Women in Business

table of contents

12 4

17

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5 Ways to Fire Your Hairstylist

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How to handle your stylist with respect and tact.

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How to handle your stylist with respect and tact.

Dear Coffee

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Have a Question, Comment or concern, talk it out with Dear Coffee

Hunk of the Month

God’s Purpose Shall Prevail Plan to fulfill the purpose of why we were created.

Diamond Diva’s own Hunk

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Who What Wear Women’s Fashion in the Workplace

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From a Male’s Perspective

The Mask I Wear Stop hiding the you that God made

subscribe to our magazine online, visit us at www.diamonddivamag.com Diamond Diva Magazine August 2011

Publisher’s Corner Hello Divas!!

Being a woman and trying to make it in what is known as, “A Man's World”, I had to take this month out and celebrate the driving power behind this man made world, “WOMEN”. For too long now it has been said that a woman's place is in the home taking care of the house, the children, and the man. Who had that bright idea? Who was it that thought we as women could not do all of that and still maintain a business that belongs to us?

When deciding what to cover for our August edition, it was a no brainer that celebrating “Women in Business” was a must have. We have spoken on women in love, women on their grind, and we even took out time to celebrate our men.

Now it is time to celebrate us. After all, our mission is all about 'Empowering the Essences of a Woman'.

As you begin to read you will be as amazed as I have been to see that there are so many women in business and still maintaining that happy home and life style. Although we have only scratched the surface in introducing these few women to you, I'm very proud to know the ones that made it into this issue. These women are fierce and not afraid to go after what it will take to make them successful.

Don't only read about them, but support them.

Learn to celebrate what you have right here in your back door.

Editor in Chief Renee’ Smith Managing Editor Christina Mial Copy Editor Drucilla Dunn Writers Joy Brown Schelle Holloway Chanel Hunter Seven Johnson Andrea Porter Katrina Spencer Photographer Jackie Smith Layout Amber Creative Alegna Media Designs Renee’ Smith Diamond Diva Magazine is published monthly. Any reproduction of any part of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Diamond Diva Magazine does not accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication should be submitted to the editor by email at info@diamonddivamag.com

Renee' Renee@diamonddivamag.com

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Diamond Diva

5

Ways to Fire Your Hairstylist By: Katrina Spencer 1.

Tell Your Stylist Immediately When You Don't Like Something Now I'm not saying you have to picky about every little thing, I mean they're stylists not miracle workers. But if you know that your hair doesn't resemble the picture you brought in, tell them.

2. Give Them A Chance To Correct the Problem It wouldn't be fair for you to tell your stylist that your hair is ugly and not give them ample chance to fix it. Maybe there was a lack of communication, or your stylist misunderstood what you wanted. Whatever it was, give her a chance to fix it.

3. Three Strikes and Your Out Was this the first time your stylist messed up your hair? If it was, then chalk it up to her having a bad day. But if this is a regular problem then it's time to fire her.

We've all been there. Your hairstylist has just finished your hair, she spins you around to look at yourself in the mirror and you're horrified to see the creation on your head.

“It looks great doesn't it?” she says, spraying your already cement-hard locks with hairspray.

“It's…Well, it's something,” you say. You don't have the heart to tell her that this isn't what you asked for.

So you bite your tongue and pay, all the while wondering if you have a hat in your car you can use to hide your hair until you run to the beauty supply to do it all over again.

The worst part of it all, is when she asks if you want to make an appointment for next week, and you nod your head yes.

As a retired hairstylist myself, I can tell when my clients are not happy. But I also know that I can't please everybody. But I hated when a client of mine led me to believe that they were happy with their services and you see them out and about wearing a hairstyle you know you didn't give them. And I especially hated when they would run and hide, scared for me to see their new hairstyle.

4. Give Her a Phone Call No one likes to be embarrassed. So going off on your stylist in front of the whole salon won't solve the problem in fact it will only make it worse. So calmly give your stylist a call and let them know why you have to find a new stylist. Explain that it has nothing to do with them personally, but that you need to find someone who is on the same page as you. Whatever you do, stay calm, yet firm. Don't give her a chance to suck you back in. When it's over, it's over.

5. Don't Go to Another Stylist In the Same Salon This is a big no-no. If you have always admired the work of another stylist that works in the same salon, you can't switch over to her. It's like dating one of your friend's ex-boyfriendsyou don't do it. Plus, do you really feel like seeing your former stylist all the time? Save yourself some dignity and find another salon to frequent. We all know there are plenty of them.

So next time you leave the salon looking like Buckwheat, remember that you can fire your stylist. It's how you do it, that's important.

So ladies, if you don't feel like you and your stylist are on the same wavelength then you have the right to fire them. And here's how:

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F O U N D A T I O N

Chisa - Lady Bizness

N A M O W S S E N I BUS

Greetings and Salutations, I am Chisa Pennix-Brown, MBA, founder and CEO of Lady Bizness, Inc. The company was incorporated in March of 2010 as an effort to aid women owned businesses. The motto is Women Helping Women; this is achieved through the events and instructional series. Our anthem is Show Up & Show Out; this is achieved through our Mobile Boutique & Shopping Parties we sponsor.

