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Contents
04 - Editor’s Message
14 - Living International Women’s Day 2016 “Pledge For Parity”
54 - Achieve Ricia Leslie the first
international student of Inner Visions Institute for Spiritual Development shares her story of a spiritual journey
06 - Cover Page Feature
Interview with Amy HarrisWillock, Miss Caribbean UK 2015 - By Maureen Smith 28th February 2016
62 - Flair APPLICATIONS are
open for the 2016 Miss Caribbean UK Beauty Pageant.
Contributors
A big thank you for the help and support provided by the contributors of this edition. “Our philosophy as an ethical company is never to print anything that can be seen as demeaning or negative, and to promote the positive contributions and achievements that members of the public have made and are making to positively impact and shape the society in which we live.” Contact Us : T: 07946088553 / 07951308379 E: info@panacheoccasions.com W: www.panacheoccasions.com 2
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Editor’s Message
WINNER Best PR & Marketing EBR Award 2014
Clayton Brown
The UK’s No1 portal for the African & Caribbean community
Jacqui Brown
Dear Readers, On behalf of all at Panache Occasions Ltd, publishers of Panache-E-Magazine and organisers of Miss Caribbean UK, we would like to thank all our readers for your continuing support. This month’s edition highlights “International Women’s Day”, All around the World, International Women’s day represents an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women while calling for greater equality. Our cover feature this month is, Miss Caribbean UK, Amy Harris-Willock. The multi-talented Antigua & Barbuda beauty, 28 year old Amy Harris-Willock, stole the show and won the hearts of the judges with her beauty, eloquence and cultural awareness, at the recent Miss Caribbean UK 2015 beauty pageant, held at the Shaw theatre London. ( read more inside) This month’s edition is focused, as always, on positivity for us as individuals and as a community. We will also continue to push the message of getting or communities to work together to achieve economic independence.
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WINNER Best Fashion Magazine Afro Model Award 2014
Our aim has always been to encourage our communities to become stronger by creating closer ties between communities across the UK and the Caribbean (Unity is strength). To this end we created the Miss Caribbean UK pageant. (Please visit www.misscaribbeanuk.com to read more.) Miss Caribbean UK is now in its 3rd year and applications are now open for you to enter. Click on the following link to complete our online form: http://www.misscaribbeanuk. com/#!application-form/c18sz Also, any Sponsor’s, Supporter’s, Designer’s, Artists and Volunteers wishing to be part of this fantastic event that is capturing everyone’s attention right now, please contact us on: 07951308379 or email info@misscaribbeanuk.com for more information. Last year’s event was amazing and we’re not the only ones to say so. To all who didn’t make it in 2015 make sure you are there for 2016. Please read and remember this African saying: “Lions that do not work together can be defeated by a limping buffalo.” together can be defeated by a limping buffalo.” Clayton Brown Editor
PANACHE E-MAGAZINE The UK’s No 1 lifestyle portal for the Caribbean and African Community
“For You, By You”.
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Cover page feature
DIONNE ROSE
AMY HARRIS-WILLOCK 6
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Cover Page Feature
Amy Harris-Willock
Interview with Amy Harris-Willock, Miss Caribbean UK 2015 By Maureen Smith - 28th February 2016
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he multi-talented Antigua & Barbuda beauty, 28 year old Amy Harris-Willock, stole the show and won the hearts of the judges with her beauty, eloquence and cultural awareness, at the Miss Caribbean UK 2015 beauty pageant, held at the Shaw Theatre London. Amy was selected from four finalists at the Birmingham heat of the pageant competition on 25 July 2015 and went on to join 15 other hopefuls from around the United Kingdom and was ultimately crowned Miss Caribbean UK 2015.
Left to Right - Birmingham finalists - Natina-Mae Whitter, Cassandra Wiggan, Natalija-Paris Hall & Amy Harris-Willock
However, not only is Amy blessed with spiritual and aesthetic beauty, she is also athletically blessed. In 2014 after competing as a member of UK Athletics, she transferred her allegiance to Antigua and Barbuda in recognition of her heritage and is now a proud member of the Antigua and Barbuda’s national athletic team. Amy is currently the Antigua and Barbuda national record holder for the long jump and is hoping to make the qualifying distance to allow her to compete in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
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Recently honoured with B.S.c in Economics & Business and a M.S.c in Sports Science, her athletic background has taught her to work hard and appreciate the little things in life by sharing her experiences and giving back to her community. She aspires to make a difference in schools, sports and most importantly, in life and wants those who look up to her to follow in her footsteps and aim higher. “Positively promoting the Caribbean” What is your background? I was born in Birmingham in the West Midlands to an Antiguan father and English mother. Have you encountered any challenges as a result of your mixed-race heritage? I didn’t have any exposure to my Caribbean background when I was growing up because my Dad was not around. This led to identity issues that I have since overcome.
