The Giving Issue: Tommey Walker Gives Detroit -VS- Everybody His All!

12007 Woodward Ave. Highland Park, MI 48203 www.salondeweave.com

Brazilian straight, curly and body wave now available Call and make your appointment to see The Weave Master at 313.867.9595.

CONTENTS

features Pg 6

Giver Your All Everyday

Pg 10 Words From The Wise: How To Climb The Corporate Ladder With David Bangura Pg 18 Charity is Everything: The Mission and History of The March Of Dimes Pg 28

Photo by: Sam Trotter

David Bangura Official FB Page

Prom Dress Drive

Pg 21 COVER STORY Tommey Walker: The Blueprint of a Brand Detroit vs. Everybody

Spring has finally arrived and we are boarding yet another exciting month. April is the month of showers that give way to produce new life and beauty. It seems as if there is always much needed sacrifice to balance out the world we live in. Sometimes, we may even have to sacrifice tiny bits of ourselves or our resources in effort to produce more beauty in our lives and in the lives of others. Something has to give! Why not it be you?

This month we will go on a journey to learn the joys of giving. President and General Manager of WMYD-TV David Bangura freely offered his life experiences and expertise to those who are looking to grow in corporate America. This information can be useful to anyone who is trying to figure out how to grow within their current company or for that person who is trying to get their foot in the door (it sure is good that Bangura gave a little advice!).

Not only is guidance being given, but beauty is shared as well. Fantasee Blu from 105.9 Kiss FM in Detroit is collecting prom dresses to donate to young women who can’t afford the memorable night. Inside you can find more information about the drive. Other cheerful givers are performing selfless acts and have been doing so for years. The charitable organization March of Dimes has been helping children and expecting mothers for over 50 years! Wow! Where would the world be without kind hearts?

Another free spirit who is making a contribution this month is Detroit vs. Everybody Creator Tommey Walker. He willing opened up and gave details on how he built his brand, and he said you can build your brand too! Walker was nothing short of encouraging!

Let’s come together and be givers too; givers to our communities; givers to our professions through diligence; and givers to ourselves by way of self-reliance and self- confidence. Now, write the plan, make it clear, and let’s get motivated!

Journalistically yours,

Chief Editor Cryss Walker Managing Editor Britney Embry Photography Michael Vandiver Cover Photo Myron Watkins Contributing Writers Antoine Moore Bria Brown Ryan Whaley Eric Thompson Leslie Fields Mohammed Luwemba Art Director Tyrone Owens, Jr. Sales Inquiries topflightmag@gmail.com 248-783-6037

Cryss Walker Chief Editor @iamtopflight topflightmag@gmail.com

4

iamtopflight.com

T

o give is to freely transfer the possession of (something) to (someone); hand over to. In 2006 a study by the National Institute of Health found that when people give to charities, it activated regions of the brain associated with pleasure, social connection and trust, creating a “warm glow effect”. To summarize the findings, one could conclude that giving not only helps the person or people you give to, giving also releases pleasure endorphins within you, leaving you with a satisfied sensation. Giving is good for the giver and the receiver.

Most often, people make the mistake of considering giving back as a chore, or even worst, a punishment, instead of an act of gratitude and appreciation. To be able to give is a gift itself, to you. Giving doesn’t always have to be financial either. Sharing your time or even a kind word could be enough to shift the attitudes of those in need. You can give a gift to someone every day you live without burning out or burning through your check book.

1. Give to yourself. Take care of your mental, physical, and spiritual health. This may mean you need to create an exercise regime, eat better, or practice daily meditation. You cannot fully give if you yourself aren’t 100%. Giving back to yourself is not selfish, it is an act of love to all those around you. When you’re your best you can give your best.

2. Start the giving at home. Show your loved ones you support them by giving them words of encouragement, helping them with daily living tasks, or by providing a financial blessing that will enable them to take care of something that needs to be done.

