Over The Weekend: Journals & Mirrors Workshop

Journals & Mirrors Workshop is a therapeutic tools for self-reflections, healing and moving forward in a more positive and healthy way. Journals & Mirrors offers deep process work, experiential exercises, in-depth teachings and discussions, interactive games and profound self-discovery.
Guest Speakers:

Willie Johnson - "The Ambassador of Potentiality"
President and CEO: Willie Johnson Communications
Topics: Developing Self-Esteem", "Understanding Self-Value", and strategies for "Letting It Go"

Contact information:

Willie Johnson Communications

2928 N. McKee Circle - Suite 114                  

Fayetteville, AR  72703

Tele: (479) 409-6340

Email:  willie@williejayspeaks.com

Web:  www.williejayspeaks 

Trisha Mays – Cummings, Family Historian 
Trisha, join us over the weekend to discuss and answer questions regarding genealogy research, family history research and the different types of records that have the information you seek.

Contact information:

Web: journeythroughgenerationsblog.wordpress.com

Email: journeythroughgenerations@gmail.com

Lukysha Sims-Neal, BSHW, MHIM,Trauma and Disaster Relief Specialization  

Host of Journals & Mirrors and Founder of Process 2 Promise, LLC
Topics: “Daddy Issues” How they can influence your relationships, Avoid censoring your feelings and You’re worthy of the love.

A Few Highlights ......

Over The Weekend: MY-T-BY-DESIGN Grand Opening!

Hosted by Lakisha Harper-Bradley

MY-T-BY-DESIGN Therapeutic Art Studio is a fun family-friendly location for all to come and express themselves creatively through art. We believe in the power of stories. We utilize therapeutic art as a gateway into the creative process for individuals and families to improve and enhance their well-being. Our motto is “release and heal into the canvas”. 

Even though the canvas is one of our main platforms, we will have many other types of platforms for individuals to create their artwork i.e., clothing, wood, ceramics, fabric, and much more! We will also host Artist Showcase Nights that are open to the public which recognizes local artist/non-artist work.

Some Highlights From The Grand Opening! 

Visit our website (coming soon) to RSVP for upcoming events and available workshops.

Open Tuesday - Saturday 10am-6pm

Sunday & Monday (By Appointment Only) 

Private Parties/Events,Team Workshops, and Artist Create Space available by appointment. 

pin	392 E Sunbridge Dr, Fayetteville, AR 72703-1868, United States

With love,

Lakisha Bradley, CEO/Founder

In Her Own Words: Meet Imane Bahassine - I’m Still Fighting For My Justice

Tell me a little about yourself? (As much as you feel comfortable with)
 My name is Imane Bahassine, I’m 24yrs old I am a Muslim, and I live in Morocco with my parents and 4 sibling ( 3 girls and one boy ). I’m a college student but I work also as a customer service advisor. I love playing sports ,reading books ,cooking and taking care of myself and my family as well. I’m known as a serious independent hard worker girl, my goals is to show other who say that women are weak they can't do anything the only thing that they are good at is having kids and doing the home stuff and also to show that anybody have the right to be different.  He also to choose his own path whatever it was wrong or right the importance is to learn.

 Photo Courtesy Of Travel Explora

Morocco, a North African country bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, is distinguished by its Berber, Arabian and European cultural influences 

                        Spoken languages: Moroccan Arabic; Berber; Hassaniya Arabic

Two years ago I was a victim of rape which breaks me into pieces the worst of all of that I was raped by the person who I thought my best friend, so I tried to put him in jail but the justice was not by my side actually I was told that it's all my fault and he's just a man which breaks me even more. I was lost and start asking myself why women are treated like that? Why they can't speak? Why they can't be free? I’m still fighting for my justice and I won't stop until I get it and I hope to help other women who's been in the situation as mine and they've been shut down.

What motivates you?

My family is my biggest motivation the way that they support me gives me the strength to keep going.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

People let their ego take over and stop thinking about others

What was the worst piece of advice you ever got?

Whatever is destined for you to get, you will get that much only working hard won't affect the results.

What was the best piece of advice you ever got?

