#LifeYouWantMIA

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending Oprah’s #LifeYouWantTour held at the American Airlines Arena. Filled with excitement and sheer gratefulness that my blog received media credentials to cover such a major event, I shared the news with my mother (@MommaPetit), “guess what I'm going to see OPRAH and I'm taking you with me. Wooohooo!” SHOUTTTTT!!! The reason why we shouted in unison is because earlier in the year when the tickets went on sale we wanted to attend, but it wasn't in the budget. #WontHeDoIt I continue to be amazed at how God opens up doors of opportunity for me, by simply being faithful over a few things. Lord knows that I haven't been perfect, but I have been faithful.

This weekend was filled with surprises, self-discoveries, aha moments and tons of entertainment. Prior to the main event Friday night, attendees had the pleasure of walking through O-Town, which provided O-Towners with a glimpse of Oprah's life. Walking through O-Town literally felt like you were at her home and office spaces. The Oprah Winfrey Gallery was displayed with pictures of the celebrities she has met while recording the Oprah Winfrey Show. In addition, O-Towners were able to enjoy live music and dancing, take pictures on the cover of The Oprah Magazine and with one of the sponsors IKEA. We also received goodies from #LifeYouWantTour sponsors: Olay, Toyota, Cover Girl, Wells Fargo,Beats by Dre, Pantene, Tide, Bounty, Crest and Lisette, View a glimpse of O-Town below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ewt-gAmFD9I&list=UUT6VT2ttJn0AkLt4gGWvyAA&index=2

                                                        Goodies from the #LifeYouWantTour sponsors

In addition to giveaways and music, one of my followers, my doctor matter of fact, Dr. Anita Petteway received the opportunity to meet and have lunch with Oprah. #AwesomeSauce

As we entered the arena for the main event, we were greeted by a Toyota greeting card station. At this station, you could send inspirational post cards to yourself or family and friends and guess what they provided you with the stamps. #OnlyOprah

     

Getting down to what I call the nitty griddy or the meat of #LifeYouWantTourMIA, the main event Friday night opened with words from Oprah. 

While we listened to Oprah’s voice our O-Tour wristbands started to illuminate… red, blue, yellow, green. This was such a POWERFUL moment! At this point I knew this was not going to be an ordinary weekend. Oprah posed the question, why are you? Why did we attend the #LifeYouWantTour. Well I was there obviously to cover the weekend for my blog, but I was also there because I have watched this lady, figure, personality on television, screen and print for years and I finally have a moment to be in her same space and I wasn't going to miss it. This woman whom I admire is successful, not because she is wealthy but because she has found her purpose and is operating in it. She is walking in her destiny and purpose and she’s happy and I want that joy. And to put the icing on the cake, she looks like me, curves and all. 

I asked some of the attendees why was it important for them to attend the #LifeYouWantMIA and here is what they had to share. 

Dana Rosser 

Kirsten and Gina Castillo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udcu-AULJ4g&list=UUT6VT2ttJn0AkLt4gGWvyAA&index=6

Kacy Winans

Santa Casado

I believe women and men from all over were at the #LifeYouWantMIA, seeking something better for their lives. In church we sing the song, The best is yet to come, but how do you obtain the best? What are the steps? Oprah shared with us Friday night, that our heart’s desire is in connection with our spirit. So first it starts there. There are certain things you just can’t shake. That feeling,those dreams that desire; It won’t go away no matter how much you bury it, because it's embedded in your spirit. It is apart of who you are. Oprah shared with us a story about her grandmother. She told us that at an early age she could feel that she had a greater purpose than the life her grandmother lived. Referencing her mentor, Dr. Maya Angelou, Oprah stated that “Your legacy is every life you have ever touched. “ Oprah has touched the lives of thousands, but to date she has 20 girls in the USA in college and 190 girls in Africa in college. Oprah encouraged us to be ourselves.  "You can be a better you than a pretend someone else...Knowing what you don’t want to do is just as important as knowing what you want to do." A couple of weeks ago I atteneded the #WTAL Conference in Atlanta, GA with Bishop T.D. Jakes, First Lady Serita Jakes and Sarah Jakes and I returned home and wrote down everything that I wanted to do in my life and all of the qualities that I desire in my mate. If it’s not on the list, THAT AIN'T IT! (ebonically speaking)

As Oprah's message continued, she shared with us a profound statement, that life is always speaking to you; Giving you signs, closing doors, ending relationships, creating new ones. Pay attention to the signs. Failure is only life trying to push you in another direction. Make peace with the broken pieces and move on.Your purpose in life is that thing that gives you joy. Pay attention to what that is. If you can get paid for it, cool, if not then share it with service.Your life is validated with service. How do you use your job in service? Oprah shared with us the beginning phases and struggles of The Oprah Winfrey Show. It wasn't until she shifted her mindset to an attitude of service that her show soared. Oprah understood that she needed to use her platform to expose the excellence in people. What are you using your platform for?