3. Donate your time. Your time is priceless and by volunteering at your local school, shelter, or otherwise, you show how important the cause is to you. Time is a priceless gift.

4. Partner with an organization that gives back by pledging a monthly amount to 7

iamtopflight.com

the cause. The amount could be as little as $5 a month. With so many in need even the “smallest” donation can help.

5. Don’t give to get. The best way to give is without expectancy. Give because you can, because you have the means to do so.

6. Give to an organization you are passionate about. When you’re giving to a cause you care about you can allow yourself to feel like you’re living with a purpose. Having purpose and meaning in life gives you a feeling of satisfaction and a reason to continue growing and giving.

7. Plan your giving. Plan to give back once a month, twice a year, however often you can. When you add giving to your calendar it becomes a part of your routine, giving you the opportunity to make giving back to others a natural part of your life.

According to helpguide.org, giving back increases self-confidence, combats depression, and positively contributes to your physical health. This month look at giving back as a gift to you. Think about the fact that you are able to give. Rather it is time, money, or words of encouragement, make giving a part of your daily routine.

GIVING

OPENS THE WAY FOR

RECEIVING –Florence Scovel Shinn

“Y

our network is your net worth,” says David Bangura who made his way to America by way of Sierra Leone, West Africa. Bangura’s persuasive personality would help him throughout his journey to becoming President and General Manager of My TV20.

could get a job at their organization.

The job Bangura was interested in opened up three months later. The position was between Bangura and another woman. Bangura had no experience while the other candidate had experience in television, radio and newspaper. CBS couldn’t decide With a business mindset, Bangura started work- between the two, so they hired both. “I used my ing as a dish washer for an Italian restaurant in network to gain an advantage, you have to create downtown Detroit. The 21-year-old had no family your own advantage,” said Bangura. in America but was determined to make it. As a waiter, he learned the value of profit and naturally Bangura started his career being an Account had the confidence to sell. His positive attitude left Executive for WJBK, CBS-2 Detroit (which later him in good spirits with everyone he came across. switched to FOX the same year). He remained an Account Executive for five years until he was ofLike some youngsters, Bangura thought he was fered the Local Sales Manager position at WDWB making a steady living and wouldn’t need educa- TV-20, a WB affiliate, and held that title for two tion. He looked up to one of his co-workers who years. Within this two year span, the affiliation “had it all”- cars, money, a nice house, you name experienced a change, switching from the WB to it, Bangura’s co-worker had it. The co-worker saw MyNetwork TV. Two years later, he was promotpotential in Bangura and filled out an application to ed to National Sales Manager. In 2003, Bangura Wayne State University for him. Bangura’s associ- became Director of Sales at the UPN affiliate of ate suggested that the youthful spirit sign it and the WKBD-TV50. His hard work and dedication re“future company president” willingly did. Bangura warded him with a promotion to President and embarked on his educational journey and graduat- General Manager in 2009. ed from Wayne State University in two years with a degree in Investment Finance. His next chapter When asked how it felt to be President of a comwould be working as a Stock Broker but he did not pany, Bangura described it in one word, “surreal.”

Bangura displays a positive attitude and takes that enjoy it and returned to work at the restaurant. with him every day to work. He wakes up around While waiting diners, Bangura noticed representa- six o’clock in the morning, watches the news until tives from CBS eating at the Italian restaurant with 6:30 a.m., eats breakfast, takes a shower, out of their clients. For six years he introduced himself the house by 7:15 a.m., and at work by 7:45 a.m. to them and began networking. He created a re- “Every day is different,” says Bangura, “but that’s lationship with management, sales staff, and the what’s so fun about it.”

