TV One’s URBAN ONE HONORS Will Premiere at 9 p.m. ET/8C Immediately Following the UNCENSORED: DMX Special.
Urban One Founder and Chairwoman Cathy Hughes announced TV One will air a special episode of its hit autobiographical series UNCENSOREDfeaturing the late rapper DMX. Hughes made the exclusive announcement on the URBAN ONE HONORS: Virtual Press Conference on Wednesday, April 28. The special is slated to air on Sunday, May 16 at 8 p.m.ET/7C, immediately followed by the annualURBAN ONE HONORS hosted by Erica Campbell and Roland Martin at 9 p.m. ET/8C.
It will feature an interview with DMX just three weeks before his passing and is confirmed to be his final and most transparent to date. “DMX sat down with our team and was completely UNCENSORED,” said Cathy Hughes. “We have one hour with the late rapper in his own words. For DMX to be with us just three weeks before God called him home, I believe it’s truly divine intervention. I thank Nikki from SWIRL films for staying the course because he kept telling her ‘no’, but thankfully we were able to make it happen. His family, fan club, friends, and supporters will be happy with the way he told his story for the last time. The two-part special will air directly before the annual Urban One Honors. I’m particularly excited because I feel like this will be the biggest night in TV One History.”
The hit autobiographical series UNCENSORED explores the lives of popular personalities as they provide first-hand accounts of their success and the obstacles they faced throughout their careers. This episode will highlight the rapper in his own words as he discusses his more than 30-year career and legacy in hip hop. Raised in Yonkers, New York, by his mother, DMX was considered a “problem” as early as kindergarten. A tumultuous relationship with his mother caused him to bounce between boys’ homes and eventually detention centers. However, battle rapping solidified his love for the art, and his first break was a feature in The Source Magazine’s Unsigned Hype column in 1991. In 1992, he was signed to Ruffhouse Records. His debut album, It’s Dark, and Hell is Hot, didn’t arrive until 1998, but it peaked at No.1 on the Billboard 200. He quickly followed up with his second album, Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood, making him the first living artist to release two chart-topping albums in the same year. He eventually released six more studio albums, with three more reaching No. 1 and one reaching No. 2. His success in music primed him for acting. He starred in Hype Williams’ hip hop classic Belly and followed that success with roles in Romeo Must Die and Exit Wounds. UNCENSORED is produced for TV One by Eric Tomosunas, Keith Neal, James Seppelfrick and Paul Hall (Executive Producers), Jay Allen (Co-Executive Producer), and Nikki Byles (Producer) of Swirl Films. For TV One, Jason Ryan is Executive in Charge of Production; Donyell Kennedy-McCullough is Senior Director of Talent & Casting; and Robyn Greene Arrington is Vice President of Original Programming and Production.
The Annual Urban One Honors
URBAN ONE HONORSis an annual tribute show that heralds the exemplary accomplishments of African Americans. The theme of this year’s awards show is Women Leading the Change and will pay homage to dynamic ladies whose extraordinary contributions in business, media, health, and politics have had a profound impact across the country and the world. URBAN ONE HONORS will premiere on Sunday, May 16, 2021, at 9 p.m. ET/8C on TV One. It will be simulcast for the first time on its sister network CLEO-TV. Grammy-Award-winning gospel artist, author, and syndicated radio personality Erica Campbell and award-winning journalist and author Roland Martin will host the event. URBAN ONE HONORS was created to acknowledge and celebrate individuals and organizations whose work significantly impact society and culture. URBAN ONE HONORS is executive produced for TV One by Eric Tomosunas, Robert Boyd of Swirl Films, and Jazz Smollett. Susan Henry serves as Executive Producer in Charge of Production for TV One. Kashon Powell, Vice President of Programming for Radio One, and Donyell Kennedy-McCullough is Senior Director of Talent and Casting. Robyn Greene Arrington is Vice President of Original Programming and Production. For more information, visit www.UrbanOneHonors.com and visit TV One’s Youtube Channel to check out exclusive behind-the-scenes content for Urban One Honors and UNCENSORED.
TV One viewers can also join the conversation by connecting via social media on Twitter, Instagram , and Facebook (@tvonetv) using the hashtag #URBANONEHONORS. Be sure to follow UNCENSORED on Facebook and Instagram(@UncensoredTVOne) using the hashtag #UncensoredTVOne.
CEO, Nadia Francois is no stranger to business opportunities that open a path for herself and other members of the community to excel. The Louisiana native began her entrepreneurial journey at the age of 19 and has used her experiences and knowledge to help other business owners start and grow their ventures. Last year this trailblazer stepped out on faith and became the channel owner of What’s Your Super Power Tv (WYSP), which also houses her talk-show by the same title on Exposure TV Network.
