http://agencysevenpr.com/
ISSN 2334-1904
The Ambition Magazine Production Team Editor-In-Chief LeKeisha Nicole Editorial Consulting Ashley Ferguson Content Editor Eboni Jones Marketing Ashley Tahir Print Greyden Press, LLC. Graphics Robert Wilburn Photograhy AP2 Photography
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11 PURPOSELY DESTINED 13 HER SILENT CRY 17 MEN TO WATCH 21SUBTLE SEAMS 23 REMEMBERING THE WHY 29 DK PRODUCTIONS table of contents... FEATURE STORIES
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
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Letter From The Editor Time flies when you are having fun…at least that is what they say! Well around this way it has proven to be true. The warm weather and bright sun just seems to put a smile on people’s faces. It seems to release that Ambition that we suppress in the winter months because it is simply too cold to do anything that is not required. For the Ambition team it is even crazier to say that with this issue we are half way through our year, which is proving to be even more amazing. All of our issues are special because of the wonderful, inspiring, ambitious people that we get to interact with and present to you. This issue is feeling extra special as this is our first Men’s issue. Due to our anniversary being in March, which is Women’s history month, we have always paid tribute to our ladies. This time is for our men. Our men who are making a difference, our men who are defying the odds, our men who are living their ambition. I enjoyed learning about each of these men and look forward to following them and their careers even further. Until next time…. Live, Love, Laugh & Be Ambitious - LeKeisha Nicole
THE SATO A well-dressed man gives me a better feeling than finding a great pair of shoes on sale. It’s better than a big glass of my grandma Viola’s homemade iced tea, brewed to perfection by the sun on a hot summer day in August. Whew…. It’s just everything great on earth, ok? I can appreciate anyone who takes the extra time and effort that it takes to make themselves presentable to the world, but I especially appreciate a man’s efforts. It shows me that he is cares enough about himself to take the appropriate steps to create and nurture his appearance. Not to mention, that puts us in the running for best dressed couple! #WINNING
These are some (but not limited to) of the men’s fashion looks that tickle my fancy. A classic summertime favorite, Seersucker is a go to look of the season. The lightweight, low maintenance material makes it an easy and obvious choice. Try a seersucker top /bottom with a contrasting solid. Or if you are bold enough, try a full seersucker suit. You’ll thank yourself and your admirers will too. Prints on men are huge this year! Floral has made it across gender lines. However, only the man secure with his manhood and fashion choices can brave this trend. If you aren’t sure about wearing a lot of flowers, start off with a floral tie or belt. For those of you who want to go for the gusto, do just that!
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ORIAL MAN Another print-setter is polka dots. Much like bright colors, polka dots can provide that extra pop that can bring a drab look to life. Try a polka dot shirt with a solid jacket or pants. Once again if you are weary of prints, a polka dot pocket square or a pair of polka dot trouser socks will still give your look a little something extra.
I have to admit that cropped pants have grown on me. But, just like anything else, it has to be done right to be received well. The ideal look for me would be great on vacation. A pair of cropped pants, with a plain v-neck tee, a good belt and a nice pair of top siders (no socks/invisible socks). If you are fashion forward enough, and depending on where you wear it to you can also try a suit with cropped pants too. Of course there is a comeback story in every season. The comeback story of current trends is plaid. Plaid jackets, pants and shirts can be spotted from the streets to the runways. This pattern can really turn heads when done the right way. A must have for every man is undoubtedly a well-tailored suit. All of the aforementioned trends can be perfectly translated in juxtaposition with the right suit. This is one of the basic wardrobe essentials that you can always build a great look on. The perfect suit communicates that while you do love fashion, you are about business first. With that being said, I’ll end this article just like it began. There is nothing, and I do mean nothing better than a welldressed man! Until next time, Stay Fashionable ~The Fashion Wordsmith Www.thefashionwordsmith.wordpress.com
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MEN OF
AMBITION Name: Baron Samuel
Industry: Information Technology, Philanthropy Business Name: Baron Samuel Corporation What is it that you do: Author, Speaker, Mentor, Consultant Why this business/ profession: My business allows me to effectively reach various communities and impact the lives of its inhabitants through my entrepreneurial ventures. What is that made you want to become a part of the Ambition Mag Team: I joined the Ambition Magazine team because I wanted to be apart of something special. I felt that Ambition magazine shared the same values and vision as I do in promoting positive growth and fostering elevation in local communities and society as a whole. What is it about you that embodies Ambition: My passion to evoke change where ever I go and my desire to impact lives for the better is what I believe draws me to Ambition Magazine and gives me the energy to continue to promote the publication and its message to its readers. Social Media/ Contact: facebook.com/authorbaronsamuel, twitter.com/baronsamuel, email: baron@baronsamuel.org, website: www.baronsamuel.org
