CONTENTS 04 Editorial 06 What Makes a Father 08 Having Fun with Limited Funds 10 A Fathers Eyes
12 Cover Article:
A Man & His Dream W/Martin Dawkins
14 The Men of Diamond
12
Diva
6
8
10
www.diamonddivakonnect.com 03
EDITORIAL Raleigh, North Carolina (919) 410-6812 www.diamonddivakonnect.com ...................................................... Editor: Renee’ Dawkins Finance Manager: Martin Dawkins Copy Editor: Imani Editorial Graphic Designer: Diamond Diva Konnect Staff Photographer: Marie Cassasy Gales Photography Cover Photo by: Joe Yancy Photography Studio
Welcome back to another issue of Diamond Diva Magazine and as always your continued support means the world to us.
It brings me great pleasure in switching up the game just a little this month and shining a light on a group of well deserving men. We realize its women that make the world go round.... LOL but behind or beside these women are normally a man working just as hard. We have found a few that we are calling our “Men of Diamond Diva”. 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, but we also men have those same struggles, this is just our way of saying thank you to them. These men are business men, fathers, men of God and truly deserves this recognition. We trust that you will enjoy their feature and support them in whatever they do. Renee and Martin Dawkins
OUR TEAM
For General Advertising Inquiries Please Email or Call Us At diamonddivakonnect@gmail.com 919-410-6812
T.M. Tawwab Imani Editorial Copy Editor
Stephanie Nicole LilMissChitChat.com Contributing Writer
Kimberly M. Knight Konvos at Knight Cover Interviews
Carla Johnson Olds Contributing Writer
Tamara Williams Contributing Writer
Disclaimer: Diamond Diva Magazine is published monthly. Any reproduction of any part of this publication 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 magazine.
Diamond Diva’ s Pink Pages
www.diamonddivakonnect.com
What Makes a Father The next precious possession after a mother would be the love of a father. Fathers have always been important for the proper upbringing of a kid. They sacrifice their parties, treasuries and lives to convert their little child into a well-developed and successful human being. Father's Day gives you an opportunity to thank our dads for all their adorable scolding and affectionate punishments. Fathers are one of the most influential persons in our lives, they leave no stone unturned to help us out of any crisis and express their unconditional love towards us. They have always been our guide each and every day of our life. Now it is our turn to convey our love and respect toward him. Fathers have been our inspiration, motivation, and have quietly and deeply influenced at the nook of every path of ours. Father's Day forms the most appropriate occasion to convey all our appreciation and admiration towards our dads. Apart from cards, flowers and other gifts,
dining in restaurants, picnic outings and movies can be commonly seen followed on this day. What makes a Father? The characteristics in making a father is so much more than making a baby. A true to heart father is one that is there for his children when it matters most. Financially, Emotionally and Physically. A daughters first love is her father. She should learn how to be loved by a man by first being loved by her daddy. As a young man his biggest influence should come from the inspiration of his father. It takes a real man to take on both of these challenges and be to his children whatever they may need. Happy Fathers Day to all you men that have been blessed with the title of Father. Cherish the moments and make life long memories that both you and your children will remember for ever. .
