Photo by: Photographs by Jackie
F O U N D A T I O N
Publisher’s Corner
Editor in Chief
Renee’ Dawkins Managing Editor
Martin Dawkins Copy Editor
Drusilla Dunn
Layout
Diamond Diva Staff Photographer
JHumble Photography
Welcome back Diamond Diva’s This issue has been great to put together. I have met some very exciting women that are geared up and ready to take on the world. During this issue you will have the opportunity to meet 4 phenomenal women who have definitely stamped their mark on the world. They are business women,
Diamond Diva Magazine is published quarterly. 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
mothers, first ladies, they are Diamond Diva’s to the fullest definition of the word. Along with these lovely women you will also get a chance to meet another woman making it possible for Women in Business to unit and providing a platform to get their business noticed all while being Classy and Fabulous. We trust that you will enjoy the life stories of these Diva’s in this issue of Diamond Diva Magazine. Renee' and Martin Dawkins
divastatus007@gmail.com Diamond Diva
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WOMAN of Standards
“Pastor Valerie Frazier”
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Pastor Valerie Frazier, the Co-Pastor and First Lady
family. She believes that it passion with young is very important to have people. The breakdown
of Wakefield Family
a strong family structure
of the family structure can
Church of Wake Forest,
and this has brought
cause many problems
North Carolina, is a
and issues in
woman with a true
young people
love story. Having
and these things
the opportunity to
can be changed
sit down with her
to the positive in
and find out more
their lives by
about her love for
showing them
God and the main
that they are
true love of her life,
loved and that
Pastor Rodney
someone truly
Frazier, Sr., it became clear that this woman of God was truly a "Woman of Standards". Pastor Valerie grew up in New Bern, North Carolina. It was in the 6th grade growing up as next door neighbors that she would meet Pastor Rodney and would one day grow up to love and to marry him. They have been married for 25 years but she says that they have been dating for the last 33 years and he is still her best friend. Family is very important to Lady Frazier. She speaks on how people underrate the significance and importance of being a
many families through many difficult situations.
does care about them. Having a heart for
Their family consists of two young people, she started children; a 22 year old son her own organization who recently graduated
TEAMM - Teaching
from North Carolina State Effective Academic University and a daughter Management and who is a rising junior at
Mentoring. It is a non-
North Carolina State
profit business that caters
University. Just so
to the needs of children. "I
happens, North Carolina
use my sense of humor to
State University is the alma connect with them," says Lady Frazier. Young mater for both Pastor Valerie and Pastor
people today are faced
Rodney Frazier. To the
with situations that we
upbringing by their
were not faced with
parents, both their son
growing up. Therefore, she
and daughter are very
believes that we have to
active in the ministry.
let them know that they can see the potential that
Family is a passion and
they have and where
something near and dear they can go in life. to the heart of Lady Frazier and she shares that Her desire to assist women cont. on page 7
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Cont. from page 6
in reaching their full
know it is him." "We do
loved them. So, every
destiny is another passion
everything together and I
chance that she got, she
that she holds very dear
never get tired of being
let them know that she
to her. Often she asks
appreciated them and
women the question,
that she loved them.
"Are you there yet?"
While there, she was
Lady Frazier tells every
crowned "Queen of the
woman she
Village" which she was
encounters that there
told was a great honor.