The season is graced with some fantastic female overcomers, including guests Asante’ McGee of the Surviving R. Kelly docuseries, body positivity model and plus-size influencer Chenese Lewis, public relations specialist and philanthropist Dr. Catrina Pullum, Keishawn “Keedy Black” Harrison, author and recording artist and many more phenomenal women.
WYSP TV recently launched a brand new season of fresh, inspirational content. The channel is available for streaming on Exposure TV Network which is available on Apple TV and all iOS devices, Android TV, Roku, and Firestick.
We had the opportunity to chat with Nadia and pick her brain on all things entrepreneurship.
WYSP TV (What’s Your Super Power) launched a few weeks ago on Exposure TV Network. I love the name! Tell our readers what they can expect to see on this channel?
Thank you so much!! Viewers can expect content from minority creatives in a variety of genres including cooking, talk shows, spiritual wellness, and entrepreneurship.
How did you come up with the name?
The name is actually a spin-off of my anthology with the same title which encourages women to utilize their God-given super powers to overcome adversity and push through to purpose.
You also have a Talk Show. What’s the name of it and what topics do you cover?
The Talk show bears the same name What’s Your Super Power Television and it features me as the host interviewing female entrepreneurs and pioneers that are walking in their purpose. We also spotlight minority businesses and community leaders.
There is a purpose behind everything that you’re involved in from the day to day running of the station to the talk show. What is your definition of success? How has your success impacted others?
My definition of success is doing what you love and getting paid for it as it applies to business. I think my success has impacted others through inspiration, connections, and mentorship. I am constantly empowering female entrepreneurs by telling my story and encouraging them to push forward no matter what. I have not reach my final destination but my path has been cleared by utilizing my faith and letting God guide my steps in business.
What does a “normal” day look like in your world as a CEO?
OMG!! Busy!! However, since COVID I have actually sat still a lot and learned to work from home some days. A typical day starts with prayer and devotion and coffee, then I scan social media to see what’s going on and make sure my scheduled posts are still in trend, then I check and return emails to my team members, complete tasks that I may have missed the previous day and that’s my morning. The afternoons are for interviews, calls with my clients and producers, and show uploads. So a lot of time on the computer and phone but it is so fulfilling at the end of the day. And yes I have office hours because I still have 4 kids.
How would potential clients who want to be on the show access that information?
WYSP TV is accessible in both app stores and on all smart devices such as Roku, Firestick, Apple TV, Android TV by simply downloading the Exposure TV Network App and clicking on the channel.
Support Nadia by Downloading the Exposure TV Network App and watching WYSP TV
Meet Laura Fote a full-time healthcare professional, and Co-Owner (along with her husband) of the award-winning and Best of 2021 Wedding Vendors, L and B Concepts, a luxury event rental company based in Maryland. L and B Concepts is the creative brainchild for Fote — providing luxury, high quality party rental services to all of its customers. Under her strategic guidance, L&B helps ensure parties are a success by working hand-in-hand with event planners, computer-generated event planners and on-site evaluations with its extensive selection of high-quality rental equipment sourced from all over the globe. As it was for Fote, L&B Concepts can help turn any dream event concept, into a blossoming reality.
Who inspired you to start L & B Concepts and why?
My husband inspired me to start L&B Concepts because he discovered that I was an innovative and creative person, and wanted to help me in pursuing my endeavors. I’m so proud of the business that we have created. L&B Concepts is a luxury event rental company that services a host of clients, and we were recently recognized by The Knot as one of their Best Wedding Vendors for 2021 and recently awarded the Couples Choice Award by Wedding Wire as well.
What does success look like to you?
Success to me equals financial stability, plus creative freedom and lifestyle design.
What kind of impact do you want your story to leave on those who read or see your story?
The impact I want from people who read my story is to get inspired, to find their voice and to re-affirm their values. So many people are afraid to go after their dreams or to jump start their passion, and I want to be the example to let them know that it’s okay — start today.
What would you say is your most driving motivation to keep doing what you to do?
In my opinion, motivation is the most significant predictor of success. The customer satisfaction and appreciation of our items at L&B is a great motivation which drives me to come up with even more creative ideas and items for our customers. They are the heartbeat and soul of my business.
What are you most excited or passionate about? (In both business and life or both)
I am passionate about helping others especially Orphans . Helping others makes the world a better place . Altruism is contagious .
What are the goals you most want to accomplish in your business? What are the goals that you hold personally?The goals I want to accomplish in our business and personally is to: improve personal skills like communication, networking, teamwork, leadership and develop good relationships with our clients. In this day and time, it is extremely important to take leadership to the next level by mastering the art of communication, and to also continue to nurture and build trust between past, present and future clients.
Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are, what you believe in and what you’re committed to in your work and life? Tell me about them.