06
www.diamonddivakonnect.com
Having Fun with Limited FUNDS By: Tamara Williams
Summer is around the corner and that means it's time to play. We love going to the beach, festivals, and on vacation. However, sometimes our funds may not allow it but we still want to have fun. This calls for creative thinking with a twist. Here are some strategies to having fun with limited funds I. Create your budget for the month Include all income for the month Include your fun stash in your expenses. Subtract rent/mortgage, utilities,savings, groceries, bills, insurances, and student loans/medical bills (if applicable) Creating a category for your fun stash is important because you will find something fun to buy. The problem is when we do not budget for the fun stash and we spend money that's allocated for something else. Your fun stash can start off with $10, $15 or more, but it's based on what you can afford
II. Deals, Deals, Deals!! There are so many opportunities to save money and not pay full price A. Groupon or Living Social -Join for free and pay up to half price for wine tasting, dancing, dining out, painting classes and even local vacations at a reduced rate www.groupon.com www.livingsocial.com B. Travelzoo-Offer hotels and activities at a reduced rate, up to 50 %off www.travelzoo.com C. Local entertainment news- lists events for you and family. There's quite a few this month, check out the linkwww.indy.com; http://www.wral.com/entertainment/out_and_about/ We want to have fun but we must prioritize as well. Make sure you pay yourself, keep a consistent budget, and give every dollar a place to go. Prioritize with fun
7|Diamond Diva
08
www.diamonddivakonnect.com
A Father’s Eyes Jonathan's mother died when he was very young and his father brought him up. Both of them shared a very special relationship. Jonathan loved to play football and his father made sure that he was always there to cheer his son at every match, even if Jonathan wasn't a part of the playing team. Jonathan being small sized, wasn't allowed to play in the main team. Nevertheless, he continued with his practice with full determination. Everyone thought that Jonathan would never be able to make it into the team, though somehow, his determination carried him through. The coach seeing his diligence and dedication decided to keep him on the roster. One day during practice, the coach met him with a telegram. Jonathan was shocked to read the message contained in it. Swallowing hard, he mumbled to the coach, "My father died this morning. Will it be all right if I miss practice today?" The coach gently put his arm around his shoulder and said, "Take the rest of the week off, son, and don't even plan to come to the game on Saturday." On the day of the game, Jonathan's college team was losing badly to the rival team. The coach and the players had all lost hope when they saw Jonathan coming towards them. Jonathan ran up to the coach and pleaded him to allow him to play this match. At first, the coach wouldn't allow him to play. However after a lot of
7|Diamond Diva
persuasion, the coach gave in. No sooner Jonathan joined the team in the field, their scores started to improve before both the teams were on a tie. However, the real cheer came during the crucial closing seconds when he intercepted a pass and ran all the way for the winning touchdown. His team members were ecstatic. The crowd came running towards him to celebrate the win. After the match, the coach went up to Jonathan, who was seated alone in the corner of the locker room and asked, "Kid, I can't believe it. You were fantastic! Tell me what got into you? How did you do it?" He looked at the coach, with tears in his eyes, and said, "Well, you knew my dad died, but did you know that my dad was blind?" The young man swallowed hard and forced a smile, "Dad came to all my games, but today was the first time he could see me play, and I wanted to show him I could do it!�
10
A Man & His Vision
Martin Dawkins By: Kimberly Knight
www.diamonddivakonnect.com
Diamond Diva Magazine promotes the everyday superwoman in our local communities. However, it's during the month of June the magazine highlights a dynamic man that has made an impact not only in his community but in his family as well. That man we are highlighting this year is Mr. Martin Dawkins, the beloved spouse of Mrs. Diamond Diva herself, Renee Dawkins. I had a great opportunity to chat with Mr. Dawkins to discuss family, business, and inspiration. Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey this husband and father of four children is a former warehouse worker turned North Carolina business partner with his wife. His muse of inspiration comes from his mother. “My mother was a single parent and she inspired me so much, she taught me to believe in myself and never stop trying to do better", he said. After making a divine decision to move to North Carolina nearly 6 months later he met what would become his life partner, Renee. “I've never met a woman as kind, understanding, and loving as her”, he affectionately said. Soon after wedding bells followed for them and their family unit became one.
very quickly that the best option for the success of the boutique would best be served as an online shopping boutique for their clientele. Brick City Treasure Boutique was named after the hometown nickname of Mr. Dawkins and many beautiful treasures were offered including women's clothing and accessories. Diamond Diva Magazine began as “Serenity Woman Magazine" and like “Diamond Diva” promoted the empowerment of women. This magazine was established prior to him meeting her but as the magazine developed so did the title and “Diamond Diva” was born. “It's a magazine to promote everyday women doing great things”. They have since gone through a name change, creating "Diamond Diva Konnect", which is a national online directory connecting business owners to those that are looking for their service or craft.
