Kitty Arceneaux, an Ambassador for Christ is a dedicated wife and mother who has devoted her life to Christ and has a passion for helping others gain a closer relationship with Abba. Kitty is a licensed and ordained Minister.
Kitty was selected as a Suggested Artist for songwriting with VH1 in April 2005 and she was selected as Honorary Mention in February 2006 for Gospel/Christian lyrics. She is recognized with the National Poetry Association and is featured in the book titled, Eternal Portrait Series for three of her poems (The Dream, Apart and Missing You). She is also a member of “Who’s Who” with the International Library of Poetry.
Kitty’s book Ruth Ready won a bronze medal with Readers Favorite in September 2020. She is also the author of 2 children’s book that was illustrated by her daughter, Whitney. Titles are, I Can Do What Mommy Can Do (a book for girls) and I Can Do What Daddy Can Do (a book for boys)
When did you discover your passion and gift for teaching others about Jesus? I didn’t even realize I enjoyed it until my Pastor at the time assigned me to teach at the Bible Institute. I have been teaching since.
Do you remember the person who influenced you the most in your walk with Christ? There was a female Pastor I met that made me feel so special while I was on the cross. She didn’t judge me and she befriended me, helping me to make the transition and teaching me the Word.
You are the author of 2 children’s books, when did you discover your creativity and gift to share stories? I’ve always shared stories, even as a kid. My imagination was very open at a young age. It wasn’t until my daughter challenged me to write a children’s book that I even thought of writing one.
What do you hope womenand families take away from your work? I write to encourage and empower, with the hopes that my writing will bring families closer together.
What is next for Kitty? I wonder…lol I’m working on a few things. I have a new book, Ruth Ready In Business, where I just talk about the Basics of Business. But I am working on another Coaching certification and will be developing a book.
What is your definition of a Pretty Woman who Hustles? An Enterprising woman who is determined to succeed and help her sister along the way.
Author Felicia Alford is an award-winning author and mother of two beautiful children. She is also a proud native of the South Side of Chicago. Felicia has cultivated a successful career, spanning over twenty years of elevated leadership and brand management, with an accomplished tenure as a corporate sales executive in the beauty industry. She is known by her colleagues as someone who is dedicated and takes on each task with tenacity and a strong commitment. Felicia applied that same determination in fulfilling her goal of writing a personal true story that she hopes the readers find compelling and enjoy!
Felicia Alford is on a personal mission to spread encouragement and inspiration on how to find strength and overcome adversity during challenging times, with her book, “Through The Fire”.
Alford’s book, “Through The Fire” highlights the early morning of February 21st, 1964, where a tragedy occurred on Chicago’s West Side that forever changed the lives of a renowned Chicago detective and his family. Their unforeseen catastrophe sent a shock wave through the city and brought unity during a time when racial discrimination was still at a peak.
The book discusses the detailed accounts of stories shared by Mr. Spencer Leak Sr., owner of Leak and Sons Funeral Home, former Chicago Police Superintendent James O’Grady and others are heartfelt, as they relive the huge impact that one of Chicago’s biggest disasters had on the city.
The book also highlights the painful memories that continue to haunt this family, as they desperately attempt to pick up the pieces and move forward. Their will to overcome obstacles and adversity is tested throughout this story.
Through the Fire reflects a remarkable strength of courage by the Alford family and the African American people and reveals a family’s journey of faith, hope, fear, and most importantly, survival.
When did you discover your passion for writing and sharing stories? I first discovered my passion for writing as a little girl just jotting down my thoughts here and there on pieces of paper. As a teenager, those thoughts turned into poems, letters, and not-so-good songs. I never really thought to share my writings with others until I decided to write my first book, Through The Fire. Now, I can’t stop sharing my story.
Balancing writing and family life must be difficult, how do you practice self-care? Somewhere in between being a single mom, working full-time, traveling for work, and writing late into the night. I find balance in prioritizing self-care time by practicing meditation, yoga and just setting aside some “me time” and getting massages.
What has been your greatest lesson learned during your author’s journey? Learning to have patience has been my greatest lesson on this journey of being an author. Encountering challenging setbacks forced me to pivot and change course in order to achieve my goals.
What message do you hope readers take away from your work? I hope the readers find my work to be impactful and inspiring. “Through The Fire” is a powerful story rendering you to dig deep, restoring hope once lost, and the strength to survive anything.
