Be BOLD ON PURPOSE
ng. i t e k r a M e l y t ifes L . s n o i t a l e R Public y g e t a r t S d n a r B
WWW.AGENCYSEVENPR.COM
ISSN 2334-1904
The Ambition Magazine Production Team Editor-In-Chief LeKeisha Nicole Editorial Consulting Ashley Ferguson Content Editor Eboni Jones Print Greyden Press, LLC. Graphics Robert Wilburn Photograhy AP2 Photography
October TABLE OF CONTENTS
5 AMB CREDIT
CONSULTANTS
7 BEYOND ELEVATOR DOORS:
Baron Samuel
9 LOVE AND
RELATIONSHIPS Haniece Fearon
11 BUDGET FOR TIPS Antoinette Dymon
13 DAILY PREPARATION J’ LaQueenia
15 CREDIT AMBITION Q&A YUSHEEKA GRAY
17 STOP THE BLAME GAME
Tanya Angelique
19 GIRL TALK WITH GEORGIA ME LeKeisha Nicole
23 FAB FINANCE Simon’e Lightfoot
Letter From The Editor
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Letter From The Editor Fall is amongst us! I love the fall. Let me correct that I love fall clothing because there is never a time that I actually want to be cold. Fall clothing is amazing‌ layering, boots, coats, gloves, scarves. Lord protect my wallet from my weakness. With that being said this issue is dedicated to our finances. Budgeting and properly handling our finances is something that we should focus on early in life but for many it is something that becomes a focus once already in a bad place. With this issue we are bringing you some great information and resources to help you with those finances. I hope you find this information as useful and interesting as I did. Live, Love, Laugh & Be Ambitious - LeKeisha Nicole
AMB Credit Consultants is a credit consulting company that focuses on the education aspect of credit repair. Educating many on the ways to keep yourself out of trouble and helping those who already have some issues get into a better place. Check out our quick interview with our newest partner who will be helping to educate all of our readers on how to get to a better place with their credit. Ambition Magazine: When was AMB Credit started?
AMB Credit Consultants: We are based out of Dallas, Texas.
AMB Credit Consultants: AMB credit was founded in the year 2007 by the magnificent Arnita Johnson, CEO of AMB and Luxurious Credit.
Ambition Magazine: What services do you offer?
Ambition Magazine: Where are you located?
AMB Credit Consultants: We specialize in credit report auditing, consulting, and restoration services. We offer our clients unlimited disputes to all three credit bureaus as well as to the original creditors and collection agencies, unlimited customer support, and unbelievable results at a very low cost. In addition to this, we’re huge on credit education so we’ve recently started offering credit education workshops called “Credit & Cupcakes” which have become a huge hit and is in high demand now. Ambition Magazine: What prompted the start of AMB Credit? AMB Credit Consultants: The company was started out of personal need from Ms. Johnson. She struggled with her own credit at one point and like many of our clients, had been ripped off by credit repair scams and unethical credit repair companies. So she decided to educate herself on credit and credit repair and was able to successfully increase her score
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dramatically as a result. And before you knew it, the birth of AMB Credit Consultants had emerged (laughing). Ambition Magazine: What has been the biggest struggle that you’ve faced? AMB Credit Consultants: I think our biggest struggle has been in trying to undo the damage that’s been created by so many other credit repair companies that are operating unethically and just taking people’s money. It’s been really tough trying to reprogram consumers’ mindsets into understanding that not all credit repair companies are created equal, that credit repair is real, it’s legal, and it’s 100% possible for any and every one. And so we want them to know and believe that if they just give it an honest chance and effort, then they can obtain things that they had only dreamt of obtaining in their wildest dreams. It’s amazing to see this happening for so many of our current clients! Ambition Magazine: Why credit (this is one of the most confusing topics, so why take this on as a business)? AMB Credit Consultants: Oooh, this is a good question (laughing)! And I’ll tell you one thing … it certainly has its challenges and days where we ask ourselves … why in the world are we doing this. But then we get one of those praise reports from a client saying how they’ve just been able to get that car or house that they so desperately needed or that job so they can finally care for their children and so on and so forth. It’s just the feeling you get when you know that you’ve helped someone to learn something that no one else would have taught them and to accomplish something that they never thought they would be able to accomplish in life … that’s an amazing feeling! It’s
