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 7
Bringing In The New Year With New Habits: Practicing Self-Discipline
Pg 9 Words From The Wise Attorney Richard Bernstein Pg 20 The Idea of Possibilities The Ambition of Will Smith Pg 23 JAY Z & Warren Buffet Simple Methods to Making Money Pg 15 COVER STORY Ming Lee Grinding & Shining: The Making of “Snob Life”
FROM THE EDITOR Happy New Year! 2014 is here and January is the month of AMBITION! What a great word, ambition! It echoes determination, tunnel vision and a “can do” attitude. This is the way to start your year. This is a great way to move toward your ambition! It’s time to think: What makes you feel ambitious?
If you can’t totally pull all of your thoughts together, let’s introduce an interceder. Use Actor Will Smith as an example. Smith said that he is ambitious about facing his fears and grabbing those fears by the horns, head on! Rip through your fears fueled by the gas of your ambition!
Let’s travel down the road of memory lane and summarize the story a girl from the east side of Detroit named Ming Lee. She created a million- dollar business that generates income, not only for herself but for her employees. In this issue Lee said she grew $500 to seven figures! Whew! Now that’s ambition!
The staff of Top Flight Magazine sat back and thought of the reader. Members said, “How can we incorporate the stories of wisdom to drive ambition to the audience? How can we make our readers even more motivated?” – The answer was right in front of us! Wisdom is in our elders, the ones who lived life a little longer than the average 18-34-year-old reader. We introduce to you, “Words From The Wise”. In this feature you will get advice from well seasoned figures who have gained great success in their industry. This month, Attorney Richard Bernstein reveals how to persevere by spirit and gives advice on lessons in life!
It is the hope of our staff that you get motivated time and time again with every issue. It is understood that encouragement is essential when trying to accomplish a goal that is bigger than you and larger than life! Make 2014 the best year you ever lived! Make it the year that you climb high…higher than that “thought”…now, get risky and go even higher than that! Remember, write the plan, make it clear and let’s get motivated!
Journalistically yours,
Chief Editor Cryss Walker Managing Editor Britney Embry Photography Dede Jackson Michael Vandiver Contributing Writers Das’Ja Thomas Nia Annesha Bria Brown Jamie Roderick Art Director Tyrone Owens, Jr. Sales Inquiries topflightmag@gmail.com 248-783-6037
Cryss Walker Chief Editor @iamtopflight topflightmag@gmail.com
4
iamtopflight.com
January 2014 Motivational Song of the Month: Young Jeezy “Hustlaz Ambition”
“I CAME SO FAR FROM THE BOTTOM COULDN'T EVEN SEE THE TOP"
Bring In The New Year With New Habits: Practicing Self- Discipline
1
What do you do first? This is important. We can all have fun and hang-out with our friends and family or relax on the couch, but the question is what do you do first? When you discipline yourself to handle what is needed first, you won’t feel the guilt of knowing you did not accomplish what you set out to do.
2
Form successful habits and practice being disciplined. It’s like exercising and strengthening a muscle. Initially, your work-out is painful. As you continue your regimen the discomfort alleviates. Keep going!
3
Do what others won’t! Although you don’t feel like studying for class, putting in extra hours at work or drafting a plan for your dream, it is essential that you do if you truly desire to obtain your goal. Remember: What you won’t do, somebody else will and that somebody is usually your competitor.
4
Sacrifice. Be willing to pay the price in the present to reap the reward in the future. There is always a price to pay, but the price of discomfort is cheaper than the price of regret.
5
Develop accurate thoughts. Think clearly. It requires definite effort to focus. It is es sential to sit in solitude without any sensations (i.e. reading, music, television, ect.) and allow your mind to draw clear. This clarity usually comes with in 30 minutes. Keep calm and sit quietly and think. It helps you to become a better decision maker.
6
iamtopflight.com
A true night life experience for the grown and sexy
735 Beaubien St Detroit, MI 48226 Phone:(313) 964-1400 Mention this ad and get a free booth. *Must be reserved in advance while limited quantity
Words From The Wise‌ Raising the Bar: The Story of Attorney Richard Bernstein By: Bria Brown
“Make the choice to believe it happened for a reason”, said Attorney Richard Bernstein, (Sam Bernstein Law Firm) as he goes through daily tasks like everyone else; except his are done in complete darkness. Bernstein was born legally blind, but doesn’t let his disability stop him from accomplishing his goals. Sometimes he questiones why he was created this way; nevertheless he made the decision to live with a purpose. “If you have a general sense of why you were created, you live life with a mission, people who live their life with a mission, live their life to the fullest.”
