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
George Porter Photography
Happy Holidays! With the year coming to an end faster than we can bat an eye, I begin to look back over this past year and think on the things that I lost and more so the things that I have gained. In life we all know that we will experience loss as well as gains, but it’s not how we handle the losses that will prepare us for all the gains that God is preparing for us. So with this year coming to an end and one right on its heels, Find the things that you are thankful for
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
and find ways to make them better. As always we have brought you a very exciting woman that is on her grind doing great things and geared up and ready to take on the world. During this issue you will have the opportunity to meet a phenomenal woman who has definitely stamped her mark on the world. She is a business women, mother, woman of God and truly a Diamond Diva to the fullest definition of the word. We trust that you will enjoy her life story and all that it has to offer. Renee' and Martin Dawkins
-3divastatus007@gmail.com
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This is “Just Stevii� and I look forward to helping you turn your dreams into reality by giving you practical steps to help you along your journey! Stevii A Mills Community Relationship Coordinator 949.208.4352 www.steviiaishamills.com Turning Dreams Into Reality Set The Foundation For 2014
Whooooo! Yes, we made it!!! We are blessed to end 2013 and we are about to enter 2014. Let's choose to enter with style, grace and sophistication. Let's choose to forgive ourselves for every resolution that we did not resolve. Let's choose to enter 2014 with a commitment to continually learn, grow and become better than we were the day before. As we count down the days left in this year and embark on the journey that 2014 will present to us, I will share 13 truths that I discovered this year.
1. Always stay authentic to yourself. When you are true to you. You will definitely be true to others. Sometimes the biggest lies that we tell are to ourselves. Why? There are many reasons. Some of the top ones include: Not being fully satisfied with who we are, not being able to forgive our past mistakes and not being able to forgive others. 2. Find and Feed Your Greatest Need When you know your greatest need you are able to grow. A need is something that you cannot live without. You must know your needs in order to get to your wants.
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3. Everyone is not going to like you...and it's ok. You are assigned to certain people and certain people are assigned to you. It is not meant for everyone to like you. This was a hard pill for me to swallow, but once I realized and accepted it, I was able to live freely. 4. Sometimes you have to let go. Many of us are trying to be Perfect Pamela when we are really meant to be ourselves. Realize that you do not have to be perfect and that you are a living, breathing, evolving creature. You were created perfectly, but you are not perfect. 5. Never be afraid to begin again. The most fun that I have had in life is embarking on a new journey. I know that you may not want to try new things because of the perception that you think people will have about you. Just know that life is to be lived. Never spend time being miserable because of what you think someone else will think of you.
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6. Get off the sidelines. Get in the game! In order to live the life God has for you, you must take action. Time is the commodity that we can never get back. Do not waste it. See every day as an opportunity to get in the game and ROCK it out! 7. Seek advice from others but know that you and God have the final say. We are supposed to seek wise counsel, however the wisest counsel that I believe that you can have is from God. He created you so he knows what you are purposed to do. Trust in Him and allow Him to direct your path. I always tell people "God has written our biographies. Now all we have to do is follow the path that is laid out before us."-Stevii Aisha Mills 8. Love, love, love...no matter what the outcome is. We were created to be part of relationships. That is one of our biggest needs in life. Never be afraid to love. I know how it feels to have a broken heart and to break someone's heart. No, it absolutely does not feel good at all. When we make sure that we are following God's plan about who we need to be connected to in that season of our life, we can rest assured that we will learn and grow in the process. There is a lesson that is wrapped up in that connection. 9. Self-care is truly important. There is only 1 you. You must make it a top priority in your life to become and remain physically, emotionally spiritually, mentally, and fiscally harmonious. When you are in balance and when you are out of balance you can feel it.
