I AM QUEEN MAGAZINE ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 2020 by Elle Clarke

I AM QUEEN

OCT 2020

MAGAZINE

OPRAH WINFREY “WHEN YOU GET CLEAR, EVERYTHING CLEARS UP”

MITZIE TURNQUEST BAHAMIAN FASHION CONNOISSEUR & BUSINESS MOGUL

STEM CAREERS

JUMP START YOUR FUTURE

YOUNG CHRISTIAN MILLIONAIRES L e J i a H e n r y a n d J e re m y H e n r y S r c re d i t t h e i r s u c c e s s t o J e s u s .

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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04 EDITORS N OTE

Q UEEN O N TH E M OV E

STYL ING BYCH I

M ED ITATI O N G O D S

OPR AH ’S V ISION

WAY

LEADER

TOUR

WO RLD CL A S S

C OVER STORY

MITZ IE TURNQUEST

F O RM ERLY H O M E-

I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E E:

hello@iamqueenmagazine.com

W: www.iamqueenmagazine.com

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L ESS WO M AN W H O ESC A P ED P RO STITUTI O N SH A RES H ER P OW ERF UL STO RY, L AUNC H ES O NL I NE C O URSE

E D I TO R I A L ELLE CLARKE Editor

CO N T R I B U TO R S CHI ILOCHI

TANEISHA EDWARDS (DR) MOLINA PIERRE BEVERLY WILKS

Q UEEN , USE A STEM

SUBSCRIPTIONS

C AREER AS A VEHIC LE TO TH E LIFE

SUBSCRIBE ONLINE

O F YO UR DR EAM S

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C OVER STORY

YO UN G C H R ISTIAN MILLI ONAIR ES

HALL OF FAM E

HURRIC AN E DOR IAN C HAN GED M Y LIFE FOR EV ER

F O RG ET B UD G ETING . W H AT YO U NEED I S A SP END I NG P L AN.

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NOTE

ELLE CLARKE FOUNDER EDITOR IN CHIEF I AM QUEEN MAGAZINE ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 2020

This year did not go according to my plan. But because we are in God’s hand, I’m comforted that it will all work together for our good. 2020 has taught us all very valuable lessons. Whether it’s to enjoy our loved ones while they are still here. Or to cut back on unnecessary expenses, we can all say that it did bring about change. As an organization, we experienced many setbacks. Personally, I went through a crucifixion that I thought would take me out, but it elevated me. When the bible tells us to count it all joy when we go through trials, reading it sounds ridiculous and growing through is still painful. But what I can say now, is that the victory that comes because you endured the trial far outweighs the pain of it. The road has been rough for many, but it’s about to be smooth for some. For those who endured and stayed faithful to their assignments and to God, you are about to experience a fresh wave of God’s abundance and peace. For you have suffered a while and now it’s time to taste and see that the Lord is good.

Elle Clarke PHOTO CREDITS: JAYLYNN BONABY [ECM GLOBAL]

WELL-BEHAVED

WOMEN SELDOM MAKE

HISTORY P E N N E D B Y L A U R E L T H AT C H E R U L R I C H . Q U O T E D B Y E L E A N O R R O O S E V E LT

I AM QUEEN M

4 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

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Oprah kicked off her Vision For Life Tour 2020 in Fort Lauderdale Florida, at the BB&T Centre. On Saturday, 4th January 2020, 15,000 people gathered together to partake in the experience. We were privileged to be apart of the media team, and it was AHMAZING!

