Magazine
BRONZE AUGUST 2017
Dr. Sheron Brown, PhD guides towards understanding the Language of your Soul & its Purpose
www.bronzemagonline.com
Jasmin Savoy Brown Of HBO’s “The Leftovers”
Millennial, Superstar CEO & Lifestyle expert,
Ariana Pierce
Sunscreen Tips for Women of Color
RHOP Star Charrisse Jackson Jordan opens up about her journey to self-discovery
AMINA TOURAY
PHOTOGRAPHY
www.aminatouray.com FASHION/PORTRAITS/HEADSHOTS/LIFESTYLE
July 2017 Editor’s Note How’s your summer going bronze beauties? Is it everything you hoped it would be? I truly hope so because we only really have one full month left before the fall season tries to make its appearance. I don’t know about you, but here on the east coast spring and summer made a slow appearance this year, so I am hopeful that we can get at least one extra month of sun and warmth. As always, I am happy to introduce our newest digital issue, featuring our cover star, the beautiful and talented young actress name Jasmin Savoy Brown. Many of you may have seen Jasmin on the recently ended HBO series “The Leftovers,” where she played the role of Evie Murphy. Evie’s mom is played by none other than the amazing Regina King. I am a huge fan of the show, however, I have not had the chance to watch the last season as of yet. So I am thrilled to have Jasmin featured as she shares in an exclusive interview with us what it was like growing up in her native Springfield, Oregon, her passion for acting and music, and yes, for all of you Leftovers fans, Jasmin shares her thoughts about her character, she talks about what it’s like working alongside Regina King and other fellow castmates, and she shares some revelations about the final season of the show. I can’t forget to tell you about our other awesome features inside including interviews with an amazingly talented dancer named Page Fraser who dances with Visceral in Chicago, Ashanti Middleton, who is a YouTube host and executive producer of Taste and Toast with Ashanti Middleton, the gorgeous and talented millennial, Superstar CEO and Lifestyle expert, Ariana Pierce, and Bravo’s newest star, the beautiful Charrisse Jackson Jordan of The Real Housewives of Potomac. We also have yet again another inspiring self-care article by our resident contributor, Sheron M. Brown, PhD, and a beauty article offering great tips on sunscreen care for women of color. Needless to say, this is one great issue! As always, we want you to sit back, relax, and let us inspire you! Much love to you all!
xoxo,
Shawn
BRONZE Cover Credits:
Cover Star: Jasmin Savoy Brown Photographer/Creative Director: Amina Touray @aminatphoto Makeup artist: Niehla O @niehlao Stylist: Brittany Diego @ brittanydiego@Jasmin's dress by @ Lotuz @lotuz_jakarta Earrings: H&M @hm
Look for the BronzeMag App
Co-Owner/Editor In Chief
Shawn Stuldivant Co-Owner
Barry Stuldivant Cover Photographer
Amina Touray
Issue Design/Layout
Shawn Stuldivant
Writers(This Issue)
Sheron M. Brown, PhD Farheen Nahvi Aisha Powell Kit Stone Jamelia Thompson Farren Washington Editor/proofreader Farheen Nahvi
AUGUST Features 2017
Cover feature : Jasmin Savoy Brown
CONTENTS
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6 Page Fraser 14 Ashanti Middleton 28 Ariana Pierce 32 Charrisse Jackson Jordan
Beauty 18 Preserve the Melanin
Wellness 36 Understanding the Language of your Soul and its Purpose
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Curved by Design: The movements of Paige Fraser Interview by Kit Stone
Paige Fraser has lived a life set ablaze by her passion for dance. The little girl who used to dance in her seat whenever the radio was played during long car rides, is now named one of the top 25 dancers to watch, landing campaigns with renowned brands including Elle Magazine and Intel. The Bronx native fell in love with dance at four years old. The daughter of Jamaican immigrants, she can recall always having a lot of energy, which her mother tried to harness by keeping her active in swim, iceskating and other sports, but nothing stuck. She only wanted to dance. Continued>>
She grew up in a family home. It was a three story house. Her grandmother lived on the bottom, her aunt and uncle lived on the second floor and she and her parents on the top floor. She would spend her days running back and forth, upstairs and downstairs to visit with her family. Her family comes from the West Indies. Their home was filled with the smell of Jamaican food, the sound of reggae music of which her father had a large collection. “I’m reminded of our culture every time I go home,” she says. “That feeling of home, that feeling of family, that feeling of looking around and seeing, wow I made it, and not from a cocky standpoint but from a standpoint of, it could've been a different story for me.” Fraser now lives in Chicago. “Where I live I barely see people of color and they're there, they're just on the Southside or the Westside,” she says. “But in the Bronx or New York period, I feel like it is more of a melting pot. So, it's always refreshing to go back home and just hop on the subway and see all types of people.”
The Early Years Fraser started dancing at an early age. Her mother enrolled her in a dance studio down the street from her job. She was shown favor in her early years, securing a starring role as Clara in the Nutcracker at the age of eight. “This was a pivotal moment for me because I mean, I was only eight and I was one of the only African Americans at my dance studio,” she says. “There were maybe a handful of us, so it was a huge honor to be cast in this iconic role.” In high school she studied at the Professional Performing Arts High School in Manhattan. It was during her high school years when she first realized that she could have a career in dance. “Those four years kind of cultivated and honed in on the dream that I had. I was able to learn how to dance in various different styles. Anything from African to modern to ballet to jazz,” she said. “This was the first time I was introduced to a company that represented dancers who looked like me — of color.” These early childhood moments were pivotal moments in her life and offered a glimpse into life as a professional dancer and as a dancer of color.
