August 2014
CONTENTS www.diamonddivamag.com
3 PUBLISHER’S CORNER/OUR TEAM AT KNIGHT 5 KONVOS Plan to Fall in LOVE with SGB 8 13 14 15
VOICE OF THE VISIONHEIRESS: Blessed Assurance FLASHBACK MESSENGER BUSINESS PINK PAGES
Cover Story
2
Getting Know
Shon W h i te PAGE 9
Our Team Ashlee Rowell-Williams (Durham NC) Administrative Assistant
Raleigh, North Carolina (919) 410-6812 www.diamonddivamag.com ...................................................... Editor: Renee’ Dawkins Finance Manager: Martin Dawkins Executive Assistant: Ashlee Rowell-Williams Copy Editor: Imani Editorial Graphic Designer: Renee Dawkins Staff Photographer: Rodgers Photography Cover Photographer: In Gods Image Photography
T.M. Tawwab (Raleigh NC) Imani Editorial Copy Editor Kim Hodges (Raleigh NC) Voice of the VisionHeiress Contributing Writer
Karen Moore (Clinton NC) Bridal/Love Contributing Writer
Michelle Roberts (Jonesboro GA) Travel Contributing Writer
Kimberly Knight (Raleigh NC) Konvos at Knight Contributing Writer
For General Advertising Inquiries Please Email or Call Us At info@diamonddivamag.com 919-410-6812 Please be sure to visit all of our participating advertisers and remember to support area local small businesses. We are all about Empowering and Celebrating Women that are about their business and not afraid of telling anyone of the struggles that it took to get to where they are today. This issue is especially special to us not only because its our 3 year Anniversary Issue but we were able to meet some great Power Couples that are in business and making things happen. Marriage and Business are hard enough but when you throw the two together it can sometimes become a challenge. During this issue you will get a chance to meet 6 couples that are beating all odds and joining the two together and building not only successful business but empires. We trust that you will enjoy their life stories and all that they have to offer.
Renee & Martin Dawkins
.................................................................................................................... Disclaimer: 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 Diamond Diva Magazine’s publisher, staff, and other persons involved in the creation, production, or delivery of the magazine (in whatever format) or it’s content, do not assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information provided in the magazine, nor shall they be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or punitive damages arising out of the use of the magazine.
Diamond Diva’ s Pink Pages
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Konvos at Knight ~ Plan to Fall in LOVE with SGB Kimberly Knight
There is a new event planner on the scene in Eastern North Carolina that I want to introduce you to. Her name is Ms. Alaina B. Bloodworth and her gift of planning has taken her from a creative teenager to new found business owner. A hopeless romantic at heart, Bloodworth has always enjoyed putting together events of all types that showed her detailed side. Not only will this article explore the beauty of her purpose but it will empower women to pursue their dreams beyond their circumstances. So let's chat it up with Ms. Alaina B! She was born on the sunny West Coast in Oxnard, California and relocated to her mother's hometown of Wilson, North Carolina nearly 22 years ago. It led to her pursing her educational goals one after the other. She graduated in 1999 from E.T. Beddingfield High School, obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education in 2005 from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, in 2012 she completed her Master's in Business Administration at Grand Canyon University, and in 2014 she achieved her Wedding & Event Planner Certification from the New York Art Institute. These educational foundations have formed the framework which is now Skylar Grace Designs, LLC. She's also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, INC. Traditionally, she was an elementary school teacher turned USDA federal employee that adores planning not only in her personal time but professionally as well. It was after an inspiring conversation with a beloved friend from her treasured childhood roots of California the idea of moving forward as a professional planner was created. But of course there were moments of doubt for this budding entrepreneur but it was her faith in God and desire to provide more for her two children that pushed her towards her purpose. Yes, she's a 5|Diamond Diva
proud mother of two beautiful children; one is a son that is 10 years old and a 2 year old daughter. It was a passion that stemmed from her childhood days of teenage pizza parties, family birthday parties, and now creating memories for her clients that will last a lifetime. Skylar Grace Designs, LLC is a licensed, professional event planning business that prides itself on creating moments that can be a beautiful reflection of your most personal memories. She stated, “I want to share in the milestones of my client's lives”. She is the only licensed event planner in Wilson, North Carolina and her educational credentials have set the foundation to her business efforts. The name itself is a remarkable meaning! “Skylar” means eternal life, strength, love, and beauty. “Grace” is a Latin word meaning kindness and friendship. The best part about it is she named the business after her joyful 2 year old daughter, Skylar Grace. Those types of personal touches allow her clients to see her not only as a planner but have insight into her priorities of family. Her services are as personal as the bonds as she shares with her family and friends. Whether it's a graduation party, off to college farewell, girlfriends gathering, romantic rendezvous, timeless wedding, or any pinnacle time in your life, Skylar Grace Designs, LLC can bring your desired visions to life. She attributes her faith as a pillar in her business and her motto is, “Where Love Meets Creativity”. This is a testament to her favorite biblical verse from 1 Corinthians 13:13, “And the Greatest of These is Love”. Here are a few questions I asked this talented planning diva extraordinaire. We know that you wear many hats but what are your “down time” activities you enjoy? A: “I love to travel and I want to add many more stamps to my passport because traveling is such a great stress reliever for me”. “I love creating almost anything from painting, making jewelry, or designing crafts.” “Lastly, I would say is retail therapy because shopping is a creative expression in itself”.