rewarding, it’s very, very rewarding and there’s no greater emotion than the one you feel when you’ve helped someone in this capacity. It’s surreal. That’s why credit – this is why we do this! Ambition Magazine: What was the ‘aha’ moment, what made you (your team) say this is what we are supposed to be doing? AMB Credit Consultants: To be honest, we’ve never had just one ‘Aha’ moment … we relive those moments over and over again every time a client accomplishes his/her goal from this program. But I guess if I had to choose an ‘Aha’ moment it would be those times whenever a client reaches a specific goal that goes much deeper than just having good credit but rather, when helping them to reach their goal literally means choosing life over death for them. If only you knew how serious obtaining good credit really is for some people, then you’d understand why I say that these are the moments that make all of us say “Aha … this is what it’s really all about”! Ambition Magazine: What should someone interested in your services bring to an initial meeting/ conversation with you? AMB Credit Consultants: The only thing they need is a copy of their credit reports (preferably all three) which can be obtained online as well as a list of questions that they have for us since our consultation calls are only 15 minutes long. They should also be prepared mentally to be in this for long haul. We tell our clients that this problem didn’t come about overnight and so it won’t disappear overnight. You have to be serious and dedicated to the process of restoring your credit even before the point of meeting/speaking with us over the phone.
Contact info: We can be reached via email at support@ambcredit.com or telephone at 214.764.8381. Our website is www.ambcredit.com and our blog is www.luxuriouscredit.com.
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ehind closed: bedroom, bathroom, office, car and even elevator doors, is usually where domestic violence occurs. Its emotional, mental and physical aftermath is disturbing; typically consisting of bruising, black eyes, and broken bones. Despite its harrowing effect, the cause still seems to lack real attention and correction is still a distant thought.
In a recent knee-jerk reaction to a video showing pro athlete, Ray Rice punching his then fiancée, now wife, in an elevator rendering her unconscious, the Baltimore Ravens released Rice. The NFL followed suit by suspending him from the league indefinitely. Overall, the punishment was a correct judgment call, by both parties, given the incident’s deplorable disposition, but it also raises the question, “Why such a stiff penalty now?” Numerous cases involving domestic violence have occurred within sporting leagues spanning over the course
of years and even decades, many of which have gone unreported or acquiesce. So, why make a headline impacting example out of one man for an epidemic that requires more than just a scapegoat, now?
Admiringly, much has changed over the years with legislation, abuse prevention campaigns and protective services. We should also acknowledge that women have and continue to champion the movement to end domestic violence. The recent news of Ray Rice should remind us that domestic violence is not a situation for only women to combat. It’s time for all men to step up and be a part of the solution. The reprehensible event involving Ray Rice and countless other offenders give men an extraordinary opportunity to further the conversation about what it means to be a real man. Men are also given the opportunity to reiterate the role male athletes, as well as all men, play at every level of sports and society. In
male culture, many men and young boys regard male athletes as the epitome of masculinity and success. If more real men would step up and lead in the locker rooms, on the field, on the court and in their communities, similar to our female counterparts, we could become champions in the movement to end all forms of violence, particularly, violence against women.