The mentors who deeply influenced who I am, what I believe and what I am committed to in both at work and life are my beloved parents who are of late, and my husband. My parents critically guided me through my life decisions and provoked endless learning from their life experiences and wisdom. They taught me to never give up on my dreams, to identify distractions and distractors and to walk away from it/them, to always remain a humble person, and to be a go-getter.My husband has been a phenomenal mentor in their absence. I tell him that every day and count myself lucky and blessed to have him alongside me in this journey of life. He is my biggest fan and compliments me a lot. He supports my every move but will never hesitate to redirect me when I take a wrong path. He is a master of insightful inquiry and has taught me how to fish by not providing the fish, but allowing me to seek after it.
Did you have any life-changing experiences that put you on the path that led you to be doing what you’re doing today? Tell me about them.
The life changing experiences that put me on the path that led me to be doing what I am doing today are losing both of my parents unexpectedly, reaffirming my faith in the Lord and by doing that, following the commands God puts in my heart, as well as marrying a man who compliments me. My parents were both extremely hardworking and successful people. They worked tirelessly for the government and really never did what they loved or took time for themselves. Like most people, they had planned on doing that at retirement. Unfortunately at the prime time of their lives, at the time to enjoy the fruits of their labor, they both transitioned to be with the Lord. I then redesigned my outlook at life and learned to take a risk that takes me somewhere new. In life, do what you love and success will follow. Passion is the fuel behind a successful career.
What’s next for you in your business/brand? What can readers look forward to from you?
What is next for our business is to come up with personalized, top-quality products, that will wow our customers and brighten their events. In-person weddings are coming back stronger than ever for 2021 and we’re ready to take charge!
Award-nominated actress Lunden De’Leon (We’re the Millers, Blackbear) is set to star in the Netflix film “Scam” filming this spring in North Carolina. Based around a Nigerian scam, De’Leon portrays the role of Kisha Brown, a woman whose life is turned upside down after making a bad decision. Coming off playing the role of Harriet Stanford in the Amazon hit drama “Super Turnt”, De’Leon has worked alongside some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Her list of credits include the blockbuster comedy “We’re the Millers,” Vital Signs,” “Sweet Home Carolina,” “Somebody’s Child” and the Netflix action drama “Blackbear”. “Soon as I read the script, I knew I wanted to be in this movie,” says De’Leon. “It’s a hit so don’t miss out.” “Scam” is scheduled for release in 2022.
I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Award nominated actress Lunden De’Leon
Tell us about your journey into acting.
Surprisingly enough, I stumbled into acting. I had no money and was sleeping on a friends’ couch. I was broke and homeless. My friend was a struggling actress/model and asked me to go with her to an audition. I had nothing to lose-so I went. I auditioned for the role and got the part. Her agent quickly signed me to a one year contract and I went on to book a number of television and film roles.
How important is developing a personal style when it comes to acting?
Character development is more important than a personal style. You have to study and stay true to your character in order to be successful in acting. Who is she/he? Where did they grow up? Their motivation? Their likes and dislikes and so on. Developing your character should be your number one goal.
Are there things you want to do other than acting?
I have a stack of scripts on my desk I plan to produce and direct through my production company. I’ve directed a handful of short films but my goal is to release a full length feature in the near future.
I absolutely love the movie We’re The Miller’s! How was it working with that cast?
“We’re the Millers” was hilarious to watch and make! We filmed my part in a hospital in North Carolina at 2am. Working with an all-star cast was a blast. Everyone was extremely nice, approachable and made me feel as if I was on their level. What’s also great is that the film still airs every week on MTV, Comedy Central or in some other foreign country and audiences are still laughing as if it’s their first time seeing it.
“Scam” is currently being filmed. Give our readers a little backstory on the movie as well as your character.
“Scam” is about a woman we can all relate to. She loves her family, friends and God. Her life is going well until she puts her trust in the wrong person and it turns her world upside down.
Finally, if you could have any role in the world, what would it be and why?
I would love to do any movie with Samuel L. Jackson or Viola Davis. I admire them both and pray that I get to work with them someday.
Connect with Lunden and support her business online via her website and on social media Instagram | Twitter
Dr. McBride’s executive coaching programs have produced a generation of exceptional leaders who have transformed industries using sustainability and innovation while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. “The focus is on building emotionally intelligent leaders and helping them understand and conceptualize the concepts of emotional intelligence with applying self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-motivation,” Dr. McBride says.
Her upcoming book explores the psychological theories and their applications of the operational style assessment, making it the new ‘Leadership Language’ of the 22 Century. “It gives you a deeper insight on how to utilize the theories to benefit how you engage others, communicate, make decisions, and how to fully show up in your professional and personal life.”