Check out www.LadyBizness.Issuu.com if you're interested in booking the Lady Bizness Mobile Boutique.

I am also a Social Media Conceirge.I sponsor business development classes such as, Advertising on a Budget, and will teach Social Media How to Classes.

I maintain the website www.LadyBizness.com providing a marketing platform for members, organizations, and events.

Lady Bizness sponsors several small businesses through the website. In addition, I facilitate several Face book groups; including Bizness Ladiez and contribute on Women of Color Making Changes, and writes for her blog at.

Contact Chisa D PennixBrown, MBA at 336-324-0849, email at LadyBiznessOnline@yahoo.co m or find me on facebook.

Dear Coffee

Join Dear Coffee as she spills the tea on relationships, love, lust and the things you want to say but just can’t!

Have a question, comment or concern you want her to speak on, email:info@diamonddivamag.com

Dear Coffee, I've recently become a fan of your advice column and maybe since you have so much to say, you can help me with this one. I'm a 25 year old black male and I love women aged to perfection. That's right, 30 plus is my target.

But some how, I've let a young lady that is my age, sneak in and man she is something else. She was raised by her grandmother she says and I don't know if that is what is keeping her in good standing with me or not. But her conversation is great, her sex-oh my goodness; it's great. She cooks, cleans, and is very intelligent. I am currently dating a woman who is 37 and has all of those exact same qualities but she doesn't want any kids. I'm looking to be a father one day. Now don't get me wrong, I have feelings for my cougar but should I let her down easy and take a chance with my new young love so that I can have the future as a father that I long for or just perhaps think about adoption and ride it out with my 37 year old diva?

Signed Best of Both Worlds

Dear Best of Both Worlds, I almost called you a greedy b*stard until you said you wanted to make a decision because you wanted to prepare for a future as a father. Children are such a blessing, especially when they are “wanted�. Your desire to be a father shows you are going to fill this child's life with joy, happiness, financial support as well as lots of love.

Now, your next big thing is to make sure your new young lady even wants to have kids. Make sure you both are on the same page. Next, that cougar you are holding on to trust me brother you are not the only prey she's pouncing on! Those women need variety in their lives and your little young HOT self is only a portion of her day.

She'll eventually come out of that stage in her life and find someone to settle down with and it won't be a young tender man like you, it will be a man with a retirement fund!

Holla at ya girl, Coffee

Photo by: Photographs by Jackie

Business Woman - Tamara Mangum-Thomas Tamara Mangum-Thomas has over 13 years of professional human resource and personnel management experience and has staffed for companies such as AT&T Solutions, McGraw Hill, JP Morgan Chase, MNS, INA, and Citicorp. Tamara has also staffed for several New York State and City agencies to include: the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Law, the Office of General Services, School of Construction Authority, the Office of Court Administration and the Department of Human Rights.

Staffing in these environments, Tamara has placed and managed hundreds of administrative and professional temporary and permanent employees, consultants and contractors in various industry spaces; has implemented policies and procedures; and has exhibited vast supervisory and onsite management experience. In addition, Tamara has designed and implemented several employee development programs (customer service workshops, retention and cost reduction incentive programs, and career enhancement and skill alignment programs) for contingent workforces for agencies and organizations in both the private and public sector.

Tamara is owner and president of Sharpened Image, Inc. (S.I., Inc.) a NJ State licensed and certified Woman, Minority and Small Business Enterprise (W/M/SBE). S.I., Inc. is a full service Human Resource Management firm offering strategic change initiatives (operational approaches, work analyses, performance appraisals, and performance pay systems and traditional staffing services - temporary, temp-to-perm and permanent placements, as well as pay rolling, and vendor management services) to enhance workplace and workforce productivity for private and public sector organizations.

Tamara is a member of several national academic and professional organizations to include: the National Academic Honors Society, the National Association of Women Business Owners, the NJ Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce, and the NY/NJ Minority Supplier Development Council. In addition, Tamara is an active participant for the fight against juvenile diabetes and leukemia.

She is a Corporate Chair for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and is a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in the City of Newark, NJ. Tamara is also the President of the Triangle Chapter of National Coalition of 100 Black Women and a board member of the Greater Newark Enterprises Corporation. In addition, Tamara is a graduate of the Prudential's Young Entrepreneur Program, a recipient of the Newark Most Promising Entrepreneur Award and a Make Mine A $Million Business Awardee. Her achievements have been featured in Forbes Magazine, the Star Ledger, Success Magazine,

Diamond Diva

and InBiz Magazine.