CBS clients. Bangura made it clear to the representatives what he wanted to do and why he want- Bangura has the opportunity to change lives by hiring people for positions. For instance, though ed to do it. the opening position says, ‘reporter,’ Bangura is “If you don’t create your opportunities, nobody’s looking for a ‘Multi-Media Journalist. “A reportgoing to give them to you,” said Bangura, “it starts er stands in front of the camera and broadcasts, with networking.” while a Multi-Media Journalist writes the story, edits it, puts it into a package to go into the newscast The representatives took notice in Bangura be- and broadcasts it.” cause of his intriguing questions. When asked what he wanted to do, Bangura would then ask the When the time came to hire a reporter for My reps, “What do you do?” (This was a practice per- TV20, Bangura had 200 resumes to look over. formed to find out more about them). Once Ban- “Your resume is your best foot forward,” said Bangura gathered information on what the television gura. To start the elimination process, Bangura station was interested in an employee, he knew he looked for spelling errors, grammar mistakes and

11 iamtopflight.com

font mishaps. Those resumes are the resumes that missed the first cut.

“A resume doesn’t get you the job,” says Bangura, “a lot of times the resume eliminates you from the job.” This brought him to 50 resumes. “Looking at the resumes, I can tell who pays attention to detail,” said Bangura. Out of the remaining resumes, he then looks at educational background, which brought him to 20 resumes. When Bangura is down to five resumes, then the interviews begin.

During interviews, he wants to know if the potential candidate is able to work in the environment and has the right chemistry. Some questions Bangura may ask are “How many Facebook friends do you have,” and depending on the answer Bangura can tell if the interviewee is a “people person.”

Throughout his interview process, Bangura is seeing how well rounded the interviewee is. “Their life has to be balanced,” said Bangura.

Some take the idea of this question personal, however if you have friends you can work with people as a team. “If you can’t work with people, you can’t work at My TV20,” said Bangura. From this question alone, Bangura eliminated three people. Between the final two, he decides which interviewee is the best for the job.

Looking back over his journey, Bangura accepted his ups and downs. “Your life should be about a road map, it shouldn’t be about an end point,” said Bangura. If given the opportunity to do it again, he says he wouldn’t change anything. “Being down is a way of your life telling you, you have to be better, you have to do something different,” said Bangura.

get complacent.”

With each position Bangura accomplished, he set higher goals. “You can’t get complacent, stay consistent,” says Bangura.

David Bangura’s Tips On Climbing The Corporate Ladder 1.

Look the part - For any job you have to look as if you already have the position and work there. Don’t send mixed messages by the way you’re dressed. You will be judged by your appearance.

2.

Do I really want this? - Ask yourself why you want the job. If you can answer it then start your research on the company.

3.

Never look back - Don’t look back, only look forward.

4.

Put in work - A lot of people don’t want to put in the work, if you get the journey, you’ll get to the end point.

5.

Exercise good judgment - Don’t hang out with people who will get you into trouble.

6.

Balance - You have to leave work at work.

7.

Read The Secret by Rhonda Byrne - Karma and the universe has power. If you attract negative energy, you’re going to get negative energy in return. Learn how to use these natural laws to your advantage.

David Bangura’s persistence allowed him to be where he is today, and he encourages others to openly say their dreams out loud. “Tell everybody you can,” says Bangura, “what you want, why you want it and why you’re going to be good at it.”

The Television General Manager goes on to say, “set what your goals are, but you have to keep revising them.” When Bangura got his start in the television business he said he set many goals.

“Your goal isn’t fixed; it’s a moving goal post. You have to keep moving. The moment you stop, you 12 iamtopflight.com

SOUL FOOD

11831 E. 7 MILE 313.372.8820 We Cater & Deliver

ENTREES INCLUDES 2 SIDES & BREAD MEATLOAF 2PC PORK CHOPS 2PC TURKEY CHOPS 2PC CATFISH 2PC TILAPIA 2PC PERCH 6PC SHRIP 3PC CHICKEN BAKED OR FRIED 8PC WING DING 6PC WHOLE WINGS 2PC CHICKEN BREAST STEAK BITS BEEF SHORT RIBS 1/2 SLAB RIBS WHOLE SLAB RIBS

