the same age as me andworks in a similar industry so we plan to atleast grab coffee now that I am back from amini-vacation. More updates on him to come.
As you can tell life hasn’t been boring inAtlanta. I keep having fun and seeing what lifehas to offer, men included. Here’s to moreupdates next month; in the meantime get outthere and enjoy yourself and know YOU areworth it. If they don’t call you back it is theirLOSS.
~ xoxoxo KC
Men, men, and more men
The Lipstick Chronicles
LIONESS APRIL 2013 23
Stiletto Statement
Comfort is key to your confidence!By Aliyah Cherrisse
What if I told you that, as you’re gettingdressed every morning and you look in themirror, if you second guess your look, ninetimes out of 10 you’re going to be self-con-scious about the way you look all day? Sohere’s a tip, TAKE THAT OUTFIT OFF! Why goan entire day pretending to actually like the
way you look? The first person you shouldalways look to impress, is yourself. Comfort ofthe heart and mind reigns the automatic con-fidence of the outer appearance. There’s nosecond guessing, checking a slip, adjusting agirdle, or constant tugging at a skirt thatkeeps rising because it honestly was probablynot a good fit for you. Since we are speakingof girdles, what if I told you I have found a
clothing line that was beyond comfortableand was made with built-in shape wear?
Well ladies, I am not pulling your bra straphere! I recently had the pleasure to do somefit and commercial print modeling for anonline boutique, “Sense of Style Boutique,
Continued on page 24
Photos courtesy of Ruby Ribbon/Sense of StyleBoutique LLC
24 LIONESS APRIL 2013
Stiletto Statement
Photo courtesy of RubyRibbon/Sense of StyleBoutique LLC
Aliyah Cherrisse, born and raised in Atlantic City, N.J., has grown to be a very educated, vibrant, anddriven intellectual. As a graduate of Morgan State University, with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree inBusiness Marketing, Aliyah has put her studies to use in branding herself as the “MultimediaPersonality” she is to-date. Currently pursuing her love of entertainment, Aliyah is known for her titlesof “Fashion Show Production Assistant, Radio/TV Personality, Curvy/Full-Figured Model, Red CarpetCorrespondent, Host, and Blogger,” but let's not forget to mention: this is all while being a singlemother! With no intentions on slowing down, Aliyah anticipates what God has awaiting ahead for her!
LLC” and can I tell you how I dreaded takingoff the garments to return them! Ladies,these garments were so lightweight, theyprovided so much give thanks to the materi-al, and they were very stylish – we’re talkingfrom the office to the gym, “Ruby Ribbon,”which is the brand carried by “Sense of StyleBoutique, LLC,” is the ideal clothing line forthe highly active woman. I mean just askyourself, do I really want to wear two differ-ent body shapers to get that ultra smoothlook I desire to have? Absolutely not, and yesI am answering for all us because I know forcertain we do not want all the extra clothing!
Be realistic when it comes to shopping. Notevery material is made for every shape tolook flawless in. Not every pair of jeans aremade to flatter the backside of everywoman. Not every skirt is going to hug andstay in place of the hips of every woman.Ladies, not every top will give the illusion ofa nice full, lifted, and slightly smaller bust toall of my bustier women. It’s all about takingthe time to try your clothing on, as I men-tioned in my last column. Even if you takethe clothing home for a more comfortable tryon, be sure you are willing to return theitems later if they were not flattering to youor your shape. You must know your body
shape, however, we will save learning yourshape and proportions for another column!Right now, I want you to look into the “RubyRibbon” brand and help your wardrobecome to work for you instead of against you.You deserve all around comfort in order toobtain all around confidence. So start by vis-iting the online boutique and see me in theitems I spoke of as well as a few more. NowI am not ashamed to share my measure-ments 42-36-48. So with that in mind, if weshare the same measurements or you areclose to my measurements the hard work isalready done for you, clearly we wear thesame size, which would be a 12/14 or a(L/XL)! Ladies, you can thank me later, foryou may find something else you like seeingas though the boutique caters to all sizewomen with a “sense of style!”