What advice would you give to women interested in pursuing their own business? A: “To remain serious, disciplined, passionate, 100% committed, and treat it like a member of your family because ultimately it's an investment so it takes sacrifice for success.” “My goal is within the next 5 years I would like to do this business full-time and continue to share this journey with my children. How can we reach you on Social Media? A: Facebook: Skylar Grace Designs, Twitter: @skylargracedllc, Instagram: @skylargracedesigns, Pinterest: @skygracedesigns As you can see this dazzling diva is on her way to much accredited success and an unlimited creative motions are ahead. One thing is for sure is that she will remain true to her endearing love to plan.
Kimberly M. Knight Motivational Speaker and Author K.mk.0705@hotmail.com
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Voice of the VisionHeiress™ Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, As I sat down to write this month's article I found it difficult to pen. More difficult than just the occasional “writer's block” that can occur when I start writing any piece of literature. But this time the struggle came from an emotional place. My emotions swirled around the world in which we live and the things that are going on within it. Every day we see and hear the reports of the killings of our young African American males locally and nationally, other horrendous murders, kidnappings, children being left inside cars in sweltering temperatures, suicide and depression, wars, rumors of wars, and youth participating in life altering and even fatal “challenges”. Undoubtedly, it can be rather overwhelming
and all these things will be added to you. 2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. May you find comfort and joy resting in the Word just as I had to do because I did not completely understand what I saw with my natural eyes. But, I had to change my perspective and began to look at things through spiritual eyes and listen for the voice of the Lord to guide me through. God Bless!
when that's what is heard day in and day out on all media outlets including social media.
The VisionHeiress™
However, I would like to use my literary platform to
Visit me on the web: www.kimwhodges.com
encourage readers and myself. As disheartening as these reports may be I choose to believe the report of the Lord.
Follow me on Twitter: @visionheiress1
Email me: Kim@kimwhodges.com
These things have not caught God by surprise. Though, He is certainly not pleased with what is taking place He is still
Find me on Facebook: Www.facebook.com/visionheiressnetwork
sovereign. Despite what it may look like we can rest assured that God is in control. Blessed assurance. As I sought the Lord for some clarity, peace, and uplift for my own spirit I found these Scriptures to be helpful. My prayer is that you will find them as equally as comforting as the developments of the world continue to unfold around us.
Kim W. Hodges, is the author of Write the Vision, Make it Plain: Writing Your Way to Victory. She is a wife, mother, a speaker, and vision coach. She's the creator of the highly sought after unique and innovative
spiritual
VisionHeiress Scriptures of Encouragement
development program, The
2 Chronicles 7:14
Vision Writing Workshop and
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble
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themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their
founder of North Carolina
wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive
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their sin and will heal their land.
Woman's Inspiration, Inc.
Romans 12:2 Diamond Diva|8
tting Ge 2
Know
Shon White
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Born Voncea White but preferring to be called “Shon”, you find a dedicated mastermind from a little place called Wilson North Carolina. Shon is the founder and CEO of So Sweet on You Body Scrubs, a name that speaks for itself!
tomorrow and that is why she includes her in the aspects of the business; she tells us, “One day, when the time comes and if she chooses, it will be hers”. Shon often finds herself challenging her daughter to come up with ideas that are better than hers and to challenge herself to always take it one step further, to think outside the box, to live without fear and to live her dreams. “Making sure she is proud of me is my motivation” states Shon.
Being in business for 4 years now, Shon shares with us that her greatest accomplishment is realizing that she has created a product and a brand that speaks for itself. The thought of knowing that her business was birthed through a God given talent has been priceless.