SIDES $10 $10 $11 $10 $10 $10 $12 $10 $10 $10 $10 $13 $14 $13 $20

COMBINATION INCLUDES FRIES AND SMALL DRINK CHEESEBURGER 1PC PORK CHOP 1PC CHICKEN BREAST 6PC WING DING 1PC CATFISH 3PC WHITENING 3PC TILAPIA

$6 $6 $6 $6 $7 $6 $6

SMALL $3

LUNCH SPECIALS DAILY MON - FRI ONLY AVAILABLE FROM 10AM TO 3PM

LARGE $5

MAC N CHEESE COLLARD GREENS MASHED POTATOES CORN GREEN BEANS RICE BAKE BEANS YAMS RED BEANS AND RICE SPAGHETTI DRESSING BLACK EYED PEAS TOSS SALAD

1PC TURKEY CHOP $7 1PC PORK CHOPS $6 1PC CHICKEN BREAST $6 5PC WING DING $6 3PC WHOLE WINGS $6 3PC WHITENING $6 2PC TILAPIA $6 1PC CATFISH $7 1PC MEATLOAF $6 GRILLED OR FRIED CHICKEN SALAD $6 CHILLI FRIES $3.25 5PC MOZZARELLA CHEESESTICKS $3 ONION RINGS $3 4PC JALAPENO POPPERS $2 FRENCH FRIES $1.50

SANDWICHES SERVED WITH BREAD ONLY CHEESEBURGER 1PC PORK CHOP 1PC TURKEY CHOP MEATLOAF 1PC CATFISH 3PC WHITENING 2PC TILAPIA 2PC PERCH BEEF SHORT RIBS CHICKEN BREAST

SALAD $3.50 $3.50 $5 $4 $5 $3 $4 $5 $6 $4

GRILLED OR FRIED CHICKEN GRILLED OR FRIED TURKEY GRILLED OR FRIED PORK GRILLED OR FRIED STEAK

$10 $11 $10 $11

DRINKS KOOL-AID $1 $1.50 BOTTLED WATER POP

$2 $1 $1

“Life is a boomerang. what you give,

YOU GET.” -Unknown

The Heart That Gives, Gathers ­–Tao Te Ching

A

ccording to Spanish Author Carlos Ruiz Zafon, “Presents are made for the pleasure of who gives them, not the merits of who receives them.”

For the kindhearted, there is no better feeling than giving to someone in need. Acts of kindness can be frequent and also welcomed. It takes nothing to simply recognize a need, but compassion is required in order to fulfill that need. Charity is a form of giving that reaches out to those who can use more. Not all charitable efforts are progressive, but one productive charity is the March of Dimes.

the genetic causes of birth defects, promote newborn screening, and to educate medical professionals and the public about the best practices for a healthy pregnancy. Saving babies and helping moms have full term and healthy pregnancies are the main focuses of this charity.

Babies are born vulnerable and unable to provide much for themselves; they come with many needs and limited abilities. It takes informed adults and medical professionals to take care of healthy babies. Caring for unhealthy newborns can be a daunting task. Every year, more than half a million babies are born too soon in The March of Dimes was established by former Pres- the United States. America’s premature birth rate has ident Franklin D. Roosevelt to fight and prevent po- risen by 36 percent over the last 25 years. Worldwide, lio. After creating vaccines to end the polio epidemic, 15 million babies are born before term. Many pregnanMarch of Dimes shifted its focus. The foundation then cies never mature to full term; as many as 10-15 perturned to preventing birth defects and infant mortal- cent of known pregnancies end untimely. Many losses ity. The March of Dimes has led the way to discover happen early on, before a woman even knows she’s Mass polio inoculation; Protection, Kansas; 1957.