The bottom line is this, how we treat women is a measure of our character. Let’s make it a part of our common day to advance the conversation about our role as men and what we can do to create safer relationships, homes and communities. Be a real man, take a stand and speak out to end violence against all women. Baron Samuel Author, Columnist Website: www.baronsamuel.org Email: baronsamuel@me.com
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Love & Relationships STRUGGLES AN INTERRACIAL RELATIONSHIP MAY FACE By: Haniece Fearon In this day and age love has no boundaries. People with vastly differing backgrounds are tying the knot and are making interracial relationships seem like the norm. Interracial marriages also went up by 8.4% in 2010, proving that there is a steady increase in interracial relationships. There are factors that influence interracial relationships such as population density and diversity, among states. However, online dating and social media are bringing more people together, despite the challenge. Some of the other challenges of being in an interracial relationship will be explained, in further detail, below.
RELIGION
For those that are deep-rooted in religion, an interracial relationship may seem quite challenging. For example, A Muslim and a Catholic may have a serious discussion on who should convert to what religion before they marry. Traditional parents may also get involved and try to get one person to convert to the religion they deem appropriate. Imagine being a couple that live together, love each other but serve different gods and avoid any religious discussions at all costs. In this example given, one may have to convert to the others’ religion or the couple will end up calling it quits. Simple.
LANGUAGE
Love is a universal language but if a couple cannot communicate properly then issues will arise and the relationship will be in danger. A Russian, who is just starting to learn English, falls in love with a Trinidadian and wants to settle down will have communication problems due to their language barrier. The two can have a successful relationship if the Trinidadian has patience and helps the Russian learn English. Without proper communication, any relationship will fail.
CULTURAL DIFFERENCES
Meeting people with different cultures may be ‘fun and games’ until you have to live with one from a different culture. An Australian in a relationship with an Indian, may not quite grasp the the importance of celebrating Holi. It sure is fun to have colored powder and water thrown all over each other and to consume Bhang (a paste made from cannabis plants), but will it be understood that it’s to celebrate the victory of good over evil? Will an Egyptian in a relationship with a Mexican understand and accept that November 1st and 2nd are Mexican Holidays for celebrating Dia de los Muertos? These are days when Mexicans honor the dead. A Pakistani in a relationship with an American may not understand the reasons not to “dress so conservatively” every day.
FOOD
This is my favorite discussion topic, as most of my friends know, but I’ll be brief. This can be good, bad or boring in an interracial relationship. Mexicans generally eat a lot of legumes for protein and products made from corn, so a Scandinavian may have to adjust from eating lots of meat; especially seafood to the typical Mexican diet or vice versa. A German living with a Jamaican may have difficulty adjusting to not having a cold dinner (such as a sandwich) and to eat potato salad cold, instead of hot. Someone who is Japanese, in a relationship, with someone who is French will quickly realize that bread consumption is going to become an issue. People from France consume a lot of breads, croissants, baguettes etc.; whil e the typical Japanese diet does not include bread or dairy. This will call for some adjusting. I will close by saying that all that was written was not intended to stereotype or deter anyone from being in an interracial relationship. In all honesty, I recommend that you try an interracial relationship. There is nothing to lose, you would gain knowledge. I would like to highlight a few Communities/Pages on Facebook that Support Interracial Relationships: 1) 2) 3) 4)
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Mixed Nation Interracial Relationships Interracial Dating I support and Encourage Interracial Relationships
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Antoinette Dymon
BUDGET FOR
TIPS:
BACK-TO-SCHOOL SAVINGS
It’s that time of the year again. The leaves will begin to glisten with colors, people are gearing up for holiday festivities and driven students are making their mark on college campuses. From the astonishingly soaring costs for tuition and books to the basic living and personal needs, college is exciting and…expensive! Most of the students hitting the campus, promenade, are teenagers fresh out of their parents’ homes who are excited about their newfound independence. However, with more freedom comes more opportunities to make mistakes. Making mistakes and gaining responsibility is a part of becoming an adult, right? Of course, yet, it is not always easy to know the best decisions to make. Whether you are a newbie or a returning classman, everyone likes to save money. Here are some budget savvy tips!