By: Elle Clarke Editor

here were many aha moments but Oprah said something so profound that I believe will stick with me forever, she said, “Accept the moment for what it is, then decide what you’ll do about it.” While you may have experienced a year of hardship, you must evaluate everything you’ve walked through because it will help you to uncover the pattern of your life and reveal the strategies you need to win in this new season. This last decade has brought about many beautiful gifts into my life; I got married to my best friend, gave birth to three additional angels, and became

a full-time entrepreneur. I completed some of my travel bucket list picks, but some dark days almost caused me to forget the beauty created along the journey. I have made up my mind that I will not allow the experiences that haunted me in the last ten years to hinder me in this new decade. It feels like I got a ‘do-over’ a second chance to get it right. If how I started this year is any indication about the flow of 2020 for my life, then I’m on the right track. I got the opportunity to plan my 2020 with the Queen of media Oprah Winfrey, and it was a life-changing experience. Here are seven keys I received from Oprah Winfrey:

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1. The sun always rises. Oprah shared a story about how she’s always excited to open her blinds every morning because one thing is sure is that the sun will rise. Sometimes because of the storms in our lives, we forget that joy comes in the morning. The constant in pain is that eventually, the pain will go away, and that should give us hope to continue even while life is pressing us.

how to respect them. You don’t need to answer a text or email right away! When it’s all said and done, we only have the moment we’re in, so treasure it and be present.

2. When you get clear, everything clears up. Where there is no vision, the people perish. Do not go through life without a plan. Write the vision and be intentional about accomplishing your goals.

5. God will exceed your expectations. Oprah shared a story about when she lived in a little house in Mississippi. Oprah dreamed of having a home with six trees in the yard but now lives on a fantastic property with 3,000 trees. Yes, she’s Oprah, she paid someone to count every tree in her yard. What we want for ourselves are pennies when compared to what God has

3. Be present –set boundaries. Being present tells the person that they are essential to you. We must set boundaries and teach others

4. Life is not a straight line. Our lives have constant movement and change, and we only have power in our stream. Accept the moment for what it is, then decide what you’ll do about it.

for us! 6. Be still. Find time every day to pray, meditate, practice gratitude, and serve others. Martin Luther King Jr said, Not everyone can be famous, but everyone can be great because greatness is determined by service. 7. You are powerful beyond measure. There was once a time when Oprah shrank every time someone said, who does she think she is, and soon realized that she was doing the world a disservice when she didn’t accept how powerful she is. Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.-Marianne Williamson.

“The true meaning of courage is to be afraid– and then, with your knees knocking and your heart racing, leap anyway. Let’s make 2020 the year of transformation and triumph. Beginning first and foremost with what makes us well.” Oprah

Oprah and Lady GaGa at the BB&T Centre Fort Lauderdale. Photo Credits: George Burns

Oprah also interviewed Lady GaGa and Tamela Mann took the stage by force with a rendition of Take Me to The King. Here’s the kicker, even with a plan we are still unable to control the outcome of our lives; because we are not in control. This event

along with the Super Bowl were the only events we covered for 2020 because COVID-19 changed all of our plans. However, having a vision gives you a map for your life and if you need to readjust your strategies do that. But never stop, keep moving forward!

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C E L E B R AT I N G 4 Y E A R S OF E XC E L L E N C E . C E L E B R AT I N G 4 Y E A R S OF E XC E L L E N C E . C E L E B R AT I N G 4 Y E A R S OF E XC E L L E N C E .

Chayya is a copywriter who was born and raised in London, UK. She has ten years’ worth of experience working across print, digital, broadcast, video, and radio as a journalist. She was also the brains behind “Avid Scribbler” - a blog where she wrote about her experiences of what life was like growing up in Britain as a South Asian woman. In four years, she amassed a global readership of 14,000,

was listed in Forbes 30 under 30 Europe 2017 in the Media category, and became an Associate Fellow at The Royal Commonwealth Society in 2018. Chayya was also one of the first Coding Journalists at the BBC and worked on the editorial/UX side of chatbots used to drive innovation in mobile-led content creation. QUEEN ON THE RISE!