“Don’t ever be afraid to help yourself, loveyourself and build your confidence level up.We are our own worse critics, so take thetime out, figure out what you don't like, andthen take the steps to fix it. Don't be afraid,for God gave us the spirit of love, use thatlove on yourself first!”
– Signing off, Aliyah Cherrisse!
LIONESS APRIL 2013 27
Managing Me
By Brenda’s Child
Do you have a dream but don’t know where tostart? Are you surrounded by naysayers whoshoot down your ideas? Are you so boggleddown by everyday life that your goals havebecome what Langston Hughes called “ADream Deferred”? Then you haven’t joined theDream Support Network.
Abdul-Rahmaan I. Muhammad (DreamChaser #1) founded this movement to inspirepeople to NEVER STOP DREAMING! He creat-ed a network of Dreamchasers to help eachother with their endeavors and to keep oneanother motivated. Through workshops,dream energizers and leading by exampleDream Chaser #1 show us how to avoid thenegativity, cease the procrastination, prioritize,and find a way. He is taking his mission to thestreets, in schools, on line and anywherewhere there are people with dreams.
On a personal level, his idea of 12-for-12forced me to leap instead of drag my feet. Theconcept of identifying 12 things you want toaccomplish major or minor in 12 months gaveme a deadline while simultaneously helpingme to prioritize. It definitely lit a fire under myyou-know-what! I rallied up with my bestfriends and we shared our 12 for 12 last year,giving ourselves until March 30 of this year tofinish. I enrolled in Ph.D. courses, lost weight,published a book, and more. As I write this arti-cle I have just one more to go? Will I do it?
To find out visit follow my fan page onwww.facebook.com/brendaschild.
To become an official Dream Chaser or attendan event, visit www.thedreamsupportnet-work.com.
Poweredby dreams
Brenda’s Child has made it her life’s mission to inspire people through poetryand stories and through leading by example with courage, confidence, andintegrity. She emphasizes self-love, worth, and value. She also feels obligated totell the truth ... even if it hurts. Visit www.brendaschild.com
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Minister Gregory Jones is a Certified Christian Life Coach and ChristianCounselor through the Association of Christian Counselors. Jones uses his Godgiven ability to inspire, educate and motivate others to attain new heights in areasof spiritual growth and development. In 2008 he founded Still Waters ChristianLife Coaching where the motto is: “Christian Coaching Without Religion, butWith Results.”
By Minister Gregory Jones
There’s a common belief among most peoplethat it is somehow a personal mark againstthem if something they try doesn’t work out.When this happens, they try to dismiss theexperience by saying something like, “Well, itwas just bad luck.”
What that person really means is that they’velearned nothing from their experience. Andthey’re less likely to try new or risky things inthe future. They become the people thatbelieve that someone or something is blockingthem from success. Giving it the old college tryis just a bunch of nonsense. People really don’trealize that failure is not a personal attackagainst you, but its life’s way of trying to showyou that the path you’re taking is not the rightone, turn around and go back the other way.
I remember when I had my first experiencewith a GPS. I programmed something reallysilly like, going to the store up the street.When I got in the car and started to drive theGPS started telling me the right direction togo. Turn left at the next light. Turn right whenyou get to the stop sign, so fourth and so on.But what I did was I wanted to see if this thingreally worked. I started making differentturns. It said go left, I went right. It said turn
right; I turned left. And every time that I didthat, the GPS would say – in its annoyingvoice – “stop and turn around, you’re goingthe wrong way, rerouting for you.” I found outthat failure works the same way. It’s reallyGod’s way putting you on the track to suc-cess. His word is clear “For I know thethoughts that I think toward you, says theLORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, togive you a future and a hope.” Did you knowthat research has shown that the people thatfail the most often are the people that suc-ceed and are very exceptional and good atwhat they do? Why?