BOOK WORMS
One of the first responsibilities of the semester is purchasing many…many books. Depending on a student’s major and/or course load, one can spend over a thousand dollars on one semester’s stack of hardcovers. Expensive, right? There are a few ways to make cash flow, slightly slower at the book store. Request book vouchers If a student has financial aid, one can credit their student account in advance to pay for books. Just let the book store know that financial aid will cover the cost. Usually documentation is required from the Bursars office at the time of purchase. It’s also a beneficial idea to research community organizations that give aid for college students. Some will help pay for students’ books and supplies. Purchase used books Typically, used books are less expensive than the new books. However, be sure to get the right versions and any supplements (such as workbooks and CDs) that come with the books you need. Rent books Browse the internet for online book stores that supply renting services. Just make sure to have them sent before your classes begin and return them at the end of the semester, to avoid late fees.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL PROMOTIONS
In the summer, businesses begin gearing up for a successful final quarter of the year. One way they achieve this is by aiding the costs of necessities for students and their parents. That’s right, savings time!
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Department Stores Check out name brand and department stores. This is one of the few times of the year customers can rack up on savings on popular products. Be on the look out for, “Buy
one, get one free” campaigns and gift card giveaways. Discount Stores People tend to want the newest items fresh out of the box or the latest items placed on the shelves; however, don’t stand clear of discounted purchases. Slightly used electronics and clothes, otherwise called, “Hand-Me-Downs”, are of great use. Visiting thrift shops is also a cost effective and resourceful way to find classy and vintage apparel that customers are unlikely to find in local malls.
HOT TOPICS:
Attending college can sometimes feel like you are paying for school to get a job, then once you graduate, you get a job to pay for school. Whether you are a student or graduate, saving money is a popular hot topic. Coupon Clipping Stacking up coupons out of the circulars can provide a hefty source of savings. Be sure to keep up with the expiration dates and even try to catch some items on sale to provide a greater savings. Who knows…maybe you will become an’ Extreme Couponer’ and save hundreds of dollars.
Wholesale Stores Buying frequently-used items in bulk such as, personal items, printing paper and pens, will provide long term savings. Customers can save almost half the price to purchase items in bulk than the same amount of items, individually.
SURF THE WEB
Most students are glued to their smart phones, lap tops, tablets and other technology devices for convenience of mass communication, on hand. The internet is a major part of today’s culture for: school work, social media, research and work, but what about savings? Online Shopping Today’s society craves advance technologies and time efficiency, so online shopping seems like such a win. However, after taxes and shipping and handling, the total cost can outweigh the transportation fare or gas needed to just go directly into the store. Also, if an item doesn’t fit or it isn’t what you expected, you have to spend money to send it back. Dodge the hassle and, if the store is local, head on over there to decrease the amount due to the extra fees of online shopping. Classifieds Classifieds can be found online and provide a range of products for great prices. Many advertisements are found in the classified section of the newspaper, as well. By the way, posting your own advertisement for buyers is also a savvy tool for earning money. Earned money is saved money.
Apps With a glut of apps on the market, saving money on the go has never been easier than with your handy smart phone. Downloading money-saving apps to your phone can save you time and money, including: student budgeting, bargain shopping, tracking expenses, traveling deals and earning gas points.
