Issue 1—Winter 2012
BIRTHPLACE ISSUE
Ambition Magazine
Production LeKeisha Nicole—CEO, Editor-In-Chief Eboni Williams—Contributing Editor Michele Crawford—Graphics, Contributing Writer BDE—Contributing Writer
Contents Letter from the Editor p. 2 Feature—Antoine Edmonson p. 4 The Dream, The Vision, The Passion p. 5 Entrepreneur—Corey Logan p. 6 Entrepreneur— Kourtni Hatton p. 9 Entrepreneur— Jillian Davis p. 10 Entrepreneur—Raeshetta Thompson p. 13 Finding AmbiDexterity p. 14 Hit the Block with B p. 15 2
Ambition Magazine “Live, Love, Laugh, and Be Ambitious!” Those are the words I live by, I have them posted in my car, in my bathroom and in my wallet. Living by that we are guaranteed to have a good day and help propel to that place we want to be in. Thank you for checking out the first of many issues to come. We are destined for greatness! LeKeisha Nicole
A Little About Ambition Magazine... Ambition Magazine came to life in March 2010. At that time it was simply an idea to combine a couple different magazines and didn’t really have a direction. It was put on the shelf until Winter 2010 when it began to take shape and become a viable project. The name Ambition was decided on in March of 2011, a full year later! Ambition is the perfect name because it is the best one word description of not only the creator, but the writers and readers. This magazine is for the young person with drive and ambition. There will be fun articles and serious articles, but one thing that can be guaranteed is that every issue will have something inspiring for every reader. LeKeisha N. Grant Editor-in-Chief
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Antoine Edmonson—B.O.A.T.S. Educated, talented, and God-fearing are just a few of the words commonly used to describe up-and coming recording artist, Antoine Edmondson, formerly known as Wally Vega. Antoine, who currently resides in L.A., was born and raised in Dayton, OH. Graduate of Northmont High School and attended the University of Cincinnati. He released his debut album ‘Based On A True Story’ (B.O.A.T.S.) on December 20, 2011. While discussing the album, he stated that his goal is to create a foundation album to develop his presence in what he calls the pop/soul genre. Antoine started writing as a teenager, mostly poems and over time it grew into more. While at the University of Cincinnati there were two friends in particular; a local DJ, DJ Bandcamp and another friend that he collaborated with as he dove more into his craft. During this time he began to write more, at times a song a day. Antoine also had the opportunity to open for then new artists J.Cole, LMFAO and Chip the Ripper. Paralleling this time of exploration of his artistry, he was also seeking a higher relationship spiritually with God. The desire to strengthen his spiritual relationship was the springboard to his move to California. He was journal-ling about his pastor’s anniversary, when God spoke to him and told him that he needed to move to California by July 31st at 8, when it was already July 13th. Trusting in his faith he prepared himself and followed directions, bringing us here today. Antoine said while completing album that some of the struggles were money and dates. Financing the album was difficult, in terms of producing physical copies, and studio time and then meeting deadlines. The album that debuted in December was actually supposed to come out in September and even the December date was a struggle. That just shows that with determination and faith anything is possible. Since speaking to Antoine in late January he has been diligently at work, actually putting out new music and free music in what he has titled Care Package. Antoine is truly a talented individual to watch out for, that has the ambition of the world to carry him. Website: http://www.letterstoohio.com/ Email: letterstoohio@gmail.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/letterstoohio Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/letterstoohio
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ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT The goal of the Entrepreneur section is to highlight all of those who have worked hard to follow their dreams and build their own legacy. It is also dedicated to those who have a desire to possibly start their own business. In every issue we will supply tips and tricks to help with your start-up in addition to profiling some
up and coming companies and individuals. I’m excited for what we have coming.
The Dream, The Vision, The Passion... Step 1: For every person you ask this question to you will probably get a different answer because I definitely did but at the end of the day this is what all of those answers boiled down to for me. The first step to becoming a business owner is having a dream or realizing a passion. Without this element developing your own business will become a more stressful job than the one your trying to get out of currently. Once you acknowledge this dream it now becomes a goal. This phase is meant to be exciting! At this point the best thing to do is write down all ideas that come to mind for your busi-
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ness and date them. When you look back through your notes you will marvel at the progress made over that course of time. One important thing about this phase is to not rush through. As rewarding as opening your own business is there are going to be rough and stressful days. That is why during the dream phase it is best to relax, let the ideas flow and basque in the ambiance of what is yet to come for your new business venture.