More recently, Tamara and her growing organization was awarded among the Top 100 Women Owned Businesses in NJ and Top Emerging Small Businesses in the U S b y diversitybusiness.com, as well as Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies in NJ. While her chosen career path has b e e n H u m a n R e s o u r c e Management, Tamara has B.S. from North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC (Criminal Justice) and an M.A. (Criminal Justice) from Rutgers University (Newark, NJ). She also has a certificate in Private Investigations and has experience performing intermediate and advanced employee background investigations and reference checks. Currently, Tamara is a Ph. D Candidate at Walden University where her concentration is Applied Management and Decision Sciences-Leadership and Organizational Change.

New Jersey Location 744 Broad St. Suite 525 Newark, NJ 07102

North Carolina Location 211-210A Six Forks Rd. Raleigh, NC 27609

(0) 973-733-9425 (F) 973-733-9426 919-833-5591

(0) 919-833-5590 (F)

For more information about Sharpened Image, Inc. and the host of human resource management solutions provided, please visit our website at www.sharpenedimage.com

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THE MASK I WEAR Who am I? I asked myself, God, and the mirror hanging on my wall.

I am a single mother, nurturing, patient, loving and kind.

Tiredness caresses my eyes, from working two jobs just to get by.

Still I smile, when all I want to do is cry.

I am a wife, submissive, sweet, docile and broken down. I am a yes woman.

Whatever you say baby, dinner will be on the table soon.

All the while inside, I'm depressed, feeling oppressed, ninety percent drenched in grieve like the stench of rotten meat.

Still I smile and go on being this man's wife.

I am a daughter not a perfect one by any means.

Emancipated or is it Fabricated?

I look for validation from a parent who could care less about my woes and blues.

Still I smile, the perfect daughter, no time to cry.

I am a friend who is afraid to open up and let you in, afraid my secrets told to you will meet me in the streets. Therefore, when you're around I say nothing and skirt around the topic when I'm the object of discussion.

I am me today. Today, I peel off the many masks I wear.

Today I am free, free to live my life the way God designed it to be.

Today I take back my power and walk in my destiny.

Andrea' Porter Author/Publisher/Motivational Speaker

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From a Males Perspective Ok Ladies, we all have tried to figure out, "What was HE Thinking".Well, now here's your chance to find out. Have a burning question, that needs a male’s touch, or you just want to know why men do what they do, then get it from A Males Perspective. Send all questions, comments and even your concerns to info@diamonddivamag.com, subject “Male’s Perspective” and let's find out what indeed he was really thinking.

Why is your future where you see your present? Most times we can't see happiness because we refuse to let go of disappointment while MAKING EXCUSES. You know they're NOT THE ONE FOR YOU, but you try hard as hell to BE THE ONE FOR THEM. You know this isn't going anywhere, but you're still CREATING EXCUSES. You would SIT IN A BURNING HOUSE and say that YOU NEED THE HEAT BECAUSE IT'S TOO COLD OUTSIDE. Then look your friends in the face and say: "YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND".

You TELL FRIENDS WHY HE'S NO GOOD, but TELL YOURSELF THAT YOU'RE NO BETTER. You're convinced that if you can't have the person who's hurting you: YOU DON'T WANT A MAN. You lay in hurt, stand in defense, but sit in defeat. This relationship GOING IN CIRCLES, but it's also on a STRAIGHT PATH TO BREAKUP. You SEE WHAT'S WRONG, but refuse to LOOK AT A WAY OUT. You lie for months, but in your heart of hearts... You know that you HAVE TO BREAKUP. It's funny how you can catch a person cheating and they make it seem as if IT'S YOUR FAULT for LOOKING IN THEIR PHONE. They were wrong, but you become the OPPOSITION. You were once the WIN they sought to have. You were once ABOVE ALL ELSE. You were once the ONLY ONE...

How did you get back into a COMPETITION? How did what was once a MARATHON all of a sudden become a TREADMILL? You say it's over, but it's impossible to WALK AWAY while STANDING STILL. "Girl I want to work on our relationship"... "I'm not letting her win"... "I'm the one with the ring"... All of this to encourage yourself.... It's fake, but you're SAYING IT'S REAL. Now love has become a 9-5. His emotion is not in it, because his heart is waiting elsewhere. You have his physical, but HIS MIND IS SOMEWHERE ELSE. One day you'll wake up and see that you DON'T HAVE TO PUT UP with the person who PUTS YOU DOWN. He's making love now: But THIS TIME YOU'RE SOMEWHERE ELSE. This time you don't feel that bond. This time you don't feel that spark: You know that it's over. So when the truth finally SPEAKS don't let this man talk OVER IT. Your heart MOVED AWAY FROM THIS RELATIONSHIP A LONG TIME AGO... So all of this LOVE YOU HAVE TO GIVE should have been FORWARDED. The EASIEST THING TO DO IS LEAVE. But the HARDEST THING TO DO IS REALIZE THAT IT HAS TO BE DONE. When you're SITTING IN A MOMENT, don't stay to BUILD A MONUMENT. Don't WAIT TO SEE IF IT'LL GET BETTER... LOOK AT WHAT YOU SEE and know that YOU CAN DO BETTER. If not: You'll soon be wondering where the TIME HAD WENT. You don't FIX A RELATIONSHIP ALONE. You don't REPAIR what they feel isn't BROKEN. You can't force yourself to love a part of your past that doesn't CARE ANYMORE.