“My faith is my inspiration! For every time I thought of given it all up, I was reminded of the gifts God has given me. My scrubs and lotions are gifts.
ooking for that perfect all natural body scrub to enhance your skin and the beauty within? Look no further. So Sweet on You Body Scrubs has you covered.
Trying to find out what motivates, encourages and keeps her moving was very simple. She is a proud graduate of Beffingfield High School, who continued her journey in studying Mass Communications and History at Shaw University and Information Technology and Business at Strayer University. At a very young age she developed a love for music and leadership which led to her former position as choir director for Glory Baptist Church in Wilson and Riverside Baptist Church in Plymouth, NC. She is now a member of World Overcomers Christian Church in Durham. NC; serving under the anointed leadership of Pastor Andy Thompson. She is a single mother of one incredible and beautiful 14 year old daughter Jasmine and stands very firmly in saying that she is what motivates her. Shon believes not just in business, but in her daily living, the steps she makes today, may very well be the footprints that she follows
and good music that in itself is a great day. People will be surprised to know that Shon is very shy, at least that's what she says and that she loves to sing. She does not care much about fishing but loves poetry and spoken word. Oddly enough she says she dislikes electric guitar solos in a song, lol things that make you go hmmmm. I asked Shon if she had the chance to pour into the life of a young woman who was just starting out or had a desire to go into business but had no idea what to do with her hopes and dreams what would she say to her. Her response was simply, “I would advise her to study her craft. Take note of others who already work in the area that interests you. Keep a journal; don't be afraid to jot things down. You'll be surprised at how the simplest idea can sometimes lead you to your dream”. Shon goes on to say that she would advise her to invest in herself, to make sure she knew who and whose she was! And finally she says she would tell her to put her dream in God's hand and don't doubt. “Trust that He will put you on the right path to the right people”.
My support system of friends, family and yes foes, are a gift. Even my customers are a gift. God has big things in store for me and if So Sweet On You is used as the vessel in which I am to receive; then to God be the For those that are looking to support glory”! this Diamond Diva please feel free to When asked, what was the best c o n t a c t h e r v i a e m a i l a t advice she had ever been given she givemesomeshuga@yahoo.com or responded in saying, “Do it; do it v i s i t h e r w e b s i t e a t anyhow”! This advice was given by www.sosweetonyou.com. You can her grandmother when she was just a also reach her by phone at (919) little girl and she tells us that grandma 576.0328. gave it to her just like that! Knowing that every women needs that alone time, and time to just let your hair down; I asked Shon what was it that she did to unwind and just relax, relate and release. She told us that music was her outlet. “I turn up the music”, not having really a particular station that she enjoyed because she listens to it all. She says whenever she can enjoy both nature
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You'll never prosper….PUNCH. She doesn't budge…. Ugly, disgusting, sloppy, fat…KICK... She doesn't move… You'll always be below the standards of what a woman should be….SLAP. She stills continues to stand… Having a child out of wedlock is a sin and God will never forgive you...SPIT. She only moves her hand to wipe her face… How are you going to make it thru college with ANOTHER baby? You're only good for having children; you'll never amount to anything… PUNCH. A single tear rolls down her face. You'll make the same mistakes with your daughters, just like your mother did with you…KICK. Another tear slowly rolls down her face… What kind of example will you be for your children?! You will always be a wreck… PUSH Her knees buckled… she never fell… she never stopped standing… “Why Lord?” she asked. “Why not you?” he says…. “This is what I equipped you for… this is why I built you… in order for you to withstand the storm. Didn't you feel me behind you? Didn't you feel me becoming one with you and being your support? “ “All those stumbling blocks and I was the one there with you throughout the course…” Waking up from my dream…I walk to the mirror… smiled and said… Thank you Lord for keeping me…
Takreemah
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I had a revelation last night… before resting. It just didn't make any sense to me… so I continued to put up a fight… I kept asking God “What is it that you want me to say?” He simply stated: “I want you to deliver this message” So I slept… And I dreamt… I dreamt about the wars, the fights and disagreements… I dreamt about her sleepless nights, her devotion and her cries out to God… I dreamt about the courage, the missions and the fact that her torch is still yet burning… God said: “Some things your leader doesn't allow you to see… You see I've equipped her to tackle things that you would never believe… I've equipped her to deal with things you can't handle, but some things she can't manage and that's when I fight her battles.” So what was his message, you ask? He said tell her that this too shall pass…
Takreemah imanieditorial@gmail.com www.writers-network.com/member/TMTawwab
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