Click here to watch Amy jump
Which competitions have you entered? Commonwealth Youth Championships where I won a gold medal and I won a silver medal at the European Junior Championships. I’ve also participated in the Antigua & Barbuda National Championships and Eastern Caribbean Championships. Do you hold any records for the sport? Yes. I broke the Antigua & Barbuda and still hold the UK under 20’s record. What made you enter Miss Caribbean UK 2015? I am competitive by nature and wanted to try something different.
Have you ever visited Antigua? Yes, I have and it gave me the opportunity to embrace the Caribbean side of my heritage. I met family members who in turn embraced me and the whole experience was very overwhelming. What is your occupation? I am an international professional athlete. Field or track? Long jump. Which country do you represent? I started out representing Great Britain but my request to be released in order to represent Antigua & Barbuda was granted, so I now represent Antigua & Barbuda at various international competitions. 8
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Amy Harris-Willock - Miss Caribbean UK 2015
Amy Harris-Willock How did you find the experience? It gave me the opportunity to further connect with my Caribbean heritage, in addition to which, I enjoy staged events. Would you enter future beauty pageants? Yes, I would, provided that I’m not ‘too old’. Who has been the most influential person in your life to date? My maternal grandmother.
To follow Amy Harris-Willock: Twitter: https://twitter.com/amz_gbharris Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ amharris87?fref=ts Iconosquare: http://iconosquare.com/ amz_8714 Web: www.misscaribbeanuk.com
Why? She has always supported whatever I wanted to do and I will always be grateful to her for that. Have you travelled to many countries? Yes, I certainly have. Which countries have you visited? I lived in Florida for four years and have visited France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, China, Hong Kong, Australia, South Africa, Singapore, Antigua & Barbuda, St Kitts & Nevis and the Cayman Islands. Where would you like to be in five years’ time? I would like to have my own physiotherapy clinic. What advice would you give to others? Travel as much as possible and grab opportunities. Thank you, Amy. It has been a pleasure interviewing you. And thank you, Maureen. I have enjoyed the interview.
Amy Harris-Willock - Miss Caribbean UK 2015 www.panache-e-magazine.com / MARCH 2016 9
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On Wednesday 2nd March 2016, the Miss Caribbean UK queen Amy Harris-Willo Ms Karen-Mae C. Hill, High Commissioner for Antigua and Barbuda.
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From left to right: MCUK queen Miss Amy Harris-Willock, HE Ms Karen-Mae C. Hill, HC for Antigua and Barbuda www.panache-e-magazine.com
Amy Harris-Willock
From left to right: Ms Leontine Manners OM, Former President and Executive member of the Antigua and Barbuda National Association ABNA, Ms Maxine Isaac, PR Officer of the Antigua and Barbuda National Association ABNA, Ms Tracy Browne, President of ABNA, Ms Amy Harris-Willock, Ms Caribbean UK, H.E. Karen-Mae Hill, High Commissioner, Mr Everton George, Chairman of the Waltham Forest, Antigua-Barbuda and Dominica Twinning Association, Mr Claude Griffiths, Treasurer of ABNA and Treasurer of the Waltham Forest, Antigua-Barbuda and Dominica Twinning Association
From left to right: MCUK Sponsor Yvonne Joseph of Stoke Newington Travel, MCUK CoFounder Jacqui Brown, MCUK queen; Amy Harris-Willock, HE Ms Karen-Mae C. Hill, MCUK Sponsor Althea Dixon of Designer Travel and MCUK Social Media expert Tony Andrews. www.panache-e-magazine.com / MARCH 2016
Photo’s taken by: B Quavar of Bquavs Photography - 07904 606 907
ock attended her first official engagement to formally meet Her Excellency
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1. Amy Harris-Willock proudly posing with the Antigua and Barbuda flag, 2. Ms Cherrie Osborne, Director of To and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Ms Amy Harris-Willock, Ms Caribbean UK , Mr Joel Henry, Manager UK and E Development, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, 3. Mr Everton George, Chairman of the Waltham Forest, Twinning Association, Ms Leontine Manners OM, Former President and Executive member of ABNA, Ms Maxine and Barbuda National Association ABNA, Mrs Althea Vanderpoole Banahene, Deputy (Minister-Counsellor), 4 Jacqui Brown and Social Media expert Tony Andrews, 5. Amy proudly posing with the Coat of Arms for Antigua an MARCH 2016 / www.panache-e-magazine.com
ourism UK and Europe, Antigua Europe, Marketing and Business Antigua Barbuda and Dominica e Isaac, PR Officer of the Antigua 4. Amy with MCUK Co. Founder nd Barbuda.