Featured Entrepreneur
Corey Logan & Punch Fitness
“Fitness or Prescription�
Ambition Magazine: Who are the visionaries/creators of Punch fitness? Corey Logan: Just me, Corey Logan! AM: When was Punch fitness founded? CL: October 1, 2011, which was also the opening date of Punch Fitness. AM: What inspired you to start your own business? CL: Branched from the personal love of fitness. Motivation was the pursuit of fitness and delivering results through exercise. AM: What were some of the struggles during start-up? CL: PERMITS, PERMITS, PERMITS! Trying to meet deadlines. AM: What was easy? CL: Knowing that I wanted to combine boxing and personal training into one studio. AM: Do you have any goals for expansion? CL: Looking at Cincinnati and Richmond, Va for places to expand to. Within the current gym will be starting a 35 day weight loss challenge in April and adding a running club in May and a book club in May to ensure that everyone is fully knowledgeable about their health. Currently putting my all into this physical place in order to not lose focus. AM: What was fun? CL: Demolition and putting my all into creating the symmetry. AM: Advice for other aspiring entrepreneurs? CL: Know what you want! Select and know your demographic and develop a game plan, step by step. From there execute and get your money together. I believe you can do anything you want with the right people supporting you and the right mindset! If you are in the Columbus area make sure you go and check out Corey and Punch Fitness! http://punchfitnessohio.com/ Phone: 614.392.2917 Email: chieflogan@punchfitnessohio.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/PunchFitness/240040862715424
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Featured Entrepreneur “Fitness or Prescription”
Corey Logan & Punch Fitness
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Featured Entrepreneur “Fashion Unexpected”
Kourtni Hatton & OneEleven
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Featured Entrepreneur
Kourtni Hatton & OneEleven
“Fashion Unexpected”
Ambition Magazine: Who are the visionaries/creators of OneEleven? Kourtni Hatton: Kourtni Hatton, Owner & Designer! AM: When was OneEleven founded? KH: December 2011 AM: What was the opening date? KH: January 11, 2012 AM: What inspired you to start your own business and specifically a bow tie line? KH: The man in a bow tie! He’s the mover and shaker, he wants to be seen. No matter how humble he may be, he wears things that make a statement. AM: What were some of the struggles during start-up? KH: Mass production! Being a one man show and really finding the time to dedicate. AM: What was easy? KH: Making the bow ties! I truly enjoy it. I sit down, I set up shop, cut the fabric and get to sewing. It takes me about an hour to an hour and a half for one from start to finish. AM: What was fun? KH: Find inspiration from particular people. Picking the fabric and the threads and just finding something different. AM: What are your goals for the future? KH: Developing a following. I would love to get into a couple of store/ boutiques within the three major cities in Ohio to begin. Definitely wanting to start with Cleveland and Columbus. AM: Advice for other aspiring entrepreneurs? KH: Just do it. Chase the dream and anything could happen. Be committed. My passion, my motivation, and wanting to see something happen is what gets me through the difficult moments. Visualizing the line in store. The want to keep pushing until reaching that success. The end goal is my motivation! -K. Hatton Phone: 216-387-2163 Email: OnlyOneEleven@gmail.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/OnlyOneEleven
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Featured Entrepreneur
Jillian Davis & J Essence
Ambition Magazine: Who are the visionaries of J Essence Beautique? Jillian Davis: Jillian Davis – Owner & Master Stylist! AM: How many people do you have working in your salon? JD: 2 AM: When was J. Essence founded? JD: August 2011 AM: What was the opening date? JD: October 2011 AM: What inspired you to start your own business and specifically a hair salon? JD: While working as a home health aide and constantly being on someone else’s schedule and feeling like I didn’t have my own life. Once I started doing hair I always knew that I wanted to own my own salon. I am not really a fan of going to the salon, so I wanted to create and environment for clients to come and be comfortable. AM: What were some of the struggles during start-up? JD: Not being able to get loans and grants to provide the financial backing for start-up. Not having financial help. Having to do things out of own pockets and having to pay for personal household, new shop and the shop and the shop that I was currently working in. AM: What was easy? JD: Decorating and transition into the new shop because it was mine and it was comfortable. AM: What are you goals for the future and expansion? JD: Would like to own my own building and not lease, in addition to expanding outside of Ohio with one or two more salons. AM: What was fun? JD: Interacting with clients and them trusting me and talk to me. Being able to change the salon whenever I feel like it. Being able to throw parties whenever I want to and not have to consult with anyone else. AM: Advice for other aspiring entrepreneurs? JD: Put your heart and soul into whatever business you are trying to start. If there is no passion behind it than the process can really drag on.
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Featured Entrepreneur If you are in the Dayton area and want to contact Jillian feel free to hit her up at: Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ pages/J-EssenceBeautique/263560210328864 Address: 4900 Frederick Pike Suite101, Dayton, OH 45414 suite101 Phone: 937-321-0052 Twitter: www.twitter.com/HairstylysJillD Owning a business has been a blessing, although it has been hard and a struggle I wouldn’t have it any other way. Clients feel good cause they have a home and a place of comfort. -Jillian D.