Wise Words From Attorney Richard Bernstein:
Richard loves fighting for people and decided to take this passion to Northwestern University School of Law. Although braille helps those who are blind retain written information, it is quite hard when you have to learn massive amounts of content. Because of this, Richard would memorize lectures and have notes read to him to absorb material. Law school was excruciating for him, in spite of this he prayed to God every day and promised he would dedicate his life to people with disabilities and their rights to the judicial system. This decision afforded him the ability to not only practice in New York but also his home, Michigan. After graduating Richard joined his family law offices in the Metro-Detroit area. Richard loves the city of Detroit and the people in it as he nottes. “Detroit has great energy and a kind spirit. It’s the people that make it unique. Because of our hardships it makes us stronger people; the people of Detroit are fighters.”
5. You have to work with your guide to find a way to your goal.
It’s because of his faith that has led him to make hard decisions on behalf of the people in the city. When asked how he makes tough decisions by having a stressful job, Richard replied, “Athletics taught me these life lessons because we’re all looking to connect with our guide when struggling and in pain; during this our connection becomes the greatest.” Richard takes being an athlete very serious. He connects athleticism to every aspect of his life. As a result of this, he looks at his life in the way he runs a 26-K marathon. “In your life you will always experience mile 20 or the ‘runner’s wall.’ This is when you want to give up, but remarkable things start to happen. You realize the body is mortal and has limitations. The soul and spirit can disconnect from the body and transcend if given the opportunity. Let the soul disconnect from the flesh, let the soul guide your body.” People can learn more than laws from Richard; instead of racing through life’s hurdles whether good or bad, learn something from them and make the choice to believe it happened for a reason.
1. Live with a sense of purpose. 2. Find your voice. 3. The more hardships we are dealt with, the more we experience life. 4. Without prayer, he knows he wouldn’t have survived.
6. You will always have what you need when you need it. 7. Look at your life the way you would approach a marathon. 8. When you have a chance to surround yourself with people who have passion, there’s no better way to live life. 9. The world is what we choose to make it. 10. Work through the pain to find strength to pull you forward. ♦
10 iamtopflight.com
COMING FEB. 2014
January 2014 Motivational Song of the Month: Young Jeezy “Hustlaz Ambition”
“My ambitions as a hustla! I won’t deny it I’m a straight hustla!”
Unlimited talk, text and web $49. No roaming No contracts No credit checks
brought by Aaron Sanders www.WhyPayForPhone.com
MING LEE Grinding and Shining! The Making of “Snob Life” By: Cryss Walker
“It was all a dream”, that’s what Ming Lee says, as she reflects over a crab-leg dinner with her grandmother who she so affectionately calls “Gi-Gi”. She and her grandmother continue to talk, as they compliment the food that was served at The Crab House Ribs and Soul. “This food is bomb”, said Ming and GiGi agreed while recalling her then 19-year-old granddaughter’s move to Atlanta. “Five of her friends followed her down there too.” All of them are still there except one.” That was her beginning, the beginning that would lead her to her destiny. Ming Lee started with $500 and turned it into a hair flowing, wealth growing business!
T
he 27-year-old was raised by her GiGi on Detroit’s east side and in her King High School fashion- she “crusaded” her way to the top of a billion-dollar industry. The green entrepreneur first purchased a LLC, a domain name, business cards and $200 worth of hair inventory.
to move to Atlanta. Everybody that I was playing, six months later, I was gone. I didn’t have a job, I didn’t have nothing. I went to figure out life. Looking back it was the best decision ever.”