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You already know what you HAVE TO DO, even if it's HARD TO DO. Why wait for it to never get better? Your heart shouldn't have stay... If your love isn't THERE ANYMORE. *SEVEN SECOND THOUGHT...

We have so many relationships, but so few relationships. Most of you are only in it because you refuse to lose because of it. You don't want to start over again. Yet... You're back to feeling like you two just met, but they don't want to know you. You don't want to leave, but they left you a long time ago. You don't like lies, but you love a liar. There's nothing loving about being a single person while being a couple. Why does this person do this?

Because you refuse to do you. All men aren't dogs until you train them how to be one. You do so by allowing them to cheat and turning a blind eye to it. So stop saying he's/she's cheating when you know about it. Cheating is done when no one knows but the two parties involved. When you find out... It's no longer cheating... It's "Making you look like an asshole". And we don't hang in there because we LOVE that person. We hang in there because we're trying to find out WHY IN THE HELL THAT PERSON ISN'T LOVING US. We feel we are so good that we don't understand why they can't see what they have. But they do. They know what they have... THEY HAVE A PERSON WHO REFUSES TO LET OTHERS SEE THAT THEY CAN BE HURT. They know they have a person who won't let FAMILY and FRIENDS know their business because they will look stupid. You won't look stupid, you will look like a person who won't take the bullshit off another person. LOVE OR NOT... KIDS OR NOT... BILLS PAYED OR NOT. We've become so PRIDEFUL, that we're PITIFUL. So stop looking for answers from others when in actuality you want them to understand why you allow yourself to look stupid. You want CONFIRMATION IN CONFLICT. The statement that starts with: "THE ONLY REASON I'M HERE IS......." is really TRANSLATED to mean "THE ONLY REASON I'M LOOKING STUPID IS.........". So STOP BEING A REASON and START BEING A RESULT. You have no excuse to be where you find no comfort. If you do... It has nothing to do with them... It has everything to do with you. And if you think that YOU CHEATING because THEY CHEAT is the SOLUTION: You've become what you wanted to become. Not what they forced you to become. A person of morals and worth will see a person hurt them... Learn from it and move on. A weak individual who sees no worth will see the same thing... Make an excuse, refuse the lesson and claim THEY'RE STILL STANDING. Don't ever become what you despise to be with a person you find despicable. When you see where you WENT WRONG... You STEER YOURSELF to where IT CAN GET RIGHT. LOVE DOESN'T HANDCUFF YOU BECAUSE THEY DID SOMETHING WRONG: It HOLDS ON TO YOU, BECAUSE YOU DID EVERYTHING RIGHT... SEVEN J

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Business Woman Alicia Cuthbertson Self proclaimed Queen Of The Side Hustle and founder of Adorn Jewelry & Accessories, Alicia Cuthbertson is a mother first to a male tween who she describes as her “sun.” Employed full time at a Fortune 500 company she uses her nights and any available time to work on building her Personal and Adorn Jewelry & Accessories brand. Jewelry design started as a hobby and quickly grew into a Business with constant request from coworkers and friends asking for custom pieces. Adorn Jewelry & Accessories has evolved into a mobile boutique and consulting business with frequent request from customers on how to style their many outfits. Incorporating “Styled By Adorn” under the Adorn Jewelry & Accessories umbrella has affixed the business into a one stop accessory shop for existing and new cliental. Her dream for Adorn is to build it into a nationally recognized e-commerce store.

A lover of all things social media Ms. Cuthbertson has recently started the social media management firm ALC Media. Being thrust into social media over the past five years has given her the edge it takes to bring small brands to the new world of marketing that is social media. ALC Media provides outsourced social media management for Small business and Individuals.

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June 2011

Diamond Diva

WHO WHAT WEAR

Women in the Workplace By. Nanyamka Chanel Hunter

Tips !

Staple colors such as greys, blacks, camels, taupes, white, and other neutrals are great for work.

!

To add flair to your work apparel pieces add elegant yet low key jewelry or accessories to put a shine on your outfit.

!

Please reminder to not wear anything too tight or too short to work. Depending on your profession.

Know what the work environment requires you to wear and doll it up a little bit.

!

Dress for work as if you are the boss, even if you are not, it will get notice and goes a long way.

Along with your glamour outfit for work, wear your confidence as well

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God’s Purpose Shall Prevail By: Joy R. Brown

“You can make plans, but the Lord’s purpose shall prevail” Proverbs 19:21 (NLT)

hope.” I am convinced that God has already prepared the map for our lives. It's up to us to use the Spiritual Navigating System to reach our divine purpose in Him. Our plans are limited but the purpose of God has no limits. When we acknowledge Him in all our ways, He will direct our paths. Many times our plans may lead to destruction with regrets and disappointments as a testimony. Sometimes our plans may cause us to compromise our values and standards. If we will seek after God for the true purpose He intended for us when He created us, our lives we have much more fulfillment.