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MEDIT EDITAT MEDIT GOD’S WAY

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you[a] shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. - Joshua 1:8 Good Success is a tatuology. A tautology is saying the same thing twice in different words, generally considered to be a fault of style, based on writing standards. However, throughout the bible God does this, but why? It is done to get our attention and to let us know that it is finalized. In this case, it tells us that there is a DOUBLE blessing attached to obeying this command. Meditation is a practice where an individual uses a technique – such as mindfulness or focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity – to train attention and awareness, and achieve a

mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state.

Christian meditation is a form of prayer in which a structured attempt is made to become aware of and reflect upon the revelations of God.Christian meditation is the process of deliberately focusing on specific thoughts (such as a bible passage) and reflecting on their meaning in the context of the love of God. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. 2 Corinthians 10:4-6. Meditation is a weapon against the enemy.

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ATION TION TATION When we meditate we must put on the FULL ARMOR of GOD.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the

Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. - Ephesians 6:10-18 Our thoughts create worlds. The lives we are living today were created by the things we were thinking. This is why even when we are in a season of hopelessness or choicelessness we can create a way of escape through meditating on the word of God.

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ADVERSITY

IS YOURS

INVITATIONC TO VICTORY

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STAY CON NEC TED STAY STAY CONCON NEC NEC TED TED W W W. I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E . COM

@IAMQUEENMAGAZINE

@IAMQUEENMAGAZINEUS @IAMQUEENMAGAZINEBS

StylingByChi My name is Chi Ilochi and I am a 20-year-old Nigerian American fashion stylist based in Pittsburgh, PA.

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PROFILE I believe my story is a story of calling. A story of pain, purpose, and light. Growing up I wasn’t the way you see me now. I was afraid, introverted, and anxious. I was that way because I was teased so much. I didn’t know my value because I was made to feel like I didn’t have any. I knew there was a way to channel my pain, to feel heard, seen, appreciated, so I did just that. I was ALWAYS creating. Amid my love for fashion, I also entertained visual arts, whether that be Manga (A Japanese Drawing Style), painting, cartooning, even Origami. That translated and was the reality I had created where I could dress however I wanted. I must say I always dressed in wacky, colorful clothing because as an introvert that was my way of speaking. Dressing up was my way of letting people know I was there without saying I was there. I’ve had a deep love for fashion since I was about 7 years old. But didn’t know how to pursue it until I was 16 years old. I had a friend who asked me “Have you ever thought about being a stylist?” I was nervous by that question but did the research and found out it was everything I loved. From that point on I never looked back! I started my own styling company “StylingByChi” which specializes in wardrobe, virtual, editorial, celebrity, and community styling!

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WORLD LaQuisha Williams Graced the cover of I AM QUEEN Magazine July 2018

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DCLASS She embraces being a woman in today’s world from multiple and intersecting perspectives. As such, she’s a fierce advocate for women living their best and fullest life around the globe. LaQuisha continues to run a few successful businesses after leaving corporate America.

LaQuisha Williams – Bestselling Author, Speaker, mentor and founder of The World-Class Woman Network – a premier platform for progressive women designed to inspire personal development and social change. LaQuisha for the last 4 years held successful women empowerment events in the S. Florida area growing from 14 women in her living room to over 200 women yearly. LaQuisha deeply believes in the power of connections, collaboration, change, education, and community. She believes every woman can have it ALL, and deserves to live a richer and fulfilling life without compromising their beliefs and morals to have it ALL. She’s currently coaching women and facilitating a private inner circle for women and their girlfriends who want more.

40, Red Hatters Woman of Empowerment 2018 for Women’s History month, featured in The Huffington Post and featured in 4 magazines. The United States Congress recognized LaQuisha for her outstanding work. Stating that “LaQuisha have set an example that all women can look too.” She’s curious to know: what would you do with a silver platter support system and a glass of style and class? As always, she’s committed to serve and personal growth. She exemplifies Mahatma Gandhi’s quote: “Be the change you want to see” by embracing her own evolution in her human experience.