is a treasure in each
She took another trip to
and everyone of
Africa and on behalf of
them and as sisters in
a group called Dress a
Christ we should be
Girl Around the World,
treasure seekers. She
dresses were donated
stated, "We should
to a few of the girls
spend time in finding that treasure. That treasure is there. It does not matter what each woman has been through or how long she suffered through it; there is still a hidden treasure in each woman." Speaking life and encouraging your sister is something God places in all of us to do. I asked Lady Frazier what had been her greatest accomplishment and this is what she stated, "Being married to a man that I still love after 25 years; that in itself is a great accomplishment." "I still get excited hearing the garage door because I
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with him." Lady Frazier talked about her mission trip to Africa. She indicated that she never had wanted to go to Africa. She had a vision of beautiful women in this beautiful land she remembers telling God that if he opened the door she would go. Two weeks later the door opened for her to make the trip. She truly loved the experience. "The people were so beautiful and so appreciative," she stated. There were women there who indicated that no one
there. She had the opportunity to meet one little girl named Valerie whose mother had died during childbirth. Pastor Valerie has vowed to assist this young girl get through school with her love and financial support. Having a woman such as Pastor Valerie who is dedicated to empowering the young and women is truly a blessing. Hearing her love story for her husband, family and God truly shows how she is a "Woman of Standards".
had ever said that they
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Classy & Fabulous
Women about Their Business
Kim Burke the founder of Classy and Fabulous is a woman on a mission. She created Classy & Fabulous, an interactive group as a tool for Women Business Owners and Professionals in the NC, DC and ATL area. Kim has provided a platform for women that have the expectations of growing their business through networking and assisting others as they grow theirs. The mission of the Classy and Fabulous Group is to develop an environment where we connect as professional woman to networking and to grow our businesses. Kim's vision for the group is to create a group where ALL women can enter into an Exchange of resources, partnerships and ideas.
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By: Renee Smith
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Diamond Diamond Diva Diva
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A Women & Her Vision Janice Payne
JANICE DENISE PAYNE is the Founder of Janice Payne Ministries and is blessed and anointed to be an author, speaker, teacher/director, producer and play/song writer. She has authored two books, “Servanthood and Lord, Why is There So Much Pain in the Church?� Janice is dedicated to helping people spiritually and socially. However, her delivery is bold, outspoken, transparent, and free. Her favorite scriptures are Isaiah 61:7 and John 3:16, but she stands firmly on Psalms 37. -11-
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She has traveled around the world delivering Bible-based messages through her plays that transform people lives in and out of the church. Her vision and mission is to challenge, provoke, and change everyone she comes into contact with. Her mandate is to reveal to you your God-gifted talents/calling. Once you experience her ministry, your life will never be the same. Her experiences, dedication, talent, and intimate relationship with God have blessed her to be featured in The Washington Times, Serenity Women's Magazine and The Epitome Magazine. Janice is currently a Deaconess at Rehoboth, Rebirth & Restoration Church (RRRC) in Upper Marlboro, MD where Bishop Keith and First Lady Donita Martin are the Pastor & First Lady. She began her ministry training at Free Gospel Deliverance Temple under the leadership of Apostle Ralph and Co-Pastor Shirley Green in Coral Hills, MD where she served in several ministry capacities for over 20 years. Janice and her husband, Eugene, were nominated for “Testimony of the Year” by The Third Annual Red Carpet and Gala Awards Ceremony and were featured on the 700 Club and The Impact Network with Bishop Greg Davis. She isn't finished yet. In December
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2013, her new perfume line, “Y? Y Not!” will launch and she is pursuing her Doctorate Degree in Biblical Counseling and Psychology. Janice has been married to the love of her life Eugene, for 28 years. They are the proud parents of three
children and grandparents of five. They love to minister, pray and travel together!
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Diamond DiamondDiva Diva
Within the Mind of
Kay Ready
Kay Ready came highly recommended as a story that had to be shared. After researching her and learning more, I had to agree. Kay is a mother of 4 beautiful children, and the wife of her eighth grade sweetheart. Love between the two of them has lasted for almost 18 years now and is growing more and more every day. Being an entrepreneur and a business coach Kay believes she was born with the spirit of entrepreneurship. Kay reminiscences of being an 11 year old girl and deciding along with her siblings that they would all go into business. Her business was an iron specialist and she would iron her grandfather's uniform for a couple of dollars. She has been going full steam ahead every since.