Oprah’s Doctrine – For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. 

It’s all energy baby, what you put out is coming back to you. Even your thoughts and intentions. You co-create your life with the energy of your intentions, thoughts and choices. Your thoughts are so important. You become what you believe. We must be responsible for the energy that we bring to people and what we say to ourselves.

Oprah’s Mantra – I will be excellent at all things!

You are the master of your fate. Life is speaking to you all the time. Last year I started writing and reciting affirmations that I have on my bathroom mirror. I have to keep feeding myself positivity even when my current circumstances look nothing like the life God has promised me. Oprah concluded the evening with the song, "I surrender all." As we sung in union we were encouraged that everything we've been through is going to get us through. There is no life without a connection to the spiritual. I know my help comes from the Lord and He is constantly ordering, leading and guiding my strength. Your spiritual connection is where you obtain power and strength. If you’re still here it means you have a second chance. Everything that has happened to you has happened for you. When you were being tested you were building strength and power.

Saturday

Attendees headed back to the AAA for another day of enlightenment. Saturday was the day that we would hear words of encouragement from Oprah's Trailblazers: Dr. Deepak Chopra, Rob Bell, Elizabeth Gilbert, Iyanla Vanzant and Amy Purdy. In between sessions, we were entertained by Stacey G. of #SoulCycle #Soul15. Stacey opened up with so much life and energy. She encouraged us to lead a healthy life. "You’re here for a reason," she purported. We exercised and pulled down love, hope and new opportunities. We are Rockstars, warriors…Be in motion for the rest of your life. We keep our issues in our tissues, so release all of the negativity, fear and doubt. Be careful what you say to yourself. 

#SoulCycle Philosophy – Our souls are in constant change. View the #Soul15 video below.

How cool is this, I received an #Instagram response from Stacey! Whoop, whoop! Can’t wait for #SoulCycle to come to Miami. 

After Stacey, we were up for a special treat with some hot sauce and dose of truth with Iyanla Vanzant. Iyanla came on the stage with so much transparency. She’s in the middle of moving and couldn't locate her undergarments. How much more honest can you be??? FYI - Iyanla's move will be aired on #OWNTV in a couple of weeks, but I digress. Iyanla shared with us that sometimes you just need someone to hold your hand. That is my definition of love, someone to hold my hand. 

Despite the craziness of moving, Life is…my friend, she stated. The life you want is on the other side of the labor pains it takes to birth it. Be careful what you hold onto and grab onto when you’re birthing something new. If you made it through the past you passed. You don’t have to get an A to pass, but you do have to have an effective daily spiritual strategy to be effective. Iyanla instructed us to stop forcing yourself to do things that don’t matter. Life gives us what we need. Your eyes will adjust to the level of deficiency present. Check your vision – Life doesn’t play tricks on you, your mind does. It really hit home for me when Iyalna told us to forgive ourselves for denying and accepting less than what we deserved. She shared with us that she was in and out of a relationship for 40 years. There are so many people who remain in toxic, dead situations and we deserve so much more. As it relates to my love life, I am so determined not to just settle for any Tom, Dick or Harry or in my case  Jerome, Dante or Trey  lol #justbeinghonest. I know that I have a lot invested me, which makes this single, "lady in waiting" walk a challenge. Iyanla continued to teach us that courage is having the strength to leave before life forces you too. Ouch!!! Life is always telling us the truth, your job is to recognize and accept it. Life gives us everything that we need.

As the day continued, we were graced with the eye of the tiger from Amy Purdy. Amy was determined not to feel sorry for herself and become a victim because of her disability. She used her imagination to create opportunities for herself to succeed. Amy,Toyota and Oprah presented the Standing O-Vation award to Estella Pyfrom of Estella's Brilliant Bus for her outstanding commitment to making education accessible to undeserved children.