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Photo’s taken by: B Quavar of Bquavs Photography - 07904 606 907
Amy Harris-Willock
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Living International Women’s Day 2016 “Pledge For Parity” By Jacqui Brown
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ll around the world, International Women’s Day represents an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women while calling for greater equality.
IWD 2016 campaign theme: #PledgeForParity Worldwide, women continue to contribute to social, economic, cultural and political achievement. And we have much to celebrate today. But progress towards gender parity has slowed in many places. The World Economic Forum predicted in 2014 that it would take until 2095 to achieve global gender parity. Then one year later in 2015, they estimated that a slowdown in the already glacial pace of progress meant the gender gap wouldn’t close entirely until 2133. So how do we want to celebrate International Women’s Day 2016? We say by Pledging For Parity! Everyone - men and women - can pledge to take a concrete step to help achieve gender parity more quickly - whether to help women and girls achieve their ambitions,
call for gender-balanced leadership, respect and value difference, develop more inclusive and flexible cultures or root out workplace bias. Each of us can be a leader within our own spheres of influence and commit to take pragmatic action to accelerate gender parity.
Commit to take action to accelerate gender parity Globally, with individuals pledging to move from talk to purposeful action - and with men and women joining forces - we can collectively help women advance equal to their numbers and realize the limitless potential they offer economies the world over. We have urgent work to do. Are you ready to accelerate gender parity?
MAKE A PLEDGE NOW Each year International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. The first International Women’s Day was held in 1911. Thousands of events occur to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. Organisations, governments, charities, educational institutions, women’s groups, corporations and the media celebrate the day. Panache Magazine will celebrate International Women’s Day by featuring five (5) inspiring and dedicated female business leaders in our community.
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andra Brown-Pinnock is the founder of “Haireverlasting” Distributor and the creator of the “Xsandy’s” brand of hair extensions. Sandra is an ambitious and tenacious individual who enjoys being able to work with manufacturers in producing the highest quality hair used for her brand of extensions. (XSANDY’S) Having worked in mental health for over 15 years, she then moved into owning and running a social care organisation for 8 years. Sandra has always had an interest in the hair extension industry. She noticed that the industry i.e. the manufacturing and distributing sections of this market within the UK and Europe, had virtually no AfroCaribbean owners and felt that it was time for a change. Sandra understood what it took to succeed in this competitive commercial environment. During her time of running her social care homes (over eleven homes in total) with outreach support, she also worked with commissioners and placement officers in securing placements for clients to her homes. Sandra was instrumental in working with and motivating so-called “difficult to place clients” to move on to complete independent living. In 2006 Sandra opened a high-end hair salon and aspired to be the first AfroCaribbean woman to own a hair extension manufacturing company. She observed at first-hand, that there was a need for good high quality human hair extensions that would not tangle and shred for woman of all ages. In 2008 Sandra decided to start manufacturing her own brand of hair. Thus her business was born.
In June 2015, Sandra decided to open her retail store inside the Lewisham shopping centre as she became frustrated at the lack of adequate knowledge of hair and hair products that should be recommended for use on the various Afro-Caribbean hair types. She observed that most of these retail outlets in South East London were not owned by someone of African / Caribbean decent and wanted to make a change to this. Sandra’s aim is to inspire other African and Caribbean businesses to persevere in the pursuit of their dreams. In a nutshell, who is Sandra-Brown-Pinnock? I’m a woman of God a mother, a wife, a role model, a motivator and a business woman. What was your dream job when you were young and why? My dream job was to be a flight attendant because my dream was to travel the world so with this both my dreams would be fulfilled What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership? The barriers are varied and different for each person but the key ones appear to be unequal treatment from males in key decisions i.e. your boss, the bank manager etc. But also, because of our experiences, we may not really believe we can do it. Sometimes we just need to give it our best go, even if we are nervous and scared. Other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success? I think the single most important factor was taking the decision to leave the corporate world, exit a successful partnership and take the lead in doing something I really wanted to do. www.panache-e-magazine.com /
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And which was more rewarding: making your start-up a success, or being able to continue keeping it successful? Being able to continue keeping it successful.