Never stop being curious always ask question explore the unknown and try new things life is about discoveries it doesn't help anyone to be stuck.

If you could talk to three people, who would they be and why?

The only three people who I trust the most are my mother my brother and my little sister. Because I trusted them, and I know they love me more than anything.

Who has been your greatest inspiration?

My failure is inspiration for me because in each and every step they teach me a profound lesson. Though my family support me but they do only some extent because am leading my own life with up and downs.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

I draw my inspiration from Qumran it contain stories of people who fight all the way by the name of justice who did not give up who sacrificed their life for it that why I’m still fighting.

What advice would you like to leave the reader?  

I want you to know that being different it's a gift it's a blessing don't be ashamed of who you are love yourself and always tell the people who you love that you love them.

Thank you, Lukysha for giving me the opportunity to speak my mind!

Q&A with Bran Smith| Balancing Family and Music

Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m a 26 year old independent artist from Smackover, Arkansas. Clokkwork Clouds is the name of my movement. My artist name is Yung Bran. I’ve been making music for 3-4 years. I am a gentleman from a small place with big dreams.

What is the importance of the connections you make? How can you utilize them? 
Whether it’s through music, business, or just chance encounter, I try to take everyone serious. I’ll give you your time. I’m expecting the same in return. I may think I’m talking to a bum, but I could be talking to a millionaire in rags. If I just hear the man or woman out, they might give me the game. Every connection has its own story and if I can learn from it, I’ll be that sponge for a moment.

How do you get people to take you seriously as a musician?
The work outside of music I do. At this stage, I’m hands on with everything. You want to book me, you’re calling me. So when I show up, you’re seeing me. You’re looking me in my eyes and shaking my hand. I give everyone a chance and I’m expecting that same chance. So, you want me to respect you as this? Respect me as that. “Musician” is just a title. I’m a lot of things. Music is just one chapter in “The Book of Me”.

How important is image?
Image is everything. It’s how and why your audience sees you. Carry yourself one way, that’s how your audience will treat you. It’s especially important now because that’s how some artists are getting recognized. Dye your hair a crazy color and you’ll get a million views you know. I’m trying to learn how to paint with fewer strokes and produce a solid picture at the moment.

Who are your influences?
I have a lot of different influences across the spectrum because it’s so much I want to do and get into. I’ll just throw some names out there. My Parents ,The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan,Ice Cube, Pimp C, Jay Z, Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross , Sean P. Diddy Combs, Denzel Washington, Ryan Coogler and Chadwick Boseman 

Do you write your own songs?
(Discuss the songwriting process in detail.)
 I write all my own music. I honestly don’t have a process. I’ll start writing at the most random times. While I’m out at lunch, at the top of parking garages, walking down the street. It doesn’t matter. I take inspiration from everything. Just trying to wake up everyday and write about it.

How do you handle mistakes during a performance?

Push through. You’re up. If you stop, you’re defeating the purpose. Just gotta keep that adrenaline pumping.

How would you define the word “success”? 

When my point gets across and I start getting paid for it. Ummm, success. When I start making money in my sleep and my whole family is secure, that’s successful for me. That’s how I feel.

What advice would you give someone? 

Don’t stop, keep going. You could die tomorrow, so love every breath you’re given. Waking up everyday is a gift from The Most High. Use everyday to become a better you.

What's next? The grind never stops. I have a couple projects lined up. My merchandise is getting better and better. I’m working on a movie script with a business partner of mine. Also I am just trying to stay positive and productive. Clokkwork Clouds is my baby and I’m watching it grow!

https://twitter.com/Mr_YTE

https://www.instagram.com/yungcloudhopper/

Over The Weekend: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.Phi Alpha Omega Chapter & NAMI |Host "Shatter The Stigma" Panel Discussion about Mental Health

                              

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,Inc.
Phi Alpha Omega Chapter

Welcome and Greeting

Tina Gilbert, Health Committee Chair

Introduction of Panelists

Adrienne Amerine, Health Committee Co-Chair

Question/Discussion                                   Guest Panelists

Open Floor Discussion                                  Audience

Closing Remarks                                            Angela Mosley Monts, President

Starting in 2015, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) and NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, are working together to increase mental health awareness in the African American community. AKA Chapters will work with NAMI State Organizations and NAMI Affiliates to educate African Americans about mental health, treatment and recovery. Together, we can help communities access much needed treatment services and support. AKA Chapters, NAMI State Organizations, NAMI Affiliates and NAMI On Campus Clubs are encouraged to reach out to each other in order to implement the partnership at the local level.