Q&A with Trailblazers  

Iyanla - It is not about helping people, but about service. When we help others we attach ourselves to the outcome of the result. If they win, we celebrate. If they fail, we beat ourselves up. Give service.

Elizabeth – Your growth maybe destructive to others. Relationships are our choice. We have a responsibility to love everyone, but we must love them from a safe distance if the relationship has turned negative.

Deepak – Don’t show off your transformation to others. Just show them who you are.

Rob Bell -  Encouraged us to find joy and meaning in everyday life.

Conclusion

Oprah concluded the weekend just how she started, with positive words of affirmation. Words have power. Whatever follows, “I am….is going to come after you.” She instructed us to change the way we think about situations. Become aware of the language we speak to ourselves. Speak to yourself with love. “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” Paulo Coelho. God can dream a bigger dream than you. Ask Him. Never forsake your spiritual connection.

Oprah's intentions - About my Father’s business.

Oprah has been blessed and has passed it on to others. It’s not about fame, it’s about leading people to the highest power that is them. Step into the call of your life. Rise to the highest truest expression of yourself as a human being. Visualize a new story. When we left Saturday afternoon, Oprah charged us with the task of creating a new vision for our life and tweeting it. Below you will find my vision and my mother's.

 

Favorite moments from #LifeYouWantMIA. #Selfies #usies and more...

           

 

http://smartactivator.blob.core.windows.net/saphotos/1e4d251c-1657-4ed4-87ed-161883620b08/73402af6-7d47-4cd5-86bf-4b3c4ab44800/33426/9D8E8201DC4143D390DC-14141858688029.jpg

   

Until we meet again….Here’s to Life!

By Faith...!

At the culmination of 2013, I vowed that I was taking 2014 by force. With this force I created a motto, "I am walking in faith, love, style, favor, happiness, joy and prosperity." I needed to speak this mantra daily, setting the atmosphere for what I believe God to do in my life. Each area represents where I have struggled, in need of improvement or should maintain, but the most important area for me was faith.

I must be completely transparent, there are some days where my faith is strong and other days where I feel defeated and powerless because of current circumstances called life. This past week was one of those weeks. In the mist of my faithless state God sent what I call faith agents, total strangers to my internal struggle to remind me of His goodness and deposit seeds of encouragement. It is not that I am unaware of His goodness, grace and mercy towards me, but what I see now is contrary to where I want to be and opposite to what He has shown me. 

I have been told that you have to give God something to work with and this is true. Our faith is what God uses to activate our blessings. If we serve a God who is all powerful, and I do, why are we faithless? Do we REALLY believe that God will do what we ask for? In an effort to get this faith thing right I started reading Mark 11:24 daily and it states, "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." What are you believing God for?

This week I decided that I would increase my workout regime to 5 workouts and challenge myself to one spinning class. Previously, I made up all these excuses as to why I wouldn't be able to attend the spinning class; I need new tennis shoes, My heels are going to hurt, I haven't attended a spinning class in years, I'm not physically fit. Basically I allowed fear to consume me. I am so elated to report that I reached my goal of 5 workouts this week and I attended 2 spinning classes. Wooohoooo! #teamfit One of the classes I attended a faith agent was waiting for me, all I needed to do was take the step. God is telling us that all we need to do is take the first step... It's your time. All God wanted was for you to make up your mind. 

Looking at the facts things seem impossible, but reading God's word we learn that God specializes in making the impossible possible, just trust Him! T.D. Jakes Ministries posted this quote this week, "It's not necessary to see His entire hand but as you move forward in faith and prayer, be assured that God has a blessing moving to meet you."

I challenge you today to believe God and watch His favor, goodness and mercy follow you. 

Got Fear?

Last week I dealt with the subject of waiting and the purpose of waiting. I'm elated that many of you all were blessed by this post. This week I am lead to touch on the subject of fear. 