Where do you hope to see your work in the next 3-5 years? In the next 3 to 5 years I hope to see my work in retail outlets, libraries, schools, stages, and on-screen.
What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles? My definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles is a woman who is dedicated to her purpose, consistently wears many hats, is a multi-tasker with intent, and unapologetically knows she is divinely guided. I am a Pretty Woman Who Hustles!
Veronica Gonzalez is an Artist and Entrepreneur who has dedicated her life to giving back to her community.
She has experienced many trials and tribulations including surviving domestic violence, the foster care system, homelessness, and pregnancy.
Despite her many trials she never stopped helping others. Veronica realized her story needed to be shared with the world and released her first autobiography called “Trials and Tribulations: An Autobiography of Vero G.” This book takes readers through Veronica’s faith walk along with determination helped her overcome every obstacle.
Currently, Veronica spends her time in local radio, magazines, tv outlets, and more allowing local talent in NYC to have their voice heard through her various platforms.
Veronica is grateful for her many accomplishments including working alongside her community to host The 2nd Annual Back 2 School event. Giving back is a part of her sole mission of helping others. She hopes her story inspires others to never give up on their dreams.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Vero G. to discuss the inspiration behind her mission to give back to the community of NYC.
When did you discover you held a story that needed to be shared with the world? I felt this was the time to tell my testimony to others especially while we all are going through this pandemic in the world.
What inspires you to keep going after your dreams? What inspires me to keep pushing myself to fulfill my dreams is my determination, dedication, and motivation to never give up on myself.
What message do you hope readers take away from your autobiography? What I want the readers to gain from my autobiography is to know no matter what obstacles you go through in life. It should not stop you to believe in yourself, or whatever goals you want to accomplish in life.
Where do you hope to see your brand go next? I see my brand expanding to further platforms and more opportunities for all who want their voice to be heard.
What advice do you have for someone who may be dealing with domestic violence currently? My advice to anyone who may be encountering Domestic Violence at this moment, is to get help as soon as you can from a safe place, also to know that you can overcome this battle. To know you can live a normal life with the right support and help that is needed.
What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles?
My definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles is a woman who has the drive and mission to provide a path for herself and for others to lead the way. To respect her grind and hustle in a positive light.
CaTyra Polland is an accomplished author, editor, and speaker. Her entrepreneurial
spirit has been the driving force behind her career, and her love of expression–her life- long passion. Joining these passions together, CaTyra has become an important voice in
the literary community as well as the business world speaking to professionals from all backgrounds. Since founding Polland Enterprises, LLC over a decade ago, CaTyra has been instrumental in a variety of projects that advance and elevate creative expression. She is the proud Founder and CEO of Love for Words (an editing boutique for writers and authors.) Through Love for Words, CaTyra helps creative people with professional editing services while supporting their creative vision. In this capacity, she serves as an editor, a mentor, and a supporter of each writer’s creation. She is wholeheartedly committed to every project and every client, and her passion for what she does bleeds through every step of the way. She has contracted with an array of businesses and organizations including Pathstone, the Rochester Black Agenda Group, Joseph Avenue Arts Culture Association, and The Article Group. Within these contracts, she helps organizations to improve their reach through clear communication and efficient project management. Additionally, CaTyra is the Creator and Hostess of Editor Knows Best, an international writing and editing podcast, “Editor Knows Best” where she shares her knowledge, experience, and passion with an audience of literary professionals. She also founded and hosted Writers Paradise, a writing forum for writers and authors, and launched Literacy Love, a scholarship for high school students in 2020. CaTyra has served on multiple panels including the Wood Library, Finger Lakes Community College, SCORE Mentors of Greater Rochester, and the Ladder Literary Conference hosted by Writers & Books. She serves as Executive Secretary of the Rochester Black Authors Association as well as a board member for 540 WMain, Conscious Capitalism, and the Innova Girls Academy.
CaTyra has been recognized as a Rochester Business Journal Forty Under 40 Honoree, and a national Point of Light Honoree as well as a Rochester Chamber IGNITE Award Finalist. She is an alumna of the University at Buffalo and the University at Albany and has completed multiple business accelerator programs including the Monroe Community College Launch Your Business Certification program, Pathstone Tech Talks, and the Rochester Schools Modernization Program’s Business Opportunity Program. When she is not working to elevate and inspire literary professionals, CaTyra enjoys slam poetry, traveling, going to concerts, and spending time at the beach.