Dr. Karen McBride provides Entrepreneurs, Influencers & Thought Leaders with the insight and expertise necessary in the areas of entrepreneurship, corporate structure & business acumen, as well as, counseling/mentoring professionals dedicated to providing them moral support and actionable value in both their business and personal lives; empowering, strengthening, encouraging, and challenging them in identifying their unique purpose, equipping and enabling them by teaching them transformative lifestyle changes to live positive, dynamic, impactful, influential lives by supporting & propelling them to show up to lead & win.
Patrice: What motivated/inspired you to start a business?
Dr. Karen: I was raised in the inner city of Compton, California. I was destined to reach higher heights in the entrepreneurial and leadership space. I was leading and starting businesses in elementary school. As a teenager headed to college, I sold my flower business to a florist and received $11,000 to pay towards my education. I was always an entrepreneur. I always believed in leadership, bringing me to realize my goal was always to lead people. Not just lead people, but in a way that would produce results, that would create opportunities, and that would shift the norm of what people would consider leadership to be.
Additionally, I believed in education and how it would support my business acumen. I did not plan to have 5 degrees. However, I worked hard to establish an impressive college background, obtaining my bachelor’s in business administration, a master’s in management and organizational leadership, and two doctoral degrees in business administration/ organizational psychology, psychology/management & consulting, and human letters honored for research.
Patrice: What makes you a pretty woman that hustles?
Dr. Karen: Ha-ha, I love that! I see, ‘pretty’ as an internal state of your being. Meaning, the work I do, is because of my inner awareness of who I am, and how I can use my expertise to help others. I train small business leaders and executives to become emotionally intelligent leaders. I teach the highest level of leadership theory to reach the most significant level of growth. So, with that, I would deem it equates to a “pretty awesome hustle.”
Patrice: What is the name of your business(es) and what are they all about?
Dr. Karen:MKCircle Enterprises: CEO Institute Executive and Business Coaching.
MKCircle Enterprises, LLC offers individuals, small business owners, entrepreneurs, corporate, non-profit, and civic leaders a one-on-one curriculum that support professional growth, life planning, and goal setting. It also explores personal and professional pressures that may hinder progress and growth—introducing several tools that support daily decision-making and leadership, all of which can be shared with other leaders, colleagues, and subordinates.
The CEO Institute offers executive coaching, leadership development team building, and engagement programs that provide one-on-one, cohort and team curriculum that supports professional advancement, personal growth, success strategies, and tools to create the best YOU! It is like no other program in the market. The focus is on three main theories: Operational Style Language, Emotional Intelligence, and Mindset. We explore personal and professional pressures that may hinder progress and growth introducing several tools that can be shared, as well.
We offer:
1:1 Executive Coaching Programs (Executive Leaders, Small Business Owners, Civic Leadership, Entrepreneurs)
Cohort Leadership Program
Team Building and Engagement Programs
And, much more.
Patrice: Have you faced any challenges in your business?
Dr. Karen: Starting as a small business and now scaling into a more mid-level business, presents some challenges. Our main challenges have been funding for expansion and hiring new coaches with the proper education credentials. But if I am speaking about my small business clients, they experience the same challenges around funding. However, they also need support in marketing, customer engagement, understanding their business, and making it profitable and sustainable within their community. The pandemic has been a struggle for some of my small business clients, but it’s also been profitable for some. I always encourage my clients to use my EOES Business Growth Model to plan for the unexpected. The EOES Business Growth Model represents, Emulate, Originate, Establish and Sustain. We support them in creating a plan using the model to follow, which ultimately promotes sustainability during challenging times.
Patrice: What projects are you currently working on?
Dr. Karen: I have several projects that are happening simultaneously. I will share three that I am extremely excited about.
First, I am teaching a Business Health 101 course to legacy business owners in the Los Angeles area. This project is so near and dear to my heart because I grew up in the inner city of Los Angeles. I am a proud product of the inner city. This is an opportunity for me to bring my expertise back to the inner city to support economic growth.
Secondly, I was offered the opportunity to publish a section in Business Matters magazine, for 12 issues, called “Executive Coaching Corner with Dr. Karen.” This is so amazing because I can reach an audience not just in the US, but in the UK and Australia. I get to coach individuals monthly with tips and resources that support professional growth and business sustainability.
Lastly, with my longtime colleague, we created the Operational Style Assessment. It embarks on a new leadership language that will help leaders communicate effectively and learn about their true selves. When I speak of leaders, I speak of everyone who leads their professional sector, in their personal lives, and social circles. The language is universal.
Patrice: How do you face diversity as a woman entrepreneur?
Dr. Karen: I wrote a quote that says, “High heels are not about being comfortable; they are for leveling the playing field.” I wrote that in closing on a talk I was giving to a group of young female professionals who needed to hear that we are enough. We are tall enough, we are smart enough, we are strong enough, to stand equal to our male counterparts in any sector. Although we have come far, there is still inequity in pay, position, and perception. That quote represents my stance, my obligation as a leader to stand when injustice, a lack of inclusion, and a lack of diversity are present. I believe it is my job to pave the way for women who walk behind me and alongside me and support them in their growth.