Nelson Mandela I read this because I was inspired by his strength of character he was such a courageous intriguing tenacious individual.
If you could time travel back to day one of your start-up and have 15min with your former self to communicate any lessons you’ve acquired with the intention of saving yourself mistakes and heart ache, what would you tell yourself? Not to be so intense, regulate my emotions and learn to let go of negative things and people before it’s too late.
What is your favorite TV show? Major Crimes
How do you push through your worst times and what keeps you awake at night? I push through my worst time first spiritually ie (praying) then confronting situations/ problems head on, being tenacious , what keeps me awake at night strategizing how to improve/grow my business. Who is your inspirational Shero and why? My inspirational Shero is my mother, reason my mother was very resilient her motto was “if you work hard and never giving up you can achieve whatever you set out to do” What’s your superpower, or what’s your spirit animal? I think my superpower is the power of persuasion and the ability to influence What will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you? Fully taking their place in society according to their talents. There is also the fact that so much is now owned and dominated by large businesses so it’s seems to be getting harder for the lone woman, but it’s not impossible What is the last inspirational book you’ve read and why? 20
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How do you achieve work-life balance? Try not to take work home, my spirituality being involved in church, going out for a meal with my family at least once a week Your holding a dinner party, who would be your ideal guests and why? My ideal guest would be my mum because she is my role model, Barack Obama & Michelle Obama they would be very interesting and cool company, Maya Angelou because she is an extraordinary woman What business tool could you not do without and why? My phone why because it’s my organiser, ie my tablet, my diary, my communicator my publisher. What is the must do social media activity for greater impact in your business? The must do social media activity for greater impact in my business is updating my business fb page daily posting interesting information about my business sales/promotion, new product information If you were to travel back in time to when you were 8 years old, what advice would you give to yourself? Advice I would give to myself is take as much risk as needed when young. Nothing defeats trying. Failure is not always negative but can be used as motivation.
In closing – is there a quote or saying you can share with Panache readers, which has either touched you or which you feel can inspire someone on their journey? The quote I want to share is a quote by Richard Branson from his biography “A crowded market is crowded for a reason - because it’s lucrative”. This applies to a lot of people who seem to think that they need a brilliant and completely new idea to succeed in business, you don’t. Execution is the key. For the best quality in Premium Brazilian Hair that will last you a very long time even after several use, contact: Sandra Brown-Pinnock Xsandy’s Hair & Beauty Shop Lewisham Shopping Centre London SE13 7EP T - 020 8318 4417 E - haireverlasting@yahoo.com W - http://www.haireverlasting.co.uk Sandra Brown, owner of Xsandy’s Hair & Beauty shop
Video Advertisment promoting Xsandy’s Hair & Beauty Shop in Lewisham. www.panache-e-magazine.com /
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Vinnette Grant
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ondon Designer, Vinnette Grant of Vinnette Unbridaled is renowned for creating the impressive 20ft bridal skirt that was sensationally showcased in the 2011 iconic Oxford Street Christmas window display at Selfridges who’s window displays are recognised as some of the most extraordinary in the world. This has gone on to be featured in a video Creating a White Christmas at Selfridges and is also featured in an article on site; Fashion Foie Gras. Vinnette’s many other achievements include showing at “the national wedding show several times, London fashion week, and winning three national design awards, including TV times best original knitwear. Vinnette’s work has been sold in Harvey Nichols amongst other Knightsbridge and Kensington boutiques. Following a family and career break, which included working as cabin crew for British airways, vinnette has rebranded as Vinnette Grant Unbridaled Couture and is ready to take on the World. In a nutshell, who is Vinnette Grant? VINNETTE GRANT | Unbridaled Couture |Bridal & Red Carpet Gowns | knitwear Designer. I am a proud Caribbean born, British creative Fashion Designer, passionate about fabric and textiles, colours and shapes, primarily for the female body form. I am sensitive and empathic and therefore caring and encouraging, combining my
time between creating Gowns, Family life, and Fostering youngsters. Founder of a Social Enterprise called Raw Inspiration which encourages young creatives to press themselves through clothes What was your dream job when you were young and why? I always wanted to be a Fashion designer since I was eight. My late Mother was a designer/seamstress and my late Father was a Tailor. I was surrounded and immersed in fabric, bright colours and textures, sewing equipment and a constant stream of satisfied customers. It was a way of life in our house. I remembered feeling very different from people around me as if I was following my own agenda without any real understanding as to why. One of my fondest memories was when my Mother and Father and I would be in the workroom all working away without the need to speak, just contented silence, all on the same page and very comfortable. What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership? Themselves. We are living in a male dominated society and therefore, it will take a strong female with Boadicea style quality to push through the barriers. Women often have lives to juggle managing children, parental care, spouses, homes etc. which then allows less time in the day for what is necessary for their business to flourish. Lack of funding and mentoring is also extremely prevalent. Other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success? Leaving British Airways which was my crutch www.panache-e-magazine.com /