She embraces being a woman in today’s world from multiple and intersecting perspectives. As such, she’s a fierce advocate for women living their best and fullest life around the globe. LaQuisha continues to run a few successful businesses after leaving corporate America. She co-hosts The Good Success radio show with Bishop Victor T. Curry on WMBM AM 1490. LaQuisha also serves as the liaison for her dad’s international ministry where they continue to serve the people of the Bahamas by supplying them with homes, cars, food and clothing. Her motto is, this is only the beginning, and I’m just getting started! She believes that she is always becoming. Amongst all of her accomplishments, LaQuisha received a platform of excellence award by Malcolm X -daughter and Civil Rights leader, Illysha Shabazz and also recently received a nomination for an honorary doctoral degree. Her latest and recent recognition is being named one of Broward County’s 100 Outstanding Women in business and leadership, K.I.S.H Magazine top 30 powerful women under

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A S I A

Travelling will never be the same -- COVID-19! The lockdowns and quarantines have put a toll on everyone. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that we shouldn’t take anything or anyone for granted. Time isn’t subjected to us, we are subjected to it; so we must use it wisely. I’m sure travel is BIG on everyone’s list of things to do. What’s on your dream board for travel?

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AUSTRALIA L O N D O N I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E

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THE BOOKSHELF The place where you are filled spiritually and equipped physically to do the work of God. Purchase one of our bestselling ebooks today!

The Lemonade Stand Method: Creating A New Beginning From Scratch A Lemonade Stand represents entrepreneurship and freedom. Entrepreneurship is the act of setting up a business, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit. As complex as it may seem children have simplified this method with lemons, sugar, and water. When we were children we saw the world differently-things were simpler. However, there is much that can be learned from the faith of a child and lemons. Price: 1.99

DECODED MESSAGE: Understanding the dreams you dream “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” - Acts 2:17 Your dreams are prophetic words waiting to be decoded. ‘Decoded Message: Understanding the dreams you dream’ is the first of a series of ebooks designed to help the reader to understand the dream realm. While God is pouring out his spirit on ALL flesh, only his chosen people will have the revelation to the dreams he has given. In the days of Joseph, God gave Pharoh a prophetic dream that only Joseph could interpret. In the days of Daniel, God gave King Nebuchadnezzar a dream that only Daniel could reveal and interpret. While all dreams are unique, there are symbols that will always have the same meaning. In this ebook, you will learn how to identify recurring symbols in your dreams. This ebook is simply a resource but we are to always go to the source, GOD, the giver of dreams for the revelation. Price: 1.99

Write a Book in 24 hrs is all you need to write that next bestseller. This ebook is designed to fast track you to finally completing that book you continuously put off because you have ‘no time’. The tools you’ll discover in this ebook will help you effectively and efficiently produce a book that will transform lives. Here’s what you can expect: Learn how to write your book in 24 hours Learn how to become an Amazon Bestselling Author Learn how to get your book in major retailers Psst.. you’ll even learn how you can transcribe your live videos for free! And So Much More... What are you waiting for? Price: 10.00

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Write a Book in 24hrs

A N N I V E R S A R Y I SS U E 2020

Go To: https://payhip.com/ECMGlobal

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Meet fashion connoisseur & business mogul Mitzie Turnquest, torn from potent Bahamian Fabric and reigning from the nation’s city; Nassau, The Bahamas. Mitzie has revolutionized the fashion industry in the Bahamas, having built and maintained a thriving 17year business; “Signature Styles” which is still today considered a premier choice by most Bahamians and visitors.