TAKEAWAY TIPS: Be aware of scams Scammers use online ploys to draw people into meeting them or sending money with no intent of providing a service other than harm. It may seem cliché, but never meet someone in person, alone. Many scams also take place without the victim even knowing. Be cautious of emails, pop ups, online ads and giving your personal information to non-reputable websites. Stand clear of credit cards One of the most appealing aspects of adulthood is swiping the card and walking out of the store with the latest items. However, when the bill lands in the mail and a student is unable to fork up the funds, pest-y collection agency representatives are happy to blow up phone lines for payment. Be sure that you can pay for each payment, by the deadlines, to avoid credit damage.Even better, don’t sign up for the cards at all. Fun Shopping! A M B I T I O N M AG . CO M
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DAILY PREPARATION
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- J’ LaQueenia
e have to remember to bring any and all things concerning us to the Lord in prayer. Not only when times get rough, but daily. Too often we wait until we are in the middle of a storm to talk to God. Most times, we do not decide to seek his presence until we are at a breaking point. When in fact if we make it a habit to talk with God daily, to lay all things concerning us in his hands daily, then when trouble comes, we have all the ammunition we need to fight the good fight. The strength we will need to get through we will already have because we took the time to feed our spirits daily. We would have already allowed God to renew and refresh us daily. The Word of God and prayer is where we can be strengthened. The Word of God and prayer is what will prepare us and get us ready for the good fight. The Word of God and prayer is where we can sharpen our sword and shine our shields. The Word of God and prayer is where we become encouraged, inspired and motivated to continue on with the good fight, undefeated. His Word tells us in Ephesians 6:17-18 to "take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication". We all know that anything worth having is worth working for, waiting for and fighting for. There will be times when we grow weary and tired. However, that is not the time to give up. That is the time when we must pray more, read more of God's word and fast. We must not forget, that anything God has called us to, he has already given us the strength and ability to get through it. Above all, taking the shield of faith, with which you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked" (Ephesians 6:16)
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CREDIT AMBITION Q&A WITH
Yusheeka Gray
COO OF AMB CREDIT CONSULTANTS AND LUXURIOUS CREDIT
1.What are the steps to building credit? Well you want to start with paying your current bills and credit cards, etc. on time. This makes up 35% of your credit score. Once you have a good rhythm and handle on that, then you’ll want to start establishing some open “revolving” credit with good payment history and a low utilization ratio (which means the balance should be maintained at between 1% to 30% of the credit limit and no more than that) – very important. This makes up about 30% of your credit score. If one cannot obtain an unsecured card yet due to a low credit score, then he/she should look into opening a secured card. They both look the same on a credit report anyway. It’s ideal to have at least 3 of these open accounts. Then once you’ve established those and have been paying them on time for a while (6 months is ideal), then you may want to start establishing other types of credit such as installment loans (which could be a car, a student loan, a house, etc.) and this establishes a mixture of credit which makes up about 10% of your credit score.
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2.How can you protect your credit during times of unemployment? This is a good question. And the best answer I have for this is to 1) determine whether or not the creditor has some sort of protection plan available in the event of unemployment and make sure you get it. Most credit card companies do; and 2) you can (and should be anyway) put some form of emergency funds away into a savings account, every chance you get (no matter the amount), in the event of unemployment or some other unexpected life altering event.
3.Benefits of working with a credit repair company? The benefits of working with a legitimate credit repair company is having them do all of the work for you. Our clients don’t have to worry about what to say, how to say it, and when to say it or who to say it to. Our clients do not have to worry about making time to sit down and figure out what items need to be disputed and then expending even more time writing letters for all of those items. Best of all, they do not have to worry about how to reply once a credit bureau or collection agency comes back with their discouraging responses. We know exactly how to respond. We’re very strategic in how we process these things and we can get pretty aggressive as need be in order to get results. But they do need to realize that this is a process and that credit repair companies are not magicians, lol. The process can take you on an emotional rollercoaster and they should be prepared for that.
4.What credit score should you aspire to? Well this is going to be a personal and internal goal that will vary from person to person. 680 is a good score but 700 is even better. And for me, as long as I’m at 700, I feel I’m good. Someone else might feel that they need to be at a 750 or better and another person might say 660 or better. It could depend on what you’re trying to do based on that number – buy a house, a car, etc.? But typically, 680 will have you in a pretty good place to do either of these.
5.Steps to take in the beginning if a repair company isn’t in the budget? Step one would be to order a copy of ALL 3 credit reports. Step two would be to compare what’s reporting for each item against each of the other credit reports to determine if any information varies or looks unfamiliar. Step three would be to write dispute letters to all 3 bureaus regarding any inaccuracies you found, requesting that they remove them. And step four is not to back down. Be consistent, keep motivated, and do not give up. Email info@ambitionmag.com to send Yusheeka your credit questions.