I had the opportunity over the weekend to share on a panel discussion on mental health that consists of 4 talented professionals: Dorothy Marcy (Certified Counselor) |Kendra Glasper (Director of Outreach, University of Arkansas CAPS)|Lukysha Sims-Neal (Founder, Process 2 Promise, LLC) and Kim Arnold (National Alliance on Mental Illness | NAMI)

"Your physical being and your emotional state are closely connected." —Dorothy Marcy 
"It's okay not to be okay, but don't live in silence." —Lukysha Neal
Recognizing the cues for depression: Note the duration of a friend/family member's "down" attitude. —Kendra Glasper
African American's relationship with distrust of the mental health system can have links back to slavery. Drapetomania was a diagnosed mental health issue for those that fled captivity--punishable by violence. —Dorothy Marcy
You can support a family member who is experiencing a schizophrenic episode by honoring the fact that the person/voice is real to them. —Lukysha Neal
"Words matter. You are not your illness." —Kim Arnold


Connect with AKA and NAMI 

To find the AKA Chapter in your area go to http://ow.ly/GoAPX.

To find the NAMI Affiliate in your area go to http://ow.ly/GoBbp.

To find a NAMI on Campus Club in your area go to http://ow.ly/HPp4H.

Meet Willie Johnson: Motivational Speaker, Corporate Trainer, Author, and Workshop Leader

Favorite Quote(s):

 (1)  "Set yourself on fire, and the whole world will come watch you burn"  - My Dad - Joe Johnson

(2) "A Setback is only a Setup for a Comeback" - Willie Jolley

(3)  "You can have everything you want in life - if you help enough other people get what them want"  - Zig Ziglar

(4) "It doesn't matter what you drive - What matters is what drives You"  - Willie Johnson

Can you tell us a little bit about your business or the work you do?

(1)  Help Individuals Communicate and Connect 

(2) Work with organizations and individuals who want to excel at results driven Customer Care, Communication Effectiveness, and Developing Human Potential.

What ignited the spark in you to start a business venture or make any significant changes to an existing business?

After being in the military for 23 years (working for someone else), and working for a Fortune 500 company for 25 years (working for someone else), I decided that it was time for me to now - work for myself, and spread my message of hope; that it is never too late to created a larger vision for your life, and to Be Amazing.

What brings you the greatest joy? 

Being blessed to continue my own self-development while helping others to see and develop the greatness within them

What is the best advice you've been given? 

(1) When I personally asked the Billionaire, Mr. J.B. Hunt if he would give me just "one" of his Keys to Success - he said to me: "Sure - Mind Your Own Business"

(2) From Les Brown:  "Self-Awareness, Self-Approval, and Self-Commitment are necessary for Self-Fulfillment.

(3) From my Mother - Elizabeth Johnson:  "Always have a forgiving and loving heart".

What accomplishment are you most proud of? 

There are many accomplishments that I am proud of, such as honorable serving in the armed forces for 23 years; however, if I had to boil it down to one - I would say that it was graduating from college with honors; Magna Cum Laude.

Can you tell us a little bit about your business or the work you do?

(1)  Help Individuals Communicate and Connect 

2) Work with organizations and individuals who want to excel at results driven Customer Care, Communication Effectiveness, and Developing Human Potential.

What ignited the spark in you to start a business venture or make any significant changes to an existing business?

After being in the military for 23 years (working for someone else), and working for a Fortune 500 company for 25 years (working for someone else), I decided that it was time for me to now - work for myself, and spread my message of hope; that it is never too late to created a larger vision for your life, and to Be Amazing.

What brings you the greatest joy? 

Being blessed to continue my own self-development while helping others to see and develop the greatness within them

What is the best advice you've been given? 