MOD Official FB Page

17 iamtopflight.com

pregnant. March of Dimes also helps families deal with March of Dimes provides many unique ways for volloss and grief. unteers to raise money. Special events are regularly conducted. These activities include formal balls, signaMarch of Dimes meets many needs when it comes to ture chef auctions and dinners, motor cycle rides, golf women and families preparing for a pregnancy. The or- tournaments and March for Babies. March for Babies is ganization provides support before, during and after an annual walk that takes place nationwide. The event pregnancies. In 2003, the March of Dimes launched raises funds for research and programs that help bathe Prematurity Campaign to address the crisis and bies begin healthy lives. The March of Dimes has a long history of recruiting help families have young volunteers full-term, healthy into leadership babies. MOD also Source: roles. aides with funding, MOD Official FB Page. life- saving research and speaks out to These young leaders enforce legislation gain valuable expethat improves care rience in giving and for mothers and helping. This combabies. People all mitment to youth around the world volunteerism dates volunteer to raise back to 1955. At this money for the time the first March cause. of Dimes youth program began and student leaders came More than three together to educate million volunteers their peers about enable the March the importance of of Dimes to achieve receiving the polio its goals. Every year, vaccine. This effort these leaders march paved the way to more than five milestablishing a nalion miles, speak to tionwide network tens of thousands President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who in 1938 founded the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, which later became commonly known as the March! 76 years later, of young volunteers of people about the his legacy lives on as we research the problems that threaten our babies and work to and the developprevent them. mission and help ment of today’s raise millions of dollars. From the very earliest days, volunteers have Team Youth Program that currently brings together been full partners in the March of Dimes, working to nearly one million students and advisors to work toraise funds, heighten awareness and implement critical wards a common goal – to give every baby a healthy programs to help support its mission. People from all start in life. Team Youth involves hundreds of thouwalks of life dedicate their time and efforts as volun- sands of young volunteers within elementary, middle, teers. According to the organization’s website, this di- high school and college, including all National Youth verse group of helpers brings knowledge, business ex- Service Partners of the March of Dimes. pertise and passion to ensure the MOD is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. The history of the March of Dimes is one of passionate grassroots involvement, with millions of volunteers 18 iamtopflight.com

who advocate health for families. Through the years, several organizations have supported the March of Dimes, from community educational programs to fundraising events. These partnership organizations include Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Builders Club, Circle K International, Future Business Leaders of America – Phi Beta Lambda, Jack and Jill America, Key Club International, Kiwanis International, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc, Sigma Gamma Rho, Top Ladies of Distinction – Top Teens of America Inc, United Auto Workers and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Each year March of Dimes selects families, children and celebrities whose lives were saved by research, programs, or educational campaigns to give a face to the mission, or people who have a passion to help families have stronger, healthier babies.

The National Ambassador travels the country throughout the year sharing his or her story and encouraging families and companies to join them in making sure all babies get a healthy start in life by participating in March for Babies and other special events. Working with March of Dimes chapters, Local Ambassador Families, share their story in their community in effort to gain local support. Celebrities help create awareness for the March of Dimes as well. Mothers like Sherri Shepherd, co-host of The View, who experienced the premature birth of her son, volunteer for March for Babies and the Prematurity Campaign. Latin superstar Thalia also leads campaigns as a mom of a healthy baby girl. March of Dimes Team Youth ambassadors, worldwide recording artist Kelly Clarkson and ABC Family show, Secret Life of the American Teenager, actress Camille Winbush, encourage young volunteers to join March of Dimes youth leadership opportunities.

With strong leadership at its core the March of Dimes is a charity that will be around for a long time. Anyone interested in volunteering or donating to a worthy cause should visit www.marchofdimes.com.

19 iamtopflight.com

Source: MOD Official FB Page.