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Name: Aaron Paschal Industry: Photography Business Name: AP2 Photography What is it that you do: I capture memories, tell stories through my lens. I photograph weddings, events, high school seniors, portraits, corporate headshots, and commercial products. Why this business/ profession: Photography has provided my vision a voice. I’m able to break language barriers with my camera, show people how I see the world. My cameras are my pens, they’ve helped me author love stories, biographies, they’ve helped me record history. I’m inspired by what I do and I put a lot of pride into it. When I step back and think about it I’m humbled by the fact that my images are on walls in family’s homes, on their coffee tables, nightstands, desks. These pictures will be seen by people who come into their homes, they’ll spark conversations, rekindle memories and they’ll be passed through generations. Other’s will be on company and/or individuals websites, with the potential to be seen by anyone with a computer, tablet or smart phone ANYWHERE in the world! So yea… I LOVE what I do! What is that made you want to become a part of the Ambition Mag Team: I love the energy and passion of the Ambition Mag team. I believe it’s important to surround yourself around like minded people that will challenge you and help you grow as a person. What is it about you that embodies Ambition: My passion for my craft, my grind. I have a lot of dreams and goals for AP2 Photography and they require a lot of Ambition. I’m not the type of person to shy away from a challenge or aim low, seek out the low hanging fruit. I run towards challenges, attack my weaknesses and I’m constantly looking for ways to better serve my clients and grow as an artist. I don’t want my business to just survive, I want it to THRIVE! Social Media/ Contact: instagram – ap2photography, facebook - AP2 Photography, LinkedIn- Aaron Paschal, Jemail – aaron@ap2photography.com, website – ap2photography.com Other: I love Ohio State football, bow ties, and Nikon cameras! My favorite book “other than the bible” is The Alchemist . If you haven’t read it you need to! As an artist I’m attracted to strong textures,contrasting colors and I love working with and supporting local and small businesses.
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Name: Rob Wilburn Industry: Artist, Graphic Designer Business Name: Rob Wilburn Designs What is it that you do: I design to express my creativity and I am an artist to bring ideas to life Why this business/ profession: I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember, my mom was the one who really motivated me to become an artist. I love being able to express myself in my own way. What is that made you want to become a part of the Ambition Mag Team: I joined the Ambition Magazine team because I wanted to grow as an artist. I felt like beign a part of Ambition magazine was a great chance for me to push my skills and for it to be a learning opportunity. Also being a part of a team that shares my same interests is something I wasnt to be a part of. What is it about you that embodies Ambition: Creativity combined with my passion for art, is what really drives me. I know what i’m capable of achieving and what my potential is. Being challenged and taking on new projects has always been something that I have enjoyed. Everyday I spend time working on my craft, even if it’s twenty minutes or 5 hours I will always spend time to prepare myself for my future to make sure I succeed. Social Media/ Contact: facebook.com - Robby Wilburn, twitter.com - @JusBeenRobbed Instagram - @JusBeenRobbed @_rldesigns Website www.robwilburndesigns.com email: Info@robwilburndesigns.com Other: I Love fashion and always trying something new. Very passionate about playing basketball, my favorite team is the Los Angeles Clippers, and favorite player is Chris Paul
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AMBITION MAGAZINE S UBSC R IBE Yearly Digital Subscription - $9.99 Yearly Print Subcription - $29.99 http://ambitionmag.com/boutique/
How did I get here? Where did my purpose originate from? Do I love myself enough, or do I love myself more? Why do you protect me? Why do you love you; even when I don’t love myself?
Purposely Destined - Shaderia Sneed’s
You are my destiny. It was your destined purpose. You taught me how to love myself unconditionally; even when I was damaged when you received me. You protect me with your love and strength. You love me when I doubt myself, and give me the courage to do this I am afraid of. You are my Husband, Father, Brother, and Son! You are everything that God designed you to me. You are the reason we are GREAT, and when we as woman forget that you remind us we are! We as women cannot leave without you, and we will love, trust, and honor you for that! Real Men Love and purposely destined us for GREATNESS!
