Website: www.meyelabel.com FB: www.facebook.com/corporatechic IG:@meyelabel IG:@officialcorporatechic Twitter: meyelabel Motto: Dress the Part, Shop Smart
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FOR INSPIRATION, EMPOWERMENT & FASHION
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On the Cover: BBU! Cover Winner Tiffany Miller FEATURES 18 Tiffany Miller BBU! Magazine Cover Contest Winner
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:: Contents :: Volume 3 | Issue 1 January– March 2016
BEHIND THE LENS TEAM 9 FOR THE COVER: Get to know the team that made our cover photo shoot simply beautiful!
18 Tiffany Miller
ON THE RADAR 12 SPOTLIGHT: Women Empowering Change; Business Professional Connie Gomez
13 EVENTS: In the Community Workshops, Cupcake & Cocktails, WEC Documentary Casting, and Total Beauty Pageant Casting.
VISUAL STORY 20 VISUAL STORY by Photographer Roderick Lightfoot of RL Studios
THE WHOLE U! 24 EMPOWERMENT: Goodbye 2015 Hello 2016 27 INSPIRATIONAL: No Need for Permission to be You 29 SPIRITUAL: Beautiful in Time
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Contributors
BBU! Magazine
PUBLISHER MY BEAUTIFUL FAMILY INC LLC
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Shunte Gamble
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Join the BBU! Team Beautifully Being U! Magazine wants to hear from you! We welcome submissions for publication. We provide inspiration and reliable information that helps women balance their lives. Submit to editors@beautifullybeingumagazine.c om
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CONTRIBUTING WRITER Shareefah Muhammad
Contact Us:
Beautifully Being U! Magazine P.O. Box 2294 Stafford, Texas 77497 (P) 832-866-4373 ●●●●
Beautifully Being U! Magazine is published four times a year as a digital download or as a printed copy and is purposed to be a great tool for beautifully living. Although BBU! Magazine strives to ensure the accuracy and correctness of the information published, we do not accept any liability or responsibility for any inaccuracies or missions. The views expressed by authors of publications or event presentations, published in BBU! Magazine, do not necessarily represent the views of BBU! Decisions or actions based on the information and publications provided by BBU! are at your own risk. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written consent is prohibited. Trademarked property of My Beautiful Family Inc. LLC
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CONTRIBUTING WRITER Ashley Sauls
CONTRIBUTING WRITER Connie Gomez
Behind The Lens Team â–‘ BBU! PHOTO SHOOT
Shatara Davis Make-Up Artist Photography by Roderick Lightfoot Tell us about your company. RL Studio incorporates a passion for photography and an understanding of light and composition to create stunning images for every client. What inspires your photography? The beauty, creativity and uniqueness of the universe. In the world of photography, how do you define beauty? That which invokes pleasure as its defined by the absorption and deflection of light. How can our readers contact you? www.rlstud.com
Company: RL Studio Photography Website: http://3679802.tifmember.com/ Instagram: @rlstudio
How did you get your start? My introduction came from watching my mother put makeup when I was child. My mom was a Mary Kay rep which allowed me experiment with different colors and texture on myself and friends. I was a makeup artist before I knew what a makeup artistry was. It was pure love at first before I knew it was real a profession. What advice would you give someone starting out in your profession? Learn your craft and be enduringly passionate about your God given gift. Study the human face, skin and how light act to it. "Practice not until you get right but till you can't get it wrong. How do you define beauty? Being comfortable in your own skin. It doesn't matter of your skin color, weight or size. Whether it's makeup or clothing, rock it, have confidence, and make it your own. "Keep It FIERCE Honey"
Company: Makeup by SHATARA Facebook: makeupbyshatara Instagram: @fierce_honey
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From the Editor
T