On May 2, 2011,  I started my company Styling Purpose, LLC then a wardrobe and personal shopping company and now July 2014, a multi-facet creative firm (I invite you to visit our website http://www.stylingpurpose.com/) . Excited about this new chapter in my life, I booked my first paid styling gig with Sunnie Morrison of First Class Productions and started the planning phases of my first fashion show, The Great Switch with the assistance of my parents, my best friend Victoria Curry, former runway model Stephanie Warthen and a host of other supporters. Check it out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0VUVI624b8&list=UU45UyFWvQq4LcLtNbYR3weg As God would have it, June of 2011 I was laid off my job as an accountant; a job I had worked for close to 3 years. Notice I said job and not career. If you have never been laid off this feeling is comparable to a heartbreak. Consumed with mixed emotions - devastation, confusion and a sense of relief; what would I do now? Do I search for more accounting jobs or do I pursue styling full time? Prior to my lay off, I had lived such a structured and well planned life. I knew every two weeks how much I would receive and what that would pay for. I was and still am a budgeter. I didn't have the courage to quit my job, for fear of what my parents would say, what others would think and financially I couldn't afford it, but God divinely intervened. Also during this time I was in the middle of saving to purchase a home and now I was walking or should I say styling in unfamiliar territory. There was no road map or set of books on how to obtain clients or how to become a successful wardrobe stylist. I couldn't call up celebrity fashion stylist, June Ambrose and ask her for advice. However, when I built up enough courage I did tweet her once for advice and she responded in a direct message. #SHOUT To be honest the greatest feeling I felt from this experience was freedom. I was now able to pursue my dreams full time, what a blessing! 

Many times we view closed doors as God's way of punishing us, but in reality it is His method of opening new opportunities for us to conquer. The beautiful thing in this revelation is knowing that God is the only one that can open and close doors for us. Sometimes we take things personal and think that this person doesn't like me or this person is jealous of me that's why this happened to me, which is probably true, but who cares any way. God is using those people, those 'haters', 'frienemies'  to push you into your destiny. In my heart I knew God had something better for me and the only way I would leave that job situation was if I was let go.

Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭1-11‬ KJV states,"I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord : the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing. Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord."

I challenge you today to walk in faith and not in fear. I pray that God will deliver us from the opinions of others and the expectations of others. That we will live our lives not to please others. We will be free! Free to be who God created us to be. Free to be individuals, comfortable in our own skin. Free to love. Free to worship. Free to dance. Free to pursue our dreams without the criticism of others.

I ran across this quote by Joel Osteen Ministries that blessed me .

Fear and faith are mutually exclusive, where one is the other cannot reside. To have faith in God, is to trust Him and to trust his timing. When we fear and worry we are not keeping our responsibility of the relationship. Who wants to be in a relationship where there is a lack of trust? It all goes back to faith. What do you believe? 

Anyone who is an entrepreneur knows that this journey isn't easy. I write this post today three years after starting my business and being laid off. God is faithful and a promise keeper to me. He has continued to order my steps and open doors of opportunity. Earlier I stated there is no road map to success, but the bible is the ultimate tool for success. Combined with His word, prayer, faith, favor, consistency and a positive attitude we are destined for success.

I want to leave you with this song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04zvUhA_EkA.

Got Faith?

They That Wait

Goggle defines waiting as the action of staying where one is or delaying action until a particular time or until something else happens. For some reason I am lead to write about waiting, the power in waiting and the purpose in waiting. Waiting is nothing new. We wait at the hair salon, barber shop, in line at the movies or at fine dining restaurants. Even if we have an appointment, sometimes that can be delayed by a couple of minutes, which means more waiting. On a deeper level many of us are waiting for spouses, jobs, financial loans to be granted, business opportunities to open, family members to become saved and a host of others.

In the spiritual sense we are taught that while we are in a season of waiting, we should pray, believe and trust God to fulfill his promises. The worst thing you can do while waiting is to worry. When we worry we are essentially telling God that we don’t trust Him, his word and his ability. Instead of worrying, just pray. I’ve learned there is power in prayer. Giving everything over to God and I mean EVERYTHING in prayer and believing he will do it. Sometimes God will have us in a season of waiting to remind us of what He has done for us in the past and to show us that He is ultimately in control. One of my favorite Fred Hammond songs is “They That Wait featuring Pastor John P. Kee

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRbv1I8SQ6w. *grabs tambourine* Lol

What I love most about Google’s definition of waiting is the latter part "delaying action until a particular time or until something else happens". I almost shouted! Let me reiterate that statement again, delaying action until a particular time or until something else happens. Until a particular time? Something else happens? We've all heard the saying delay is not denial and this is factual. God's delay doesn’t mean his answer is no, it may mean not now, but later or simply no because He has something else in store for you. Something bigger, better, and greater. God is showing me that he has something else. There were some past relationships that I wanted to work out, jobs that I wanted and God said nope, that’s no it matter of fact he said HECK NO!!!