I encourage you today to evaluate the plans for your life.

After you have evaluated them, find out where God is in the midst. In spite of what we desire to do, God has a greater purpose in mind. God's thoughts and ways are greater than ours. Allow God to perform a 320 in your life.

According to Ephesians 3:20 (NLT), “Now glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.”

I believe it would be a safe assumption to say that most of us plan to succeed in life. We plan to fulfill the purpose of why we were created. Somehow, unfortunately, we have taken the wrong turns in life that have either detoured or delayed the fulfillment of the intended reason of why we were created. However, today, I want to encourage each of you, as I have encouraged myself through the Word of God. Proverbs 19:21, as it is written in the New Living Translation, “You can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose shall prevail.” When I read this one morning, my outlook on fulfilling my purpose was awakened. I have made many plans or goals for my life, but somehow it was such a fight or struggle to see them come to pass. I suddenly realized that those were my plans but not the purpose of God for my life. My plans were to excel in corporate America but God's purpose was for me to use life's experiences to minister to others.

Dare to exchange your plans for God's purpose for your life.

Many times we do not understand why our lives take so many unexpected turns. I've learned over the years, that the unexpected events that have occurred in my life were leading me directly to the purpose of God for my life. According to Jeremiah 29:11, it says, “For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a

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BUSINESS WOMAN Monique Hutcheson Monique Hutcheson is the owner and lead planner at Sparkling Affairs by Monique, llc, weddings and special events consulting and designing firm in Raleigh, NC. She is a motivated, personable business professional with a successful five-year track record of profitable small business ownership. She attributes her success to her putting god first, her family and then her passion (event planning).

Monique is a Certified International Event and Wedding Planning Professional (IEWP), a member of the Association for Wedding Professionals International (AFWPI), as well as a Sandals Certified Travel Agent. Additionally, she holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in Organizational Management and a Master's of Science degree in Organizational Change and Leadership/MSL. Her passion coupled with her training and industry experience makes her the perfect one stop planning professional.

To fulfill her desire, to serve, as well as give back, she extends her services free of charge to deserving individuals on continuing basis. Furthermore, she avails herself to community organizations such as United Way and Habitat for humanity.

She is a loving wife and mother with a passion for planning fabulous events!!!

Monique comes from a long family lineage of caterers, wedding and event planners, bakers and designers, literally she has been working in the industry in one aspect or another, since the tender age of 8. Creatively, Monique enjoys interior designing, coordinating weddings and special events, cooking, entertaining family and friends and challenging herself.

Her goal is to provide a personal one on one service, tailored to take the stress out of planning any wedding or special event!

Her mission is to assist her clients in creating the wedding or special event of their dreams without breaking the bank!!!

"She believes that fabulous can be achieved on any budget" So Relax and Leave the DETAILS to Her!

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Business Woman - Kishni Holley Kishni Holley is the manager and owner for Small Styles children's clothing store located on Capital Blvd in Raleigh, NC. Small Styles is a unique brand name kid's urban clothing store with a fashion appeal for children of all demographics. Located in one of the more active business sectors in the city, Small Styles has introduced the most popular urban wear collections to children of all ages.

Originally rooted in Savannah, GA., Kishni and her family created, practiced, and perfected their craft of locally owned retail clothing stores to a high degree of success for over 20 years and 10 different retail establishments. At a very young age Kishni developed a love for fashion and the design industry. As a young girl she always dreamt of having her own boutique for kids, and with the business ties to the industry flowing through her blood she would be able to achieve this goal sooner rather than later.

After a period of time progressed, her mom and dad decided to move to Raleigh, NC and charter new territory in the business world. During their tenure in Raleigh, her parents have owned numerous businesses (i.e. Kishni's Boutique, Funky Rags) over the years. Kishni decided to begin her career in the corporate arena.

Kishni worked as a manager for D.E.M.O located in a local mall in Raleigh, NC. She took this time to gather tactics and principles of managing a retail outlet on a corporate level. She vividly remembers doing shipment and pulling merchandise out boxes saying, “I got to have it”. “It” was not even supposed to be out on the sales floor yet and she would have to purchase and wear “It” that work shift. After spending a couple years working at D.E.M.O by day accompanied with many late nights in her parent's stores, and attending global fashion shows as a legitimate buyer, Kishni's knowledge base for successfully operating/managing a clothing business continued to grow and flourish at a very rapid rate. She thrived at all business events and shows; networking and establishing relationships with the industries elite and most influential fashion moguls (i.e. P.Diddy, Jay Z, and Kimora Lee Simmons). With her teachings in hand she planned her launch to the central stage, reflecting on a motto she heard over and over again “You know it's not about what you say but what you wear.”