he road less traveled has been a topic weaving in and out of my soul since the start of the new year. I’ve come to several plausible reasons as to why our “less traveled roads” are just that; less traveled. With all my reflection, the only conclusion I arrive at is because it’s the road we all wish had a detour sign in front of it. It’s that road we fret, the road we wish had a map, that road we fear. Honest moment, I am traveling down that road as I write this letter. See my road less traveled is more like a new journey. It has stretches of smooth surfaces when things align themselves and the road continues out before me to points of safety I can see. On this course, my mood is light, my confidence is sure, and I am steadfast with each step. I set goals and reach them. I am surrounded with just enough light to see the next move to make. I can hear God’s voice leading my feet, reforming my mind, and comforting my soul. Then there are stretches that have sharp curves that seem to disrupt my coordination. I tend to feel lost until I realize it has merely changed my direction; not my course. My confidence is shaken and my goals seem out of reach. God’s voice seems to quiet as I struggle to keep my focus. I am reminded that I am still standing, walking, moving. God is still there. He expects me to rely on faith and keep moving. He reminds me that how I get there is only half of the journey. He promises this road will lead me to my promised land. He teaches me that shifts in my course are purposed to keep me on track and commands me to fear not. Empowered, I set my mind on God’s promises and continue moving forward in faith. Just as I find myself poised and graceful again in my walk, my road becomes bumpy. Potholes cause me to fall, speed bumps seem to slow my progress, and cracks force me to jump. Yet I get up, shake off the hurt, the disappointment of falling, and wipe away the tears. I keep moving. I learn to appreciate the speed bumps for they allow me time to heal without completely stopping my forward progress. They create seasons of being still so my soul is enriched as God’s plan requires. They allow me freedom to enjoy the journey even on the “road less traveled”. Those cracks force me to jump, trust, and allow. Sometimes it’s in the jumping we allow the universe to bring forth all that we need because we trust that when we land we will be on safe grounds. We trust that the preparation has been laid as ground work for our purpose and the power is rightfully ours to revel in. We open ourselves up to opportunities, miracles, break-throughs, and success. We give birth to the dreams that are within our wombs. We live. I was empowered to write this letter and it is my hope it empowers you to walk down your less traveled road with a song. A song of destiny and of hope. Know that the road less traveled is just that. “Many are called but few are chosen. When called go; for you will be richly rewarded.
Shunte Gamble 10 BBUmagazine.com
BECOME A WEC MEMBER TODAY! Want to plug in? Join the WEC today! New Member Rates start at only $25 for the year! Monthly Meet-Ups FUN Quarterly Socials Mentorship Opportunities Access to Workshops & Seminars Speaking & Vendor Opportunities Social/Professional Networking Mixers Exclusive Member Discounts & Freebies Private invitation to WEC Member only Events And More! www.WomenEmpoweringChange.org Join today and let’s empowering change together.
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On the Radar ░ SPOTLIGHT
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On the Radar ░ CALENDAR
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On the Radar â–‘ CALENDAR
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WEC Calendar 2016
January- Leading Ladies Brunch “Purpose, Power & Preparation” February Quarterly Social- The Sugar & Spice Affair March- Leading Ladies Brunch “Language of Love” April Quarterly Social– Love Fashion Spring Market Social May- There’s an App for That June- WEC DocU! Series Taping July- WEC DocU! Series Taping August- WEC Conference Retreat (3 days)
Visit us online for more events www.WomenEmpoweringChange.org
Join today and let’s empowering change together.
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On the Radar â–‘ CALENDAR
WEC Documentary Casting Are you a woman empowering change? Do you have a story of inspiration and of empowerment? Looking for a platform to share your company/organization? Apply now for a chance to be apart of Women Empowering Change's DocU! Series spotlighting inspiring women.
Online registration required prior to casting at
www.WomenEmpoweringChange.org Join today and let’s empowering change together. 16 BBUmagazine.com
:: March 26, 2016 :: Total Beauty Pageant Casting Are you a woman between the ages of 20 and 60? Do you enjoy fashion and great causes? Be a part of our 2016 Total Beauty Pageant. The pageant will benefit our Fundraising for Hope programs serving women, families, and small businesses in the Greater Houston area. Online registration required prior to casting at
www.WomenEmpoweringChange.org
Join today and let’s empowering change together. 17
On the Radar ░ FEATURE
Tiffany Miller “Give the world the best you!” 18 BBUmagazine.com
How do you define beauty? I would define beauty as: B-old , E-legant, A-ffectionate, U-nique, T-enacious, Y-outhful. Beauty to me is the way God Jehovah see’s us; the way he created us in his image. The world’s definition of beauty seems to cloud everyone’s judgment of what beauty is but the creator himself defined it for us.