Minor Set Backs While most girls were budding breasts and adjusting to the curves in their hips, Fraser was learning how to live with the curve in her spine. At the tender age of thirteen, she was diagnosed with scoliosis, a curvature of the spine. During a regular check up, her doctor saw what appeared to be a curve in her spine and recommended that she see an orthopedic surgeon whom discovered a 30 degree curve in her spine. The doctor suggested surgery to correct the curvature, insisting that it could worsen and affect her daily life and her breathing. “I just remember sobbing uncontrollably in the doctors office and telling my parents that I did not want to have surgery,” said Fraser. Her parents looked into alternative options that could re8
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“When I dance I am giving in, letting go and allowing my movement to transcend.”
lieve some of the symptoms of scoliosis while Fraser was still growing, which resulted in weekly visits with a chiropractor and wearing a plastic back brace during the day. “I also had a teacher in high school, a ballet teacher, who had the curve as well. Hers was way more severe and I think seeing that, gave me hope that I could pursue a career in dance because she also did not have the surgery,” she said. Despite her diagnosis, Fraser continued to dance and after receiving a degree from Dominican University of California/ Alonzo King’s Lines Ballet and Fordham University/Ailey BFA program as Cum Laude, she was offered an apprenticeship with Ailey II — a junior company to the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. During the two year contract Fraser traveled the world: Europe, Finland, Bulgaria, France and Italy, all places that the girl from the Bronx never imagined she’d go to. Fraser rode the waves of her successes and opportunities and decided to apply for the main dance company, assured that she’d get in, but she didn’t.
Finally, A Break A blow to the spirit, Fraser went back to the drawing board, auditioning like everyone in New York in hopes of finding a job. During her search, she heard of a company called Visceral in Chicago. Knowing nothing about it, other than that it was new, she decided to audition. The director, who liked her movement quality and unique look, requested that she fly out to Chicago so that they can see her in person. A struggling dancer, Fraser didn’t have the money to fly to Chicago so the director agreed to a Skype interview and 24 hours later, she was hired. “So at a time when things were seeming cloudy and I was uncertain of where I would go next, this man gave me an opportunity to join his company. So I moved to Chicago with a huge leap of faith. I didn’t know anyone there. I moved to join this company and I’ve been with Visceral for four years now, and it has been an incredible opportunity,” she says. Visceral was a new company and didn’t have the reputation or finances as more established dance companies like Ailey. She remembered gathering with the other dancers during the first week, all of them not knowing what to expect. “We didn’t know the mission statement we didn’t know what was in store,” Fraser said. “To say that I stayed four years and I was able to help build and see the growth was a huge honor.” For their first performance, her director rented out one of the largest theaters in Chicago, “I remember looking at him like your’e crazy,” she says. He was crazy ambitious and wanted Chicago to respect him on the level of other companies that were thriving. “We had over 900 tickets this past show and the first show we had about 3 to 400 tickets, so to see how the company has grown over the four years did not go in vain,” she says. “It makes me very excited and again honored and humbled to be a part of it.” BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM
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Ailey was a black company based in the black culture which curated dance inspired by the African diaspora — things that black people have endured throughout history. Visceral is more of a European based company and with that, Fraser had to find ways to stay within her unique voice while also being open and receptive to what choreographers wanted from her. “At first I didn’t really connect to it, but I found ways over the past four years to stay true to me,” she says. “I think it worked to my benefit because the past two years I’ve been able to find my own unique voice and brand myself as an artist.”
Onward and Upward Fraser stood out at Visceral, which helped her get noticed by big brands and eventually landed her a campaign with Intel where she shared her story of living with scoliosis. This gig transposed her into the commercial dance world and since then she has been a part of Elle Magazine’s The Movement series online, named Dance Magazine’s Top 25 to Watch, received the 2016 Princess Grace Award, hailed a “Woman who inspires” by ESPN Latin America and numerous other opportunities and accolades. “We’re constantly in our own heads. We’re constantly dealing with criticism,” Fraser says in response to being a Black woman in the dance world. “Each day I go into work remembering what I stand for and what I represent and try to bring that to the table each time I perform on stage — remembering my purpose and hoping that I inspire at least one person in the audience when they come to a show … that it is possible to live a life and have a career with scoliosis and have a career as a dancer of color.” Although her life seems unhinged by her scoliosis diagnosis, Fraser commits to a rigorous routine of chiropractic care, body work and massage to battle the effects of her condition. Fourteen years after her diagnosis, her curvature is steady at 30 degrees. While not having the surgery has served her well, she insists that those who have had the surgery are also brave. “There are people that are living a great life with the surgery. I can only speak for my experience,” she says. This October, Fraser will be presenting her first work on a professional setting, presented as part of a showcase. The show’s theme is the idea of home and whatever that means to the other artists involved. “I’m very excited about presenting a work, and it will be showcased in Chicago which is really cool,” she says. As a woman of faith, Fraser pulls inspiration from her connection to the Lord. “I meditate and pray daily and if I don’t I feel very disconnected,” she says. She also looks up to dancers like Ebony Williams and Misty Copeland, who have paved the way for so many dancers in this generation. “All those pioneers with dancers of Harlem, the Ailey company, dancers that have passed through have really inspired me as dancers of color because they made it happen for themselves, especially those who came before me at a time when it was sometimes unsafe to perform at venues because audience members may attack them,” she says. “ These people still followed their purpose and did 10
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what they love to do in hopes of changing the mindset of racist people.”
Last Thoughts “Dance is poetry in motion. For me, it’s healing. When I dance I am giving in, letting go and allowing my movement to transcend,” Fraser says. “When someone comes to a show, all I ask is that they sit back and allow me to take them somewhere. It shouldn’t be a place of stress and anxiety.” She says that packing a theater for dance is difficult, which affects the funding for that art. It affects how the dancers get paid and ultimately affects the passion that they’re putting into their craft, which gets underappreciated and overlooked. “I wish more people would just give it a chance and open their mind to support this art form before it dies out,” says Fraser. “We put so much time and effort into dancing that people don’t realize. At Visceral we rehearse from 11 to 4:30 p.m. We’re rehearsing for hours for one moment on stage.” Though she wears no cape, Fraser says her superpower is her perseverance and ability to never give up. “I don’t allow no’s from human beings to stop me. I love the word perseverance because I feel like it defines me,” says Fraser. “My ability to persevere is why I’m still here and why I’m still dancing. It’s why I’ve been granted such huge honors.” Fraser has always had a long list of goals and dreams but often takes a step back to remember why she’s doing what she’s doing. The struggles and set backs have tested her to see if she’s really in this for the right reasons. They test her commitment and her determination.“If you really want that thing, how far will you go to get it while being grateful for what you have?” says Fraser. “My mentors always remind me that it’s timing and the time that I’m spending working for what I want I’m preparing myself.” Paige Fraser is an exquisite demonstration of Black girl magic. As she continues to pursue her career in dance, she makes a final note, “I would like to be remembered as the human being that kept going, who had strong faith. As a woman of faith who never gave up, who enjoyed the obstacles that were thrown at her, but found ways to create the life she wanted. I want that to inspire people because at the end of the day there are no handouts in this thing called life. You may see someone getting things that you want, but you don’t know what they’ve been through,” says Fraser. “I never gave up and I used my setbacks to propel me forward.”