services while creating affordable advertising for business owners. Throughout her 2 year journey she won the 2010 TieCon business award. TiEcon Midwest is one of the largest entrepreneurship focused
love, which is empowering and making a positive impact in the lives of others. It is very rewarding to see the transformations that are taking place in the lives of those that I have been able to work with. “
Kay says that she is inspired by those that have conquered the journey of success. “I know that success is not easy and when others have arrived at whatever level of success they were striving for it lets me know that it is possible and obtainable, if a person is willing to put in the work. I am driven by the positive impact that I have events in the Midwest. The TieCon was an elite group been able to make in the lives of others, which of Top 20 Early Stage continues to push me to Startups that was recognized and awarded impact more lives. from among hundreds of nominees in the Midwest. As our interview came to When asked what was her This experience for her an end, I asked Kay what motivation she proudly was exceptional because advice would she give to said her husband and her her magazine had only a young woman just children. “They are my been in circulation about starting out with no idea largest and loudest cheer 6 months. To be what to do with her hopes cont. on page 15
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desires and dreams and this is what she had to say; “My advice would be to never give up on your hopes and dreams because dreams do come true. Don't put restrictions or limitations on your dreams. It all starts with thoughts. You have to make your vision and dreams become as real as possible because you will create the mental energy that connect and line things up for you and they will happen. Just have faith and step out there. Don't worry about what others have to say. Sometimes we just have to persevere and press on. It is not going to be easy but there is a blessing in your pressing. It will be well worth it. We all have something that we can offer to others; we just have to put it into motion. Most importantly don't let anything stop you. You can do whatever you put your mind to.�
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cont. on page 17
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The Word Testimony Means Test
By : Janice Payne
pure as gold. (1 Peter 4:12). Though the storms keep on raging in your life, your soul has been anchored in the Lord. When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up against the enemy of your soul. You are going to come out with joy....Nehemiah LOVE is deeper than any said, "The Joy of the Lord is trial/tribulation, it will push my strength." Many are the you through any afflictions of the righteous problem/pain and make but the Lord delivers them you surpass any out of them all. Yes, you are obstacle/opposition! being tried on your jobs, in your marriage, through your The word Testimony means children, in your church, a test! There is a purpose for through your finances and our test and through our in your homes but test God is purposing something good is going to something great. It is not come out of bad situations. going to always be sunny Our test was not to break us outside. Believe it or not, we or take anything away from are going to have rain in us but it comes to make us our lives. The rain is not for stronger. Marvin Sapp said your destruction when you it best, "I'm stronger, wiser look in the natural; the rain and better!" is going to water the earth and cause something to Our lives were changed in spring forth. A test is also a a blink of an eye. I will temporary trial with an never forget this day as expiration date on it! When long as I live! the storms are raging we have a hiding My husband, (Eugene) was place......God is our jogging down 210 Indian Pavilion. In times of trouble, Head Highway in Fort He will meet us where we Washington, MD on are. I come to encourage Tuesday, 27 November 2007 your hearts. Many of you at approximately 12:30 in may be in a fiery situation the afternoon. Keep in right now. Somebody is mind he jogged on this going through a test, trial, particular path for storm or a situation. Though approximately twenty you are being tested, you years. Eugene was jogging are going to come out as
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with the traffic, he did not get a chance to see the car coming at him from behind nor did he hear the car due to his IPod playing in his ears! A cab driver jumped three lanes, hit my husband from behind and knocked his body approximately twenty feet in the air. He landed on the guardrail where he damaged his right leg, head, neck and lost a lot of blood. (Witnesses said it was like watching a horror movie.) He was flown to the Shock Trauma Unit in Baltimore, MD. He died in route to the hospital and was later revived! According to the doctors, they had to do emergency surgery in order to save his life a second time. The surgery took approximately eight hours during which time due to complications they had to resuscitate him again. During surgery, they had to do a below the knee amputation of his right leg. At that point, they could not tell his family if the ten minutes of being resuscitated would cause permanent brain damage. He was considered to have a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). He had to have several blood transfusions and he was on a ventilator unable to breathe on his own for approximately two weeks. He had tubes running everywhere.