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TH E
Many people think success comes from doing what you like. However, success also resides in doing what you dislike. As I think of the struggles many of my clients and those around me experience, I am reminded of a powerful quote by Albert E. N. Gray,” The successful person has the habit of doing things failures don’t like to do. They don’t like doing them either necessarily. But their disliking is subordinated to the strength of their purpose.” This means that those who desire success will keep refining their daily habits until they achieve their desired objective or purpose. Years ago I asked myself, ‘what keeps me from being successful?’ To be honest, it took me awhile to come clean with myself, but I realized I was holding myself back. Tyrese Gibson released a book entitled Get Out of Your Own Way and Russell Simmons’ Do You. but if you had read and mastered the contents of those books you would not be reading this article feeling like I am talking directly to you. So, I want to give you some quick #lifenuggets, to get you on the path to inner fulfillment. First, you must address the root issues in your life. Perhaps it began when you were a child and someone was not there for you, walked out, abused, neglected or abandoned you, leaving you to hold them accountable for your life’s experiences. Well, honestly, I understand. I have been in that very predicament and wasted many years looking with-out rather than within. I encourage you to take the first step of forgiveness and release that person, realizing that you are the driver and all others are passengers on your journey.
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Next, define success and determine what it looks like. So many people view success from the lens of society; big homes, fine cars and other possessions; married with kids; or more degrees than a thermometer. However, none of those things may give you the inner feeling of contentment and fulfillment. It is not what is around you that makes you successful, but what radiates from within. Then, be realistic about the expectations you have for yourself. If you constantly ask things of yourself that are outside of your capabilities, skills, abilities and resources; you’ll keep letting yourself down and none of the recommendations in this post will ever work. Do you aim to do things that are impossible for you? Do you set yourself up for success or failure causing self-sabotage? Do you say “yes” too often? Monitor the feelings you emit as you answer these questions. If you cringe or hesitate, there is a problem. So address those feelings. Finally, realize that your view of success will and should evolve over time. As we age, our perceptions mature and shift to fit the new stages in our lives. Never be so content that you cease to develop. You own your future. You own your life. Personal accountability is needed if you are to live a life of purpose. So stop the blame game, baby! ~ Connect with Tanya Angelique at relationscriptsinc.com or @tanya_angelique.
GIRL TAL
Georgia
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Have you ever entered a room with someone and just felt welcomed and like you have known them for years? If your answer is no, you have probably never had the pleasure of being in the presence of Tamika ‘Georgia Me’ Harper. Before a recent showcase in Dayton, OH, I had the pleasure of hanging out with Tamika and it was filled with laughs, thought provoking questions, girl talk and just honest conversation. Very refreshing!
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I was so caught up in the conversation that I forgot we were in an interview but that was okay. That day I learned the essence of Georgia Me! Her skill is undeniable but what really makes her stand out is that she is giving you, Tamika. You can relate to what she’s saying, which is great, but it’s not for you. It is her. There were moments where she ‘gave me’ pieces. Those were moments that she went into full stage mode and gave me an excerpt from one of her pieces. That is when I realized that she is her performance. These moments she was giving weren’t forced, they came in the flow of conversation. I saw it as moments of talent overflow. The discussion just called for the extra emphasis in that moment. Here is a little of what me and Tamika talked about that day. LeKeisha Nicole of Ambition Magazine: What pushed you into spoken word? What has been your inspiration? Georgia Me: I have always been a poet, since I was 11 years old. I began reciting poetry when I was 8 years old, my first poem I recited was the Nikki Giovanni’s, Ego Tripping. After that at 11 I found, Sonia Sanchez and LeRoi Jones aka Amiri Baraka. Whatever the teachers wanted I wrote a poem. Every competition, I wrote a poem. I have always been a speaker. I was so much a speaker that when I was in the 8th grade they tried to get me to play Martin Luther King. I wish I would have played it now. But I wasn’t mature enough or secure enough to play that part. I got the other most part to be the narrator and I trained my boy, Dontae to be Martin Luther King. In high school, I wrote poems for everything. I was the morning announcement person. So every week I wrote a poem for our sorry ass football team to encourage them to win, I wrote poems to keep my girl from going to the Army, I wrote poems to help my boys get ass. I always did poetry but when I heard spoken word I didn’t know what that was. I didn’t think that I could do it. What I had always heard were
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things that were bad imitations. Until I became a student of the culture. What got me on stage, friendship. My sister that went to Spelman came in from a BAD date. I read a poem to my homegirl and she was like you need to go read somewhere. I was like I ain’t reading this shit to nobody, do you see what I’m saying in this shit, I’m talking about me. She was like that is why you need to read it. It took four months but from that day on, April of 1998, I have been doing spoken word ever since.