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and comfort zone and ploughing myself into my business on a full time basis. It feels good. And which was more rewarding: making your start-up a success, or being able to continue keeping it successful? Maintaining any venture is difficult and requires dedication, thinking on your feet, absolute tenacity, planning and a certain amount of engineered luck. Networking and re-creating your product effectively and having a clear plan is also important as well as being open to evolving. If you could time travel back to day one of your start-up and have 15min with your former self to communicate any lessons you’ve acquired with the intention of saving yourself mistakes and heart ache, what would you tell yourself? I would commence by telling myself not to be afraid of setting up and to do it right, appoint a mentor, PR agent, go for the money, take yourself seriously and the serious opportunities will follow. How do you push through your worst times and what keeps you awake at night? My Children and Grandchildren push me through my worst times and keeps me awake at night as I have to guarantee that I can provide an abundance of emotional security. I am motivated, I lead by example and I never give up. Who is your inspirational Shereo and why? Opera Winfrey & Tina Turner. Opera for all the turmoil she triumphed over despite opposition from every direction, to become the respected, well-heeled all-rounder she has become. And Tina Turner for exactly the same reasons as well as her trials and 24
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tribulations which mirrored my life with a jealous and toxic relationship. What’s your superpower, or what’s your spirit animal? My superpower is my ability to be pushed down only to arise stronger than ever before. You cannot keep me down so don’t try!!!!! Also my sense of humour and my ability to be able to laugh at myself and situations helps to keep me sane. Additionally my animal spirit is a Cheater or a Greyhound. Both animals are fast thinkers, agile in thought and very tenacious. What will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you? Self-belief. Believe that you can be a Mother, a partner, make a life at home and in business or whatever it is that you want to do and in this male dominated World, believe that you CAN achieve whatever your plan are!!! What is the last inspirational book you’ve read and why? I am not a big fan of Reading as it tends to send me to sleep. I prefer to watch True Biography’s that mainly depict triumph over adversity for example; “Erin Brokowich”, Tina Turner’s “what’s Love Got To Do With It” and a Trojan life story book by Michelle Mone called “my Fight To the Top” What is your favorite TV show? I love Project Runway and the American, Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model. But I also love the familiarity and escapism of Coronation Street, with its real life situations and unintentional humour! How do you achieve work-life balance? I love being with my family. My social life is filled with all the kids and Grandkids
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and therefore I don’t actually leave much space for nights out with friends very often, but have the occasional visit or extra-long telephone conversations with lifelong friends. My designing life usually seeps into my home life when I spend extra time at the “Secret Studio.” I try not to bring any work home, I feel I can finally separate my crazy work schedule from the peace and tranquillity of my home. Your holding a dinner party, who would be your ideal guests and why? Obviously Oprah who would be head of the table directing the evening and sharing her stories of her struggles and how she overcame racial prejudices, and now how she deals with life as an Icon. Mr. And Mrs. Obama, just because they seem so down to earth and I am so proud to have seen a Black President and his wife in my life time. Sydney Poitier, just because he seems to be such a humble as well as talented actor of all time. Martin Luther King, because he was fearless in his ideals and brought about change. His actions and words planted seeds in the black and white communities at large. And of course last but not least, my late Mum and Dad, as I miss them and their banter and presence dearly. That certainly would be a feast I could dine on forever and be very satisfied with...... What business tool could you not do without and why? My Industrial sewing machine and knitting machine. Both essential to what I create as a designer. What is the must do social media activity for greater impact in your business? Creating awareness is vital whether it be on 26