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Ashanti Middleton is the dynamic host and executive producer of the rapidly growing YouTube show called Taste & Toast. In each episode, she travels to different restaurants across the country and interviews the owners, chefs and bartenders about their cuisine and venues, then they ‘Taste and Toast’ to some of their most signature dishes on the menu. Ashanti’s dream is that her show gets picked up by a major network, attracts some corporate sponsors, and eventually gets to the place where they can start travelling to different countries. This show has helped restaurant goers to regain interest and a new appreciation for good drinks and food in NYC and all over the world. It is a terrific program, and I am excited to see what’s in store for Ashanti & Taste and Toast in the future! Have you always been interested in food, or is it something that started at a certain age/once you were older? Ever since high school, I’ve been interested in trying new foods and drinks and meeting new people. I don’t like to cook, but I do enjoy eating out frequently. What inspired you to create this show? Well, I’m interested in the entertainment industry, and like coming up with creative ideas; so, I combined my love of food with that, and boom! The show was born. What’s your favorite thing to do when filming your show? Sampling various cuisines and exploring diverse cultures, critiquing the newest and trendiest restaurants. How did you come up with the name for your show? Me and my two business partners, Jazz and Tai, were brainstorming, and had a bunch of other names in mind initially. I was the one who came up with Taste and Toast, and we all agreed that it was the best fit. Do you have any hobbies that inspire you outside of your daily work? I like to shoot pool, binge-watch documentaries, and do historybased research. I can also speak (almost) fluent Spanish.
Interview by Farren Washington
Are there any restaurants or foods you have on your radar right now that you want to try, and what are they? Yes, there is a restaurant in Queens, New York called Tu Casas that we’re going to be shooting at very soon; I also want to shoot episodes centered on African cuisine and Indian cuisine for a future season. What’s a typical day like for you (food-wise) when you’re at home, and how is that different from when you guys are on the road, filming? At home, my spouse and I typically eat foods that are more common, and we aren’t as creative as a chef would be in terms of cooking. So whenever we go to a new restaurant and try out a signature dish, it’s always something different and brand new (probably something we’ve never tried before or heard of). And if we have tried it before, the flavors are unique to anything else that I’ve ever tried, so everything is like a fresh, new taste. Do you have a favorite food related childhood memory? What was a typical dinner or family meal like for you growing up? My mother is a fantastic home cook. We always had good homecooked meals growing up, such as fried chicken, yellow rice and vegetables; stuff that is hearty and satisfying. My favorite meal nowadays is a good medium-well steak and garlic shrimp. Favorite drink is Hennessey neat, with ice, or in a cocktail, hands down. BRONZEMAGONLINE.COM
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What’s your secret food fetish? I would have to say garlic, it is my aphrodisiac. How has social media changed the food industry? I think social media has the power to sway a person’s opinion when it comes to restaurants. For example, if I make a statement saying that a particular restaurant is good or bad, then most people might take my words to heart and make up their minds based on what I said. I like to support the restaurant industry and keep these places growing in traffic, by enticing people to come out and experience them firsthand, which is the main purpose of my show. How do you think the entertainment industry has changed since you first started? It hasn’t changed much. I think it’s growing more and more every day. My show is unique to what’s out there now because of the dynamics of it. I’m a black woman who is a member of the LGBT community, and don’t really fit the mold of a typical television host/creator, which I think is a great selling point. If you can choose just one, what is the best meal you’ve ever made for yourself at home, and the best meal ever eaten out at a restaurant? I might not be the best cook, but I make a mean baked steak with onions, peppers, and garlic shrimp! As far as the restaurant meal, I would say stuffed lobster tail. If you could share a meal with anyone, who would it be? Tyler Perry, because I’m a huge fan and would love to pick his brain about a few things. What are the most exotic/ strange things you have ever eaten? Pig nose, frog legs and fried snake! I’ve also eaten the worm at the bottom of a tequila bottle (after drinking it straight). Do you have any advice for young black women who want to get into the industry? As cliché as it sounds, you just have to go out there and make something happen for yourself. I think it pretty much goes without saying that nothing is going to be handed to you on a silver platter. It’s important to get the ball rolling, so that you can get the right people to notice and possibly take with chance on you. But only if you work hard to prove yourself and give them a solid reason as to why they should back you. [End]
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To find out more about the show, visit: https://www.tasteandtoastwithus.com/
Your Brand Should Be Here Contact us for our affordable placement options info@bronzemagonline.com
One of the most overlooked skin treatments that black women usually tend to skip, is sunscreen. We tend to rarely use or entirely skip applying the protectant on our skin, especially in the summer sun. “We do not need it,” is a common thought due to our deeper skin tones and natural UV protection. But the misconception to just avoid protectant all together is not beneficial to darker skin tones. Our melanin does not guard against all harmful UV rays. In fact, the sun can cause deep damage to our skin, resulting in premature aging, sun spots and with extreme cases, skin cancer. Natural Protection vs. Sunscreen Black people range from many skin colors and tones so our melanin content and natural UV protection varies. Dr. Michael Roizen, award-winning author and the chief wellness officer at Cleveland Clinic has recorded that people with dark skin have an internal SPF 16 UV protection. 1This allows us to not get sunburn easily. However, this does not mean that we are fully protected from the sun. Melanin’s reaction to increased sun exposure is to produce more melanin; this means getting a tan. As everyone covets a “summer tan,” it is actually a direct sign that your skin is being sun damaged, 2which can lead to wrinkles, sun spots, darkening any hyperpigmentation, increased discoloration, uneven skin tone, skin sagging and other skin problems. Dermatologist recommend that humans use an SPF of at least 30 that has both UVA and UVB protection in it, to decrease these factors. Melanoma Another idea that aids in the “anti-sunscreen” ideology, is the low prevalence of skin cancer in black people. 1 in every 100,000 African-Americans have incidences of melanoma. 2Although we have fewer cases, black patients tend to have the worst survival rates and get the worst cases of cancer. Case Western Reserve University researchers found that black people had the worst prognosis of every stage of melanoma and are more likely to get it at a late-stage compared to every other race. 3This is due to environmental factors and the widespread misconception that black people don’t get skin cancer, which causes many not to see a dermatologist. 1.https://www.sharecare.com/health/sun-care/sunscreen-african-americans https://www.amazon.com/YOU-Beautiful-Owners-Manual-Beauty/ dp/B004Y6MTQO%3FSubscriptionId%3DAKIAJJSQL6K63EKDJWHQ %26tag%3Dsharecare-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025% 26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB004Y6MTQO 2.http://www.consumerreports.org/sunscreens/dark-skin-sunsceenneed/ 3.https://www.thecut.com/2016/08/black-people-have-worst-melanomaskin-cancer-survival-rates.html