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In 2004 at the very young age of 24 Kishni launched her childhood dream opening Small Styles, with a focus on saturating the untouched children's market of urban hip-hop clothing. She always knew that she could introduce kids to a whole new flavor of clothing consisting of all the high fashion urban lines, like Rocawear , Coogi and Baby Phat. It was a huge success and took off like a rocket. After only being opened for 2 years the Small Styles brand expanded, launching a remote store in another section of the city. It's been 7 years since and the flagship store in Raleigh, NC is still open and going strong.

Over the years Small Styles has continued to be an innovative voice in the community sponsoring multiple events such as fashion shows, back to school drives, and donating clothes/shoes to non-for profit organizations such as "Shoes for Souls". Kishni has enjoyed the blessed journey and has created memories that will never be lost or forgotten from this business venture.

With the foundation built she is planning on moving onward and upward. Kishni has decided that 7 is a lucky number and she is ready to move on to a new chapter in her life.

It's time to pass the torch to someone else; Kishni is motivated to sell the business to an interested p a r t y o r organization looking to live a dream. That's right and you heard here first…. Any interested parties feel free to contact Kishni direct at 919.872.1111 or hit her up on Small Style's FaceBook. As always she sends her best…. PEACE AND LOVE!!!

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Business Woman Theresa Walker

Business Woman Michelle Ifill Michelle Ifill is the owner and founder of, Selections Entertainment which was founded in 2009. She caters and service the areas of event planning, wedding coordination, catering, and advertising. We are not the ordinary company. We are the extraordinary company that creates “step out the box “events, and we cater and value our customers needs. We are also known as a one stop shop, we do it all! Whether you need catering services, a photographer, décor services, coordination services, advertising, or putting together a birthday party, we are here for you!

Some of our signature events and programs include:

 Annual “Desire Dessert” Dessert Tasting  Annual Praises Go Up & Blessings Come Down Gospel Fest  Open Heart Giving Program(Helping families in need)  Great Minds Think Alike Blog Radio(weekly show)  “A Taste For You” Wine Tastings Theresa Walker is a licensed Cosmetologist, Cosmetology Instructor, Makeup Artist and aspiring model. She is the owner of “beautiful images” “Eyelash & Makeup Studio”. She specializes in beauty enhancement.

Selections Entertainment also provides consultation to business owners assisting with improving their business.

Selections Entertainment also created Open Heart Giving , helping communities and families in need.

Theresa focuses on bringing out the inner beauty that the natural eye cannot see. Her eyes are trained for what looks good on her clients! She consults everything from makeup and hair color to texture, whether it be makeup, lashes, a hair cut or a hair weave.

Contact Information: Web: www.selectionsent.com Email: mi@selectionsent.com Phone: 919 345 7718 Blog: www.selectionsent.blogspot.com

She offers eyelash and makeup application training classes to current and future licensed professionals in her industry as well as the everyday woman. Theresa has extended her makeup services to fashion shows, photoshoots, first ladies', brides, models, award winning hair stylists, and well-known photographers.

To know more about “beautiful images” “Eyelash & Makeup Studio” go to www.beautifulimagesboutique.com.

Booking and Contact info: Theresa Walker (919)395-7059 twalker@beautifulimagesboutique.com Beautifulimages1@gmail.com

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Business Woman Tasha Williams As Founder and CEO, Tasha Williams brings years of creative, marketing, and entrepreneurial experience to My Eye for Designs, Inc. Ms. Williams is no stranger to the world of entrepreneurship as she was the co-owner and head designer of her family's Florist.

T h e r e s h e brought a lot of unique designs and ideas to the company's clients.

When they decided to close the doors in 2009, Tasha didn't stop using her creativity. She decided to go back to school to pursue a degree as a graphic designer. After completing the vast majority of her course load in 2011, she took the advice of one of her classmates, who is now her business partner, and started writing the vision for My Eye for Designs, Inc. Tasha saw a need for good quality design work that would not burn a whole in the pockets of small business owners who are trying to keep their heads above water and generate new business at the same time. She felt the need to take the talents that they have been blessed with and use them to bless others by offering them quality advertising and graphic designs for an affordable price.

The company official got up and off the ground in January of this year. By April the company had to hire a part time graphic designer just to keep up with the growing demands. As of today, My Eye for Designs, Inc. has acquired a client base of almost 30 clients and is steady growing.

Designs consist of invitations, announcements, business card, logo, website, brochure, presentation packages, letter head, and envelopes, just to name a few. The company is conveniently located at 3716 Junction Road, Raleigh, NC 27603. Feel free to contact us at any time at 919.830.0676 or via e-mail at info@myeyefordesigns.com

Business Woman Shameka Williams

In August 2010, Ky Mone` Fragrances LLC. was developed and we provided designer inspired perfume oils. Ky Mone` has grown and owner Shameka Williams, saw a broader and bigger picture and decided to expand her business. Being a woman of fashion she wanted to bring style to other women as well so in July 2011, Ky Mone` Boutique was birth. Ky Mone` Boutique LLC. is a company with style and sophistication providing you with some of the most elegant clothing. From the office, to relaxation, to a night out on the town with the girls, Ky Mone`can definitely deliver. We are a company who seeks to please our clientele. We value the opinions of others.