This past Sunday my pastor, Bishop Curry started a series entitled Advance Praise. While you're in a season of waiting praise God in advance for what He will do. Act like it's already done. Before God blessed me with a new car in May, Faith is what I call her, I acted as if my old car, Diamond Princess (ratchet name yes I know) was a new car with all the new car amenities like, XM radio. I drove DP like she was a beamer, although far from it. I often joke with my friends and family and tell them that I switched phone carriers because if Tyler Perry calls me I need him to be able to get in contact with me with no problems. #RealTalk #FaithTalk

Currently, I’m reading Sarah Jakes book Lost & Found, in the infancy stages of my reading, but a pretty great read thus far. In the foreword of the book Bishop Jakes, states that all storms have an expiration date. While you wait be hopeful and rest assure that trials - unemployment, family issues, singleness, debt, loneliness all have an expiration. I want to end this post with William Murphy's song "It's Working."  This song has truly blessed and encouraged me at a point where my faith was diminishing. Everything is working together for my good and yours too!

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxKm_ZJfofA

Be encouraged. God has not forgotten about you.

#TreatsandTresses - A #RoyalCoils Meet Up!

Helllllo summer, so glad you decided to accompany us. I love summer time for music festivals, hot new lip colors, hipster shorts, box plaits and summer meet ups. Last month I had the pleasure of attending #TreatsandTresses - A #RoyalCoils Meet Up presented by Ankara Miami and Natural Trend Setters. Ladies and gents if you missed this event you missed a treat. Attendees enjoyed special treats from: C&B Sweet Designs, Femmes Royales, Miami Candies, A La Mode Boutique, Luxe Therapy Hair Products, M.A.K Natural, Nefertiti's Secrets, ONLI Beverages, Patsie Girl, Rootspiration, Taliah Waajid amd Von Xavier Wines.

Presenters of #TreatsandTresses

In addition, attendees received natural hair care and makeup tips from the best in the beauty business. Simone Hylton, 1/2 of Natural Trend Setters, a celebrity natural hair stylist and mmmmmy loctician showcased natural hair styles, the flexibility of these styles, treating your tresses, the beauty of being natural and the practicality of it. Her energy is so captivating she possesses the power to make permed girls go natural lol. Select the links below for some hair demonstrations. 

Demo 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_k10Kkgzv8

Demo 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkyaPY4qozk

Demon 3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueJ2-edy5MU


Makeup Artist @SimplyCre8eve shared makeup tips on how to make your every day look, look effortless.

Throughout the meet up, several vendors showcased their merchandise. I had a chance to meet and shop with some of them.  


AFR Clothing                                                BeYOUteous


 
             Silky Wraps                                       Goddess Fashion Factory

I love the ladies from Goddess Fashion Factory. Check out the clutch I purchased from #GFF and matching earrings (courtesy of Goddess Fashion Factory) that I wore to the #OnTheRun tour. Yesssssss I was there! #OTR #FirstStopMiami #youshouldhavebeenthere Oh yea and by the way you should #shopsmall.

But, I disgress... lol South Florida's movers and shakers were present for the royal occassion. See below.
       

 
Designer Marquita Moore of Wamuiru Couture      Carlos the sound/anythingyouneed man lol

South Florida's #naruralistas were definitely in the building rocking their #RoyalCoils. Check out some of these beauties and what I like to call #MyEyeonFashion Report.

                        

Why #TreatsandTresses??? Answered by the SHEeo's of Natural Trendsetters, "Trudy" and Simone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfDHGS2Pgtw

                                                 Additional Photos from #TreatsandTresses

Natural Trend Setters

If everyone looks like they had a great time, it's because they did! #TreatsandTresses was an amazing event, a great vibe shared with beautiful people. S/o to Evelyn O of Ankara Miami for allowing me to cover this event. Can't wait for the next meet up!

Save the Date: Dec 14 - #RoyalCoils Natural Hair & Beauty Expo. Stay tuned to www.MyRoyalCoils.com for updates! I had the pleasure of interviewing Simone for last year's event. Take a glimpse of what to expect this year. http://notyouraveragemodel.blogspot.com/2013/12/royal-coils-11th-annual-natural-hair.html. It only gets better from here!