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Preserve the Melanin By Aisha Powell
Sunscreen is important for all races, and for black women it could help prevent a lot of skin ailments and preserve our melanin rich skin. Here a few sunscreens to try: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen is one of the most affordable sunscreens on the market and it is non-greasy, which is perfect for your face. Their sunscreen is made with technology to avoid the oily sunscreen look and has a broad spectrum of UV protection. Bolden Skin Care is a black-owned business that was created by two Nigerian sisters who wanted to create a sunscreen specifically for black women that would not leave a white cast on their faces like other sunscreens tend to. This sunscreen will be launching soon and is safe to use all year round. Alba Facial Mineral Sunscreen is from an all-natural brand that makes skincare with only natural ingredients. Mineral sunscreen tends to be better than chemical ones because it doesn’t absorb into your skin, reflects UV rays, doesn’t degrade and is immediately effective. For all over protection, use a sunscreen with at least 30 SPF. If it is not mineral, you need to wait 20-30 minutes after applying (prior to sunlight exposure) for the sunscreen to sink in and start working. After that it should be reapplied every 2 hours that you are in the sun. Don’t forget to use a lip balm with skin protectant as well!
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Jasmin
Savoy Brown Interview by Farheen Nahvi
While the harsh realities of life do not always make it possible for us to pursue and achieve our dreams, there are always those who make it happen. Actress Jasmin Savoy Brown is an excellent example- she turned her passion into a career. Born in Springfield, Oregon, Jasmin harbours a multi-talented persona: she is an actress, a musical performer, a song-writer, as well as a passionate supporter of human rights and equality. Her acting career is diverse; she has played fictional characters, like Evie Murphy on HBO’s "The Leftovers," and an equally excellent job in bringing to life Emilia Bassano, the 16th century poetess, on TNT’s "Will." Jasmin also starred in the S.J. Chiro directed "Lane 1974" as Puma. She has also been credited in Freeform’s "Stitchers," FOX’s "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," ABC Family’s "The Fosters," and NBC’s "Grimm." Jasmin also played a supporting role in the hit movie "Laggies." Jasmin plays the guitar, the piano, and the violin. She supports the charity ‘Peace Over Violence,’ and is a regular contributor to classical KUSC. Jasmin is also vocal in her support for the LGBTQ community. In our exclusive interview with her, Jasmin talks about her passion for acting and music, future prospects, and life in general. > Photographer/Creative Director: Amina Touray @aminatphoto Makeup artist: Niehla O @niehlao Stylist: Brittany Diego @brittanydiego Jasmin's Top: Wow Couture @wowcouture_usa Jasmin's Earrings: Joey Galon @joeygalon
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Dress: @Lotuz @lotuz_jakarta Earrings: H&M @hm
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What was it like being raised in Springfield, Oregon? Being raised in Springfield came with many blessings, and many challenges. Let’s start with the challenges. Oregon is notoriously white, and Springfield is no exception there. Because of Oregon’s general liberal standpoint, (in my opinion) it can be hard for Oregonians to see their history and practice of subtle racism, so it lives on and often in passive aggressive ways. As a mixed child in Oregon, it was therefore frustrating, confusing, and challenging. But now for the blessings…so many! Springfield is beautiful. I grew up just ten minutes away from a river and spent so many hours of my childhood playing in the water, climbing trees, and adventuring outside. Oregon is like a kid’s ultimate playground, with poison oak. How did you develop a love for acting? Some would say I came out of the womb dramatic, but I like to say I came out of the womb an actor. For as long as I can remember, I have loved to entertain people. I used to stop people in the grocery store to sing them a song I just made up, or force my mom to film me doing some new dance routine. I know my mother’s father did plays in high school, my father is a musician, and one of my uncles is a photographer. But aside from them, I know of no one else in my direct bloodline who has pursued, or even taken an interest in a career in the arts, let alone acting. I think I am one of the lucky ones who for some reason was chosen and cursed. You are a player of several instruments including the guitar, piano, and violin. What one thing do you like about each instrument? Name a favorite musical piece you have played on each. The guitar is great because it’s mobile-you can take it camping, to the beach, or the airport, and not worry about it taking up too much space. I’ve written the most songs on the guitar, some of which you will be hearing soon! I love that you don’t have to know how to play the piano to play the piano. It is the ultimate improv instrument. I play Sara Bareilles songs on the piano from her album Love Song. The violin stirs the deepest levels of my soul. It’s magical. A song that stands out to me with the violin is the theme from Pirates of the Caribbean in the high school orchestra. What was it like for you making the big transition from Springfield, Oregon to living in big cities like New York and Los Angeles? Emotionally, there wasn’t much of a transition for me. From a young age, I’ve been quite nomadic and independent, so it wasn't hard for me to leave my family or adjust to a bigger city-I found it exciting! It’s harder to be away from them now. The biggest transition was from being the minority, to not. For the first time in my life, I have more friends of color than white. It is still a weird experience sometimes. Tell us about your first big break into acting and how it made you feel. When I was six or so, I played “girl lying on garage floor with broken arm” and it really rocked my world. I don't remember booking it, but I sure remember shooting it. I felt on top of the world, lying there with my eyes closed, freezing on the rock hard concrete. I felt empowered, cold, and ready to take on the world.