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YEAR IN REVIEW
Name: Antoine J. Edmonson Location: Los Angeles, California Industry: Entertainment Business: Hip Hop Artist / Entrepreneur
What has changed: I am totally focused on making music my primary source of income. I let go of the belief that I had to work a side job to funnel money into my music career. No one asks doctors to work 8 hours at Home Depot to save up money to buy the x-ray machine that they need to do their jobs. I was tired of working at a 'job' just to get money to support my music career. So now I am making a job of out my music career. Are there any new successes?: I successfully raised 5K in 35 Days last fall to finish the production expenses of my upcoming EP. I had the opportunity to open for Dwele in February. I started living in my purpose this year. What I mean by that is I have abandoned all useless, time stealing activities that do not answer the question of why I am here on this earth. I think this is one of the 5 greatest successes of a human being. What do you have coming up that we can look forward to?: I am releasing an EP, Generic Pop Party Rap, soon. We are working on the packaging currently. We are also partnering with schools, after school programs, youth groups, churches, etc, for the "My Thoughts Matter Tour." We are using Hip Hop + New Media to help students tell stories that they thought no one cared about. Social Media/contact: @AntoineEdmonson (FB, Twitter, IG) What about you embodies ambition: My ability to constantly evolve and keep dreaming embodies ambition. I have wondered if i should call it quits with music on many days of my life, and i believe that if you can continually push past that question and all the emotions tied to it, you are ambitious. People want to quit because its hard, theyre losing money, theyre not getting much in return, the sacrifice becomes more and more heavy, Those people who endure that and keep moving forward, no matter how slow or fast, are ambitious, I believe. A M B I T I O N M AG . O RG
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H
ER SILENT CRY
Love, respect, acceptance, passion and desire are all things a woman wants in her relationship. As a matter of fact these are basic expectations that most require. There are certainly more characteristics and each person has specific desires. But what I want to shed light on here is the aspect of emotional integrity and safety in relationships. Imagine if you will that you are in a theatre facing three stages. When curtain one opens there is a young girl drenched in tears. When daddy left he kissed me and told me that he loved me and I would always be his princess, but he lied. He said he was leaving mommy but not me. But he doesn’t come around like he promised. He was my hero! Curtain two opens and you see a teenage girl with her face streaked with make-up sitting on a park bench. He said he loved me. I gave him everything. He was my first. How could he do this to me? Love is not supposed to hurt like this. What’s wrong with me? Just when you thought she would continue to speak curtains on stage three opens. Before you could look at the program to see who was next she spoke. Men are dogs. They are liars. They cheat and say what you want to hear.
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They only love themselves. Every man I’ve known has hurt me. Are there any good men out there who will protect my heart, keep their promises and love me for real? Now before you stop reading, I know this is not every woman’s story, but many wear the scars of love. These wounds may be from any male in her past. This woman sometimes takes on characteristics of being bitter, promiscuous, a male-basher, or the independent woman. She often does not realize that she now causes men to flee her life. She knows she has to let go of her past experiences because everytime she brings her judgments, fears, and emotional reactions into a new relationship it ruins things. However the men she meets sometimes rip the scab off the scars and the bleeding resumes. But, this can end with you being emotionally available. Women feel emotionally safe with a man who is emotionally available, honest, and authentic. Just as certain things trig-
ger past experiences in your psyche; when you are distant emotionally or physically from her it stirs up feelings of loneliness or a form of fear. Lacking emotional safety can lead to emotional drama causing her to act out. Allow me to explain. In order to avoid her fears of being alone she may make efforts to keep you close. It might be a criticism for always wanting to go out with the boys, the amount of time you spend at work or as simple as you never really talk/listen to her. By acting out, I am referring to displaying emotions that will get your attention such as sadness which is a way for you to notice her and become concerned about her well-being. If there is a lot of emotional charge her actions may display anger or jealousy. Now I am not trying to lose my sisterhood membership, but I want you to know what women
wish their man understood and that is you can be the keeper of her heart by studying her so you will know her at the core, attending to her emotions, and being emotionally present. First, remember a woman’s feelings goes down to the core of her being. So if she seems differnet or distant ask her to tell you what is on her heart then hold her close and listen. It doesn’t necessarily mean she wants advice. Listen to what she is really saying without opinions. Next, repeat back what she said so you can clarify and make sure you understand. This also assures her you had not tuned her out. I must note that sometimes there is nothing you can say to help her to feel better. Sometimes you won’t have an answer, or an answer she wants to hear. The only thing you can do at this
moment is show her that you care and that you are there for her. Just to know that she has some support, that she is not alone, that she is with someone who cares about her, is all she needs to get her through that moment. Of course there are exceptions to every rule and no two women are identical, but being armed with this information can help you bond with your lady. It will stimulate her feelings of emotional safety and open a level of life and love that can truly make your relationship last a lifetime. Be patient and remember Rome was not built overnight and neither were her scars. ~ Learn more about LifeCoach Tanya Angelique at www.relationscriptsinc. com
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“MEN ARE FROM MARS, WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS!”