Ella Fitzgerald, c. 1957 Hilary Duff, MOD Supporter

Do Good And Good Will Come To You

Photo By Sam Trotter

E

ven in his early years, Walker was observant of his surroundings. Though his mother was an educator, he knew he wanted a different plan for his life. Walker established a hard work ethic and began working at the age of 12. On his journey he was blessed with mentors in his life to guide him into investing in his future. “My advisor always kept it real with me when I was torn,” says Walker. His first big investment was buying a laptop. This began an interest in graphic designing and he started his first business which was a graphic design company. Walker made everything you could think of, from business cards to promotional flyers. He landed an internship with a printing company while in school and worked on freelancing. “The freedom is in freelancing,” says Walker. In addition to Photo Credit: this opportunity, Myron Watkins Walker was able to showcase his talents on the Exel Energy Drink billboard for the Super Bowl in Detroit, Michigan. With all this branding, Walker began to get exposure.

Throughout all his hard work, Walker learned what it meant to be dedicated. “My biggest issue back then was procrastination, but that’s non-existent now.” The plan for Detroit vs. Everybody was always in the back of his head. “I had the name for months, it moved on me before I moved on it. Everyone has ideas.

The only thing about ideas is the good ones usually come when you don’t have a pen to write it down.” Walker always thought his vision for Detroit vs. Everybody would do something but didn’t realize it would impact so many people. It’s essentially a movement. “We (Detroiters) don’t get the credit we deserve, and no one takes up for Detroit except Detroit,” says Walker. When it was time to send out designs for input, Walker says, “I had 23 iamtopflight.com

a vision but (and he emphasizes “but”) “I acted on it.” As everything started to come-together, his faith led him to trust himself more than he would imagine. “I followed my gut through the wins and the losses, but they aren’t losses when you learn something from them,” says Walker. “People are always gonna talk.” He knew that if this wouldn’t have worked, it would’ve been another stepping stone to get him where he is today. Of course with visions, ideas, and branding oneself; money has to come from somewhere in order to finance everything. The finances it took to do this came years before his popular clothing line. “I always asked God to direct my steps. Everything paid for itself.

That’s the only way I received direction. Everything was and is done by faith, but it wasn’t easy,” said Walker. Recently, the designer set a goal for himself to collaborate with Shady Records but didn’t have any connections to Eminem. “Anything you see, you can do,” Walker stated. He partnered with Shady Records and created the “Shady vs. Everybody” Cold Weather Capsule. The “Cold Weather Pack” included the Shady vs. Everybody black pull over hoodie sweatshirt, black sweatpants, engraved Zippo lighter and flask, and lastly the Shady vs. Everybody embroidered black knit beanie to complete the Cold Weather Capsule. The two Detroit representatives’ partnership had the city and beyond talking; via word of mouth, social media and the web! It sold out rapidly. “The limited edition sold 1000 units in 90 minutes from Eminem just tweeting about it,” said Walker. Along with collaborating with Eminem, on January 13, 2014 at 3:13 p.m.

Tommey Walker released the Detroit vs. Everybody Limited Edition Collectors Canvas Series by paying homage to famous Detroit natives such as

Aaliyah, Eminem, and Big Sean. The iconic images are combined with the Detroit vs. Everybody brand. It is the first art release for Detroit vs. Everybody and the series will be a definite sell out like his other product ventures.

In his moments of reflecting on the stepping stones in his life, Walker stares with a smile at his Detroit vs. Everybody hoodie in awe (which was displayed between him and Cryss Walker). This simple yet defiant statement has taken off. It united a city that’s usually categorized as disorderly. It bonds Detroit. As he points to the hoodie, Walker says, “This makes me want to work harder. I want to continue to put more into it. I had to get into the mindset of it’s all about who wants it bad

enough.” With Tommey Walker, he doesn’t consider his “job” as work and his rooted foundation in God has kept him humble as he states, “It’s been nothing without God. I’m just watching everything as it happens.” After all is said and done, Walker’s hard work excites him for the future (of his product) and continues to impact not only the heart of the city, but the nation.

Top Flight Magazine Chief Editor Cryss Walker interviewing DVE Creator Tommey Walker about how he started his company.