At what moment did you discover your love for words?
In middle school, I entered a poetry contest. My poem was selected for inclusion in an anthology. That is when I discovered my love for words.
What inspired your start in writing books?
I love to empower others. I also enjoy educating and teaching. My debut book Professionalism, What’s That? to educate new professionals about communication, conflict management, code-switching, and more. I have been in several anthologies sharing personal experiences which inspire and uplift others. I love sharing my knowledge and personal experiences to help and encourage others.
How do you balance life as an author as well as editor for so many others?
I balance by practicing healthy and productive time management. Tools such as Google Calendar and Microsoft Viva keep me on track. I always add event and due date reminders to my calendar. I also carve out downtime when I don’t edit or write. My self-care plan has been imperative to my success and health.
What 3 lessons have you learned so far as an editor?
Ask questions. Don’t assume you understand or know what the author means.
Be open-minded. I learn so much from my clients. I have picked up new vocabulary and perspectives from my clients.
Be authentic. I tell my clients about my experience as a self-published author. I also share my journey as an editor, not leaving out lessons learned.
What is next for you as a writer as well as editor for upcoming authors?
I am finalizing my first children’s book Two Shades Deep. My current editing projects include a journal/diary and an erotica poetry collection.
Born in San Diego CA, raised in North Carolina Juanna Council Brown is no stranger to the world. Traveling from Canada to the US while achieving academic success. Juanna is the collaborating Author of “Finding joy in the Journey Volume 2”. Juanna is a Tax Professional with the mission to serve as a Financial Mentor and Community Advocate. After getting hurt Juanna was forced to quit her job and reclaim her financial freedom. Through this struggle Juanna launched her own Virtual Tax Store and Licensed Insurance Agent.
Recently Juanna decided to pursue her goal of becoming a Motivational Mindset Speaker. She is determined to share her 10 years of financial knowledge and compassion with the world. Her mission is to empower the community by teaching individuals how to have MORE success and Daily Abundance by providing knowledge and learning to be independently wealthy.
When did you discover your passion for writing? I started writing when I was in middle school and High school. I wrote my first story to readers digest but I never heard back from them and because I sent them my original writing I never got my story back from them.
Can you share the message behind your chapter in the collaboration, “Finding Joy in the journey”? The message behind my chapter in the book I collaborated with was Overcoming The Loss. That’s the title of my chapter. I choose that title because the pandemic brought a lot of obstacles for a lot of people from losing jobs and businesses closing. I wanted to remind everyone we all started once and we can all start again. So don’t let a loss dominate your decision of starting over.
Where do you hope to see your brand in the next 2-3 years? I hope to see my brand on a stage of one million people. My goal and passion is to be a motivational speaker and to be known worldwide.
What projects do you have on the horizon for 2022? I have another collaboration coming up in 2022 I also have my own personal story coming up in 2022. I’m trying to expand my clothing line or (merch). I was selected to do a summit on June 8. Times and other details coming as time gets closer to that date. I will still go live and educate everyone.
What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles? My definition of a Pretty Woman Hustles is the beauty of the pretty woman’s heart and the motivation she Instills in others to keep grinding and keep pushing forward.
Whit Devereaux is an Award Winning and Bestselling Author of “Not By My Own,” “Unraveling the Layers: Memoirs of a Wounded Soul,” “There’s a Jewel in You, Volume 2,” “The Girl With The Crooked Smile” and “Blacks in Nonprofits: Marketing, Branding & Social Media.” She is a Domestic Violence Survivor Advocate, Mentor, and Motivational Speaker. She is also the Founder and Executive Director of the 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organizationNot By My Own Community; helping survivors of domestic violence to rebuild their lives by giving them a safe place to experience a life of wholeness through Jesus Christ.
Whit holds an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Paralegal Studies and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Behavioral Sciences where she studied human behavior and has over a decade of experience working in social services settings. Through her company, Whit Devereaux Enterprises, she assists Entrepreneurs with obtaining sponsorships and gaining the attention of their target audience through media exposure and local partnerships. Whit has been featured on the cover story of the Chicago Defender, Soul 106.3, WVON Radio 1690, SHEEN Magazine, Fox 32 News, WGN 9 News, and is an active member of the Chicago Police Department District 006 Domestic Violence Subcommittee. Whit was recognized and awarded as one of the “Women Who Won in 2020” for the work she has done through her nonprofit.