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There are few things in life truer than this simple title coined by author John Gray. No we are not aliens from another planet, although at times it may seem that way... The premise of this book is that men and women are completely different beings. Different in our physical characteristics yes, but also different in the way that we think, the way we handle our emotions and the way that we love. Understanding and accepting our differences as men and women can make for healthy, long lasting relationships. When our expectations of one another are designed based upon our own abilities and capabilities we set ourselves up for failure, disappointment and resentment. Most of us believe think that all men want to roam from woman to woman, avoiding the idea of commitment as long as possible. Recently I did an interview with an awesome young man, Mr. Karl Lucas, of Lucas Quality Cleaning Service in Atlanta Georgia. We talked about life and love from a man’s perspective. I was completely floored with the responses that Mr. Lucas presented because I too believed that most men feared commitment. From this interview it was revealed to me that at the heart of a man is the desire for “true” companionship. A man yearns to have someone special in his life that he can talk to as a friend; a
person that he can share his most intimate secrets with. He desires an ear to turn to when he needs encouragement and support to help push him towards success. A Man longs to have someone that he can hang out with and be his true self around. A man needs his woman to show him that she respects him and appreciates him as a man because men have real feelings and emotions too. You see men don’t roam aimlessly, if and when they do roam, they roam until they find the right one. The woman that turns the light switch on and makes him realize that yes it is time to settle down because I have found what I “need.” The woman that pushes him to put all his fears and feelings of inadequacies aside and makes him want to step out of his comfort zone to experience life and love. Knowing what your man needs and being open to giving it to them can make all the difference in a relationship. I truly believe that when we know better we do better. Yes it is true, Men are metaphorically from Mars and Women are from Venus. We are completely different beings, yet both species share the same ideals at our core. At the heart of every woman and man is the desire to be LOVED unconditionally. Share the love…
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-Nikhol B. Jackson
men to watch
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chad higgins Industry: Music (Gospel/Praise and Worship)
Business Name: Chad Higgins & In Spirit and In Truth What is it that you do: I am the found of the gospel recording group Chad Higgins & In Spirit and In Truth. I also serve as Director of Worship at New Mount Zion Baptist Church in Shelbyville, Ky. Why this business/ profession: In 2006 I was approached by the owner of a newly started record label. The owner, who had recently heard music I presented at a workshop, asked if I ever thought about recording. In short, the answer was yes; but it was not something I had a burning desire to do because of the negativity within the gospel music industry. It took me six months to call him back because I spent time in deep prayer and speaking with confidants in the industry. Everything I prayed for, God did! I obeyed what he told me to do, and In Spirit and In Truth was born. What is that made you want to become a part of the Ambition Mag Team: This is so much more than a gospel recording group. ISIT is a ministry. We do this for the glory of God, not to put on a show. This is about giving God our praise and worship and witnessing to people through song. We also have a community giving campaign called ISIT CARES, which helps families maintain the necessities of life, such as paying their utility bills, rental assistance or putting food on the table. We want the world to be involved with this campaign because service is truly the ministry of God. What is it about you that embodies Ambition: It is not easy to pursue your dreams. There are times where I have wanted to give up or take a break, but when I see people’s lives being changed, I know that the gifts and dreams God has given me are for a purpose. I have always been a helper; this group is truly an extension of my heart to serve God and help people. Social Media/ Contact: Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChadHigginsISIT Instagram/Twitter: @ChadHigginsISIT Website: www.ChadHigginsISIT.com Public Relations & Booking Contact: Danielle Wright, info@chadhigginsisit.com, 330-474-9379 Other: We would love for your readers to get involved with ISIT CARES. Interested donors can visit our website for more information and to make a donation.