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Top: Wow Couture @wowcouture_usa Skirt: @Lotuz @lotuz_jakarta Earrings: Joey Galon @joeygalon
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How did you land your role as Evie on the HBO series The Leftovers? What was it like working with Regina King as your mom? The Leftovers came to me in May of 2015. At the time I was in the peak of my LA struggle fest-working a graveyard shift at a diner, sleeping on a hardwood floor (I had to throw away my mattress because we had just dealt with a bed bug infestation), auditioning all of the time but never booking the job, and struggling to make ends meet. The audition material for The Leftovers was the first text I read in a long time that made me feel something deeply. I had an intense emotional reaction to it, and knew whether or not I booked it, I was satisfied having just had the opportunity to audition. When I booked it…I collapsed onto my knees in tears. I was so excited to finally have a job of substance, and I was relieved that I could quit my job and actually get a good night’s sleep. Working with Regina started out as an out of body experience and quickly grew into the experience of a lifetime. I was intimidated by her at first because I grew up watching her and had immense respect and love for her. As soon as we started working together, she made it apparent how much she loves acting and how much she loves laughing. The entire Murphy clan-Regina, Kevin Carroll, Jovan Adepo and myself-were continuously laughing our asses off. Very much thanks to Regina. She is a dream to work with; present, giving, always on it, and she is a lovely person to spend time with. Since the show is all over now, tell us, what it was like when you found out the show was ending, and what was your reaction when you received your final script? I was sad the show was ending because I didn’t want to say goodbye to everyone I grew to love, including Evie and all of the characters; but I was happy it was ending when it was ending. I believe the way they went out was with the utmost integrity possible. The show ended strong, in a way that made sense, and left the audience wanting just the right amount of more, and just the right amount of satisfied. I think when some shows stick around for too long, the seasons become dramatic and just too much. The Leftovers never reached that point, and I am happy about that. Reading the final script was a very emotional experience. My partner and I read it in the Australian outback as we were driving back to Melbourne to shoot episode seven. We had been driving across Australia for thirty days, spending most of our time out in nature and having a very spiritual experience. To read that final script, knowing it was all coming to an end, in the middle of that exceptionally beautiful country, was an experience I can’t quite describe. How do you feel about Evie’s evolution on the show up to the end? Were you satisfied with how the show ended? I loved the show’s ending. To tell you the truth, I haven’t seen it yet! I can’t bring myself to watch it, because I’m not ready to completely say goodbye. But I loved the script. Evie’s evolution on the show was a real treat for me. If you think about it, I really got to play four characters-nice Evie, G.R. Evie, Daniah Moabizzi, and other side Evie. How often does an actor at my stage of her career get to do that? I count myself extremely lucky.
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"Anywhere I see injustice, I want to speak up."
Jumpsuit: Wow Couture @wowcouture_usa Belt: ASOS @asos Earrings: Francesca's
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Tell us about your role as Emilia Bassano on the TNT show Will. What was it like being transported into the historical times of William Shakespeare? So much fun! The sets were phenomenal. Many of the sets were built from scratch at a sound stage just outside of Cardiff, Wales. The rest were locations scattered across the country side, often times luxurious castles with rich history. Exploring them was exciting, and sometimes scary! Emilia Bassano was a real person, and bringing her to life was a dream come true because I had her poetry to draw from, and was able to see some of her family’s paintings at a free museum in London. Shooting on location fed my process and made the entire experience one I will never forget. What has acting taught you about yourself? Acting has taught me that I am selfish, a bad listener, and sometimes make things more serious than they need to be. It has also taught me that I have a lot to say, and how important it is to say those things and not remain silent when I believe in something. If you had the chance to play any role, what would it be and why? This answer constantly changes for me. Right now, I would love to play a character in The Handmaid’s Tale. The story the show is telling is so important, and the cast is out-of-this-world phenomenal. We hear you are passionate about supporting classical KUSC and the LGBTQ community. Tell us about that. I started to play the violin in fifth grade because of teachers who were passionate about classical music. Children at our school thought orchestra was cool because the adults in our life made it cool, and that experience has shaped my entire life. Throughout middle and high school, violin gave me a creative outlet during the day, something to focus on and dedicate myself to improving, took me to Disneyland, granted me friendships, and allowed my sense of creativity to grow. Music is proven to help the brain function, and children who play an instrument are proven to test higher and do better in school and in life. Our current president wants to defund the arts. Any way I can contribute to keeping the arts alive, free and available to all, count me in. I am passionate about the LGBTQ community because I am passionate about human rights and equality. It is ludicrous and wrong the ways in which people in the LGBTQ community are still being treated. Love is love. Anywhere I see injustice, I want to speak up, and especially when I happen to be a member of the community that is being treated unjustly. Tell us about the film Lane 1974 and your role in it as Puma. Lane 1974 is a film dear to my heart. Based off of Clane Hayward’s book The Hypocrisy of Disco, and directed by S.J. Chiro, Lane 1974 tells the story of a young girl, Lane, as she is forced to grow up over the course of a summer when her mother abruptly moves her and her siblings off to a commune in Northern California and down the coast. It is heart breaking, real to life, and raw. And it is helmed by a group of top notch bad ass WOMEN! Starring women, written by a woman, directed by a woman, cast by a woman. It is an excellent film. I play Puma, a girl also in a hippie family, who Lane meets during her journey. Puma plays a brief but important role in Lane’s life. What’s next for you? Anything you can share? I am currently working on my first album! I am still in the writing phase, so no word yet on when that will be released. I recently wrapped shooting a guest spot on season three of Love for Netflix. And there are some other exciting things but I can’t speak about them just yet! Jasmin currently lives in Los Angeles; studying acting at Lonsdale Smith Studios, and voice with Bob Garrett.
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Taking Off
Business, Travel, and Success Featuring Ariana Pierce By Farheen Nahvi For those of us who have a passion for travelling but not enough time due to work responsibilities, Ariana Pierce stands as a shining example and inspiration- she travels, for business. Twenty-five year old Ariana Pierce stands at the head of six hugely successful businesses, including the well-known nail polish company, Superstar Nail Lacquer; and Style Shoppe, an online accessories store. Between the responsibilities as CEO of Superstar, running an active fashion blog, a publishing business, and her travels, Ariana doesn’t find one dull moment occupying her.