As the mother of two, one of which she had as a teen mom, she enjoys taking family vacations, spending quality time with her daughters and showing them that with hard work, faith, and determination – nothing is impossible.
Who is Whit Devereaux?
I am a multi-passionate woman who refuses to be boxed in. I am a mother of two beautiful daughters; I’ve been a mother since I was 18 years old. While being a mother has been my absolute joy, I am more than that. I am a survivor turned advocate who writes and hosts classes and events through my books and nonprofits, teaching abuse prevention and recovery tools. I am an award-winning author and have written a total of 5 books to date. I am intentional about the way I choose to lead my life. I am a firm believer that we must maximize the time we have now; this very moment because it’s all that we know we have for sure.
What inspired your start in writing?
Writing has always been the outlet to my soul. I had a very vivid imagination that transcended through my short stories and poems as a child. When I was 5 years old, I was molested and silenced by shame. I didn’t feel safe speaking about it, but I could write and make the characters feel my pain. The first time I shared my writing was on Grandparent’s Day at my elementary school and the short poem was entitled, “Kids.” I was shy, but it was something about my writings that made me feel bold and confident when sharing. From there, I joined the school newspaper called “Calvary’s Voice” which I named, and got to collaborate with other students on weekly news updates. I knew early on that I had a gift with words. My mother affirmed this and my best friend bought me a journal in high school where I enclosed very personal writings detailing my struggles with depression, drinking, and abuse. I went to college for a semester for Journalism at Columbia College Chicago before having to drop out due to being pregnant and financially unable to pay for classes. I kept writing throughout my life experiences in a blog and finally put my writings together in my novel, “Not By My Own” in 2017. That book won an award in 2018 and is still one of my most transformational stories.
You are an author of several books, if you could sum up your message in a few words, what would it be?
The message is clear: “We overcome by the words of our testimony and by the blood of the lamb.” Simply put, I survived so I could teach others how to thrive beyond their circumstances. My faith is a big part of my story and I share it in a non-threatening way that readers both young and old can relate to.
What tips do you have for teens beginning to date?
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. The number one tip I share with teens is to love yourself first. Take your time dating and if someone mistreats you do not stick around hoping to change them. Learn who you are and what you enjoy. If I could tell my teenage self anything it would be to go to school and not abort your life dreams for another person. I have a blog on my website that specifically speaks to teens and their parents as well entitled, “Overcoming Teen Dating Violence.”
What is next for you and your brand in 2022?
2022 is all about living intentionally. In September 2021, I suffered a tragic loss and went on a sabbatical at the end of the year. During that time, I did some soul searching and the clarity that I gained led me to do something every day that makes my heart smile. That meant shifting my focus back to full-time domestic violence advocacy and writing. My readers can look forward to more blog posts that will help them overcome what has been a transitional period for most of us during this pandemic. My mentees and community can look forward to a retreat and additional outreach opportunities that focus on abuse prevention and recovery after abuse.
What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles?
A Pretty Woman Who Hustles is one who works smart, lives intentionally, knows when to rest, recognizes when to pivot, and stays committed to her purpose. I am a Pretty Woman Who Hustles.
Connect with White via email at info@whitdevereaux.com or via the contact form on whitdevereaux.com.
Born and raised in Mississippi, Philandis is an enthusiastic entertainer in every way. She is a three-time NAACP author, speaker, singer-songwriter, actress, self-taught and certified makeup artist, and a professional published model. She is also an astute entrepreneur and a certified medical transcriptionist.
She is a GGR (Greenville Girls Rock award winner from her hometown in MS in 2018. She is a PAYA Houston Top 20 Rising Star award winner of 2019 and will be receiving The Rising Star award from the PAYA Houston Professional Association in 2021! She attended Salem International University online for Forensic Science but completed her studies in Forensic Science in The Professional Security Specialist Program at Ashworth College with honors in 2014. The single mother of two is well-rounded, resourceful, and adventurous. She currently resides in Houston, TX.
When did you discover your passion for writing and sharing stories?
I discovered my passion for writing when I was in the first grade. I could look at a picture, hear a certain musical beat or even a certain word, and be inspired to write.