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Jamel Johnson Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Industry: Nonprofit charity Business Name: Urban Valley Foundation What is your profession: President of Urban Valley Foundation and Middle School Social Studies teacher at Orion Academy (Cincinnati) Why is this your profession: Urban Valley Foundation was established to assist with educational support in the urban Cincinnati community of Avondale. Partnering with three elementary schools, the organization provided school supplies and school uniform vouchers for selected families. For collegiate scholars, the Urban Valley Foundation offers $1,000 scholarships for those who show academic achievement and community involvement. What is it about you that embodies Ambition?: I embody Ambition through giving back to the community that developed me into the man I am today. No one is self made and I want to model this belief to the young scholars in the community. The Urban Valley Foundation motto is, “Inspired by our past. Preparing our future.� Providing support for younger generations is an investment in not only the individual students to grow on an academic and personal level, but in the community as a whole. I want the future black scholars to continue to inspire each other and generations to come.
Social Media/Contact: Website: www.uvfund.org / jamel.johnson@uvfund.org Phone: 513-910-6202 Mail: PO Box 36111 Cincinnati, OH 45236-0111 Twitter: @uvfund
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Tony Rogers Jr
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Industry: Public speaking/Publishing Business Name: The Visionary Society/Visionary Press What is your profession: I am essentially a coach and teacher. I do this through many different platforms such as writing books, public speaking and one-on-one coaching. Why this business/ profession: I love to learn and I love to teach, our business model is perfectly in sync with my natural aptitudes. We truly believe our company can make a difference in the world by building a platform where visionary thinkers can be encouraged, inspired and given the tools they need to create change in their communities. What is it about you that embodies Ambition: That I will not stop period. There’s so many goals I want to achieve, so many people I want to reach that a lack of ambition is not only improbable but also impossible for me. Social Media/ Contact: Connect with me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheVisionarySociety or through email at TheVisionarySocietyinfo@gmail.com
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Amber Jones
SUBTLE SEAMS
Define fashion… define style… define… you… The epitome of looking and feeling good has often been connected. 21
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Outside of our God given features, out attire attempts to capture our style, personalities and so much more by accenting, enhancing or concealing what we admire and dislike about ourselves. Throughout history fashion trends have cycled around, growing and declining in importance. From patterns to solids, from wedges and platforms, to chic and boho, short and tight to long and flowy to skinny and bow, fashion belongs to us all. Fashion is for you… for me… for them. This is for us. Since 2012, The Affluent Academy has worked to instigate and promote an inclusive standard that fashion is attainably yours, motivating fans and followers to take advantage of and own. With a no niche market model founder/CEO Eric White has pinned the sky the limit to where he sees The Affluent Academy going. As the ambiguous and seemingly faceless dreamer, Eric’s merits are increasingly seen. The attainable prestige that the Academy projects, has caught the eyes of fashion notables allowing the Academy to grow. The Affluent Academy’s blog is a vast collection of everything “creatives” and beyond love, from thought provoking quotes and outfit looks, to interior design and architecture to food and shoes. The diversity of the posts shows attainability and instigates inspiration towards a greater you. The quirky, sleek, delicious prose ranges from day to day, but consistently works toward defining your dreams. With over 3,000 Instagram followers, Eric’s passion for fashion and fortune is reaching and inspiring many with the message that you don’t have to go far from home to be fly. The Affluent Academy portrays that being affluent is not only about the material, but grounded in the mindset. Styled to build agency, The Affluent Academy has become a brand concentrating on empire designing, pulling from the past and appreciating its contribution to the modern. High