OCT 2020

I AM QUEEN MAGAZINE

BAHAMAS

MITZIE TURNQUEST BAHAMIAN FASHION CONNOISSEUR & BUSINESS MOGUL

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itzie has revolutionized the fashion industry in the Bahamas, having built and maintained a thriving 17-year business; “Signature Styles” which is still today considered a premier choice by most Bahamians and visitors. She is an International Buyer, holds her own International Fashion Line, and serves as a University Lecturer. A fierce advocate for women to rise in their beauty and purpose in life and to take their due signature positions. As a style and image consultant, Mitzie serves to buff dull personalities and images for the revealing of some of the region’s most refined and prestigious women. Having achieved most of her hearts desires, Mitzie, now a wife

and the mother of two incredible boys, moves to fulfill her intended purpose in the building of a strong formation of women globally using the skills she has harnessed through her gold studded 12-year career as the Director of VIP Services; Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas, coupled with her Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management and a Bachelors in Business Management. Her story bears her tears in the overcoming of many seemingly impossible life challenges of homelessness, the death of 2 sisters and her father, and financial collapse all of which bridged the path for poor self-esteem. She could have remained broken but instead, it has shaped the novel she is today.

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Dr. Ghandi Thompson

Queen, Use a STEM Career as a Vehicle to the Life of Your Dreams By: Taneisha Edwards (Dr) Lecturer of Geology President Geological Society of Jamaica Department of Geography and Geology The University of the West Indies (Mona)

I grew up on what they call the wrong side of the tracks; pregnant teens, drugs, guns, domestic abuse was something I saw even though my family tried to shield us from the rapidly changing community and the influx of gang activities. So, while I only had TV knowledge of what was supposed “the good life”, I know “the bad” life that I didn’t want when I grew up. Yet I had no idea how to achieve it. I saw people hard at work every day in dead-end jobs and that just broke my heart. Education was my key to something better and I was looking for educational opportunities that would give me job security and comfort. Luckily, I got drafted to the STEM (Science, technology, engineering, or math) field. These jobs pay more. But women shy away from them because some of these positions were traditionally held by men. However, the women that rise in these careers bring so much to the table they often make the businesses better. In university, I studied a lesser-known science called geology. I immediately got a job at a well-known mining company after graduation, but the great recession came, and they had massive layoffs. Back then I pivoted with more education. I got a scholarship and went to grad school and still managed to pay off my student loans. I was then recruited for a teaching position long before I got my Ph.D. in Geology and that is my current job as a University Lecturer.

long I want to or when I work outdoors. I get to travel as part of my job and the only drawback about that is, I don’t often take my family along. It’s a very refreshing and rewarding job for me, but I wanted more. I want to be more than comfortable and now with the extra income from my STEM career, I can invest in real estate, stocks, and bonds or my own startup. I realized that I can use my resources, my education, my aspirations, and network as leverage to delve into things that won’t just give me “the comfortable life” but a “dream life” if done right. So, I came back to tell others. The reason I am having this conversation is to encourage aspiring Queens to consider a career in STEM and use it as a pivot to where you want to go. I don’t care what anyone says, it’s difficult to start a business without help or funds. But you can find your way through education. And you can start at any time. If you want to reach out to me, you can find me at @edwardstcp on Instagram. On this page, I interview creatives and women in STEM fields who are making “Boss” moves to inspire and show others what is possible. Exposure makes all the difference.

This job got me the best of both worlds, I am never in an office too long and I choose how

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To date, 1.11 million people have died from the coronavirus. However, 27.3 million have recovered. There is light at the end of this tunnel. We must continue to adhere to the CDC guidelines; sanitize, socially distance, and wear masks. Better days are ahead.

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YOUNG CHRISTIAN MILLIONAIRES Lejia and Jeremy Henry have built an incredible life for their family. They have a tremendous social media following and they teach people how to become debt-free through Forex trading and business. What’s most remarkable about the couple is how they continue to give God glory for all they have amassed. They take no credit for the wealth they have accumulated and are BIG givers. Recently they created a Youtube Video together informing their followers that

they would be leaving social media. They said they realized that social media became too big of a part of their lives and thought it would be better to pull away for a while and focus on their relationship with God and family. With the influence they have garnered over the years, one may say that the move was crazy, but when done in obedience to God the rewards can only bring increased victory into their lives.