If you could describe your creativity in four words, what would they be?
If I could describe my creativity in four words it would be inspiration, divine, free, developed.
What message do you hope readers take away from your work?
I hope the readers take away from my work, being free in mind, soul, and sight of what’s going on around you in others life and societies structures is the life of the authentic, you are living and it’s the best focus you can have. Self. Clarity. And what’s truly important and valuable to you.
What is next for you?
What’s next for me is continuing my daily efforts, plans, and growth for success in everything I put my hands to. I’m always working towards the next big thing. And making what I have greater.
What tips do you have for the next generation of writers?
My tips for the next generation of writers is to be authentic, fearless, don’t overanalyze, be aware and stand your ground on your visions.
What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles?
My definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles is a woman who had all the odds put against her, envy, hate, jealousy, plots, schemes, manipulative people and situations, etc. put in her path to destroy her, and not even those things could break her! She soared higher and higher. She worked harder and harder. She didn’t allow anything or anyone to discourage her no matter how hard it gets. She never loses her faith in God or in her abilities.
Dr. Denise Yvette Mose is a proud Alumnae of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University. A native of Huntsville, Alabama, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. Florida Metropolitan University in Orlando, Florida is where she received her Master’s in Business Administration. In 2004, she ascertained her Doctorate in Business Administration with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship from Walden University.
Dr. Mose has taught for over fourteen years in the classroom from Kindergarten to College. She holds certifications from Oxford University in Oxford, England, and Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Having authored three Award-Winning Books, she is a sought-after speaker on a myriad of topics such as Self-Image, Business Strategies, Public Speaking, Fashion, and Wardrobe. In 2016, Dr. Mose traveled as a Media Correspondent for NBC to cover the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil! In 2019, she covered Wimbledon in Wimbledon, England to report on Tennis Legend Serena Williams and young phenom Coco Gauff. Dr. D is an annual Red Carpet Host for the Academy Awards, Sundance Film Festival, NFL Draft, Grammys, Disney Dreamers Academy, Essence Music Festival, American Black Film Festival, New York Fashion Week, NBA All-Star Weekend, and the coveted Kentucky Derby.
She served as “Professor in Residence” for a year in Shanghai, China at the George English School in 2015. Dr. Mose had the opportunity to travel to the following places: Bangkok, Beijing, Shanghai, Bangkok, Korea, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Liushi, Xi’an, Hangzhou, Wenzhou, Nanjing, Ningbo, Guangzhou, Yeoqing, Taiwan, and Dubai. While in China she taught the following: English, Western Culture, Etiquette, Traveling, and Communications. She is an Entertainment/Fashion/Travel Correspondent for many publications.
In March 2021, Dr. D was gifted a $4 Million-Dollar Billboard in Times Square, New York due to my advice on being a Global Thought Leader.
Dr. Denise Y. Mose is a “Jill of all Trades”! Presently, her latest book, “Blind Faith”, My Life-Changing Journey in China” can be purchased on her website www.sheisdrdenise.com. Dr. D discusses the beauty of traveling and how teaching in various cultures makes you stronger. Her award-winning podcast, “Self-Discovery on Sundays w/ Dr. D” airs each Sunday at 5 PM EST on all streaming platforms.
At what moment did you discover your passion for writing?
My passion for writing began while I was completing my last degree. The dissertation for my Doctorate was a self-journey and my Dean told me to consider putting it in book form. I met Editor Lillian B. Seays and she agreed to publish my first book, “Life at 433”. The rest is history.
How would you describe your writing style?
Relaxing, Calming, and Focused. I have a huge wall calendar and my goals are placed at least 60 to 90 days out. This ensures that I don’t overwhelm myself and clap for the wins along the way. Also, on the weekends I play music do you will hear some Frank Ocean, CKay, Kid Cudi, Rihanna, Troye Sivan, and classic Motown. Music is a great motivator.
What does the creative process entail?
Research is a big part of the creative process. Being in Entertainment, there is always something or someone new. Networks, Organizations, and Publicists hire me to write a lively story for their audience. So, I’ve got to be good, quick, efficient, and error-free. Once it’s published — it’s in the world. Plus, be adaptable. Oftentimes, a client may change the dates and times of an event, you cannot get upset. Adjust what you can and knock it out of the park!
If you could sum up the message of all three of your books into one message, what would it be?