civility, luxury and the importance of personal image are exuded through The Affluent Academy, translating that affluency can be taught, and we all deserve the lesson. After working in corporate America, Mr. White, used his business and finance knowledge as a background asset to develop a plan to gain momentum. The Affluent Academy’s unorthodox model is succinctly extravagant. Keeping the balance between humbleness and pride, passion and dignity, (add one more analogy here) This journey, however, is accompanied by events of turmoil and triumph, it’s the small business life! Nevertheless, the Affluent Academy’s ever changing plan for success is working. Strategically crafted, Eric expresses that planning is integral, from business plans to future plans, both are a must. Staying on the fringe of the ever changing fashion industry requires must dedication. As a self taught man of fashion, Eric continues to leverage his connections and creativity to build portfolios, improve client relations, set new goals and expand his business at a steady pace, remembering to disregard discouragement even if it come in large forces or no’s, closed doors and no profit. Persistence is key and it is because of this that The Affluent Academy is growing and sharing the gift of fashion with the world. On the Affluent Academy journey, Eric has learned to do what makes him happy. His interest in fashion instigates his desire to continually do more and be better. He stresses the importance of self- reliance, and holds himself accountable with the duties of the Affluent Academy. The trial and error of maintaining
the entrepreneurial life, especially in the beginning stages, will test your spirits, but your passion will motivate you to continue. One method Eric uses is to set weekly, monthly, yearly and multi- year goals, amending them constantly. As more opportunities are leveraged and presented, Eric’s success is dependent upon consistency and persistence. Moving forward, upward and onward mobility is the top priority. Already providing creative direction for fashion brands and professional athletes, Affluent Academy next steps include a clothing line, store and a full functioning fashion agency. As the ambitious owner stresses, not being afraid to just do it. Though cliché, the common Nike slogan replays in his psyche and continues to push the success of the Affluent Academy brand forward. Follow the Affluent Academy on IG @theaffluentacademy and www.theaffluentacademy. com
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Eboni Jones
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“My advisor told me my prices are too cheap. I’m cheating myself. It’s a reason I went to school to become official but I can’t rape my community. I care more about your temple than the money. We are all struggling on the West side. I’m trying to advance the culture not rob it” - Daniel Parks , Jr.
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Mr. Parks, age 25, is a native of Dayton, OH who has decided to take on the fitness world by the horns. He has persevered in the times of adversity and doubt to rise above the troubles he sees around him to do something not only for himself but for his community. As his sister, I am delighted to call him my brother and proud of the man, father, and trainer that he has becoming. Please read this interview with Daniel L. Parks Jr. to learn more about him.
AM: What Services do you offer:? DP: I offer 1 on 1 personal fitness training for strength, toning, weight loss and conditioning. AM: What is your official title (trainer, coach, instructor, etc.) DP: Certified Fitness Trainer AM: How long have you been on this career path? DP: I’m a newbie on this career path, but not in the gym. I recently decided to take the career as a personal trainer serious about a year ago. AM: What encouraged you to take on a career in the fitness world? DP: It’s my ultimate obsession, my passion, my love. They say if you love what you do you will never feel like you work a day in your life. The GYM saved my life. Growing up I idolized giants like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Stanley “Tookie” Williams. AM: What have been your challenges, on you personal health & fitness journey? DP: Personally, I can’t really think of any challenges I’ve faced. As time progresses I’ve seen myself progress. I’m as strong as I have ever been in my life. AM: What has helped you push closer to your goals as a fitness professional? DP: I would have to say my parents, my sister and my daughter for motivating me to become a Somebody. AM: What has helped you push past the challenges in your journey? DP: After all the late night studying, essays after essays, sore legs, barely being able to move my arms after workouts, I still couldn’t allow myself to stop. To quit. I fell in love with pain and the struggle. My dad told me when I was young one of the worst things you can be is a quitter. Once you say you’re going to do something you have to do it, so I felt like I had no choice.
