SUMMER 2010
zvfrf 5.25 CAN 3.25 US
drea nicole
SUPREME DIVA DOLL
AD PA
AD PA
SUPREME DIVADOLL
THE LOOK FOR LESS
PG
Editor in Chief
Joylander Jones
Associate Editor
Lakeisha Burnett
Contributing Writer
Pamela Bryant
Associate Editor
Morgan James
Associate Editor
Patricia Cobb
Creative Director
7
COVER PG
19
K Marie Smith
Assistant Editor
Photographer
DREA NICOLE
DIVADOLL EXCLUSIVE
LYRIKA HOLMES Q&A PG
9
DETROIT UNDER SIEGE
PG 13
David Smith Daniel L. PorĂŠ
TABE OF CONTENT
BAD HAIR PG
THE DAY MY MOTHER LEFT
22
PG 21
Why We Are the Best
met am
si s e h o rp
music
Her & Her Music specializes in developing musical artists for live and in-studio performances. We help serious performers “fine-tune� their talent and discover that they possessthemostsought-afterqualitiesintheentertainment industry. From beginning to end, Her & Her Music focuses on each individual, highlighting his or her unique abilities and needs. We go beyond the voice and the stage by tapping into elements like physical fitness and vocal agility. There are many elements of great performance, and Her & Her Music will design a personalized regimen that will help artists and performers live up to their potential.
Our Mission Our mission at Her & Her music is to provide talented individuals with the focus, discipline and confidence needed for successful entertainment careers.
Our Vision At Her & Her Music, we understand that the individual is the key to a successful entertainment career. Whatever the level of expertise or experience, our customized programs will instill professionalism and set the stage for dreams that become reality.
Our diverse services include: Choreography for Live Performance Dance Lessons Headshot Photography Live Performance Coaching Personal Development Coaching Personal Training & Fitness Voice Coaching Music Bio Development Electronic Press Kit Graphic Design Song Arrangement/Writing and much more
13650 West 8 Mile Road Suite 13 Oak Park, MI 48237 www.herandhermusic. com 248.212.8312 CALL US TO SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION TODAY.
NODISCIPLINE
NECOREDD
PRESENTS
Weight A Minute
NECO REDD, No Discipline EP, and Press can be found here http://dwntn81det.bandcamp.com/ http://www.myspace.com/necoredd531 http://www.moovmnt.com/tag/neco-redd/ http://www.facebook.com/pages/ NECO-REDD-EXPERIENCE/207027016389?ref=ts
BLAKEEERIE THELATEEFEP
BLAKE Eerie, Laeef Ep, and Press can be found here http://blakeeerie.bandcamp.com/album/ the-lateef-ep http://detroit.metromix.com/music/ article/b-l-a-k/1682858/content http://www.facebook.com/pages/ BLAKE-Eerie/149265265899
There are times in your life when the numbers displayed on the digital scale are of grave importance to you. Then there are also times when you just don’t care what the read out is you see on the LED display of the digital scale. Or even if you can actually see those numbers without tilting your neck and back forward slightly in order to see past your belly. That was me five months ago. The later of the two would be accurate in describing how I felt during those dark times. I ate everything I could get my hands on in order to ease my pain. The pain of feeling as though I was not worthy enough to have all the things I had been blessed with. I had a beautiful daughter, a loving and supportive husband and even a loyal dog. But in my eyes, I did not deserve any of these things. I did not want to live in Detroit, MI any longer. The mere thought of it alone was enough to send me into a bout of self pity that seemed impossible to climb my way out of. I was in school full time and the pressure from my online classes was enough to push me over the edge. I was a hot mess and didn’t see any light at the end of the tunnel. I was such a mess that my doctor prescribed