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Eugene was swollen from his head to his toes. After surgery, the doctors gave my husband one week to live. When the doctors walk away and say there is nothing else they can do, whose report shall we believe? We shall believe the report of the Lord!
money from the family for me to stay in a hotel room but I did not want to leave his side. For two weeks, I literally lived in the waiting room. My brother-in-law named the waiting room "my apartment." It was to the took him into surgery a point where I looked like a second time because of bag lady. Uncertain about the infection in his leg. They my valuables and luggage, had to amputate his knee. Throughout this ordeal, my I always carried them with In order to keep his fever faith was being tested me from the waiting room everyday. Each day we got down, the doctors kept a to my husband's hospital fan blowing a different report from the room. My kids brought me a in his room which caused doctors. I felt like a YO-YO change of clothes every for approximately six weeks. him to develop double day of the week. The Lord He was doing fine one day pneumonia. Due to his gave me favor by allowing heart rate dropping and and being rushed to the the nurses to let me take a the infection spreading emergency room for shower in the nurses' locker throughout his body, they surgery the next day. His room. There were times I performed a third surgery right lung collapsed. He did not want to bother the where they did an above had an abdominal wound nurse so I had my daughter knee amputation. He was due to his liver and kidney to sit outside the bathroom on a feeding tube for two failure. He was on dialysis door until I finished washing months. He was in a coma for two weeks. He wore a and changing my clothes. for six weeks and neck brace. An infection My kids took turns sleeping hospitalized for three got in his right leg so we in the waiting room months! were forced to protect because they did not feel ourselves by wearing a comfortable leaving me At the hospital, visiting hours alone. I slept in a leather mask, gloves and a robe. were from 12 noon - 10:00 They chaise lounge for at night. approximately two weeks. Throughout this There were times I felt like ordeal, I let my my husband's guardian family know angel. I sat in his room that I wanted morning, noon and night. I to be by my had someone to sit with him husband's side whenever I needed a just in case the break (take a walk, get Lord decided something to eat or handle to take him phone calls). I did not home! My allow any negativity to sister-in-law enter into his room. In his had collected room, Gospel music played cont. on page 21
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The Word Testimony Means a Test Cont.
around the clock. I was careful and mindful of who was allowed to lay hands on my husband. I had a prayer warrior team to watch as well as pray! My two sons and daughter did not return to work and college until their dad was out of danger! At that point, I moved to Photo by: JHumble Baltimore to stay Photography with relatives. It was hard driving two hours in the morning to get to the hospital. My family did not feel comfortable for me to drive late at night due to the fact of being at the hospital all day and not getting my proper rest. Also, my body was tired of sleeping on that leather chaise lounge. My family and I spent Christmas, New Year's and Valentine's Day in the hospital. Eugene went from the Shock Trauma Unit to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to Rehab. He was discharged and transported by ambulance to Kernan Hospital in Baltimore, MD. He lived there for one month. At that point, he worked intensively with a speech, physical and occupational therapist. My husband had
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to be retrained all over again. I guess the hardest
we are thankful that he is alive, grateful that God gave him a second chance and appreciative that we never took each other for granted! None of this would have been possible without our families, churches, friends, co-workers, supervisors, and our neighbors. In the midst of our storm God has given us favor....favor with Him and favor with man!