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Started in her teens, Ariana credits her parents in playing a huge role in her success. “What I love most about my parents is that though they want my brother and me to be a success, they make us put in the work for it. They don’t just hand us money or resources, we have to earn it by putting in the time and hustle it takes to acquire it. This type of tough love has helped me to be go after what I want, and pursue my passions with all my heart.” Having realised her dream of entrepreneurship at age 10, she wasted no time in confiding to her parents, who “began to buy business books and material that was age appropriate.” At age 17, she teamed up with her mother, Stacia Pierce- author, success coach, and entrepreneur- to start a nail polish brand. “Soon after we launched, she was unable to help run the business as her life coaching took off. At that moment, I was left to run the business by myself at the age of 18.” Having to run a business at that age, especially while still being in school, would not have been an easy task. When asked about how she balanced her education and business, Ariana, who studied at Michigan State University, emphasised the importance of both education and entrepreneurship. “I took classes and did homework early in the week, and left weekends open to do my business and travel. That meant that I didn’t have much time for my friends, games or social events, but I knew that if I wanted to be a success at a young age, it would take sacrificing some fun for business.” Ariana offers celebrity-quality product, at prices affordable to the common folk; she realises the economic issues facing the millennial generation, and the limitations that sets upon spending for pleasure. This real time budget is one of the many reasons for her success. Client satisfaction is her priority; the southern charm has taken her a long way in a short amount of time. “Good customer service is something that isn’t very popular anymore, but it should be.”
Travel
In 2015, Ariana released Around the World in Style: The Travel Journal, a fill-ityourself journal for women to pen down their travel goals and memories. The idea comes from Ariana’s belief that, “When
you storyboard and affirm what you want, you draw those desires to you in a big way.” Travel has become a part of her business. She has been on study abroad programs- to Paris, Florence, Rome, Cinque Terre, Belgium, and London-learning the art of international business in real time, having an experience of a lifetime; whether it was attending real business meetings in Paris, visiting the Vespa headquarters in Italy, or creating a mock marketing plan for boosting tourism in London. “It was a life changing experience that prepared me for my future in international business.” She has been travelling overseas in Europe and the UK, meeting with retail outlets and distributors, trying to introduce Superstar Nail Lacquer in international stores. Ariana has future plans to visit Greece, Bali, and the Bahamas, where she has a conference planned for young entrepreneurs-basically living a travel enthusiast’s dream. While we may not find ourselves in the same airplane as Ariana when it comes to travelling, she did have tips for travelling on a budget-planning well in advance for the trips; buying plane tickets, booking hotels and train seats early, and preferably while you’re still in your home country. “Travel becomes more expensive when you procrastinate on buying important things like your airplane tickets.” Better yet, for travelling that is not always plausible, there is always that experience of becoming a tourist in your own city. “Visit a new museum,
“When you storyboard and affirm what you want, you draw those desires to you in a big way.”
go to the zoo, visit the new ice cream shop, go to that new restaurant.” There is always something new and exciting just around the corner.
Social Media and Success
As successful as her businesses are, Ariana acknowledges that social media has played a major role in achieving that. Ariana Pierce TV is an online TV show, where Ariana motivates young people to dream of making it big, and divulges advice on how to achieve it. Ariana’s Stylebook, her fashion blog, is another of her great successes, reaching out to a wide audience of what she calls ‘fashionpreneurs’. Her blog is updated with her latest style statements, written by yours truly. Ariana can be found on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, Pinterest-all of this has helped Ariana to make a name for herself, and further her brand’s influence; and she has a real talent for using social media to her best advantage. She was only too happy to part with advice on how aspiring entrepreneurs like her could make similar use of it. “…first know your purpose and focus for social media. With this, you are able to hone in on the type of posts and content you want on your page.” According to Ariana, social media is where you can show not only what your product is, but also what it can do. It is where you reach out to people with similar interests. “Spend time engaging
on others’ posts in a positive way, and this will open the door for others to connect with you, and even collaborate with you.” In this age of technology, where everyone is connected to each other, and events spread like wildfire, it becomes the duty of people with considerable influence to use their power in a positive way. Ariana recognises this responsibility, and has dedicated her life to being a light of hope to the young generation, in the midst of the plethora of negative events around them, and help them see that they can make it out of any situation with dedication and focus. “My mission is to help inspire and uplift young people today to live their best life through entrepreneurship.”
Towards More
Today, Ariana is an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere. Her blog attracts over 100,000 visitors and subscribers, her beauty brands have been featured in magazines like Glamour, Uptown, InStyle, OK, Twist, and many more. She has published several books for rising entrepreneurs, writing with experience and parting with tested advice. She is also a motivational speaker, a designer, and a business coach. She is working as brand ambassador with several establishments, has gained access to New York Fashion Week, is a Vogue Influencer, and was recently featured in Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James blog as a Woman Who Inspires. She is currently focused on growing her Style & Travel Girl Accessories. Safe to say, Ariana has established a name for herself, and she is here to stay. The future will only hold more for her.
Parting Words
Establishing and managing a successful business is not easy, yet Ariana has been persisting since her teens, delivering not one, but six businesses to be proud of. The key to managing both, her personal life and profession, Ariana says, is the right balance. “I like to plan at least one day a week to just relax and enjoy time with my family and friends. It helps to keep my relationships strong along with having personal peace in my life. My time away from the office is how I stay rejuvenated and creative for future projects.” Having now established a successful business, Ariana helps people like her, young and aspiring, to make it big. Helping people achieve success is her motivation; having gained expertise in this area, she now uses her time and resources to teach others how to do the same. “First, get a vision for your future. What is it that you want to do 5, 10, or 15 years from now? Once you have an idea, create a vision board and paste down words and pictures that describe what you see for your life. What I’ve learned over the years 30
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is that what you focus on the most, you attract and bring into your life. So, focus on a good outcomeand it will happen for you. Second, I would say get a mentor that you can look up to for sound advice. This will help you to avoid major pitfalls that come with trying to be a success. Lastly, get books and material on the industry you want to be a part of. This alone will hold the keys to thriving and going big in your field. The more information you get, the more prepared you are to take on your purpose with passion.”