Always believe in your GIFTS! Never compare your success to someone else and remind yourself that no matter how difficult, you can do anything. Personally, my Affirmation is key each day. I use my last name: MOSE – Moving Obstacles Slowly Everyday
Where do you hope to see your work in the next 3-5 years?
I’m humbled at the rooms and major A-List Stars that are in contact with me. It’s such a gift. I’d really love to be an Entertainment Correspondent on a major broadcast company.
What message do you have for the next generation of writers?
Have a clear message when you send your work to people. They should not have too many questions if you are concise and your story hits all the key points.
What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles?
A Pretty Woman Who Hustles does not depend on her looks to ascertain success. She is qualified, prepared, and sound in her work.
T.L. Blythers is a dynamic educator, author, entrepreneur, consultant, & inspirational speaker. Her platform, “V.O.W” 9 points of Impact, is a simple shared message of self-inquiry, which requires individuals to radically change perspectives about decisions & goals in life. Ms. Blythers engages, empowers, educates, and encourages the audience by incorporating her practical, spiritually-based solutions while integrating inspirational personal experiences. Her consulting business, EduVizon, LLC provides empowerment education and hosting/emcee services designed to enhance, provide clarity, transform & achieve desired premium results. She is a master trainer/facilitator, author, educator entrepreneur, & transformational speaker. She has authored several books which include, Mika Dika Foster Kid, Patches Batches of Emotions, V.O.W. 9 Points of Impact: Transformational Guide to Greater, The Whole Truth: So Help Me Teachers a co-authored story with other educators from around the nation, and God’s High Destiny Women: Business Devotional, which is a #1 Amazon Bestseller, You Can Have It All, and Courageous Enough to Launch, which is also a #1 Amazon Bestseller, You Are Enough, International Best Seller.
She is the “Upperroom Writer”.
This powerhouse of wisdom and knowledge has educated thousands of challenging individuals to dream BIG, catapulting them to a well-defined destiny. As a child advocate and author, her children’s book series, Mika Dika Foster Kid, serves as a lighthouse of hope, providing a stronger resilient voice for children globally. Additionally, T. L. Blythers serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) providing a voice for foster kids in the courtroom. Blythers’ foster care network expands from courtroom child advocate Judge Glenda Hatchett to Grammy Award-Winning R & B artist Anthony Hamilton, who served as one of the national spokespersons for CASA.
As a veteran educator, Blythers has been awarded the title “Teacher of the Year” from the Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation in 2002 & 2007.
As a powerful, charismatic, and authoritative voice on vision, purpose, entrepreneurship, and empowerment, in 2011, T.L. Blythers was honored and recognized by the Minority Chamber of Commerce as one of Columbus Georgia’s 20 Top Women of Influence possessing distinction & leadership for longstanding commitment to the community, and Outstanding Business Woman of the year 2021 by Iota Phi Lambda Sorority Inc. T.L. Blythers stands firmly on the life principle, “You are a product of your expectations, not the limitations.”
You are a well-rounded entrepreneur, educator, and inspirational speaker: How would you describe yourself as a writer?
As a writer, I engage, empower, educate, and encourage the audience by incorporating my practical, spiritually-based solutions, while integrating inspirational personal experiences.
You are the author of several books: At what point did you realize you held a gift for writing?
I realized that I had the gift of writing decades ago while teaching language arts & creative writing to my students.
What is the common message you hope women take away from your work?
The common message I hope women take away from my work is embedded in my platform, “V.O.W” 9 points of Impact, which is a simple shared message of self-inquiry, which requires individuals to radically change perspectives about decisions & goals in life. Additionally, the 3 takes aways from V.O.W. 9 Points of Impact are:
Enlighten to awaken & sharpen your insight.
Empowered to take action & be proactive.
Encouraged to keep moving forward & be progressive.
Where do you see yourself in the next 3-5 Years?
In the next 3-5 years, I see my speaking platform touching and transforming more lives. Also, I will have masterclasses and coaching opportunities to assist people facing life’s challenges.
Do you have any upcoming projects in the near future?
Here are some upcoming projects for 2022: Born to Be Dope project & summit with an audiobook, Northwestern Mutual “Leading the Way” Conference, & a children’s book release
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For the next 100 days, We are featuring Female Authors from across the nation for the sole purpose of highlighting books created by women for women.