part for him was learning how to walk with the use of a prosthesis and having your wife to bath, feed, clothed and to assist you in God made sure all of our the bathroom. This I did needs were taken care of. without complaint because He put people in our path I love him. Our roles literally to bless us mentally, switched. I went from sitting spiritually, financially and in physically. They did these the passenger seat to things without expecting driving five to seven days a anything in return. Through week. I took over the bills, it all God has been by our cooked, cleaned, cut the side, He has been faithful grass, maintained the and His word is true, "He will maintenance on our never leave you nor forsake vehicles, and made major you!" decisions concerning our household. My husband If you are experiencing a went from being a shop test in your life, just know foreman on his job to you are going to come out fighting for his life and from pure as Gold! being the Chairman of the Deacon Board Eugene and Janice Payne at church to living in a Photo by: rehab. There were times, I JHumble Photography asked, "Why God Why?" I finally got to the point where I stopped asking why and started thanking Him because through it all,
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TYESHIA MCCULLOUGH
Queen Diva
Enjoy our interview with Tyesha McCullough and find out why she is called Queen Diva. DD: Hello Queen Diva, it's a pleasure to meet you and I look forward to hearing all you have to say to me and my readers and why you are called Queen Diva. So Ms. Tyeshai tell us about yourself, what motivates you, who is she, mother, wife, business entrepreneur? TM: I'm Tyeshia McCullough A.K.A. Queen Diva. Born and raised in Winston-Salem, NC. Every morning I wake up to my motivation. That would be my son prince Rieko. His beautiful brown eyes and smile gives me life. Yes I'm a mother first then my business Queen Diva's Beautifying Services. I'm also a full time student studying Business Administration. DD: Tell me about your business Queen Diva Body Wraps & Apparel. TM: My business Queen Diva's Beautifying Services is a cultural art for all women. We specialize in custom jewelry, handmade by me and other creative local designers. I named the jewelry display Queen Diva's Royal Collection. I like to help my royal playmates (customers) feel and look like royalty when wearing the products. Next we specialize in creative ways to tie scarves. The name of this line is Tyeshia's Body Wraps. Both of these cultural products are included into the two services that we offer. One service that's offered is Queen Diva Parties- these parties are offered to women of all ages where we learn unique ways to tie scarves on the head and body (TYESHIAS BODY WRAPS). The second service offered is Princess Diva Partiesthese parties are offered to young women ages 7and up, where we learn to hand make jewelry and embellish apparel (jeans, tee shirts, hats, pocketbooks). DD: You are a woman after my own heart. I see you mentor young girls or Diva's in training, as I like to call them. How did you get into that, and what type things do you do for them? TM: Princess Diva's is what I call
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Photo by ~ HH Photo Graphix Co.
them. I love children and they love me. I think it's because of all the colors I wear lol. I got into the princess diva parties because in all actuality these are my top customers. When I had my booth set up at the flea market I was always approached by children. Most of them would be young women around 7 and up. My display table is very attractive and colorful so it always struck children attention. I love to tell my customers how most of the products are handmade and the children would ask me this question every time “How do you make this?� One day I told a young princess I will teach you. Her mom set up a princess diva party that next week for her birthday. Since then it has evolved and we have an awesome time. They end up teaching me creative things most of the time. DD: Tell us about your inspirations and your driving force. TM: My inspiration is art. I want to keep art alive. Even if it's through my accessories and scarves it's still an art. My driving force is to keep humanity learning hand zone one on one networking activities. We are becoming more of a social networking society. Queen Diva's Beautifying Services is here to teach innovative skills to network in harmony. DD: What advice would you give to a young woman just starting out with no idea what to do with her hopes desires and dreams. TM: Set your dreams as goals. Dreams can become reality as long as you push yourself and stay driven. Also network, network, network. You absolutely need others who believe in your dream as much as you do to help you become successful. Last be innovative with anything you choose to do. People like new and unique things. DD: Is there anything that you would like my readers to know about you that we have not supplied a question for? (please share) TM: My business is here to cater to women. We need to feel loved and appreciated as much as possible. I know we as women wear a lot of hats during the day. I set up this business to give ladies that time of relief to take their hats down and be themselves. We all deserve to feel beautiful and be treated like royalty. I'm currently working on my webpage however I'm on every social network out here. Twitter: Queendiva3, Facebook: Queen Diva's Beautifying Services, Instagram: Queendiva3, Tumblir: queendivasbs or tyeshiasbodywraps, Youtube:Tyeshia McCullough
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July 2011
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