Patrice: Is balancing your personal life, work life and business life difficult for you at times?
Dr. Karen: Work-Life balance is a priority for me. I teach work-life balance within the CEO Institute programs because as leaders and hard workers, we get caught up in what I call the loyalty spiral. We misconstrue loyalty by not leaving work on time. We discount our needs and place them behind our work. What we fail to realize is that it is a dysfunction and more of a hindrance to our growth. If we continue to work in that capacity, the inevitable is resentment, unhappiness, not being fulfilled at work or home. I do my best to balance my work and personal life. I leave my office when it is time to go home. I don’t take client meetings during my off days or off times. I’m a better leader, a better teacher, a better coach if I have that balance, and I want to be a role model for my clients. I want to practice what I teach.
Patrice: How would you say your business differs from others in the same industry you work in?
Dr. Karen: There are countless times that I hear from a corporate client or an individual client that there is no other coaching firm doing the work that you do, how do you do it? Our results speak for themselves. Our research showed me that 1:1 dyad executive coaching breeds the highest results. It was essential for us to make our coaching programs about our client’s needs, not about time or money.
Not only are we business strategists and an executive coaching firm, but we are also a research firm. We believe the data that we produce. The data offered that we needed to teach theory in a practical way and create training with tools that would be used and not forgotten. All our programs are 4 to 12 months long. We do not have one-week executive coaching programs or 1-hour group trainings. We have a results-based curriculum, and to teach that curriculum takes time on task, repetition, and engagement. We base all our training on sustainable research and the results that our clients receive. That is what makes us different.
Patrice: What does be an entrepreneur or business owner mean to you?
Dr. Karen: To me, it means that I have the opportunity to welcome diversity of thought, engage in like-minded leader projects, teach my curriculum, make a difference in individual’s lives, and support business growth. I also have the opportunity to create, collectively build, individually and intentionally shift sectors of business that I would not have typically engaged in my previous role as a COO of a large corporation. The most important part of being an entrepreneur and a business owner is doing the work I love every day.
Heather Dawkins is the Founder and CEO of O’Bryan Designs created in 2005. O’Bryan Designs is a Business advertising company, specializing is custom graphics. At O’Bryan Designs they work to bring your visions for your business to reality! With no detail left unturned they have a passion for helping the community grow, with a niche in the graphic world and a eye for “what’s hot” to catch your audience’s attention. This is an art & passion that O’Bryan Designs takes very seriously as your 1st impression could be your last.
Some of their clients consist of: Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College, Advanced Magazine, Heiress Salon, Noise Clothing and so many more! O’Bryan Designs offers services such as: wall decals, mapping for buildings, marketing materials, billboards, custom clothing, custom labels, digital ads, album artwork, packaging, branding and so much more!
It is important for O’Bryan Designs to help build within their community. They are proud of their creation “Local Business Thursday’s” a way to help promote new/old businesses within the community. O’Bryan Designs can design your business a free 4×4 digital ad for your business and what you have to offer your community, this ad will have O’Bryan Designs logo as “created by” but can be shared on all social media platforms free of charge. If interested go to our website, click on Local Business Thursday tab and follow the steps http://www.obryandesigns.com.
Manifesting dreams is their specialty and they look forward to servicing you on your next advertising/personal graphic project!
Heather you are the Owner and CEO of O’Bryan’s Design specializing in business graphics. How important is it for a company to have graphics designed specific for them?
When it comes to Business advertising in any form, you have seconds to catch someone’s attention. So it’s up to you to make yourself different from the rest. Having a Graphic Designer on your team will give you that extra POP to get noticed, while having more time to do your other task in your business. We here at O’Bryan Designs strive in bringing our clients visions to reality. We are a company that cares about the success of your business and Business Advertising is one of the most effective way to draw your audience in. From design concept to your printed products, O’Bryan Designs is here for all your advertising needs.
What sets O’Bryan’s Design apart from other graphic companies?
The name O’Bryan Designs comes from my maiden name of O’Bryan. But a little funny story the logo I created for my business has meaning to my maiden last name as well. The circle is the O in my maiden last name and the dash-looking mark in the inside of the circle is the apostrophe that everyone would always forget in my name, so I said my name will not be forgotten. Making goals and setting them is what the process is about! Be unique!
Where does the name O’Bryan in O’Bryan’s Design come from?
I knew graphic design (or I would say “Designing”) was my thing when I was just 5yrs old! My grandmother had a Macintosh Computer (The big one …lol) and I knew at 5 how to go on and create a picture in McPaint and print my artwork, as a proud Pisces and a creative person it came naturally.