me elavil for depression which caused me to gain more than 20 pounds in 3 months. I was on a downward spiral emotionally and this was the straw that broke the camel’s back. I then decided to concentrate not on my faults and failures but on what encouragement I could give to others. It turns out that what I thought was bad; others I came in contact with were having an even worse time at it than me. First of all, I would have to wean myself off of the elavil and trust God for everything, and I mean everything. You see, I am what you might call a worrier. You know, one of those kinds that will give it to God and worry about how he is going to fix it. I had to stop that and renew my relationship with the lord. Then get my attitude about life together spiritually and emotionally. Next, I had to make a conscious effort to be healthier and lose the weight. In this journey, I will also work on my God given artistic blessing that he has bestowed upon me. So walk with me on this weight a minute voyage. It just might change your life too. Sincerely, Anonymous
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How to n i a m e R e l b a n o i Fash n o i s s e c in a Re
a Burnett
By LaKeish
Retailers, manufacturers and fashion boutiques are all feeling the effects of the economy and doing whatever they can to survive. But what can consumers do to stay fashionable during the recession?? The disheartening economic state we are in may be prompting most Americans to keep a tight hold on their wallets, but so far it seems to have very little effect on America’s passion for fashion. It is not easy in the present economic setting to maintain current with today’s fashion trends and abide by a budget. Looking at the same clothes and/or outfits in your closet day in and day out when the workplace is such a stage for fashion is not the easiest thing in the world to do either. With so many people looking for jobs and the workforce becoming more and more competitive each day, your resume is not the only thing being looked at, you’re overall look is being explored. Knowing that the average American will never be able to give up shopping completely and that the economy is banking on our contributions as consumers, many marketing & advertising outlets are directing their attention towards affordability.
There is a new phrase that has been coined: Recessionista: “A person who is able to stick to a tight budget while still managing to dress stylishly”. I guess one would call me a recessionistas because I’m always keeping up with the latest styles but I’m a magnet for a good deal. There are many ways you can look stylish and wear designer brands, for not a lot of money. Here are some steps to staying fabulous on a budget: 1. Shop at Bargain stores like: T.J. Max, Marshalls, Citi Trends, Burlington, Loehmans etc. If you want to stick to designer brands, These bargain stores sell name brand designers for discounted prices. 2. Try websites like Bluefly. com, Ebay or GreatGlam.com. These sites usually have the latest fashion trends for less. 3. Use accessories to update, or use them to bring out your personal style 4. For cute, but well made items that aren’t name brand try stores like Forever21, Wetseal, and Dots, you can keep up with the latest fashion trends, accessories, shoes etc. for very reasonable prices.
5. Mix and match items in your closet, this helps to give you a different look without having to spend the money. 6. Consignment and thrift stores are also great ways to get deals on slightly used/worn items and/or clothing. You can even find some designer brands at some of these stores. 7. Designer Handbags add a signature look to your wardrobe, but in today’s economy, many aren’t affordable when you’re on a budget. Try bagborroworsteal. com, where you can rent designer handbags or try websites like myhandbagcity.com, and get replicas that are very similar to the designer bags. Times like these afford us the opportunity to stick to and strengthen our personal style rather than rushing out to buy the latest trends. It’s the perfect opportunity to go on your own personal shopping spree in your closet. Your closet may lack a few of the latest trends but you can make it work to your benefit. Build on your signature style, add pieces here and there, but don’t do an entire wardrobe makeover. It’s too overwhelming and costly.
with
By Juyiqcg
HOLMES
When thinking of R&B music and the plethora of instruments that I find audibly enjoyable, one instrument in particular tends to get overlooked as far as my top ten most enjoyable instruments to hear: The Harp.