(1) When I personally asked the Billionaire, Mr. J.B. Hunt if he would give me just "one" of his Keys to Success - he said to me: "Sure - Mind Your Own Business"

(2) From Les Brown:  "Self-Awareness, Self-Approval, and Self-Commitment are necessary for Self-Fulfillment.

(3) From my Mother - Elizabeth Johnson:  "Always have a forgiving and loving heart".

What accomplishment are you most proud of? 

There are many accomplishments that I am proud of, such as honorable serving in the armed forces for 23 years; however, if I had to boil it down to one - I would say that it was graduating from college with honors; Magna Cum Laude.

What is one thing you wish you knew when you were younger?

 Lol - I really don't want to go there.  If the truth be known, I'm really not one that likes to play the "what if I knew" game with myself or tell myself that I should have done this or that back when...  I believe that God laid out my life as it was and is for a reason; so I choose to keep looking forward to what he has in store for me.

What is on your bookshelf?  (Some of the prominent ones)

(1) Tools of the Titans - by Tim Farris 

(2) The Art of Communication n- by Stovall & Hull

(3) "Be Amazing" and "It's Never Too Late To Live Up To Your Potential"  - both books by Willie Johnson - The Ambassador of Potentiality

(4) In Pursuit of Purpose  - by Miles Munroe

(5) A Daybook of Positive Thinking - by Blue Mountain Arts

(6) Shift Your Brilliance - by Simon T Bailey

(7) Intentional Living - by John Maxwell

(8) Napoleon Hills's "Think & Grown Rich" and "Keys To Success"

(9) How To Get Anything You Want - by Nido R. Qubein; President of High Point University

If you could talk to three people, who would they be and why?  (Let me give you just two)

(1) Booker T. Washington (1856-1915) - To gleam first-hand knowledge from this former slave and founder of Tuskegee Institute; who was a leading educator, author, and statesman who rose from slavery to become internationally famous.  

(2)  Napoleon Hill (1883 - 1970) - I would like to get into his mind digest his interviews with the most successful and richest men of his time - which resulted in his study course The Laws of Success and the book Think and Grow Rich.

Do you have any advice you would like to leave with the reader?

 (1) In life - each of us must take responsibility for our actions, our well being, and the attainment of our maximum potential. 

(2) As long as there is breath in your body - it is never too late to live up to your potential and create a larger vision for your life.

(3)  Each of us has some basic goodness, which is the foundation for the greatness we can ultimately achieve.

(4)  We heighten our lives when we help others heighten theirs.

(5)  Each of us must model Integrity and High Character.. Foundations of "trust" relationships.

Contact Information and web site/or social media account.

Willie Johnson Communications

2928 N. McKee Cir.  - Suite 114

Fayetteville, AR  72703

Mobile: (479) 409-6340

Email:  willie@williejayspeaks.com

web:  www.williejayspeaks.com

It’s Never Too Late To Live Up to Your Potential 

Q&A with Drewz Andrews - Balancing Family and Music Career

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

My stage name is Drewz Andrews I was born in Pensacola, Florida September 20th 1991. I moved to Springdale, Arkansas in 2005 because of Hurricane Katrina. I graduated from Springdale High in 2010. Growing up in Florida I saw a lot at an early age, but playing ball and music was always my safe haven. Music was a big part of my family growing up. I would watch my big brothers and cousins rap and beat on tables to make their own beats while free styling. Just being around them made me wants to be apart and therefore I fell in love with music.

What is the importance of the connections you make? How can you utilize them?

Making connections is very important to me, especially in the music industry. You never know what certain person you meet can have an effect on your life. I am always trying to meet new people and soak up any knowledge that they have. I'm always on a mission to learn more and listen.

" Success takes patience but sometimes u got to go out there and go get it " - Drewz Andrews #FlowGame #ShameOnYou

How do you get people to take you seriously as a musician?

 The way I get people to take me seriously as a musician is first and foremost, I take myself seriously as a musician. The way you carry yourself can go a long way. No one is going to give you a chance if they look at you and can tell that you’re not taking your craft seriously why would they waste their time with you. When I make music I try to put out the best quality sounding music as possible. Also I believe in delivering the best quality music videos as well.