From the runway to your closet, you can as well look like you were born on the runway. Ky Mone`, where s t y l e m e e t s s o p h i s t i c a t i o n .

Ky Mone` Boutique will be launching their website in August 2011!

Feel free to visit our website at www.myeyefordesigns.com

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Business Woman Tamika Branch

I've always been a very creative individual. For many years now, I've always wanted to have my own small business but didn't know where to start, or where I'd get the funding. This year in January my sister Kisha and I were planning her wedding, we were on a budget and wedding invitations, wedding programs and even the wedding favors were very expensive.

It was then that I decided that I would turn my dreams into reality and make my sister a happy less stressed Bride. Not only did I help plan her wedding, I did all the invitations, programs, and favors. If I must say so myself, I did an amazing job, it was then that I knew I had amazing God given talent and was going to do whatever it took it start my business.

I came up with the name "As We Become One" because I feel that I am one with my customers.

I have so many dreams for my business, which I began in February 2011. I know there's a lot of competition out but I feel "As We Become One" stands above the competition. I feel creativity offers a personal touch from the competition Bride and Groom to their guest. I also do: Birthday Invitations, Award Certificates, Baby shower Invitations, Housewarming Invitations, DVD slide shows of your event, etc. "As We Become One" offers so many services. Just ask, I can do it!! In five years I see "As We Become One" being a house hold name like Hallmark!! I want to be my own boss, not someone else being my boss. I wish to have numerous magazine ads, radio and commercial play. So much business that I have to hire help. God favors me and I will succeed!!

I am a mother and wife first but I do have many hobbies. I love to ride my motorcycle; I'm the 1st Lady of a motorcycle club called Tha Affiliates MC which my husband is the President. My name is Mistriss which represents my husband "Mrs Tris". I also play Flag Football for Raleigh Parks and Rec. on all girls team called "Something Serious" and Yes, we are Something Serious!!

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June 2011

Diamond Diamond Diva Diva

Business Woman - Regina Robinson Regina Robinson was born Regina Elizabeth Alford on August 17, 1972 at The Ohio State University hospital in Columbus, Ohio. The daughter of Thomas Earl and Geraldine Gore, Regina was raised in Tabor City, NC along with her sisters, Earlisha Gore and Pamelia Stanley. Their family has since expanded to include an older sister, Victoria Morris and the new baby of the family, Zoe Gore.

From birth, Regina attended Mitchell Sea Missionary Baptist Church in Green Sea, SC. This is the very church where she found salvation and was baptized at the age of 12. She was very involved in the fabric of her congregation serving on the usher board, as assistant Sunday School secretary and as a part of the youth and junior choirs. Regina also represented her home church at the Kingston Lake Association Anniversaries as a part of the choir and speaking competitions. She is best known for her interpretation of “The Resolution of the Negro Youth”.

Mrs. Robinson began her educational journey in Head Start's preschool program and the Columbus County School system. While attending Tabor City High School, she was involved in Band, Future Business Leaders of America, the National Honor Society, and ROCAME, to name a few.

She also participated as a part of the school's math team for all four years and the Optimist Clubs speaking competition her junior year. Her junior year also saw her serving on the student council as the Student Body Vice President. In her senior year, she was voted class president as well as one of those mostly likely to succeed. Even with her busy high school schedule, Regina's love for others and math led her to tutor and help others in her community.

In 1990, Regina accepted a scholarship to attend North Carolina A&T in Greensboro, NC and pursue a B.S. in Chemical Engineering. While there, she met her future husband, John Robinson Jr. also a chemical engineering student. After graduating together in May 1995, in June they became the proud parents of a baby boy they named Gabriel.

In January of 1996, John's job moved the family to Greenwood, SC where Regina would spend the next few years being a devoted wife and stay at home mother. After her son entered school, she started tutoring at Piedmont Technical College. When an opening for tutor coordinator was available, Regina took on that responsibility along with her tutoring duties. In late 2008, she was contacted about teaching math at Piedmont Tech and she gladly accepted the offer. Regina has since developed a true love for teaching and knows it is a part of her purpose in life.

Regina has known for a while that she was called to inspire and encourage other women. In spring of 2008, she and her baby sister, Pamelia Stanley, launched EWATE (Empowered Women Accountable To Each Other), a Women's Empowerment organization whose main purpose is to empower and encourage women to be all they were created to be in order to fulfill God's perfect plan for their lives. Their slogan is “We'll Help You Get Your SASSY Back.” Since starting this organization, the sisters (AKA, The SASSY Team) have traveled across the country sharing their vision of love for oneself and our sisters. Because of the tremendous examples set forth by their mother, Geraldine Gore, and grandmother, Elizabeth Alford, they have set out on a mission to help change the lives of women all over the world.