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The journey to self-discovery: Charrisse Jackson Jordan is picking up the pieces By Jamelia Thompson
Going through a divorce on its own can be very difficult to deal with; however, try dealing with a divorce when it becomes the main attraction of a reality show. Charrisse Jackson Jordan of The Real Housewives of Potomac can attest to this. In season one when viewers were introduced to the RHOP star her life was very chaotic. Today, we meet a very different Charrisse, one that values the significance of “loving herself.” In a conversation with Jackson Jordan she opened up about her divorce and shared some tips about having a successful life after a divorce. How did the opportunity to be a part of RHOP come about? Actually this is the second opportunity after initially being approached to do the show. Several people were referring me to their casting director and it also had a lot to do with the fact that I live in Potomac and my husband is sort of like a public figure. Who are you currently married to and for how long? I am legally married to Eddie Jordan. It will be 20 years on July 12th, but we are in the process of a divorce. In a previous interview with The Daily Dish you mention that filming the first season of RHOP wasn’t the best time to film a reality show because your life was chaotic. What motivated you to continue filming in spite of what was happening to you personally? At any point did you think about leaving the show? Why or why not? The time was not good because I had lost three brothers within a two-year period, so already I was going through stuff when they approached me to do the show. I thought doing the show would put me in a better…happier space so to speak. But then my husband decided that if I chose to do the show, we could possibly get a divorce. I was actually considering doing the show, but when he put it in those words, I kind of looked at the opportunity from a different perspective. 32
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My marriage already had its issues…so it was challenging as it was. It was time to make a decision to do something for myself as opposed to making a decision for somebody else. Once I started filming, I wasn’t in the process of getting a divorce yet, but when I shared with the production team that my husband wasn’t going to be a part of it, and I told them that he actually said we could possibly get a divorce, they just took that and ran with it. So, here I was dealing with the fact that I’m already emotionally not happy because of my siblings and now I had to deal with another death, losing my marriage. When we were filming, that’s all they (the producers) wanted to talk about. It was too much. I didn’t know how I wanted to deal with it and I was being forced to deal with it. As I was filming the first season, I probably had some regret of doing it because I felt like I had no control over my story line. I was dealing with something I didn’t want to deal with at that time. You have our sincerest condolences. How is the Charrisse that viewers saw in season one of RHOP different from the Charrisse that is present today?
Well, the Charrisse in season one was really in a bad place emotionally. I just wasn’t into it. It wasn’t fun for me and I was hoping that the opportunity was going to be a fun experience or at least some of it would be fun. But after viewing season one and seeing myself look like a sad pathetic person, for me, I was like, ‘Oh hell no, we gotta fix that real quick,’ lol. So it really helped me put myself out of that emotional state I was in.
on stupid, and I refuse to waste any more of it. You know, I didn’t come out of this relationship wounded. I mean it’s sad when you’re in a relationship with someone for 25 years and you have to lose that, but at the same time, I’m channeling it throughout the good that came out of the relationship and try to focus on the positive instead of the negative. I look at it as a learning experience for my future.
Can you explain what the Champagne Room is? What was your motivation behind creating this space? Well, The Champagne Room actually came from me wanting to do something exclusively for myself. For 20 or 25 years I have been doing stuff for other people; forget about putting myself last, but not even in the equation at all. Dr. Jeff, my therapist, encouraged me to focus on some things that were selfishly for Charrisse. And so that (Champagne room) was one of the things I thought about. I wanted to take this one room that was in my house and turn it into something similar to a little wine room. But I don’t really drink wine that much, I drink Champagne. So I said ‘okay, it’s all about you. You like champagne, let’s make it a champagne room.’
How is your relationship with Eddie Jordan currently? Is it hard to communicate with each other? Not anymore. Initially it was hard, but ultimately I hope we end up being good friends. We’re coparenting. So it’s mostly just talking about things as it pertains to the children. Our children are 17 and 19 so it doesn’t require me to talk to him a lot.
What is something you have discovered about yourself that you would not have normally noticed if you were still married? I think that for me it was more of a self-thing. I didn’t realize how much I had lost touch with myself. I used to really love myself before (lol), like before my kids, and before my marriage. I never even thought I would get married or have kids. I just wanted to be Charrisse for my entire life and I literally lost myself, like totally. And I don’t regret the fact that I did it because I was totally absorbed in my family, but I did lose hindsight of myself. And I think that, even to this day, if I hadn’t had this opportunity and I was still married to my husband, I wouldn’t have myself back. I’m not totally back but I’m getting there. How has this experience changed or added to your perspective about relationships or commitment? I actually have a good feeling about relationships. This has just changed the way I would go about relationships and I think that it’s actually making it more challenging for me now. I want to start dating but it’s hard for me because I have all these guards up and I have my reservations, but I do know that I’m not gonna waste time with anybody. It’s either put up or shut up, because I don’t have time. I’ve wasted enough time
How has the divorce affected your children? That was my biggest concern, the children, and how they were going to take it. My daughter, she gets it. She doesn’t appear to be affected by what’s going on. My husband had a job where he was traveling a lot so the transition was really easy for them (children) in terms of him not being there. It was more challenging for my son, but now he’s more used to the idea. I think communication is key with everything. When you keep that communication open, you check in, see how they’re feeling, allow them to communicate their feelings and just be honest. It helps make the process a lot easier. What tips can you offer to single women who want to have a successful life after a divorce? Number one for me is loving yourself. You need to love yourself first then everything else is great. Surrounding yourself with positive people, people who are smarter than you, people who are doing great things and people who are actually going to be honest with you to tell you the good things about you and the bad things. And you have to be open to all of it, whether it’s good or bad, and understand how to dust yourself off, pick it up and move it on. In addition to being a mother, over the years you’ve played an integral role in donating to charities and various social causes. Why is it important for you to continue this? What do you enjoy most about it? I have been doing charitable work my entire life. Being put in this position of being married to someone who had to move from time to time and not really having the opportunity to focus on my career, I took community service and charitable work as a career for me. Even though I wasn’t making money off of it, to me I like the feeling of workBRONZEMAGONLINE.COM
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ing and feeling like I was making a difference. It became really rewarding because you would do things and you could see the impact that it had on the lives of other people. That inspired me to continue doing it up until this day. In your opinion, how has your active participation in doing charitable work contributed to making change within various communities? I’m working now with this organization called DASH, which is an organization for domestic violence. You work with people who are recipients of these things and you raise money to help facilities provide opportunities for people who need it. You actually see the food of your labor when you can write a check, look at a building being built or renovations being done, people moving into homes, educational opportunities being open to children who would have never had the opportunity. That’s how I see the work I’ve done and appreciate myself for what I’m doing. In your opinion what does it mean to be a woman in society? I think that it’s how society sees you as a woman, and for me it’s about making a difference in the lives of other people, leaving a legacy. Leaving a legacy is very important. I always often think, what are people going to say about me at my funeral? lol... I want my obituary to be a book, where I left a legacy of great things that I’ve done. As a woman I would like to be a role model for young girls who are coming up, and for them to understand what it means to be respected by other people, all people; in all capacities, whether it’s in the work place or in the communities they live. How do you think you are challenging the norms of a woman in this society? I’ll use the show for example. For me, it’s important to be a genuine person. To be true to the experiences that I’m going through. I’m able to get through these obstacles in a way that’s positive and empowering. [End]
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It All Starts with Our Language
We understand our language of origin because it is what we were taught as a form of communication. We use language as a tool to externally express thoughts, instructions, and concepts. The external use of the tool helps others to move forward, stop, course-correct and feel feelings. But the same is true for ourselves. Language, the tool, can be and is used internally. It creates the same results. My self-study of Jnana yoga revealed that language is used to communicate internally on three levels. To make this simpler, I’ll refer to the three levels as three internal entities: Me, Myself and I or the Ego, the Soul and the Spirit.