After getting rid of the idea of working at a big marketing firm, this bright-eyed ambitious lady embarked on According to Ming Lee, it takes more effort, than mon- a new journey. She observed young black people in Atey. “A dream is just a dream if there’s no actions behind lanta doing big things and making money. This revelait; I’m just trying to motivate people… you can see [like] I tion energized her. Ming Lee didn’t have a job and was basically…built a name for myself…a brand…from noth- told “no” by 42 salons. Already swallowing a large pill ing, literally from twitter and getting out in the streets.” of losing her father, she felt like she had nothing left to do but come up by her own merit (now that When she first started she didn’t have her fashe would put 80 to100 ther to depend on). business cards in her purse (on her off days) and promised not to go “Like six months before home until she passed my father passed (he out all of them. Breakgot into an accident) ing this ritual was not he told me, ‘you went an option because no to hair school, go get one was benefiting your license. He gave from her hustle but me the money to get it, herself! but I would just spend it. So when he got in a car crash, I was 24 The hustle was real and I was waitressing because she knew she in clubs. Then I said, ‘I had to compose the gotta start back to doinitial step to make ing hair’. I got told ‘no’ something pop. She by 42 different salons had to change the tone before one said yes. It to shift the dynamics of was kind of discouragher life and ultimately ing. That was over a her future. Ming Lee was lead down this road after betwo-year time span. I see how people feel like giving up. ing tired of her life in Detroit. Following an internship Then I said, ‘you know what, I’m just going to start doing at WJLB (Detroit’s heritage Hip Hop and R&B radio hair again’. I auditioned for a salon and got hired.” station), sitting in classes at a community college and working at Cobo Hall she felt that there had to be more in life; there had to more in life for her. She packed her In August of 2010 she remembers not having any clients bags, took her savings and made her way down south. and decided to change her name to “Ming Lee”. In her She landed in Atlanta, Georgia. She never looked back. new identity she then jokingly stated, “I just turned up! Read articles and Google searched what I didn’t know.” She said she started selling hair as a hustle to make extra “My grandmother had a family reunion in Atlanta. It was cash. Ming recalls that she didn’t think vending extenlike a different world. Young black people were driving sions would grow into its own entity. “I didn’t look at it nice cars and living good. I told people that I was going like a business, it was a hustle to me, it just kind of fell
“Being a snob is not bad it’s just a girl who knows what she wants.”
16 iamtopflight.com
into my lap. When the door opened, I just used the opportunity. I was (initially) just trying to make a couple extra dollars a month, because I didn’t have no clients.”
This “Snob Life” brand creator says that anything is possible. With that being said, she has new goals of being a motivator by conducting seminars that focuses on teaching others how to build and grow a business. Ming also states that by the time she is 33-years-old she wants So one may think, how did this hustle began? The Deto make the Forbes list. When asked about what music troit-native hair styling pro says that it really started gets her motivated she quickly replied, “Young Jeezy! I from saving up for a couch. The couch cost $500 dollove his music because it motivates me to make money. I lars. “Instead of buying the couch, I decided to buy hair”, especially love ‘Hustlaz Ambition’. I love when he says, ‘I said Lee as she recollects on the infancy of her Snob Life grind like its ten of me, I swear to God it’s just one of me!’ brand. I feel him… I won’t deny it. I’m a straight hustla’… (she continues in laughter)!” Ming Lee sure did know what she wanted and said that she got her ideas to become great by listening to “The You can follow her styles and keep up with her fabulous Secret” every night before bed. By listening to it she built life on Instagram @iamminglee. ♥ up the belief to attract the wealth that she was seeking in her life. She began to “speak” wealth into her life and says that whatever desires you have, tell the Lord what it is that you want! “I used post-it notes and vision boards and I created goals for myself, not dreams. Not doing it and failing is the same thing, but not doing it is worst!” In her first year in business, Ming said that she made $250, 000 in products and services combined! “I knew I wanted to make at least $100, 000 so I said for five days a week I would have to make approximately $385 a day. That’s just 3-4 sew -ins. To get to a million, I prayed! I’ve cleared through my first million. I need to set bigger goals. My God is too big, He said, ‘oh you want a million, that’s too easy!” Her GiGi said that she taught Ming about the power of Christ. “Mmm hmm…I’m so proud of her”, noted her adoring grandma as Ming sat with a child-like smile and sparkles in her eyes. “You proud of me”, said Ming and Gigi replied, “Yes I am. Have you seen her shop? She just opened a new shop down in Atlanta.” Snob Life Studio is Ming’s new salon in Atlanta, GA. The 27-year-old paid cash for it! “I was going to buy a new house but decided to get the shop. I didn’t get a loan or anything. I paid for the salon.”
17 iamtopflight.com
Me And My Girl’s 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
Photo Credit: Will Smith (2010) Official Facebook Page
The Idea of Possibilities The Ambition of Will Smith A Top Flight Mag Research Story
“Greatness is not this wonderful, esoteric, elusive, God-like feature that only the special among us will ever taste. It’s something that truly exists in all of us. It’s very simple. This is what I believe and I’m willing to die for it. Period.” —Will Smith
H
e says he is motivated by fear, the fear of being afraid to do something to be exact. This lead to him attacking what made him afraid. Smith has fiery ambition. He stated that he grew up knowing that it didn’t matter where he was, he knew he was going to become greater. For him it was that simple. The hip hop artist turned actor said it’s a moment that starts that with a decision.
“You might have more talent than me, you might be smarter than me, but if we get on a treadmill together... it’s two things: You’re getting off first or I’m gonna die! It’s really that simple!”