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AM: Top 3 most valuable pieces of advice you give to those on a journey of their own? DP: Patience is a virtue. Master the art of patience. Take your time learn the ins and out of your craft. Have a WHY. Why are you doing this? Why are you waking up? Why do you want it? And always remember that WHY. When trying to become a certified trainer go to a nationally accredited school, not the quickest cheapest school you can find. Trust me it will look much better on a resume and win you more points, lol. AM: What’s on your gym/ workout playlist? DP: Nowadays in this new generation, new era of fitness, I think I’m the only person that does not listen to music while working out. I’m old school I love to hear the sound of the weights banging together. I love to hear the person next to you struggling, yelling, grasping for air. You got to become one with the gym Daniel son. Plus I talk to myself while working out. Lol
AM: What is your favorite workout? DP: My favorite workout would have to be pull ups. Pull ups will make or break you, separate the boys from men, but really pull ups are so special. They work out back arms shoulders and core. AM: What is your motivation? DP: CT Fletcher (look him up).I have a lot people depending on me. I have a brother in the Feds that I want to be able to give a legit opportunity to when he comes home. I want change the way Dayton looks. There’s no reason Dayton can’t look like Cali or Miami fitness wise. I want be successful so I can go back and show the urban kids that, hey look at me I made it and I didn’t have to shoot a ball or throw one. There’s so much more for us out here. AM: What are your goals for the remainder of 2014? DP: I have some big things planned but one of my most important goals for the year is I want to change somebody’s life, take them from maybe being embarrassed of their shape and weight to fully confident. Looking and feeling like a brand new person. Contact information: Instagram: rpg_d Phone: 937.654.2355 A M B I T I O N M AG . O RG
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Ambition Magazine
Step Up I
It’s not very often that I get to take some down time and enjoy my 55inch Sony television. In fact there are times where I look at it like another piece of decor in the living room. But on those rare instances where work, kids and the demands of life decide to take a break, I take one also by stretching out on my leather chaise and do some finger push-ups on the remote buttons! As I often do when I first turn on the TV, I flip through channels to see if something quickly catches my attention, at least enough for me to spend the next 45 to 90 seconds determining if it’s worth the rest of my attention. In my efforts, I came across a show that showed what looked to
be an animal rescue. Thinking I may have stopped on the Animal Planet channel, I repositioned my finger on the plus channel button but before I changed the channel a donkey appeared on the screen scurrying out of a hole. My first reaction was hysterical laughter as I pondered why a donkey is jumping out of a hole? In the midst of my laughter the narrator begins to tell the story of what I just saw. He explained that a farmer’s donkey had fell down into a well. The animal obviously in a state of shock and fear, cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. After an exhaustive effort, the farmer finally decided because of the animal’s age, it was not worth the effort to save it and the well needed to be covered up anyway. He felt like it just wasn’t worth it to retrieve the donkey. He invited all of his neighbors to come and help him begin to fill the hole. They all grabbed a shovel and began shov-
eling dirt into the well. At pray the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. But suddenly to everyone’s amazement he quieted down. A few shovel loads later the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit the donkey’s back, the donkey would shake it off and take a step up. This astonished the neighbors as well as the farmer but did not detour their efforts. As the farmers neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off. Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping stone to our greater purpose. We can get out of the deepest wells, by not stopping and never giving up. Shake the dirt off of your shoulders and take a step up to greatness. Baron L. Samuel Author, Speaker, Mentor A M B I T I O N M AG . O RG
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DK PROD
DWIGHT K
THE MASTERMIND OF C
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Dwight Kentrell the mastermind behind multiple of companies started fulfilling his passion for photography in 2009. Dwight is the founder of D-K Productions and the Co- founder of Eye Katchers and North Houston Auto Concepts. It all started with taking pictures of himself to being behind the camera shooting pictures of others. In February of 2010 it was an opportunity for Dwight to build his brand through
D-K Productions models. His company is based out in Houston , Tx,where the company travels throughout the United States to capture images with eye catching scenery. Dwight’s success came from a trial and error on his journey, he learned that if you are persistent you will get it and if you are consistent you will keep it ! DK promoted what he loved and stopped looking at what he hated,�you can throw me to the wolves and that he will return leading the
DUCTIONS
KENTRELL
CREATIVITY AND VISION pack , he stated� . His struggles influenced himself for the most part and that people who admired his work had already seen his vision before he did.
what he did. People that he knew and others that he didnt know would tell him how they loved his unique style which given him his signature a look.
Dwight explains how that if he had A few times DK would ask himself something different to do with his that why his work is diffrent from time ,is that he would be working with other photographers and all the children and helping them excel and sudden he would ask himself was to help them discover the talents he doing something wrong? At that that they have inside of them.He very moment Dwight realized that he also explains when he is not working meant to accept his vision and thats behind the cameras Dwight enjoys
reading, going to the gym which helps him keep focused , he also enjoys traveling and attending art shows and wine tasting events. You can visit DK Productions website at www.eyekatchers.net also follow us on facebook at www.facebook. com/ productions1 , Instagram@dkproductions1 Story by Latoya Stegall-Collins E-mail ladyt144@yahoo.com