When did you know that graphic designing was your passion?
Staying present in a saturated market of graphic Designers definitely has been a challenge but it’s because there are people who are trying to stay cost effective with their business so they will either go with a cheaper designer, and we all know you get what you pay for or try to do them self’s. As said before you only have seconds to catch someone’s attention or it could be your last. O’Bryan Designs is certified and experienced in this consistently changing design world. Staying up on what’s in and what’s not is part of our daily routine. Paying attention to our clients wants and needs. We also help companies with marketing consulting to help them be self sufficient in running their own business. From design concept to print we are here for all your advertising needs.
With over 15 years in the business, how do you stay present in a saturated market of graphic designers?
My favorite graphics out of all designs I have done I would probably have to say is when I did all the graphics for Eastern Michigan University Student Center building. The job Entailed doing graphics for EMU Student Center, Chase Bank, Subway, Starbucks, Wendy’s, EMU Bookstore and more. The work consisted of digital ads, print work, signage, promotional products, custom appeal and more.
What’s your favorite of all the graphics you’ve designed?
My favorite graphics out of all designs I have done I would probably have to say is when I did all the graphics for Eastern Michigan University Student Center building. The job Entailed doing graphics for EMU Student Center, Chase Bank, Subway, Starbucks, Wendy’s, EMU Bookstore and more. The work consisted of digital ads, print work, signage, promotional products, custom appeal and more.
Local Business Thursday is a highlight for O’Bryan’s Design. Tell our readers what that’s all about?
“Local Business Thursday” is when local companies can go on my website www.obryandesigns.com, click on the “Local business Thursday” tab, it will explain the steps to follow. In the end that business will receive a 4×4 digital ad at no charge to them and that digital ad can be shared on all platforms.
If you could design for anyone dead or alive, who would it be? Why?
If I could design for anyone dead or alive, I would have to say Louis Vuitton would probably be an amazing experience and put my company in a bracket with a wonderful lifestyle! I can’t wait to achieve that goal! Words of affirmation are always helpful in completing your goals.
Connect with Heather and Her company by visiting them online and on Facebook www.obryandesigns.com
The annual URBAN ONE HONORS heralds the exemplary accomplishments of African American women in this year’s tribute show premiering on Sunday, May 16, 2021, at 9 p.m. ET/8. It will be simulcast for the first time on the sister network CLEO TV. Grammy-Award winning gospel artist, author, and syndicated radio personality Erica Campbell and award-winning journalist, author, and news anchor Roland Martin will host the event.
Read to the end for an exclusive announcement.
This year’s theme is ‘Women Leading the Change’ and will highlight the extraordinary contributions of women in business, media, health, politics, leading to impactful change within the Black community. Now in its third year, URBAN ONE HONORS was created to acknowledge and pay homage to individuals and organizations whose work significantly impacts society and culture. “I am thrilled to co-host this year’s URBAN ONE HONORS with Roland Martin,” said Erica Campbell. “I love anything that celebrates and exemplifies Black excellence, and I am grateful to Cathy Hughes and Radio One for continuing to honor our peers for doing the work that uplifts and inspires our community.” “Black women played a crucial role in saving our democracy in 2020,” remarked Roland Martin. “Not just in the election, but also on the ground in numerous cities fighting for freedom. I’m proud to join Urban One in honoring these American sheroes.”
This year’s URBAN ONE HONORS will commemorate the myriad achievements of women leaders who are blazing trails and creating new pathways for others in their respective areas of expertise. Categories of recognition reflect the tireless effort and triumphant accomplishments achieved by the honorees and include: Voting Rights Champion, dedicated to a fearless leader whose efforts help to build political infrastructure by turning out voters and protecting their votes; Business Alchemist, presented to a leader tapped for successfully breaking the glass ceiling to blaze new trails in corporate America; Investigative Journalism Crusader bestowed upon a media maven who is reframing the national conversation by covering the impediments and contributions made by Black Americans; Health Equality Advocate, awarded to a champion of health who answered the call to eliminate institutional barriers preventing healthcare to those in her community; Reparations Ambassador who is working to break down systemic racism and barriers that have held African Americans back; and the Family Needs Ambassador, presented to a resilient provider of direct service and resources to individuals in crisis within the community she serves. The inspiring night of excellence will also feature exciting musical performances, unprecedented collaborations, and surprise appearances to be announced in the coming months.
URBAN ONE HONORS is executive produced for TV One by Eric Tomosunas, Robert Boyd of Swirl Films and Jazz Smollett. Susan Henry serves as Executive Producer for TV One. Kashon Powell, Vice President of Programming for Radio One, and Donyell Kennedy-McCullough is Senior Director of Talent and Casting. Robyn Greene Arrington is Vice President of Original Programming and Production.