The author of four published books, Jessica is an NC native who holds an MFA in Creative Writing and an MA in English, both from National University (La Jolla, California). She’s also the writer, director and producer of the award-winning romantic-comedy movie Elle Rose, as well as the serial drama, also titled Elle Rose; both are available on Amazon. Jessica enjoys being in front of the camera just as much as being behind it. Additionally, she has functioned as a writing/English college instructor for over 10 years. When not penning her next novel, film or TV script, Jessica enjoys spending time with her hubby, four children, and God.
When did you discover your passion for writing and sharing stories?
I’ve always been a writer from the time I was a little girl. I know I’m giving away my age a bit, but on the weekends, I would go thrift shopping with my grandma, and I would always beg her to buy me a typewriter every time I saw one. At that time, typewriters were selling for maybe 10 or $15 because they were going out of style. No one used them anymore. By the time I was in the fifth grade, I had 4 typewriters and was typing up stories on all four of them. It was heaven to me. I would sit my younger siblings down and read them stories that I had typed out on my typewriter and tied into a book with string. As far as I can remember, I’ve always had a passion for writing and sharing stories.
Who in your life can you tribute your gift of writing? That’s a great question! Although she’s not a writer, I would still have to say, my grandma. She’s 100 years old (turns 101 in February if God allows her to see it), and she’s an avid reader. So when we would go thrift shopping, my grandma would buy me bags and bags of books, and I would lose myself in so many different stories. This only fed my imagination and my desire to create my own. As far as actually writing stories, there’s no one else in my family that I know of who was doing this before me.
You are an award-winning writer, director, and producer, how would you describe your creativity? For some reason, God chose to bless me with many talents and I am ever grateful for that. My creativity is truly God-inspired. Oftentimes, I feel like I’m taking His credit because I don’t really feel like I’m “creating” it. What happens is I “hear” a story, usually just a piece of the story. And as I ponder over that piece of the story, another piece comes to me, and then another. And the pieces keep coming until eventually, I have a book, I have a movie, I have a series. It really happens just like that.
What does the creative process entail? For my creative process, something just comes to me. For example, my romantic-comedy movie Elle Rose started off as just a thought in my mind of: “Her name is Elle Rose.” That’s all I heard. So I knew there was this woman named Elle Rose, and that was it. So I started asking questions. Who is she? Where does she work? What does she enjoy doing? What’s her personality like? Is she a mom? I didn’t get those answers right away, but what came to me as I pondered over who she was, was “she falls in love with her best friend accidentally.” I was like what? How do you accidentally fall in love with your best friend? And what kind of guy is he?
So there’s a woman named Elle Rose who falls in love accidentally with her best friend, but her best friend is a bit of a recovering ladies’ man… Okay. What else? I didn’t know the answer to that. So I started writing the book just to see what would come of it. I don’t always outline a work first, as I see many other writers do. Instead, I like to see what organically comes to me. Once I feel out the story and see what organically comes to me, then the story kind of outlines itself. But that’s a bit of my creative process. I wait for an idea, and then I let that idea bake in my head, and then I see what comes of it.
Where do you hope to see your career in the next 3-5 years? Ooh, this is exciting. During the pandemic, when the entire world shut down, my fingers kept right on writing. I wrote Season 1 of the Elle Rose series, which I also produced in 2021 and it is currently available exclusively on Amazon with a 5-star rating. I also wrote a comedy series about two college professors, as well as another drama starring a high-school student, as well as a movie drama that tells the story of a young street guy who is also an intellectual prodigy. In the next 3-5 years, I plan to see all these works produced and available on larger platforms. I also plan to have a program in place to help guide first-time low-budget/no-budget indie filmmakers through the process, which can be rather intimidating and overwhelming.
If you could collaborate with anyone in the world who would it be? Denzel Washington. He is my mentor, although he doesn’t know it yet. I can’t wait until the day we meet.
What is next for you? What’s next for me is to begin filming Season 2 of the Elle Rose series and to begin producing Season 1 of the comedy series starring the two college professors. I plan to have both of these productions completed in 2022. As well as a possible Christmas Christian-comedy movie.
What is your definition of a Pretty Woman who hustles? My definition of a pretty woman who hustles is a woman who is confident in her beauty, both inside and out, and cancels every excuse as she works diligently to turn her goals into her realities.
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