KK: As an entrepreneur and family man how do you relax? MD: I love playing my X-Box 360 and reading. Right now I am reading “Corrupt” by Elaine Davis who's a good friend of mine. Mr. Dawkins is a man of God, purpose, family, and entrepreneurship. Each day is a new adventure with his beloved by his side. It's important to highlight our African-American males because so many social pressures are against them at times. Mr. Dawkins has shown us it's not where you come from but more importantly it's the choices you make to get where you are going. It's a reminder to all of us to dream big and go after your dreams! Happy Blessed Father's Day to all of the fathers and father figures out there. We love you and thank you for all the sacrifices you make for our children.
Social Media: KK: W h a t w o r d s o f Facebook : Diamond Diva Konnect @DiamondDivaMag encouragement would you give to Twitter: your children? MD: I have 4 children 2 daughters age 26 and 15 and 2 sons ages 27 and 23. I tell them all the same, stay focused and follow your heart's desire and So let's take a moment to hear from know that through God you can this man of the month! go anywhere and do anything. KK: What has it been like being married to Mrs. Diamond Diva herself? MD: It has been amazing, she motivates and encourages me so much and I love her drive to succeed not only in business but in our family.
KK: What advice would you give to your younger self? MD: Life gets better and don't give up, keep trying, the Devil always presents obstacles, but keep going.
KK: Tell us about the business relationship you share and how as a married unit you make it work? MD: Its work, but it's worth it and you learn to find balance between business and family.
KK: The recent violence against young African American boys in our communities has become national news. What words of empowerment would you say to them? MD: Believe in yourself and know that there is nothing in these streets for you. Find what makes you happy and run with it.
Martin having the vision of owning a boutique, the couple began their business venture in a local flea market which soon led to a store front location in Garner North Carolina. As time progressed they both found out 7|Diamond Diva
13
Lamont Pettiway LP is creator and owner of LP Models, a group of models that combine and on fashion shows, promotional work, and more. He also puts on events of all kinds. Including a live music event called Carolina Unplugged which showcases local artist with a live band. He is the Author of "Why Men Cheat and other Answers you don't want to know" which can be found on Barnesandnoble.com. Most recently he along side with his partner and co-host Mosca have created a Talk Show called Say Something. An open forum talk show where the audience is the guest. LP continues to bring positive events and ventures to North Carolina. Award shows like Divas Rock and Men United from his new Tee shirt line Area Code Clothes and Custom Tees. He shows no signs of stopping, keep an eye out for LP as he continues to rise.
Rest in Paradise
Joe Yancey Joe Yancey Owner & Operator of Joe Yancey Studio Photography and Design Studio. Www.joeyanceystudio.com Facebook: JoeYanceyStudio Instagram: JoeYanceyStudio
The self-proclaimed “Ambassador of R&B”, Mr. Chenier Wilson, aka “Mr. Chenier”, targets an adult audience with an appreciation for lyrics and a desire for intoxicating music. “Mr. Chenier's” music has been classified as "Feel Good” which has earned him the titles of 6-time Carolina Music Awards' Male R&B Artist of the Year Nominee, 2013 Bull City Music Awards' Male R&B Artist of the Year and the honor of winning the 2014 Bull City Music Awards Video of the Year. His ultimate goal is to captivate audiences with his sound and stage presence. For bookings, contact Mr. Chenier at MisterChenier@gmail.com
Milton E. Davis Jr.
As a client that utilizes PLUG M.E, N2U you are guaranteed access to a staff of dedicated, educated and motivated professionals that will share in building your brand, company and business. Our mission statement: Build a company that will help grow strong legacies and assure realities. With components that consist of marketing, complex strategies, planning, solutions, and growth you are certain to achieve in reaching unlimited heights in business. PLUG M.E. N2U and let’s power up your brand! www.pm2u.com
www.pm2u.com