How do you define fashion? Fashion to me is the way you express yourself, both quietly and loudly at the same time.
What is your personal style?
My personal style is classy and chic. Marjorie Harvey Style-The lady loves couture! I love wearing heels even though I am tall. What is your favorite fashion trend? My favorite fashion trend is the mixing of prints and colors. What inspired you to pursue a career in modeling? I was inspired to journey into modeling in my teenage years. When I went to a model call I was told to come back when I had my braces off. I was disappointed and never went back. In 2014 I decided to do a photo-shoot and pursue my modeling dreams. How do you handle stress/pressure that comes with modeling? The pressure and stress that comes with modeling to me is just like stress from anything you love or desire to do. I pray and ask God Jehovah for direction in every area of my life. I pray for his strength and peace to surround me. That way stress and pressure have no room to take me away from embracing and enjoying the journey. What is one of your favorite perks of being a model? My favorite perk of being a model would be getting dolled up with makeup and wearing the wonderful outfits! What advice would you give an aspiring model? I would advise and aspiring model to be confident in herself. No one was created to be you except you. Give the world the best you!
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A Visual Story
BBU! FEATURE
Visual Artist: Roderick Lightfoot Model: Tiffany Miller MUA: Shatara Davis
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The Whole U!
â–‘ EMPOWERMENT
Goodbye 2015 Hello 2016 By Connie Gomez
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he New Year has arrived. What better way to start it off than with a happy, positive note that will help us grow. I kicked off my "new year resolution" making early. Being prepared and envisioning what I want for 2016 is highly important to me. I have been doing this for a couple of years now and things have just slowly become better and gone in a more desired direction. Now I have said this before, my challenges and my vision boards don't go without troubles or difficulties. They just help me get through the
tough moments easier. Let's begin.
::Positive Thoughts:: Set your mind in the right direction and the rest will follow. Trust. One of my biggest challenges year to year is my weight. Some months out of the year, I can't. I won't. My mind can't focus on being strict and disciplined, it wants to just be. I think months like these are necessary, it helps prepare our minds for what we really want. Once your mind is set on something it's hard to not go through with it, at least for me. I can be very stubborn. Mindset is everything!
::Envision your 2016:: Think about what it is you want, envision your happy place. Never a perfect world but always happy with your choices and the path you are walking. What you want for your family, your career, your education, your friendships, your business endeavors and partnerships. Anything goes. Sometimes the bigger the dream the better making those dreams come true though might take small steps and setting a series of smaller goals. These goals can be monthly goals. Just know that the process takes times. Be patient.
::Write it Down::
::Positive Words:: Words, my friend Jotina Buck, has an excellent book about our language and how we should change this. I myself have done several #30daychallenege's now. And, 2016 will not be an exception. Trust me, it has truly changed me. I used to work in a negative environment with coworkers whose words were always unhappy and complaint, once I changed my language to myself, that situation turned itself around. Our minds and our language are key to progressing. I have lived it. Enjoy life and the rest will follow.
Now that you have it all set-up in your mind and you have envisioned what 2016 will look like, write it down! One of my biggest mistakes is thinking and thinking instead of making notes or writing it down. Write your vision out as bullet points if you want quick notes or in your planner as monthly or weekly goals so that it's already planned. Writing down what you want is very important. It creates a visual. It's another reason why I believe in vision boards. I even created a digital vision board on Pinterest this year. Anything to help me SEE everything that I want, helps. 24 BBUmagazine.com
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The Whole U!