In October 2010, they launched their newest venture, a brand clothing line, Fiercely SASSY. Starting with four tshirt designs, this new company carries the message and spirit of the original organization. Regina says that a Fiercely SASSY women is strong, loving, confident, smart, bold and blessed. Her vision is to convert this company into a full scale women's clothing line that will truly embody a “SASSY” woman.

Regina and her family currently reside in Greenwood, SC. They are a part of the body of Grace Community Church.

She is currently employed as an adjunct math instructor for Piedmont Technical College and helps out in the Testing Center & Tutoring Center as well. Regina is pursuing her dream to reach as many women as she can with the truth of God's Love and His purpose for their lives. Her personal motto is “It's Not Over Til I Win” and for her, she wins when she sees others “WINNING”.

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Open Your Eyes Love is a funny thing. We close our eyes and visualize our perfect life with all the elements that will make us happy. When you “Open Your Eyes� the reality of it all is that we have to laugh sometimes to keep from crying and everything we need is not right in front of us.

Wendy Brooks fell into love and has all the bumps and bruises to show for it. When the backstabbing and betrayal would arise, closing her eyes always elevated her to a different place. It was full of love, lust, sex and people only her imagination would allow her to have; those were her elements of happiness. Behind the expensive suits, cars, clubs and money that comes with a new love interest; does love really not cost a thing?

To purchase your copy visit our website www.openyoureyesbook.com

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DD’sPink Pages Exquisite Design Jewelry ottleyd@yahoo.com It Works! www.kneadedtouchtherapy.net Pink Perfection ninaspinkperfection@yahoo.com Fiercely Sassy! www.fiercelysassy.com Dee’s Fashion Couture www.deesfashioncouture.com Adorn Jewelry & Accessories www.adorn-jewelry.com Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry Www.tracilynnjewelry.net/adriennewatson

Tailored Events Www.tailoredevents.biz It Works! www.kneadedtouchtherapy.net Lady Bizness www.ladybizness.com FABulous Transformations www.detoxforbeauty.com Coldwell Banker Howard Perry & Watson shacklefordj@hpw.com Wealth Comes from Within www.wealthcomesfromwithin.com Soul Purpose Soulpurpose@carlajolds.com

Junkanoo Java www.theOGCoffeeClub.com Sensational Delights www.sensationaldelightshomemade.com My Eye for Designs www.myeyefordesigns.com Selections Entertainment www.selectionsent.com Beautiful Images Boutique www.beautifulimagesboutique.com I4U Christinalmial@gmail.com Small Styles facebook.com/smallstyles

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r o t i d E g in

Closing with Christina

g a n a M

So there you have it. Women In Business.. making moves and making no apologies about it! There were so many other women we were privileged to speaking with and getting to know that have taken the reigns of their careers tightly and are catapulting themselves to being the millionaires they deserve to be!

There's Joy Dewar Mangum of Fuquay-Varina, NC; Owner and Director of Unique Creations Child Care Center who just recently added the More at Four Smart Start Program to her center. She has a heart as big as her smile and shares her love with the children of her community through various programs. Speaking of kids, I can't dare not mention Pebbles McClain of Holly Springs, NC. Pebbles is the founder of the P.H.A.T. Kids Mentoring Program. Protecting, Healing, and Teaching our kids she is more than a mentor, she is also a mother to kids after school.

You can visit her website and learn more about her at http://www.phatkidsmentoring.org.

Then there is Tiffany Mial, soon to be known to the world as TiffMichelle. She picked up a makeup brush one day and realized she does have a natural God given talent for beating faces and is beginning her journey as a MUA! Last but certainly not least, I had the honor of being introduced Moe {as her friends and family affectionately call her}Smith. Katrina “Moe� Smith, a major female playwrite from New Orleans is absolutely incredible. As the fourth child of ten children, she is a multi-talented actress, playwright, director and producer in her own respect. As an actress, Moe is exhilarating to watch on stage, she never disappoints the audience with her amazing talent and dedication to the stage. Learn more of her by visiting her webpage at www.moesmith.net.

I dare not leave you guys without talking about myself...as I too am a "Woman In Business". Many of you already know me from the magazine and my personal business, Occasionally Yours, where I make personalized gift baskets.

Now I would like to introduce you to Intercessory For You. I am a networker by heart and I believe in motivating others and that is what I will be doing on this venture. I know that Jesus is the ultimate intercessor, but Intercessory For You will do just that, interceed on the behalf of your business. Please visit my Facebook Fan Page:: Intercessory For You, and fan the page as well as learning more of what I have to offer.

Next month we are thinking we may just dedicate it to the ones that push us the most. Our kids. We want to make the whole edition one full "Proud Parent" corner. So, if your child(ren) are more than just the apple of your eye... if they do more than scream "Ma, Ma, Mama, Mama, Mommy Mommy" all day and you want to share their story and accomplishments with our readers, please send in pics, letters, and poems to us to publish!

Thanks for your continued support! We love you guys and your feedback!

Love you much, Christina Christina@diamonddivamag.com

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