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Who is Lejia Henry? I’m a follower of Christ. A wife, mother, and business owner. But all those things are titles. If you strip all those titles away, then I have to ask myself, what’s left? The first thing that comes to my mind is that I’m far from a perfect woman, but I am a progressing woman.

Photo Credits: I A M Q U E E N M AGA Z I N E - 34 M.Lashell Photography

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What was that thing that told you that he was the one? Honestly, it was a lot of things-- like oh my gosh, this man is a unicorn lol. He is one of a kind. And I’m not saying that because he is my husband but; there is no one in this generation built like him. The things that first stuck out to me about him was his love for Jesus and how he’s so selfless. These days people are all about themselves but he has no problem putting others first and that says a lot about a person.

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When I say God, what comes to mind? Jesus. My everything. Salvation. Briefly describe your life before success? Before success, we were still pretty much the same. We were givers and happy. That’s how I knew if we ever made it, we would be just fine. The way you were before success, money makes you a bigger version of that. That’s why people looked at us crazy when we would give so much money away but we have always been givers. We are now able to do more. How has Forex changed your life? Forex allows us more time freedom. It allows us to make money remotely and wherever we are in the world. It was also a gateway for us to help and teach others. Would you recommend that families learn the skill and why? Yes, 100%. Forex is a skill set that can create generational wealth and give you freedom like no other. It also teaches people how to manage money. You don’t have to recruit people to do it, and you don’t have to be on social media to do it either. You both recently did a Youtube video about leaving social media for a bit; how did you reach that decision? We came to a point in our lives where we felt like our job on social

media was done. We let people in on our journey, we motivated, we inspired, and we blessed thousands of people. But now we just want to live a private life without having to post everything that we are doing-- when you are an influencer, it comes with the job. Everyone wants to be successful but people have no idea what that comes with. You have to watch what you say and what you post. People believe that because they follow you they know you in real life. We are at peace and don’t regret deleting our social media accounts at all. I do have Instagram/ Facebook pages for my boutique business but at times I feel like getting rid of that too. I’m just so over social media and I want to be 100% free of it. We’ll see how things go. One day you may see me and the next you may not. Since the hiatus, has there been a positive change in your lives? Absolutely! I’m not going to lie, it was something to get used to at first especially if you are always on social media but once we got familiar with a social media-free life, we grew to love it. It feels good to be out traveling with my husband and not having to record our every move. Social media is so time-consuming and now we have so much free time with our kids and within our marriage. What advice would you give to a couple in business? Make sure you have a solid foundation. Build your house on the

rock, not sand -Matthew 7:24-27. Be on the same page and if you’re not, get on the same page. Having the same vision and goals for your business is very important.

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HALL FAME OF

I AM QUEEN Hall of Fame was created to honor women who have demonstrated consistency in their life and business. These women are spiritual midwives and they have to ability to help push and birth the dreams of others. In a world where competition has destroyed the unity between divine connections, these women opt for collaboration. Loyalty is rare and when it’s found it should be honored.

Dr. Moneshia Dashiell is the first African American Woman to be inducted into our Hall of Fame.

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Dr. Moneshia Dashiell is an Author, Child Development Specialist, Clinical Therapist, and Life Coach. She has been featured in many magazines and has received numerous awards for her contribution to education. Her motto, “I am too busy mothering nations through education!”

MESSAGE FROM DR. MONESHIA DASHIELL As an educator, my students have inspired me to continue writing books. To have the opportunity to watch them go from struggling to advancing in their academics because of my books is a great encouragement. It feels great to be the very first Hall of Famer for I AM QUEEN MAGAZINE and to know that I have made history once again--amazing! Your dreams are attainable and you can do all things through Christ that strengthens you.