CATHY HUGHES (Founder & Chairperson of Urban One Inc.)
Premiering before the awards show is an exclusive episode of UNCENSORED : DMX. The legend telling his story in his own words. So tune in before and after. May he rest in peace.
ABOUT TV ONE Launched in January 2004, TV One serves 59 million households, offering a broad range of real-life and entertainment-focused original programming, classic series, movies, and music designed to entertain and inform a diverse audience of adult black viewers. The network represents the best in black culture and entertainment with fan favorite shows Unsung, Uncensored, ATL Homicide, Fatal Attraction, and Urban One Honors. In addition, TV One is the cable home of original blockbuster films including When Love Kills: The Falicia Blakely Story, Love Under New Management: The Miki Howard Story, Bobbi Kristina, and The Bobby DeBarge Story. TV One is solely owned by Urban One, Inc., formerly known as Radio One, Inc. [NASDAQ: UONE and UONEK, http://www.urban1.com], the largest African-American-owned multi-media company primarily targeting Black and urban audiences.
Patrice: What motivated/inspired you to start a business?
Kate: What motivated me to start my business is the fact that I’ve always wanted something of my own. I wanted to create a platform to not only inspire but also motivate and push true hustlers to exceed their limitations. Starting a business wasn’t about me, but more so about others. Everyone needs inspiration at some point in their life, my business FEEN helps inspire you when you need it most.
When I was younger my father got into a drinking and driving accident, leading him to a coma. Thankfully, he woke up on his birthday. Fortunately for me while my family was going through this tough time I turned to fashion as my outlet. But I was FEEN for more than just fashion. I was a FEEN for my purpose. And I was determined to be more than a fiend for alcohol as my father was. So I changed the narrative. I FEEN for my dreams!! And I created brand that will inspire you too as well.
Patrice: What makes you a pretty woman that hustles?
Kate: Without a doubt I’m a pretty woman that hustles. Humbly speaking, I am good looking on the outside, but I’m more beautiful on the inside which makes me pretty. I embody my brand’s motto, Hustle, Grind, Rewind. Every day I wake up I make it a priority to work towards my business, personal brand, and overall goals. I create opportunities for myself and the people around me. Not only do I create opportunities but I also open doors for myself. I am a true believer that you get what you work for. So I’m striving to work towards everything I want and desire 24/7.
Patrice: What is the name of your business(es) and what are they all about?
Kate: The name of my business is FEEN. FEEN is a premium streetwear brand that caters to women and men. While providing quality streetwear FEEN also provides hope. FEEN pushes their consumer to live by their motto, Hustle, Grind, Rewind and FEEN for their dreams! The fact of the matter is that we all crave and have a desire for something(s). FEEN helps you express your hustle for whatever that may be.
Patrice: Have you faced any challenges in your business?
Kate: Of course I have faced challenges in my business. But, every challenge I have ever faced I’ve overcome through preservation. Any challenge I encounter I take it as a lesson, I learn and grow from it. In the end every challenge it’s all a part of my journey and my story. I am trusting the process through every trial and tribulation.
Patrice: What projects are you’re currently working on?
Kate: Currently I am working on an upcoming collection, a podcast in the making, as well as a huge event I am producing together this summer that will focus on giving creatives like myself a platform that started from the ground up.
Patrice: How do you face diversity as a woman entrepreneur?
Kate: As a powerful female entrepreneur I face diversity by embracing it. I feel powerful when I’m the only woman in the room, because I know I make a difference. Diversity takes you out of your comfort zone, and that’s when you grow the most when you’re uncomfortable.
Patrice: Is balancing your personal life, work life and business life difficult for you at times?
Kate: Honestly, I would say that I balance my personal and business life pretty well. Sometimes it’s a thin line in between the two and as an entrepreneur you may give more to one than the other but life is about finding the balance that’s comfortable to YOU.
Patrice: What does being an entrepreneur or business owner mean to you?
Kate: Being an entrepreneur to me means that I control my own time, financial freedom, and direction of my energy to whatever I please. Having that type of control on your life is a power like no other. Don’t get me wrong, everything in life has its ups and downs, and entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Libra J. Hicks is passionate about helping women who live a similar lifestyle as she does. She’s taken everything she’s learned on this special needs parenting journey and gifted back to those who are hopeless! After complications from a traumatic birthing that occurred on December 15th, 2005 which lead to her oldest son’s diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy, Libra began to engulf herself in the necessary things that would give her the knowledge she needed to carry her son’s weight (figuratively and literally).The care for her oldest intensified as new challenges presented themselves. As Libra continued to learn more about her son and all that he needed, she discovered a lack of knowledge, self-worth, access to resources, etc. Gaining knowledge was a complicated thing and something that was common across the board. Lack of inclusion and understanding of the special needs community was something that stood out the most for Libra.As time grew, Libra decided to embark on a 501c3 that would gift her the ability to fully assist her community in areas that are most needed to help offer aid and assistance where assistance and resources lack. In 2017 Libra’s youngest son, Lyric Ja’Dore was diagnosed with Autism. Since then, she’s added another reason Our Children’s Story, Inc. is important and needed.