journey to improve and to become motivated, educated, inspired and empowered to enroll in my B.E.A.U.T.Y. Defined sessions. All details can be found atwww.steviiaishamills.com 11. Pick Your Battles Ladies; we do not always have to have the last say. It is ok. In my opinion, the strongest person is the one who can be the bigger person. 12. Smash the box. One of my mentors told me that people have never seen a millionaire in the making. Therefore, they do not know what one looks like. People with millionaire mindset are game changers and history makers. They smash the boxes that society tries to put them in. 13. Prepare As we move from 2013 and transition into 2014, prepare yourself for a new journey. Discover the new experiences that you would love to have. Prepare to enjoy each day that you are blessed to live. Do something that feeds your spirit. Be the best you that you can imagine to be. Then, become even better than that. Take some time to reflect. Forgive yourself and forgive others. Do not take anything negative into 2014. Shepreneurs, thank you for allowing me to spend another year with you. I truly am honored to be able to be a consistent part of your life. May God forever bless and keep you. I look forward to a greater journey with you next year. See you in 2014! Stevii Aisha Mills The Shepreneur's Best Girlfriend
10. Personal Development is key. In order to grow, we must first become. Books, mentors, magazines, videos, cds, and more are available to you. There is no excuse for not investing in yourself. I strongly recommend all women who are on a
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Ge tting 2 Know
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Photo by George Porter Photography
Keisha Godwin
Diamond Diamond Diva Diva
Name: Keisha Godwin Hometown: Selma, N. C. Profession: Cosmetologist Title: Senior Hair Artist/ Owner Company: Hairport International Salon Length of time in business: 10 years What is your greatest accomplishment about the business you are in? My greatest accomplishment is opening my salon without the support of bank loans at the age of 25. My venture to become an entrepreneur began as a vision, was meticulously planned and self-financed. My success is measured by the longevity of Hairport International Salon, 10 years
great role model for him is also a daily motivator. My son, CJ was born prematurely. Due to his early arrival, he has Cerebral Palsy, an intellectual disability and is hearing impaired. He is wheelchair enabled. Life has truly been a challenge for both him and me, but I have always known that nothing in life happens without a reason and no matter what challenges you are faced with, to God be the glory. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose". (Romans 8:28). Whenever we as people realize that the lives we live are not our own, but for God to use us for His glory; challenges can be faced a little easier.
later through the economic depression; my business is still thriving and profitable
What is your inspiration and driving
via self-financing. Tell us about you, what motivates you, who is she, mother, wife, business entrepreneur? I am motivated by the gift of helping others achieve their personal best. Helping my clients achieves their desired look or style is very inspiring, especially when I see their confidence and self-esteem soar. I am also very much into serving others through community outreach. Currently, I serve as a volunteer board member of First in Families of Johnston County (FIFJC). FIFJC provides grants and assistance to individuals with an intellectual disability. I am a mentor to several high school and college students. My business donates 50 free haircuts every year to various families. My focus is on non profits and on families who are in financial distress. I have a passion for helping others in any capacity that I am able to assist. I volunteer at local food pantries, distributing food to the less fortunate.
force? First and foremost, my
I am also the mother of a wonderful 18 year old son, whom I love dearly. Being a
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inspiration and driving force is my relationship with my Lord and Savior. When I focus on God, family then entrepreneurship; everything else falls into place. What is the best advice you've ever been given? Life has a way of presenting a few challenges along the way, but... it is not the challenge you face that defines you. How you deal
with
the
challenge
demonstrates the true fabric of your cloth. The best advice I've been given is to use those challenges as opportunities for improvement. I choose to use them as stepping stones and not stumbling blocks.
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Ge 2tting Know
education. NEVER put a cap on your potential. You must think outside of the box. Jesus told the disciples in St Matthews, "...with God all things are possible". (Matthew19:26) In other
What do you do to relax and unwind? I maintain an exercise regimen that includes strength training and running. Pounding the pavement is most relaxing to me. While running, I meditate with the Lord and reflect on my current placement in life and where I'm going. I try to incorporate about 20 miles of running into my schedule each week. Making scarves and blankets to give to people helps me relax and unwind. It puts me in a place of peaceful tranquility. Tell us something about you that people would be surprised to know. Although I am a confident woman; I am very shy and I don't like to be in the limelight. I'd much rather work behind the scene and get my hands dirty. I have a bucket list that includes sky diving and swimming with dolphins. What advice would you give to a
words, never doubt your potential and never doubt what God can do for you, in you or through using you! He's able. Know that faith is an action verb. If you work it; it will work for you! Is there anything in particular that was not asked that you would like my readers to know about you? I actually own two businesses. My other business is a virtual service corporation (VSC) named CJ Mac. Currently, I am working on a business plan for a day center for special needs teenagers. There are two other
businesses,
event
planning/decorating and a construction company that I have on my things to do list in my near future. I also own rental property. I believe that everyone should have multiple streams of income. I am a "Money Map" coach for Crown Financial Ministries. I am also a run coordinator for Black Girls Run!