However, after one listening to Lyrikas’ sultry voice, accompanied by her skillful manipulation of the strings of her gigantic classical instrument, I was instantly converted into a fan. For this reason, I simply had to conduct this interview in order to share with our readers, this talented and charming young lady. DDM: At what age did you get interested in playing the harp? LH: I started playing the harp at 10 yrs. Old in St. Louis MO at a performing arts school. DDM: What is your style of music? Is it up-tempo or more of a classical sound? LH: My style of music is a combination of r&b and neosoul with a few hip-hop elemements here and there. DDM: Do you have a record deal or are you an independent artist? LH: As of now i am an Independent artist...looking forward to bigger things in the future. DDM: How do you maintain being a mother, a recording artist and having a significant other? LH: Having a family that is a strong support system makes all the difference in the world. I am grateful and blessed to have that which sometimes hinders many artists from achieving their goals. DDM: Where do you envision yourself as far as your career, in 5 years? LH: In 5 years I envision having my own elementary performing arts school that intertwines the arts to the total core and caters to the communities where the arts are almost non-existent. I also see myself traveling to more countries to perform. DDM: What is it that you would want your fans to know about Lyrika and her music? LH: MY music is unique with a twist of the unexpected. Soulfully refreshing! DDM: In your opinion, do you feel that playing the harp (or any
instrument for that mater) provides children with valuable life lessons? If so, what has your experience taught you from playing the harp? LH: Absolutely! Playing an instrument has many benefits and positive effects on students. It improves cognitive functioning.... critical thinking skills...math.... and science to name a few. Playing an instrument can also instill discipline...build character.... improve self-control...self-esteem and memory. There also many more facts about the benefits of music and learning an instrument and i am a firm believer and supportive of all the arts when it comes to educating our youth. DDM: How does playing the harp make you feel? LH: Playing the harp soothes and relaxes me after a hard day. In itself playing such a beautiful unique instrument makes me feel blessed that God has given me this gift and love of singing and playing. DDM: I know you have told me you are a teacher. Do you teach music? LH: Yes I do teach music and I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to start the first harp program at the elementary level in the state of Tennessee...thanks to my supportive principal Dr. Jevon Marshall. DDM: Lyrika is a very pretty and unique name. Is that your real name? LH: Thank you, and my real name is Erica Ball Holmes. My manager and producer knew I needed to come up with a name that intertwined my love for singing...songwriting and harp playing thus Lyrika Holmes was created. DDM: How can you be contacted for any future events, concerts or appearances? LH: I can be contacted at:
www.lyrikaholmes.com, www.
facebook.com/lyrikaholmes. Or you can also contact my Man-
ager: Rodrick Dion at: 901-315-3875. In addition, I can be found
FOR HAVING ME.
at: www.youtube.com/lyrikaholmes, www.twitter.com/lyrika-
DDM: It was truly my pleasure Lyrika, and I can’t wait to hear
music and
your entire CD. Please continue to keep us all smiling with the
www.myspace.com/lyrikaholmes. Thanks for the
opportunity to be a part of what you do. I AM HONORED THAT
awesome talent that you’ve been given.
YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT WHAT I DO!!! THANK YOU
Inspiration Point Men, Challenge yourselves to charter new untraveled territory never developed, but waiting to be explored deep in the heart of your woman, and I stress YOUR, woman. After you have navigated through the valleys and the hilltops of her vastness, rest for a spell and begin your trek anew. Truly, the depth of a virtuous woman will never be completely surveyed by the likes of mere mortal man. Pastor Daniel Poré Sr.