 

How important is image?

 Image is very important to me. An artist image is one of the most important things they can have besides actual talent. Some people can have talent but not a good image and they won't go far at all. My image is pretty must take me as I am what you see is what you get with me. I try to make sure I keep my name clean around the community and the hip hop scene as must as possible.

Do you write your own songs? (Discuss the songwriting process in detail.)

Yes I do write my own songs. My writing process is very different and random at times. There will be times where I and my wife will be out somewhere like the grocery store, and I hear an instrumental on my phone and ill just come up with a chorus right then and there. A lot of my music is made in the car as well while I'm driving around listening to instrumentals. No matter where I'm at music is always on my mind and I can create a song at random. Sometimes I do take the normal approach, and sit down in my studio room and get a pen and paper out and just start writing. I usually create the chorus first, and then make the verses based off the chorus.

How do you handle mistakes during a performance?

Whenever I make a mistake during a performance I try not to let it bother me and I just keep going like it never happened. If I'm on stage and I'm performing and I forget a word or mess up I never let the crowd see me sweat. Right when I mess up I’ll do something to make the crowd go crazy, so they instantly forget about it. When you mess up and let it throw you off your game that's when the crowd notices, but most of the time if you keep rocking the mic they won't even notice at all.

How would you define the word “success”?

 Success in my opinion is simply reaching your goals, whatever that might be. Everyone has a different definition of what success is to them. My goals in the music industry are to one day own my own label called Flow Game. I want to give hard working artists like myself a chance to tell their story and inspire others to go out and follow their dreams.

What advice would you give someone? The advice I would give someone is never give up on your dreams it's never too late.

• Work hard and kept God and Family first.
• Always remember to keep your eye on the prize.
• Surround yourself with people that have a passion to succeed in life.

What's next?

Right now I'm currently working on my newest mixtape titled ' Shame On You ". I chose that titled because I'm basically letting the ones know that didn't support me back then and see my success now that its shame on you. I plan on continuing to build my brand Flow Game and build a bigger following for the rest of the year.

Fashionista and Business Woman LaTisha Smith Making Her Dreams Come True

Photo credit:Byron Burn

What is your Education and Work Experience?

I have a Masters of Science in HR and Ops Management from U of A and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Business from UAPB. I have been a Project Manager for Wal-Mart for over 6 years. 

What are your favorite’s quotes?

Style is a language...Fashion is how you say it!

Fashion Blogger, Style Expert, Wardrobe Architect!

Can you tell us a little bit about your business?
StyleInVY by T. Smith is here to help women create their best image and brand thru fashion. I have an online boutique but I also offer personal styling, personal shopping, closet purging and wardrobe recreation.
What ignited the spark in to start a business venture or make any significant changes to an existing business?
I wanted to ensure I was living my life with no regrets and that I was living in my passion and purpose. I have always loved fashion but never had the courage to Step out to build my brand while helping women feel good about themselves.

What brings you the greatest joy?
Seeing women walk in a room with confidence and OWN it because they are comfortable in the skin their in and the clothes they are wearing!

What is the best advice you've been given?

Invest in yourself and do what you love and let your passion work for you!

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Stepping out on Faith and starting my business all on a hope and dream...know it will only get greater!

What is one thing you wish you knew when you were younger?

It’s ok to Dream and everything doesn’t have to be so traditional.

What is on your bookshelf?

All Fashion Magazines, Essence of course...but I am on some of the hottest fashion blogs such as fashionbombdaily and anything inspirational I am all about it! 

If you could talk to three people, who would they be and why?

1. Oprah because she is the Queen of inspiration and motivation. 
2. Obama because he is the King of Hope and Change. 
3. My grandmother because she is all things Peace. 

Do you have any advice you would like to leave with the reader?
Never be afraid to live your best life!

http://styleinvy.bigcartel.com/

https://www.facebook.com/StyleInVybyT.Smith/

www.instagram.com/styleinvy_by_t.smith

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Know your worth and then Add Tax! Image is everything!