░ INSPIRATION
No Need for Permission to Be You By Shareefah Muhammad
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derstanding that our time on this Earth is limited should give us a great incentive to go on that amazing quest of finding our Divine purpose. It is in discovering that purpose for our lives we are able to demonstrate an unlimited amount of creativity resulting in an unimaginable degree of joy, peace, and happiness.
What internal opposition are you allowing to stop you from operating at your best?
Striving to be ourselves in accordance with the natural laws that govern the Universe will forever bring us closer and closer to fulfilling the divine purpose we were put on this Earth for. We live in a society where we are constantly bombarded with images of others whom we desire to imitate thus pulling us further away from the path of self-discovery.
Coming from a nutritional perspective, in order for us to manifest the best that is within us the whole Self must be involved and that includes what we eat. If we are what we eat then we must understand that food conditions thoughts as well.
Until we make the conscious decision to get better acquainted with what makes each and everyone of us unique as individuals, we will forever travel in a perpetual state of imitation of life that denies ourselves the opportunity to tap into the unlimited power that each and everyone of us possess yet find difficult to acknowledge.
We all must discover a way to be our best selves because when we don’t we also rob humanity of our great treasure. When we choose not to put our best foot forward we interrupt the natural flow of this existence called life. Regardless to what we may think, know that our actions are not reserved to ourselves but serve in an interdependent reality. We owe being our true selves to humanity because that is how we make the world better.
In The Force and Power of Being, Dr. Ava shares the following words: “Since the body houses the
spirit and the mind, the body is also a treasure often overlooked. It is the most valuable, most elegant creation we possess in the physical world. It cannot be ignored, because it is the embodiment of all that is in our consciousness. This means we must recognize the critical significance of eating. The preparation and consumption of food is the process of harnessing the energy in the food to interact with our body energy and thereby increase (or decrease) our creative force.”
The greatest opposition we have in life is not from without but from within. The question is: What internal opposition are you allowing to stop you from operating at your best? Be unstoppable!
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Amazon Purchase Link: http://goo.gl/L31HbP
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The Whole U!
░ SPIRITUAL
Beautiful in Time By Ashley Sauls
He
has made everything beautiful in its time. He also has planted eternity in men’s hearts and minds [a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy], yet so that men cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end (Ecclesiastes 3:11, AMP). Shiny things have always caught my eye, especially items that glisten in the sun. At times, I have been fortunate to find a penny or quarter at the end of the light. At other times, I’ve inspected the glimmer further, only to discover a shiny piece of paper or piece of metal. I know that I am not alone and whether you choose to admit it or not, I’m sure you have had similar experiences. I know in my personal life, I have been guilty of looking for shiny objects. When my day has not seemed as exciting as those around me, I have tried to chase after their tips and personal strategies to experience a productive day. “Maybe,” I thought to myself, “ I would experience greater satisfaction by replicating their day and taking the same steps as they are completing. “ I have been disappointed when simply going through the motions of the day yielded experiences that were far from what I expected. I too have been guilty of pursuing the shiny objects regarding my purpose. What enthusiasm and joy I’ve felt after receiving an assignment from God for the first time, only to discover challenges and resistance attempting to dull the brilliance of His plans. Then, you guessed it, it is off to find another glittering goal to restore my enthusiasm. Shiny objects dazzle for a moment, but always lead to looking for the next sparkling conquest. Maybe you cannot relate to pursuing these shiny objects in your personal life, but I am sure you have found yourself pursuing the next glittering opportunity in your career, family, ministry or even business. Instead of focusing on the perceived ease of pursuing shiny objects, become an excavator of the precious jewels in your life. In forming a diamond, pressure and process are involved in the development of this jewel. A diamond remains hidden until the time it is meant to be found, but in the appropriate time it is available for all to see. While the diamond is in obscurity, it is being prepared to become beautiful with time. Maybe you are in a place in your life where you need to be reminded to keep being processed or even to keep digging and focusing on what is eternal versus temporal. Maybe you are in a place where you need to be reminded to embrace the blessings in front of you versus chasing the newest and most brilliant shiny objects. Appreciate the process of the diamond and know that development is a blessing from God. What needs to be formed in you so that you can dazzle as God designed?
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