They accomplish the most because they fail,learn, fail, learn, and succeed.
The greatest attitude that anyone can bring toany problem looks like this: “Let’s try it. If itdoesn’t work, we’ll try that, or maybe theother one.” People who work and think likethat learn very quickly, and that’s the wholeidea. The right question to ask after any ven-ture fails is, “OK, what did we learn?” Not, “isthere something wrong with me” or “nothing”because that is not the right answer.
Make every failure a learning curve in yourlife and you will be well on your way to mas-sive success. See you at the top.
Failure is life’s learning curve
By Carley Dangona
Lisa Wu is a chameleon in her own right,growing a new skin, one that is sassier andstronger than ever before. The actress, bestknown for her two seasons on Bravo’s “TheReal Housewives of Atlanta,” is a savvy entre-preneur who has parlayed her time on realitytelevision into several successful businessventures.
Wu kicked off 2013 with the launch of“Chameleon,” her lip color line from LipAddyct. “I have a fetish with chapstick and lip-stick. Something always has to be on my lips.I will cover my lips with my jacket if there’snothing on them. After having my children,the first thing I asked for was my lipstick,” sheconfessed.
“Lip Addyct’s brand is cutting edge. It was aperfect fit. The products look great on yourlips. After wearing the products, your lips arestill moisturized. They are quality products. Iam proud to be a part of this brand.”
The name of the line stems from women’sability to adapt to each role of life. “The fourcolors, Confidant, Matriarch, Queen andEmpress represent every woman as they tran-sition through [their] day. There’s a bold red toreflect the business woman and neutrals forthe office or school events – a little bit foreverybody,” she explained.
“I’ve had an entrepreneur spirit from an earlyage. I’ve always wanted to work. I don’t planon slowing down anytime soon. I’m workingon lots of fun stuff,” she added.
Wu described herself as an “aggressive” busi-nesswoman who believes in “win-win situa-tions.”
This year alone, Wu stars in five, yes five,upcoming movies.
In “First Impression,” she plays “Katrinah”and costars with Lamman Rucker and Lisa
Arrindell Anderson. She stars alongsiderenowned actor Charles Dutton in “Must Bethe Music,” and has upcoming roles in“Atlanta Undercover” with Denyce Lawton and“Envy or Greed” with Rockmond Dunbar.
While on the set of “The Internship,” she hadthe opportunity to work with Vince Vaughn,Owen Wilson and Will Ferrell. “Will Ferrell isan absolute delight and is very, very gra-cious,” Wu said, adding that the cast troubleholding in their laughter during his scenes.“We all had fun.”
When asked how being on reality televisionhas aided her professional aspirations, Wureplied, “Being on ‘The Real Housewives ofAtlanta’ broadened the awareness of who Iam. There’s sense of familiarity with otherindustry folks that opens up a level of comfortand prompts discussions that I wouldn’t oth-erwise have.”
One example is a compliment Wilson gave toher during shooting. “You know, you’re reallyfunny,” she recalled of Wilson.
Wu described her approach to acting as “agradual process.” She added, “You’re alwaysstudying – you never master it. You have tocontinue to work that muscle. When choosingroles, I look for range. I like to show differentlayers as a character.
“When filming, I start my day as the characterand when I arrive on set I am already in therole. I am that person, in the moment doingwhatever the character requires. I am nolonger Lisa,” she continued.
When selecting a project, Wu’s drawn to thestory and likes dramatic roles whose charac-ters “evolve.”
In addition to her movie roles, Wu, still a realestate broker, and also plans to begin pre-pro-duction of the film adaptation of her book,“When the Cake is Made.” Wu said she willwork alongside co-author Miasha Coleman as
well as produce and act in the film.
When asked if she’d ever return to reality tel-evision, she replied, “I enjoy my privacy now. Iwould never return to reality TV unless I wasproducing it. You have to protect your brand. Iremain true to myself and am the same per-son on camera as I am off camera. You haveto have integrity, being accountable for howyou treat others. You have to like the personyou see in the mirror.”