Moneshia Dashiell

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Hurricane Dorian Changed My Life Forever BY: MOLINA PIERRE MRS. HAITI INTERNATIONAL 2020

If someone told me last year that I would be here holding the title of Mrs. Haiti International 2020 and living in the United States today, I would say that’s a good dream; a bit far-flung. But yet, here we are. A big difference from the life we were living eighteen months ago. The journey to this new life began with tragedy. Hurricane Dorian struck my hometown, the Island of Abaco, and Grand Bahama in

the Bahamas on September 1st, 2019. It is a day that will forever be etched in my memory. Hurricane Dorian will go down in history as the great storm of 2019 that devastated Abaco, Bahamas, and caused a mass exodus of 70,000 survivors. It ripped through the heart and breadth of the land. Many died and, hundreds were injured. The hearts of many were broken.

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For my family and I evacuating was hard but necessary because we had two young children and one on the way. I was 5 months pregnant. The physical and mental pain grew as the adrenaline from survival mode wore off. Our reality set in; we were homeless and, our future was dark. The thought of competing in a pageant was the furthest thing on my mind in those moments. Eight days post-Dorian we landed in Fort Lauderdale, thanks to the 3C Foundation, which helped several Bahamian families find safety after the storm. The days following, although my future seemed uncertain, I was surprisingly at peace. I knew that God was with us, and every step that we took up to this point has been ordained by Him. One of the most significant moments that the Lord orchestrated for us was when a lovely family called The Pardals in Fort Myers, Fl offered to take us in for a few months until we got back on our feet. We went from the island to the country and it was wild. A house full of kids and farm animals turned out to be exactly what we needed. Our children were laughing, fighting, and playing again as they should be. They had toys and a bed and more than enough space to run around. They seemed to have found their way but as parents, we were still in the dark. Looking back, I realized that we were in the dark about our future because it was exactly what the Lord wanted. This time He was in complete control because our backs were pressed against the wall. Daily he provided sending help from everywhere for our physical needs. Yet spiritually, I wrestled with the transition that I was going through. I felt exposed and vulnerable. There were moments when I felt so alone even though I knew that God was with me. I began to write my feelings and prayers down. The more I wrote the more exposed I felt. Yet, the exposure did not lead to shame. I would feel peace and acceptance with each confession and prayer. The more of myself I revealed to God, the closer I felt to Him. Psalm 34:4-5 I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. The Lord was healing old wounds that were covered and hidden for years and somehow being in this

unfamiliar place, under those circumstances, forced me to open up and let the light of God into these very dark spaces in my heart. I had spent so much time taking care of others. I forgot about myself and the purpose that God had created for me. Jeremiah 29: 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future., the Lord wanted good for me, good was His plans for me, a hope and a future were my portions. When the time came for us to leave the ranch, it was again orchestrated by God. He provided us with all of the necessities to move. Baby Aaron was born December 22nd and we were home by Christmas Eve enjoying our first holiday together in our new place. Two months after giving birth, I felt a gentle tug in my heart to re-inquire about the Haiti International Pageant. I decided to compete. The COVID -19 pandemic began in the US around the same time, shutting everything down which led to the pageant being held via Zoom in June instead of April. However, even with all of the challenges I faced, I kept going because the Lord was directing me. Ultimately, He honored me with the crown. My obedience to His gentle touch led to Him granting me my heart’s desire which happened to be His plan for my life all along. I was crowned Mrs. Haiti International!!!! In December 2020 I will be hosting my first virtual summit for women of faith and those who want to build their relationship with God. I also host a book club virtually every week and send out encouragement emails weekly. I am accepting invitations for speaking especially at Women’s and Youth events. I can be reached via email at mjpierre@molinajpierre. org Molina Jeune-Pierre Mrs.Haiti International 2020 Facebook M.J Pierre Instagram @melomo233 and @glowingwithpurpose

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PAS T COVERS

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Formerly Homeless Woman Who Escaped Prostitution Shares Her Powerful Story, Launches Online Course The course entitled “Think Big, Start Small™” helps individuals transform from a life of wishing for it, to finally achieving the personal success they’ve been hoping for.