young woman just starting out or have a desire to go in business but have no idea what to do with her hopes and dreams? Goals are necessary for all productive and progressive activities. However, a plan without action is just a hope. Be diligent about seeing your goals to fruition. Also, education, education,
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Konvos at Knight Holiday Love & Joy
Celebrating National World AIDS Day Kimberly M. Knight
The holiday season is just around the corner! Many of us are planning for family dinners, shopping excursions, or holiday getaways to warmer climates. Either way it's a time of year for togetherness and thankfulness as a new year approaches. However, there is a celebration time that is very near and dear to my heart that is celebrated this time of year. December 1st is National World AIDS Day and this year is very special for me because I will be participating in a few events. This is a celebration to remember those that have lost their lives to the illness and those living with HIV. So as I was sitting in my hot pink Slanket, yes Slanket with foot pockets included, while sipping warm tea I thought about the past year of my life. Many of you reading this may not know my story of advocacy but I'm very passionate about this cause since losing my husband in September 2012. Since his passing I have received many harsh discriminations and I could only imagine how it is for someone living with HIV. The long stares, the whispers as you walk by, and for me the bold words of “are you sure you don't have it? Or “why do you need to speak openly about your marriage” or my favorite “be glad you don't have it and just be quiet about all of this”. The part that most intrigued me was this was from people who considered themselves as Christians. It made me wonder if this is how people view me as a negative status person what is it like is for those living
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with the virus? So I reached back to my collegiate roots of journalism to interview a variety of individuals about their life as an HIV positive person. I will share briefly with you a young woman's story of contracting HIV at age 26 from her spouse. She had no idea he had the illness and she has been living with the virus for two years. Her pillars of strength have been her parents, family, and community of HIV advocates on her behalf. One of my questions was how she handles criticisms since her diagnosis and she politely replied that her journey has been one of many trials. She assured me that she wanted readers to know that people living with HIV are no less human than anyone else. That the same emotions she had before were the same now and that she wants people to realize it's a condition not a death sentence. Today her life's work is to educate those in her community on the beauty of life with HIV and how the promises God has placed in her heart are obtainable. I admire her strength to speak out in her community and to be candid as she was with me. I think its time that we all took a closer look at ourselves and become less judgmental of others. So with that being said on December 1st if you know or have lost someone to HIV or AIDS honor them this year. That moment of honor could be as private as a prayer, wear the color red, or as public as volunteering at World AIDS Day events in your community. Either way let it be an expression of love and
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remembrance for those in your life. Let it be a reminder that this illness has no face, color, or creed because it can happen to any of us. So many times we look at the cause of obtaining the illness but half the battle is having support once diagnosed. Keep in mind we all have a past but it's our repentance and faith that allows us the promises of a brighter future. So this holiday season be a gleam of light in your homes, communities, churches, workplace, friend circles, or families. Be one of good stewardship love, and of holiday cheer. Have a blessed holiday season filled with love, inspiration, and joy. K. Knight Feel
free
to
contact
me
at
info@kimberlymmoore.com with topic ideas or questions.
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Voice of the VisionHeiress “My Resolution to Write My Visions” Kim Hodges Habakkuk 2:2, “Write the vision; make it plain upon tablets…,” and I began to do just that.
I took it upon myself to write
down the dreams and goals I desired to achieve and I began to believe God for the manifestation. Reading further in the same chapter, verse 3 clarifies that, “The vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” It was here in this As the year draws to an end many of us are
verse that I experienced a most beautiful
considering how we will go forward with the
revelation…that the waiting period is
things we desire to accomplish over the
PRICELESS.
This is the time that my faith,
next 12 months. New Year's resolutions will
the time spent with God, and my
certainly come into the discussion at family
obedience equated to the nurturing
gatherings and office parties during the
stage in order for me and the seed to
Christmas season. Many of us will choose to
grow. It was also in this time I gathered an
resolve to do things like stop smoking, to
understanding of what to do with the
lose weight, or to work on saving more
vision once it manifested. It's all a part of
money.
the process.
How many of us will accomplish
what we resolve to do?
It could certainly be asked, “What's the
In my experience, resolutions have not
difference between writing visions and
been designed to last. From year to year
making resolutions?” Vision writing is God
my resolutions have covered up what I did
reliant and faith driven. Resolutions, as
not accomplish the year before. They have
many of us understand them are self-
been more like band-aids to appease the
driven, self-dependent.
As a believer
fact that I did not do half of the things I
who happens to be a vision writer, I've
resolved to do. Eventually, the sticky side of
learned that in my own strength I can do
those band-aids would wear off, exposing
nothing.
what I covered up and leaving me feeling
must, “Trust in the Lord with all our heart,
Proverbs 3:5 teaches that we
unfulfilled and vulnerable.
and do not lean on our own
So, a little over 7 years ago I became a
understanding.” I put my trust in God and I
vision writer.
am a living testimony of exactly what he
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Based on the scripture
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can and will do for those who delight in him. So, this year I challenge you to resolve to write your visions. Embrace the waiting period, appreciate the process, and though you will wait, the vision will speak. I declare that your latter shall be greater! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from my family to all of yours. Kim W. Hodges, the self-proclaimed VisionHeiress™, is a wife, mother, daughter, the author of Write the Vision, Make it Plain: Writing Your Way To Victory, and founder of the North Carolina based organization, A Woman's Inspiration, Inc. Email Kim at: kimlhodges@yahoo.com info@awomansinspiration.com Connect with Kim at: www.facebook.com/kimlhodges www.facebook.com/WriteTheVisionMakeItPlain Twitter: @inspirencourage
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July 2011
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