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Jillian Davis & J Essence Beautique
Featured Entrepreneur “Royalty Service At It’s Best”
Raeshetta Thompson & Allurea Salon and Spa
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Raeshetta Thompson & Allurea
“Royalty Service At It’s Best”
Featured Entrepreneur
Ambition Magazine Who are the visionaries/creators of Allurea Salon and Spa? Raeshetta Thompson: Raeshetta Thompson, Owner & Master Stylist! The name Allure came from being a synonym for beauty. (allure synonym for beauty). AM: How many people do you have working in your salon? RT: 4 contracted stylist, an Assistant Manager, a massage therapist, and a nail technician/ AM: When was Allurea founded? RT: June 2006, and expanded from a salon to a spa in April 2011. AM: What inspired you to start your own business and were there any struggles? RT: Always wanted to own salon. It was sent from God. Was suppose to go into business with another stylist and things got shaky between us and the other stylist left the salon. Considered quitting the profession as a whole in 2006 because I was just getting the run around when trying to move salons. Ended up getting a call from someone I previously spoke with about opening a salon with the stylist and end up just moving forward through the help of my mother and boyfriend. The initial goal was to open the salon at 25 and was able to do it at 23. AM: What are your goals for the future? RT: Would like to grow into a chain. Goal of being able to open next salon within 5 years in Columbus but the timeline and location are flexible. Having name recognition, bigger trade show and premiere beauty shows, magazines, celebrities, mainstream and up and coming, styling. AM: What was fun? RT: Just in the salon having a nice time. Enjoy seeing the clients coming and having the clients feel good while they are there and be able to help change the mood of the clients. AM: Advice for other aspiring entrepreneurs RT: Hard work, pays off! If you are in the Dayton you can contact Allurea Salon and Spa at: Phone: 937.274.1600 Email: allureaspa@gmail.com
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By: Amber Jones
Finding AmbitDexterity I’m usually a stickler for correct grammar and respect the accepted English language and it’s rich history. However, sometimes there are just “no words” to adequately describe some things that go through my head. This would be one of those times, hence my latest word fusion AMBITDEXTERITY. The origin is a simple and convenient combination of ambition and ambidexterity. Luckily for me, and hopefully you too, ambition was already partly present in ambidextrous causing a slight illusion and mental strain as to whether or not “ambitdexterity” is a “real” word. Sadly, Webster has not embraced ambitdexterity and it’s family member ambitdextrous… Yet… but I sure have. 2 words ambition and ambidexterity… combined… to invent an awesome word with an even awesome…er meaning that hold the key to survival! Ok… that may be an overstatement… but it sounded good! In todays world with the advancement of technology and other things, being one handed is going out of style. When opportunities are being thrown at you, what a benefit to you to catch with 2 strong hands instead of a nice right handed grab and a fumble
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with the left. When opportunities are not easily visible, scrimmaging with 2 hands seems as if it will increase your chances of revealing a treasure. Being 50/50 is… nice… but being 100 is so much more promising. Now I know we all have sinned and fell short of the glory god (Romans 3:23) intends for us to have, but Ohhhh Redemption! (I bet Jesus was ambitdextrious) And this redemption starts with ambitdexterity! Your personal drive and desire to be equally versed in multiple spectrums of life. This may take some practice! Have you ever tried to writing with your non-dominant hand? You should… I dare you to make it as strong hand, I dare you to add to the complexity of you. These days and I would predict in the future that it’s pretty much a necessity to be versatile, motivated, multifunctional and an instigator. Investigate Create and perfect a dual and total you. You owe it to yourself, and who is a better person to owe than yourself. So whether your rocking babies with your right while engineering with your left; customer serving with your left and mathematician-ing with your right or MD-ing with your right and DJing with your left, keep your life a “Look Ma No Hands” idle zone! I’m sure she’ll be proud!
By: BDE
Hit The Block With B A Second Look at the Queen City
amusement parks, to anything uniquely belonging to Cincinnati. After going around asking those living in the area if they have ever heard of this site, the answer was a resounding, “No!” I did however, come across one young man who admitted to staying informed through a popular newspaper, “Every now and then I’ll stop and grab a cup of coffee on my way to work and pick up an issue of City Beat. It’s a free newspaper that gives me some idea of what’s going on around town,” Ted Hafer, age 31, resident of Colerain, OH. What an excellent way to stay informed! In addition to literature and accessing the internet for 411 on the Queen City, you can also go out and simply travel the streets, sightsee, and uncover avenues of entertainment for yourself! So before you pack your bags and skip town on the next available flight, DO SOME RESEARCH! You may find that the social activities you’ve been craving are right outside your front door…
How is it possible that so many in their twenties and thirties living in Cincinnati don’t enjoy living in Cincinnati? I personally moved to the city back in 2008 and I have no desire to leave any time soon! From attending Bengals games, to watching Reds players hit home runs, or simply taking a leisurely stroll through Eden Park with that special someone, there are plenty of enjoyable activities to keep one busy! “I just think most people our age don’t know what’s going on, or don’t know where to go in Cincinnati to be able to have a good time,” states 29year-old, Jennifer Samaniego, resident of Mason, OH. No problem. This can be fixed. If most of us in our twenties and thirties are just looking for that next exciting event, or activity, there are several Where: Cincinnati Art Museum resources made available to us at no cost that offer plenty What: “Family First Saturday” of entertainment solutions. When: April 7, 2012 1pm-4pm A very informative site, www.cincinnatiUSA.com, depicts everything about the city, from fine dining, to
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