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Facebook, Twitter or in my case, magazines all upon which can be directed to your website. Without the above potential cliental will not know of your existence and how to contact you. If you were to travel back in time to when you were 8 years old, what advice would you give to yourself? I would tell myself to always believe in my vision! At that age I knew that designing was going to be a major part of my life and despite the negative comments which were designed to make me doubt myself and giveup, I proved them wrong and can now rejoice in my achievements. In closing – is there a quote or saying you can share with Panache readers, which has either touched you or which you feel can inspire someone on their journey? As a teenager, I remember sharing with my Mum that other kids were picking on me (as kids do), because I was in the A stream, was learning German, was constantly winning at athletic meetings and generally doing well for myself. My Mother looked at me and said “Vinnette, the best revenge is to continue to do well in whatever you do in life, it will upset them more and they won’t be able to catch up with you”. My late Mum was a very wise woman and her words have proven to be right to this day and constantly inspires me whenever things get difficult. Thanks Mum. xxxxx I have developed my own saying: “If you can conceive it, you can achieve it” Vinnette Grant T - 07766747910 E - vinnetteunbridaled@hotmail.co.uk
Vinnette’s designs showcased at the Miss Caribbean UK 2015 beauty pageant held at the Shaw Theatre, London.
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Crystal Kassi
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rystal Kassi graduated as a makeup artist from the Ecole Privee International d’Esthetique Et Visagism Jean D’Estree in 1987. In a remarkably short time, she established herself as a makeup artist who exhibited natural talent and professionalism and who instinctively understood the needs of her clients. Because of this she was soon noticed by some of the foremost fashion photographers in Europe and some of the greatest names within the fashion industry vied for her services. Her distinguished clients included Christian Dior, C&A, Nivea, Paris Match, Ford Motors, Danone, L’Oreal, Clarins, Schwarzkoft, Elle and Marie-Claire. The list of celebrities and models and other dignitaries from the entertainment industry who used her services included Tyra Banks, Angie Le Mar, Chrystal Rose (Black Business Woman of the year), Myriam Makeba (autobiography front cover), Two Unlimited (CD cover), Fabienne Turwenghe (Clarins), Donnaes (C&A), Mark Vanderloo (C&A), Kim Debut (Punto Linea), Marcus Schenkenberg (Jackie’O). Any makeup artist will eventually develop a healthy interest in dermatology and herein Crystal was no exception. It was her black clientele that she especially focused on and this led her to do many courses especially relating to better skincare. Crystal also experimented with many of her own products and eventually this experimentation evolved into a full-fledged cosmetic range and this is how Christal cosmetic products was established. Christal cosmetics is definitely a rising star within the specialised ethnic cosmetic care industry even more so because each and every product comes from a woman who
has decades of experience in treating black skin and has a deep understanding the need to use high quality moisturising creams. Therefore it does not come as a surprise that the sales of Christal cosmetics are continually increasing and is becoming more and more popular among consumers which is really a fitting testament to the unceasing dedication of Crystal and her team. In a nutshell, who is Crystal Kassi? Crystal is a hard working entrepreneur, devoted mother and wife. She is a Guadeloupian born in Paris, lived in Belgium, settled in London. What was your dream job when you were young and why? I wanted to be a dancer so my mum made me learn piano. What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership? I don’t believe in barriers, they are only there if you permit them. As a child I realised that barriers are only in our mind and belief systems. You create your world. I don’t believe in limitations. Other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success? Becoming a Christian changed my life entirely. And which was more rewarding: making your start-up a success, or being able to continue keeping it successful? Keeping my business successful and also knowing that I provide a solution to women who have need of a good skin care regimen. www.panache-e-magazine.com /
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If you could time travel back to day one of your start-up and have 15min with your former self to communicate any lessons you've acquired with the intention of saving yourself mistakes and heart ache, what would you tell yourself? Redeem the time and don’t wait for every situation to be perfect, mistakes are necessary, they’ll teach you a lesson but from them you attain understanding and knowledge. How do you push through your worst times and what keeps you awake at night? I push through prayers first, and bringing every situation before God’s throne room. That’s the only thing that keeps me awake at night. Worst times are seasonal, good times are seasonal too they build character. Who is your inspirational Shereo and why? Sorry to say I don’t have any. What’s your superpower, or what’s your spirit animal? My superpower is my faith, I can push mountains, don’t have a spirit animal. What will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you? The building and keeping of a family. This is necessary for a balance civilisation unfortunately, morals are disappearing. Good lasting relationships are hard to find. What is the last inspirational book you’ve read and why? I read the holy Bible, this keeps me grounded and answers so many questions because it covers everything you need in life and it also helps me understand the time we are living in.