Photo By: Sam Trotter

24 iamtopflight.com

“Never Get Tired of doing little things for others.

Sometimes those little things occupy the biggest part of their hearts�

No-one has ever become poor by giving. –Anne Frank

Prom Dress Drive By: Leslie Fields

Fantasee Blu and Prom Dress Drive Participants.

T

he glitz, the glamour, the hair, the makeup, the nails, the shoes, and then the dress... it’s one of the nights that all teenage girls anticipate, prom.

It’s the one evening that a girl is afforded the opportunity to show up and show out! It’s a night of flashing lights, where one can easily feel like a celebrity. The evening is made memorable as you ride out in a limo with your friends or in a flashy ride! It’s the one night your parents let you party a little longer with people whom you may never see again or with friends that will last a lifetime; but the cost of prom is of concern for some parents and students.

The pressure of giving a teen an unforgettable prom night can be pricy. According to sources, on average, families spend close to $1,100 per participant. Some parents are financially equipped to afford the expense but for others, a night of glamour and fun may deem to be too expensive.

Radio Personality Fantasee Blu from 105.9 Kiss FM has been conducting an annual prom dress drive for girls who find it challenging to purchase their own prom dress (which is one of the main items that cost the most) and the dress, has to be it! The dress has to say it all!

“There’s a need everywhere but I want people to take advantage of this opportunity and people to not feel like,’ I don’t want a used dress’. But we do have new and gently used gowns,” said Fantasee Blu. Donna Albanaa owns Unique Lady Boutique and has been in business for 23 years. She specializes in the sale of evening gowns and donated almost 20 new dresses this prom season.

This marks her third year donating to Fantasee Blu’s cause.

“The award that you get back is so much more than the sale item that you giveaway,” said Albanaa.

Fantasee Blu’s station 105.9 Kiss FM has teamed up with her for the third year in effort to create a dreamy night for prom attendees. Last year Caroyln Clifford from WXYZ- TV sent a glam squad to the winner from a raffle drawing to help her

prep for prom night. Even Michelle Williams from Destiny’s Child donated four dresses. This year the prom dress giveaway will be held in Pontiac at Fantasee Blu’s clothing store, Rags to Rubies at 71 N. Saginaw in Downtown Pontiac.

Its first come first serve but the radio host says it’s worth the wait. The first 25 ladies in need will win their choice of either a hair or nails treatment and on site alterations will also be provided.

In last year’s fashion, a raffle for an ultimate prom package giveaway will take place, which includes a prom dress, shoes, hair, makeup, nails and a limo!! This year, even the parents can partake on the fun with a raffle cash prize of $200 dollars from Chapel Funeral Home in Detroit.

Like most successful entrepreneurs, Fantasee Blu found a way to give back. “The first two years I was meeting people at McDonalds, Starbucks… just anywhere, going to people’s houses, receiving emails via Facebook, and picking up dresses. But this year I made it more convenient for myself and everyone involved. We have two drop off locations, one at Radio- One at 32501 Franklin in Downtown Detroit or Rags to Rubies at 71 N. Saginaw in Downtown Pontiac,” she said.

Fantasee Blu is using her star power for good by addressing a need in the community. Prom season is highly anticipated by many, but the cost can make it difficult for some to go. *On a personal note, due to low funds, I was unable to attend my 2004 prom. I sat watching my friends all dressed up, made up, with their hair done and taking pictures with their family. It hurt to witness them hop in their limo and leave without me. Now, I am an advocate to say never be afraid to seek help.

Donations are still being accepted for gently used dresses, new dresses, or anything you feel a girl would need for her prom. Save the date: April 26th from noon-6pm at Rags to Rubies 71 N. Saginaw in Downtown Pontiac for the annual prom dress drive.

28 iamtopflight.com

We Rise by Lifting Others –RoberT Ingersoll

Watch motivating video interviews about successful people doing what they love or catch up on the latest stories at iamtopflight.com