Back in the early 1960’s on through the late 1980’s, it was an honor to be from Detroit. I spent the majority of my life here and never wanted to live anywhere else but in the “D”. As a young adult, I had plenty of friends and a variety of fun & exciting activities to occuppy myself with. If I was not at Skate Land roller rink on the Eastside, then I was at Northland skating rink on the Westside of town. We had Northland Mall, Edgewater Amusement park,
& Belle Isle (an island in the middle of the Detroit River) which included a zoo, botanical garden, giant slide, beach and various picnic areas, just to name a few. Detroit was just an amazing place to live. As a child, I would hear stories from my parents about how magical the Detroit music scenes were and how it was common to spot Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross & Marvin Gaye walking down the street or even living in
a neighborhood near you. Long gone are those days as well as a vast majority of the activities that were once at our disposal. Belle Isle is a mere shell of its former glory days, as most of the activities have been closed to the public with no sign of their return. Picnic areas still remain scattered about the 982 acre island. Public bathrooms are closed and in their place are a few ‘port-a-potties’ which are so unsanitary that they should be condemned. When I ride around Detroit now-adays, a once vibrant and prospeous city has been replaced by abandoned
housing projects. Countless foreclosed homes now commandeered and plauged by squaters and chared remains of houses have fallen victim to arsen. Gloom and despair grip the city and it hurts my heart to witness what has become of my hometown. A whirlwind of less than ethical politicians have come in and robbed our city of more than just astronomical sums of money; they have also succeeded in robbing the good citizens of Detroit of our morale. A city that was once prosperous and a huge contributor to this nations GNP has been crippled by the same recession that has devisated the rest of the country. Hugely due to the fact that Detroit was built on industry, and as a result of the auto industry taking a turn for the worst as of late, it has been difficult to say the least, for Detroit to bounce back. Over 50% of the children in Detroit are considered poor. The unemployment rate
75,000 homes in Detroit alone was foreclosed on. Curently, Detroit is considered the poorest major city in the country. It was not too long ago that working Detroiters made the most
the Mayor has come up with a plan to literally downsize the boarders of the city in efforts to contain what little resources we have such as waste disposal, police and fire fighters. During
money per capita, had the biggest middle class section in a city and was also considered one of the wealthiest
is at 28%, the highest it’s ever been. Add to that, the fact that in 2008, over
cities in the nation. As a result of the poor economic state that Detroit is in,
the time of the writing of this article, both the newly formed city council and the mayor’s office are in heated debates over the city’s budget. There is currently not enough money to allocate to getting the grass cut along the city’s main freeways and public parks. Outside of what they will consider the new city limits, individuals will receive no public services. The people in Detroit are left feeling victimized and many havent got a clue as to how we arrived in such a state. As I continued my drive in and around Detroit, the outlook was not as bleek as in other areas. It appeared to me that areas with a strong community base were still keeping it together and at least attempting to weather the storm. In 1960 the population of Detroit was a whopping 1,849,568 and currently, in 2010, that number has been reduced to a mere 800,000. I can’t say whether things will get better in Detroit or not, with the 32 new school closings in the next 2 years;
but for the citizens who decide to stay here and rebuild, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Lack of employment, massive increases in crime & an over all sense of despair could eventually give way once again to prosperity. With a new mayor to
implement change for the better in Dave Bing and new leadership over the public school system, spearheaded by Robert Bobb, things have the potential to turn around for the city that brought you the automobile, Motown Sound and cast iron stoves.
About the Editor K Marie Smith is an accomplished Author of two self published novels, “Trying not to Remember” and “The Beauty of Grace”. She has always desired to write books and own her own magazine. With numerous hurdles to overcome, hurdles which she assumed were insurmountable; K Marie began to realize that with God, all things are possible for those who love Him. K Marie established this magazine with the idea of promoting self-esteem and confidence in women who have found themselves undeserving or disenfranchised. She understands and can relate to that feeling all too well. After years of going through ups and downs, she found herself feeling depressed, not wanting to dress or even comb her hair. When we as women, go through tough situations, we tend to carry it in our faces, our bodies and just our overall appearance. K Marie, with the help of God and several influential figures in her life, decided to pick herself back up and get back in the game. She currently resides in Southfield, MI with her husband and 14 year old daughter and is on her way back where she belongs. On top!