Transformational coach, Diseree Clay, has taken her skill of transformation and shifted this formula that has helped her in her own pursuits into the launch of her new course, “Think Big, Start Small™,” now available on her website, DisereeClay.com. This innovative course is targeted toward women who seek to transform into the best version of themselves and are ready, willing, and able to grow. Clay’s motivation for crafting this course stems for her unending desire to see people live a life on the other side of the window to personal freedom. Diseree comments, “Low self-esteem, abortions, molestation, prostitution, divorce, homelessness, and single parenting have together and separately given me a front-row seat in my own ‘classroom of hopelessness’. But with the help of my God, I refused to give in to the unhealthy and festering circumstances that surrounded my youth.”The “Think Big, Start Small™” transformational program has an easy to follow system that challenges participants to identify their goals, jump into action and stay motivated throughout the process of shifting from small goals to big wins. The course features a 5-module series valued at $1,499, with an introductory rate of $99. The program will also help people identify the areas of weakness in their lives and help them break the cycle to achieve personal success. This course encompasses varied layers that explore the different stages of transformation. These layers are crafted into easy to follow modules from “Identify Your Goals” to “Navigating Change” to “Assess Your Present and Your Future to Create Your Plan” to “Stay Motivated.” Since the launch of “Think Big, Start Small™,” Coach Clay has helped her clients get results in their personal and professional lives—often

leading to promotions and leadership advancements. Her step-by-step approach makes life transformation doable. Clients feel safe and able to shift their thinking and take small, immediate actions that bring exciting results into their personal and professional life. “As a Transformation Coach, I expedite my client’s growth and change. I do this by shedding light and understanding on their goal and vision, asking probing questions, hearing what they do not notice in what they are saying. I also spot what they do not see for themselves, while untying knots that hold them back, and by providing them with unconditional support, all the while encouraging their self-discovery,” said Diseree. “I help my clients release their innate wisdom and power to achieve the results they desire – to access and produce excellence,” she added. If you’re ready to transform, join Diseree’s inspiring and motivational program “Think Big, Start Small™” at DisereeClay.com. Transformation starts with you, and Coach Clay can help you shift into the person you’ve always wanted to be.

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Diseree Clay, Transformational Coach.

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FORGET BUDGETING. WHAT YOU NEED IS A SPENDING PLAN. By: Beverly Wilks, Founder of Bacon & Heels I don’t have a traditional budget, but I do track my monthly expenses while ensuring that I save consistently and spend purposefully. There are no fast and concrete rules for how you should budget or track your money. But there is a general system you can consider to help you with your money goals. It’s the 20/50/20/10 guideline. Here is how the guideline works: 20% goes toward savings. Remember to pay yourself first and save consistently. 50 % goes toward essential expenses. No more than half of your pay should go toward your necessary expenses, including housing, transportation, utilities, and groceries. 20% goes toward debt repayment. 10% goes toward FUN. Your fun category can include gym fees, hobbies, personal care, eating out at restaurants, and other miscellaneous expenses. Pay Yourself First David Bach, the author of the Automatic Millionaire, said that we need to pay ourselves first. I took this message to heart and, every month started saving money in a separate savings account. After I paid myself first, I would then begin to pay for my essential expenses. What Are the Essential Expenses? Essential expenses can include: Rent/Mortgage Groceries Utilities Insurance Transportation Child care

Debt Payment Use 20% of your after-tax income to pay down your debt. It is hard paying back debt, but trust me, the sooner your debt is eliminated, the sooner you can reroute the additional funds toward savings, building an emergency fund, upgrading your home, or whatever else you may choose.

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FUN Every budget should allocate money toward doing the things you enjoy and having FUN! We must balance between saving our coins, paying down debt, and having fun! A spending plan can be the perfect way for you to balance your money, promote financial wellness, and build your financial confidence. Check out the spending plan calculator to see how you fare and to learn more about how to build your financial independence, visit www.BaconHeels.com.