ing your faith. Dealing with the overstanding that the work is not just in your craft, that it’s in your soul but the work is getting work. I’m a black poet with no special interest. I’m not gay, I’m not a bible thumper, even though GOD is all over me.
I’m done performing, crowd goes crazy, I’m overwhelmed. I’m outside and I’m praising god, I’m thanking god, grateful to god. This girl comes up to me during the middle of my praising and says that I’m gone put some clothes on when I go to the club. I’m gone put some clothes on, because of your poem I am going to put some clothes on when I go to the club. It was in that moment that I realized that I have the power to affect people. I asked god right there. Please allow me, if you allow me to do this I will spit anywhere and everywhere you say just get me out of Atlanta and allow me to take care of my family. It’s been on ever since.
My friends and family in this. I call them family. Those who really do this we struggle sometimes. We gotta be there for each other or they quit. And I say you can’t quit. It’s the mafia, you gotta die out of this, LOL.
Ambition Magazine: Struggles you’ve experienced? Georgia Me: The struggles are maintain-
My biggest dilemma is maintaining my integrity. Expanding my brand so that people understand that this is a high level art form. It’s not cheap entertainment when you get this caliber of artist and those who I associate with.
Remembering the gift and the value of what you do. Being alright with whatever happens knowing that you have a place with what you do. I’ve been doing this for 16 years, I’ve accomplished a lot. I am frustrated monetarily. It ain’t like I had it. There were just a few months ago that I was spending thousands at a time. At the same time, you can be spending thousands a few months ago and later not even got it.
I’m never without, it’s just the faith. I’m never amazed but the glory of God. Ambition Magazine: How has the social media age affected you? Georgia Me: It’s a game that f***s me all the way up. Because you have to be responsible to you. Just when I was starting to get into it, I got hacked. Right when I was starting liking this shit I get hacked. Then I’m horrible at it. I can’t be mad at anyone because I’m horrible at it. I’m important as a human being. The shit that I am saying randomly is not that important. I don’t want to waste y’all eyeball time, reading some bullshit. I’ll get on Twitter and retweet some other people stuff and then I’ll say I’m gone watch a tv show with y’all tonight and then life happens like my friends come over, real people. That’s the end of that. That is the rudest shit ever to me when you get in from of you and sit on Facebook and Instagram. With social media I understand the importance of it. Alerting people and I love that. We wouldn’t know about a lot of things without social media. As far as the artists, I feel like there are a lot of people who are social media monsters, who create this life on
the internet that is not real or representative of their talent. They look like they are beasts on the internet and you get to the show and they not doing it. Ambition Magazine: If you could change one thing in the industry what would that be? Georgia Me: When mfs see me and don’t know who I am, they damn near cry. Don’t apologize, it ain’t yo fault you don’t know me. But I understand because it’s like damn I been missing out. That’s why I tell all the poets who are good. If you only promote yourself you really ain’t confident, you scared. I’m one of the few poets who promote everybody, everybody who’s great. Not just anybody but everybody who is worth promoting. Tamika talked to us about an experience that she had with a Prophetess and how she told her to scream at the top of her lungs “Speed it up Jesus.” She told me that in that moment she was immediately like no, I can’t do that. Based