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ARTICLE 1
ARTIC
I began my life the same as any other inter-city kid in Baltimore, Maryland during the mid-seventies. I was the product of a single parent home with an absent father and an overworked mother. I recall my childhood as being for the most part, pleasant and carefree. My household consisted of six in a small Westside apartment. I was the oldest of four siblings and as such, the lion’s share of responsibility fell squarely in my lap while my mother worked three jobs. My father was a truck driver and wasn’t a permanent fixture in our lives. He decided to abandon his family for good once I turned 8 years old. He would only come around long enoughtogetmymotherpregnant, and then disappear just as fast. The very last time I saw my father, I was 11 and it was right after my younger sister was born. I haven’t seen him since, nor have I heard from him again. The day she left brings back vivid images which to this day, I still can’t manage to escape from. I remember it as if it were yesterday. It was a cold Saturday Morning in January, 1981 and I was awakened by the annoying buzzing sound of the doorbell. While wiping the
sleep out of my eyes, I walked in a half sleep; half woke daze to the front door. As I twisted the knob, my mother burst in with a bruised and swollen upper lip. This was the beginning of my turbulent and highly challenging childhood.That cold Saturday morning, my mother left to go get some chicken from the Church’s chicken on the corner of our block and never returned. She left me, a 12 year old child, alone to raise my four siblings. Looking backon those days, I always thought and hoped she would return and be my mother again; however it simply was not to come to pass. I have not seen nor heard from my mother in 29 years. My brother and sisters are all grown up now and very successful and for that I thank God. I feel as though I did a fairly decent job of filling some really big shoes with no guidance from her or any aunts or grandparents whatsoever. I don’t know if she is dead or alive and most times, I try not to even think about it. I pray for her constantly and still pretend that wherever she is at the very least, apologetic for deserting her family just as our father had done a year before her. I forgive her and have come to terms with the abandon-
ment issues that once tormented me. There is however, a void that remains which no one can fill, but with God’s help, I persevere. My brother and sisters never talk about her, so I don’t really know how they feel. I just pray that they too have come to terms with what was done to us by our own parents as children. My dad does manage to call every 6-8 years and to tell a few lies and then, he falls off the radar again. My life has been filled with upsets and disappointments but I believe it made me stronger and made me the woman that I am today. Despite what she did to me emotionally, I harbor nor resentment or hatred towards my mom. I will always be left thinking in the back of my mind, “Why did she leave? What did I do to make her leave? What could I have done to make her stay?” I realize that I will probably never get answers to these and many other questions that I have about my mom’s disappearance on that cold winter day. It would just be really nice to finally be able to heal a 29 year old wound I received the day my mother left. Joylanda
ARTIC
No such thing as a bad hair day By K Marie
Upon entering Mrs. Strachan’s newest location inside Southfield Michigan’s Northland Mall, the first thing that caught my attention was the all too familiar, ‘ding-dong’ chime that sounded off once I broke the threshold of her high-end boutique. The smell of Egyptian musk incense then became more prominent as I made my way thru the decorative brown sheer curtains adorning the huge open space at the front of the store. Seated directly in front of me, but oblivious to my presence even with the sounding off of the entry chimes, sat Mrs. Strachan, staring off at one of her several show cases, deep
in thought. Our interview appointment was scheduled for 2pm on this rainy Monday afternoon, and I was running a bit tardy because I had a hard time locating her store in the gigantic mall. Once she was broken away from her trance and I introduced myself as her slightly tardy two o’clock interviewer, Mrs. Strachan darted out from behind her cash register and greeted me with a welcomed hug and a, “Hey girl. I was wondering when you’d show up.” “Sorry I’m late. I had a rough time finding you in here. “No worries, I’m glad you made it.” Despite the fact that we had never met, she made me feel as if
we were long lost friends. We made our way over to some cozy lounge chairs she had nestled in the corner of her shop and I immediately whipped out my trusty digital recorder and pressed ‘record’. “Lets begin, shall we?” “I’m ready when you are K Marie.” KM: How di you start out being a business owner? SS: I started out with rhinestones, going to various local gentlemen clubs in Detroit. I developed working relationships with the dancers who allowed me to accessorize their handbags, and exotic apparel, providing them with a customized look
all their own. With the proceeds from my rhinestone business, I was able to open my very first store. KM: How long have you been in business? SS: I opened my first store back in 1995, right across the street from here (North Land Mall) at a suite inside the Michigan Jewelers Building on Greenfield. KM: Where did the name of your busi-