What does success look like to you?
A stable and fruitful foundation that can never be shaken. A foundation that will break generational barriers and gift the beauty of what life really is.
What kind of impact do you want to have on the world?
Show people the possibilities and evoke thoughts to do something different to achieve a different result.
What is the name of your business? What type of business is it?
Our Children’s Story – Our Children’s Story, Inc., brings awareness to Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy, which are the 2 primary diagnoses my son, Anthony Jr., has. Throughout this journey of building an entity that is in honor of such a beautiful little boy, we’ve been able to serve over 500 families through our programs and services.
What made you choose this type of business?
Honoring my boys who have special needs.
What hurdles did you personally face in getting ready to open your business and how did you overcome them?
Gaining the trust in f my community. Continuously showing up and honoring my word.
Why did you choose entrepreneurship?
To gift my children their mom in a different capacity that was beneficial to their growth. 9-5 jobs don’t afford the ability to be fully active in your children’s lives without permission.
What would you say is your most driving motivation to keep doing what you to do?
My children, my sanity, my peace!
Have you ever turned down a client?
Yes.
What are the goals you most want to accomplish in your business? What are the goals that you hold personally?
To gift mothers freedom from doubt, pain, unhealthy habits that cause self sabotaging. I want to gift moms the knowledge they need to change their lives for the better.
Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are, what you believe in and what you’re committed to in your work and life? Tell me about them.
My parents they prepared me for life. Right, wrong, indifferent; if it weren’t for them I wouldn’t have the nerves to do this.
If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?
BE WHO YOU ARE AT ALL TIMES NO MATTER WHAT!!!! Never sacrifice your being for greed and ego!
What’s next for you in your business/brand? What can readers look forward to from you?
Expanding in the health and wellness arena so that we can offer more services to our community.
So you want to be in media huh? The media industry is making waves for journalists, writers, podcasters, hosts, producers and more! There are some that say it is very competitive, but someone I recently interviewed stated that “You are only in competition with yourself.” That is the honest truth and even though some people in media think they are competing with the next big thing in the same industry, it can put fear in our hearts making us shun away from great opportunities! If you have the right determination and hunger for it, the rest will be history! Create your own lane and own opportunities when people aren’t trying to put you on or give you opportunities! You got to put yourself on! One thing about that is showing up and making yourself known and visible. Here are some tips on how you can stand out and get noticed in media by publicists.
Stand for who you are. Whether you are a freelance writer, journalist or radio personality, you have to stand for what you are made of. If being a journalist is something you love doing, then stick to that while exploring opportunities not only for yourself but for media outlets you are contributing for. Don’t allow others to tell you no different!
Photo Credit by Christina via Unsplash
Make yourself visible on social media. What’s the point of having a brand if you aren’t willing to show up for it on social media? Instagram has came a long ways and with the easy-to-use tools such as reels, insta stories, IGTV, short videos and more to make yourself visibible but creative as well. Use those tools to your advantage to engage more with your audience. If you are a radio personality or podcaster, showing some bts footage or a short video of yourself talking about your latest interview or topic will gain some views and insights on what you do.
Reach out to PR firms and publicists. Since being a freelance writer for over ten years, I’m always reaching out to publications and media outlets to contribute on their platform. It helped me to share my experience with writing and now interviewing people. Publicists are always looking for the next best thing when it comes to getting exposure for their clients. If you are in the media, you are a valuable accesory to them. Create a pitch and tell them who you are and what your brand is. Collaborations are valuable and important in media.
Chase opportunities. Media is filled with lots of opportunities such as attending press conferences virtually (since COVID-19), interviewing people and more! When people see your presence more, they start to pay attention.
Keep reminding people who you are. Sometimes people forget who they email or talk to and all those emails, pitches and introductions, so be consistent and keep reminding people. Re-introduce yourself to your supporters, your network, your followers, your potential clients and future collaborations.
Let your voice be heard. It doesn’t matter how many people who are doing the same as you, just continue doing what you are doing as a radio personality, as a podcaster, as a television host, as a journalist because someone out there is waiting for that opportunity to work with you. Get creative in your craft and allow your voice and your passion be heard.
So, with all of that said there are many different ways to be visible in the world of media. Sometimes you got to block out the negativity and the naysayers because they are the ones that want to see you fail and not succeed! And like this woman once told me “You are your own competition.”
PRETTY WOMEN HUSTLE ONLINE 