The Me that Blocks
The Me correlates with the Ego. Me is primarily concerned with selfpreservation. Me lets you know when it’s time to slam the breaks on your car when avoiding an accident, or to stay away from foods to which you’re allergic. The Me makes sure you remain safe using language like, “Don’t eat that,” or “Don’t drive down that one-way street.” It is your friend and can keep you safe. But sometimes the Me can overdo it and keeps you from expressing in the world as you were born to do. For instance, as you attempt to pursue a passion, out of protecting you from the unknown, the Me will say things like, “You can’t do that,” or “Suppose it doesn’t work,” and the list goes on. This is all in the name of self-preservation. Yet, there is another entity that you hear in your head working to clear away the unnecessary don’ts, shouldn’ts, can’ts and won’ts. It is the Myself.
As I awakened, out of nowhere it hit me: “It’s just me, myself and I.” These were the lyrics of a song from my teenage years by the group De La Soul. It was the answer to a question that came to mind as I fell asleep studying Jnana yoga. In the yogic tradition, Jnana yoga is one of four paths to self-realization. It’s the path of knowledge where the seeker realizes the Ultimate Source — God — through a journey of the intellect. The seeker asks questions such as “Who am I,” “Who is answering who am I?” and “Who is hearing the answer?” As I dozed off the night before, I felt the answer had something to do with the ego and the soul, but it was still unclear. Then, I awakened to the answer. Me, Myself, and I.
The Myself that Guides
Myself, in my understanding, is synonymous with the Soul. This entity also uses language as an instrument to communicate internally. It too uses language to protect you, but more so to help you along your path, rather than block you from pursuing your passion and purpose. It says things like “You can do it,” “You were born for this,” and “Trust and have faith that it will all work out.” I believe this is why you can hear two voices in your head: (1) the voice that tries to protect you with fear — the Ego; and (2) the voice that tries to protect you with love and encouragement — the Soul. The more you allow the Soul to be your guide, the more the Ego lets go and surrenders.The Soul’s job is to make way (quiet the Ego) for Spirit to work through you.
The I that Leads
This brings us to the I, which is Spirit. The Spirit is Ultimate Source, is pure consciousness, is I, is I AM and simply is. The Spirit uses a universal language that is comprehensible only to the Soul. (I believe this is what’s meant in the Romans 8:26 of the Bible where it says, 1“But the Spirit intercedes along with our groans that cannot be expressed in words.” The Soul uses the tool of your language of origin to translate the Spirit’s groans and provides the guidance you require to walk in your purpose. You tend to hear these translations in moments of clarity or when you have a bright idea — the answer to a long-standing question — that seemingly comes out of nowhere. You know, those answers that come in the bathroom, or when you first wake up in the morning. The Soul is the voice of guidance, but the guidance comes from the one that leads when allowed — the Spirit.
The Relationship that Matters
The Soul translates the utterances of the Spirit to help guide you through your lessons to learn and purposes to serve while you are experiencing your life on earth. But the Soul needs to get through without obstructions from the Ego telling you what you can’t do or are not capable of doing. The Ego — the voice of the can’ts — obstructs you, creates mental anguish, and disrupts the flow of living your purpose. The mental anguish contributes to dis-ease in your body such as chronic stress, inflammation, metabolic syndrome, and a host of other ailments over time. This is why quieting the mind is so important — so you can hear the Spirit through your Soul for the sake of fully living your best with
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Understanding the Language of Your Soul and Its Purpose: A Clear Approach to Trusting Your Inner Voice by Sheron Brown
wellness and purpose. The negative thoughts of the Ego interfere with your wellness, and when your well-being suffers, so does your purpose. The relationship between your well-being and your purpose is described as an interdependent one in The Wellness-Purpose Connection™. As the protective, but fear-based Me attempts to lead without allowing for the Soul or Spirit to express its language, your wellness becomes compromised. But there are steps you can take to elevate your well-being so you can live and work with joy and vitality. When you choose to consciously quiet the voice of the Me, the guidance of the Soul can be expressed through you because of the leading of the Spirit. Be still so you can hear the voice of guidance. That voice will not lead you astray. [1] God's Word Translation. (1995). Baker Publishing Group. Sheron Brown, Ph.D. is the owner of Sweet Eden by Sheron, a wellness education company. She is also the author of The Wellness-Purpose Connection™: The Ultimate Guide for Maximizing Your Life Experience. Sheron helps people relieve stress and related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, anxiety, obesity and cardiovascular disease through individual and group coaching, courses and seminars. As a yoga instructor and certified health coach, she also teaches mindful practices that helps you improve your physical, mental, and emotional well-being so you can live and work with increased joy and purpose. Connect with her online on Facebook and Twitter @sheronbrownphd or Instagram @iamagirlfrombrooklyn. You can also email Sheron for help with your organization’s or individual wellness goals at info@sweetedenbysheron.com.
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celebrating women of color
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