One business tip she learned from her time asa “Real” housewife was “not to act like a totalclown on the show and let them push my but-tons.”
Wu offered advice to fellow female entrepre-neurs just venturing into business. “Do asmuch research and study as hard as you can.Then network with people in the field you aretrying to get into. Prepare yourself; equip your-self with the tools necessary to succeed inyour field,” she said.
Wu is also a single mom. “I’m blessed withthree well-mannered beautiful boys – Justin,Jordan and EJ. I am hands-on with my chil-dren. Quality is better than quantity. Someparents have their children day in and day outand still to take the time to get to know them.”
She said she manages her life with the sup-port from loved ones and her faith. “I have agreat support group; people around me thatlove me and chip in to help me out. There’spersistence, passion and my faith. What bal-ances me most is my faith in God. That’s whatkeeps me strong and grounded,” Wuexplained.
She also cited the necessity of being achameleon in her everyday life, and noted theimportance of taking care of oneself. “Youhave to have a balance and have great peoplearound you, who know when you need to rest.
“I’m doing what I love. It doesn’t seem like I’mworking. I’m having fun,” she continued.
‘Real Housewives’ star ‘woos’ entertainment, business industries
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Photo courtesy of http://www.lipaddyct.co
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EARLY SIGNS OF AUTISM:
Jacqueline Williams-Hines,founder of No Small VictoriesPhoto courtesy of No Small Victories
The Center for Disease Control’s recent tele-phone poll of 100,000 U.S. families suggestincreased autism prevalence with findingsof 1-in-50 having a member diagnosed onthe autism spectrum. Official statisticsremains at 1-in-88, and 1-in-54 for boysalone. While these numbers are staggering,with the exception of Autism AwarenessMonth in April, very little media attention isgarnered by these statistics throughout theremaining months.
Autism is defined as group of disordersaffecting neural development characterizedby impaired social interaction and commu-nication, and by restricted and repetitivebehavior. Diagnosis include classic autism,Pervasive Developmental Disorder-NotOtherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), andAsperger’s Syndrome. Though these diagno-sis share characteristics to varying degrees,the most profound are impaired social skillsand communication deficits. The impact notonly affects the child with the diagnosis butthe family unit as a whole, often requiringlarge amounts of time, effort and funds tosee positive outcomes. Springfield, Mass.,author and autism awareness advocate,Jacqueline Williams-Hines, knows only toowell how autism can take its toll.
“It can be extremely overwhelming to
receive a diagnosis of autism. Most peoplehave a hard time understanding that itchanges every aspect of your life; how youmove about your community, services youaccess, education, everything. Things thattypical families take for granted such as tak-ing a child to a movie or out for pizza can bean ordeal. Often when people have nounderstanding of autism it can be viewed asa behavioral issue. Parents feel judged byonlookers. It can be extremely isolating,very difficult,” Williams-Hines said.
Williams-Hines is the founder of No SmallVictories, a program of The Martin LutherKing Jr. Family Services through which sheconducts autism awareness seminars withhopes of expanding to offerings such askarate classes and family support groups. Acurrent graduate student of CambridgeCollege in Springfield, Mass., Williams-Hines is pursuing a Master of Education-Autism/Applied Behavior Analysis as well aspublishing her forth autism awareness chil-dren’s book, “Joshua, I’m Over Here.”
When asked how she manages it all shereplied, “Our children don’t live in a bubble.If they are going to learn to navigate theircommunities and realize true inclusion thenthe community has to be educated. It’s mypassion now to see that happens.”
Williams-Hines fights for ‘victories’during Autism Awareness Month
• No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or thereafter• No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions by nine months• No babbling by 12 months• No back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving by 12 months• No words by 16 months• No meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating) by 24 months• Any loss of speech, babbling or social skills at any age
For more information about Williams-Hines and No Small Victories, call Dana Swinneyat 413-426-9539 or visit www.NSVonline.com.