on that belief that we will receive our blessings in God’s time and his time is perfect timing. So it almost felt disrespectful to tell God to speed it up. Though we have to remember that we are also told ‘Ask and you shall receive.’ We cannot be scared to tell God that we are ready for the blessings that he has for us and that conversation with Tamika reminded me of that. Whatever your ambition is, I challenge you to tell and most importantly show God you ready. You are ready to receive everything you asked for! If you have not experienced a Georgia Me performance I strongly suggest that you check and see when she is coming to a venue near you. OR make it a point to travel to Atlanta and experience Tamika Festival, where you will get to experience some of the MOST AMAZING artists from across the country in one weekend, in one venue. Connect and stay engaged with Georgia Me: Website: http://georgiamethepoet.com Twitter: thegeorgiame Instagram: therealgeorgiame Facebook: Georgia Me
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FabFinance By : Simon’e Lightfoot
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Being fashionable does not have to leave you financially strapped. Everyone wants to look good but not everyone has the means to spend a lot on clothes. And even though some of us may have the money to buy any and everything that we see in magazines and on the runway, we may not want to spend excessively. In real life, I am a social worker by day. In my fantasy world, by night I am a fabulous fashion writer who wears couture and designer duds from head to toe. Translation: I currently have champagne taste with a sparkling wine budget, Lol! With that being said, I have some tricks for you to stay fab and stay out of the poor house. A M B I T I O N M AG . CO M
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Shop off/between seasons
This requires some patience and planning on your part. Some of the best sales that I have found have been off and between seasons. For example: end of Summer before Fall. This is a great time to catch some good sales because retailers are marking down Summer inventory in efforts to get rid of it to make room for the new Fall inventory that they have coming in. So that $40 sundress that you wanted may be marked down 50-75% from when you saw it at the beginning of the season. You can snag items that you love for next year at a lower price than you would in the midst of that particular season.
Discount stores
This is great for those of us who LIVE for labels because you can find them at a discounted rate at stores like Saks off 5th, Nordstrom Rack, Outlet stores, Marshall's, Burlington and TJ Maxx. You can find designer bags, clothes and shoes at a discounted rate at these places, the only draw back is that they are usually a season or two behind. Marshalls, Burlington and TJ Maxx all have layaway so if you need to spread out payments you can.
Go thrifting
Thrifting can be quite tedious, yet quite rewarding. People donate and sell various items to consignment shops and thrift stores which are previously owned as well as brand new. You might even get lucky and come out with a ritzy vintage find. On certain days of the week they even have sales on the already tremendously discounted prices. Look up the thift stores and consignment shops in your area and see what days they offer extra discounts.
Shop in your own closet
At least once a year you should go through your closet and take inventory. Get rid of things that no longer fit, old items that you never wear or new items that may still have tags that you have never worn. Choose what to donate to charity, what to sell to consignment shops, what to throw away and what to keep. Once you decide what to keep , go through and mix and match what you have left. After you clear out the clutter, you might be pleasantly surprised to find new combinations that bring your wardrobe back to life.
In my neverending quest for more and more clothes, shoes and accessories, these are just a few of the things that work for me. There are many things that you can do in efforts to keep your wardrobe on point and your pockets in tact. I hope this helps!
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Until next time, Stay Financially fit and Fashionable, ~The Fashion Wordsmith www.thefashionwordsmith.wordpress.com A M B I T I O N M AG . CO M
AMBITION MAGAZINE S UBSC R IBE Yearly Digital Subscription - $9.99 Yearly Print Subscription - $29.99 http://ambitionmag.com/boutique/
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