too soon. KM: Wow that is really sad; I’m sorry to hear that. SS: Don’t be. It’s largely due to her memory that I am as motivated as I am now to continue to succeed in all that I do. KM: I hear you girl. Keep on movin’ full speed ahead. KM: So what are your specialialities? SS: Here at Sistah’s Closet, we spe-
cancer patients? SS: It’s funny that you ask that. We have yet to get any burn victims, but as a matter of fact, we have several clients who are cancer survivors. We also have customers who suffer from ale pica and lupus. We have recently spoken with several different organizations and foundations. We have committed to going out to these organizations and providing our ser-
ness, ‘Sistah’s Closet’ come from? SS: Back in 2004, my oldest sister was murdered by her husband. It was she who was actually already established in the hair weave business. I was still in retail with the boutique I had over on Greenfield, then later, we relocated to Livernoise and seven mile. After her unexpected death, I pretty much picked up where she left off and never looked back. I chose the name ‘Sistah’s Closet’ as a living memorial to my sister who was taken from us all, much
cialize in 100% virgin Indian Remy hair, imported directly from India. We actually offer Brazilian as well as Indian units. And by virgin, we mean, you can process the hair if you’d like. You can color the hair, wash it; pretty much whatever you would do to your own hair, you can do to our units. We do sew ins, wigs and costume lace fronts. We actually customize your lace fronts for you, for each individual customer. KM: Do you get any burn victims or
vice at a discounted rate. Several of our high-end units and hair products would be made available to them for pennies on the dollar. The whole concept of our products here at Sistah’s Closet is to provide individuals who might not be able to grow the type of hair they desire on there own, with a high quality and feasible alternative. We also strive to blur the line between when they had hair, (in the case of cancer survivors) vs. the aftermath of their condition, where they may have
lost their hair for whatever reason. KM: Oh, ok, I see what you mean now. SS: Exactly. This is where the customization comes into play. We have our
clients actually bring in photos of what they looked like prior to their hair loss and then we recreate that same look with our units here in the shop. KM: Wow, I had no idea that services like yours even existed. So how many employees do you have? SS: We have four employees, not including my Husband and three daughters. KM: Ok, that’s good. Way to get the family involved. Speaking of which, how do you balance being a business owner, mother and wife? SS: With great difficulty. One reason I say it’s difficult is because I dedicate so much time to the business that as a result, I tend to sometimes miss out on that quality time with my family. And I know this to be true because more often than not, my husband wants to just throw his hands up & tell me to let it all go because he can provide for us himself. But he knows that this is my passion & he finds himself caught between a rock and a hard place. I mean, its like no matter where we are, I’m always talking about business and ideas and what we need to do next. And then there’s the kids. My middle child constantly complains about the mall and how much time we spend in here. But I try to explain to my girls that because they are not flexible with their hours here at the mall, I cant be flexible with mines. It’s not like when I had my own boutique and could open and close when I choose to. I think they all understand now that when you have certain goals, there is a certain amount of sacrifice that goes along with it. KM: Sounds like you have it all together. I commend you with how you have introduced the concept of hard work & dedication to
your girls. I don’t see them being anything short of business owners themselves once they come of age. SS: Thank you. I really do try to instill in them a good work ethic. But like I said, it’s difficult to balance everything and still hold it all together. KM: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? SS: On the beach! In 5 years, my husband and I plan to have 10 stores across the nation; not retired, but really really comfortable. I probably will never retire. I cant see myself sitting around the house all day or traveling all over and just not doing something to stay busy. I know that I will always be a business owner. I enjoy being able to make major moves, to make things happen. KM: I feel you girl. I wanna be on that beach right next to you. So do you involve your children in the business any? SS: Oh most definitely, the kids work every day. My oldest works here daily. My middle child comes here to work on Fridays & Saturdays, and my baby even comes in and does her part when she feels like it. KM: And when you say ‘work’ do you mean ‘work’ or do they just come in and get on the internet the whole time they are here? SS: Girl please; I’m not havin’ that. No, they actually work: ringing up customers, cleaning up and I even have my oldest involved in the back rooms with the private free full consultations that we provide. KM: Again, I think you are doing a fabulous job here. Well I don’t want to take up any more of your time. I know you’re a busy woman, so I will end here. Thanks again for sharing a bit of your world with our readers. SS: Sure K. Marie, anytime.
kevanbowersphotography.com
ARTICLE 1