His focus is to be better today than he was yesterday. His mind is set on progress! He catapulted his “modest fame” as the Fresh Prince into being one of the most sought after actors in the industry. Smith said that when He dominates the industry with an unbreakable work it comes to his craft, he is relentless. He notes that while ethic, talent and drive. Smith states that he never thinks his opponents are sleeping, he’s working...when they’re about building a perfect wall, instead the actor said he eating, he’s working! It seems that his secret is no secret lays one perfect brick per day. According to him, there at all! is a separation between talent and skills. He says that talent is what you are born with and skill is the actual “Being realistic is the most commonly traveled road to practice of that talent; the process of growing that talent mediocrity. Why would you be realistic? What’s the point of being realistic? I’m gone do it! It’s done! It’s already or ability. done the second I decided it’s done, it’s already done, now The skill, he says, only comes by hours and hours of we just gotta wait for ya’ll to see!” dedication. The separation of talent and skill is what Smith calls the biggest misconception of prosperity. For Sources: this major box office star, he says there is no other way The Today Show 06-25-2008; around it. “The talent will fail you without the skill. You The Ellen Degeneres Show 05-26-2008; have to get better every day to communicate with the peo- Tavis Smiley 2008 ple in your industry”, said Smith in an interview with the Today Show. He also states that he has a sickening work ethic. That’s it.
20 iamtopflight.com
Carris Home Care “Caring for our community”
HELP WANTED GET PAID TAKING CARE OF A FAMILY MEMBER or FRIEND Help With NON MEDICAL SERVICES: Help with light housework Laundry Washing dishes Meal prep
$9 HOUR Seniors 60+ & disabled persons 18+ currently on Medicaid qualify Call Now 313-742-6787
Jay- Z and Warren Buffet: Simple Methods to Making Money Warren Buffet said that he looked at stock like a business. This is a business that he delights in and is ambitious about. He says that the best thing you can invest in is your own talent (that could mean reading and knowing about your trade or industry; or even going to school or seminars to grow in the development of your talent). Buffet also says that it is a good idea to do the following: Photo Credit: Warren Buffet Official Twitter Page
•Develop the habits of success •If you gravitate to a prominent figure, list what makes you admire them •Then do it! Buffet is basically stating that you should then take the actions of those you admire and develop their habits •Build a mode around yourself.
Jay- Z says first you must apply yourself and stay true to who you are and to always tell your truth. Mr. Carter says that when that “fork of the road moment” occurs, you must make a commitment to focus on your passion and do what you love. Here are a few bits of advice from Jigga: Photo Credit: JAY Z Official Facebook Page
•Don’t be something you’re not •Have discipline and stay focused. Don’t get “caught up” and lose sight of the goal. •Don’t make emotional decisions •Be confident because it’s your genuine articulation of yourself to the world •Don’t give up. Jay said that many people shut doors on him, so eventually he started his own label and created his own buzz, then the labels came to him! Source: Forbes.com 2010 22 iamtopflight.com
January 2014 Motivational Song of the Month: Young Jeezy “Hustlaz Ambition”
“I’m who they pretend to be Did What they pretend to do see me I’m a hustla I do what my hustlaz do...”
Doggie Styles
shopdoggiestyles.com @shopdoggiestyles COMING 2014 leashes, harnesses, grooming kits, collars and much more
January 2014 Motivational Song of the Month: Young Jeezy “Hustlaz Ambition”
“MIGHT NOT JUST BE THE BEST JUST KNOW I PLAN TO BE I REFUSE TO LET SUCKERS WIN BUT THAT’S JUST THE MAN IN ME”
January 2014 Motivational Song of the Month: Young Jeezy “Hustlaz Ambition”
"I couldn't wait to see the day I could change where my momma stay... I put the B.S. BEHIND ME... THERE’S TOO MUCH $$$$ IN FRONT OF ME..."
“Insta-Ad”
specializes in producing engaging, high quality and elegant ,15-second promo videos for Instagram
“Insta-Ad is great affordable branding tool to help connect, promote, and market your brand directly to the passionate Instagram community!
Get Get your your Insta-Ad Insta-Ad now now for for just just $99! $99! That’s That’s right right JUST JUST $99! $99! More details at Insta-Ad.com Follow on instagram and twitter @InstaAd1
January 2014 Motivational Song of the Month: Young Jeezy “Hustlaz Ambition”
“I say I grind like there’s 10 of me I swear to god there’s just one of me look I know I ain’t there yet just know that I’m gonna be”
SOCIAL MEDIA www.iamtopflight.com I Am Top Flight
@iamtopflight
@iamtopflight
Watch motivating video interviews about successful people doing what they love or catch up on the latest stories at iamtopflight.com