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What is your favourite TV show? I love Google box and the Comedy show. I refuse to watch anything that will make me cry. How do you achieve work-life balance? I used to work in a beauty salon which was doing very well but having to work inflexible long hours gave me little time with my family and my home. I decided to give it up and sell the salon. I now work from home and firmly trust that I made the decision. I believe that life is for living! Your holding a dinner party, who would be your ideal guests and why? I’ll invite a bunch of children. I love their innocence and always so happy around them. I’ll also invite someone who needs help and encouragement. What business tool could you not do without and why? My phone, my computer, my scale. My scale to formulate products, my phone and computer to communicate with the world. What is the must do social media activity for greater impact in your business? Facebook, twitter, Instagram. If you were to travel back in time to when you were 8 years old, what advice would you give to yourself? Concentrate your efforts in doing what you love and what you are good at. In closing – is there a quote or saying you can share with Panache readers, which has either touched you or which you feel can inspire someone on their journey? The Quote would be: “Find God first and everything will be added unto you”.
I’ll have to add: Love and forgive, bitterness kills and also make you sick, if you forgive you forgive for yourself. There are two sides to everything, Always look at the bright side of things. Refuse negativity with passion.
Crystal Kassi T - 07450430409 E - crystal@christalcosmetics.com W - www.christalcosmetics.com
A line of natural products formulated for the special needs of today’s Black Women.
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Hazel Jordan
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azel Jordan established TAMA RA EVENT DESIGNERS in September 1999 where it all began as a hobby providing flowers and balloons for weddings, birthday parties to families and close friends. However, realising that she was transforming people’s dream events into reality, her portfolio was extended to include all types of events such as corporate, TV and film work. Tamara Event Designers now specialises in decorating, planning and managing any type of event by assisting with all that is required for any special occasion and everything they do is tailored around her client, attention to detail and personal service. The success of Hazel’s company has been built on the "going the extra mile" with their personal touches, and this has remained their work ethic throughout. In a nutshell, who is Hazel Jordan? Hazel Jordan is a mother of three, and a grandson, The CEO of Tama Ra Event Designers, which specialises in decor of all occasions. Also an event and party planner who is due to be a certified international wedding and events planner. What was your dream job when you were young and why? To be a secretary or accountant - why? Lord knows it was the girly thing to do at the time. What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership? I don’t think there is now. Back in the day there weren’t that many female leaders. It was expected that ladies would be the housewives, look after the kids, cook etc. but now this has changed and is constantly changing.
Other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success? Choosing the events business. I studied to be an accountant and could have quite easily set up my business doing that. But I was always nominated as the organiser of the family party’s outings etc. At the tender age of 16, I set up a youth club in the Hammersmith and Fulham area and was featured in the “Fulham Chronicle” local newspaper and Hammersmith Council had me up as some kind of SHERO as I was the youngest person to run a youth club, it was unheard of in those days. I actually started the event business as a hobby but never dreamed that it would turn into the business that it is today. It certainly has contributed to my success. People think I am so creative and the continual recommendations keeps the business ticking over. I laugh, as I rarely do any Marketing. My bookings are generally from referrals. But to keep the business up-to-date, I have publish the events that I have worked on via social media which is something new. And which was more rewarding: making your start-up a success, or being able to continue keeping it successful? Being able to keep it a success, as we have been going for quite a few years now. We maintained the status of our business through the recession and our competitors. Someone said to me recently; “You don’t realise how well you are doing, the community sees your brand like Coca Cola”. I was flattered but had to laugh as I know that we are committed to get on with the work in hand to please our customers as best we can and it looks like all of it has contributed to our success.
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If you could time travel back to day one of your start-up and have 15min with your former self to communicate any lessons you’ve acquired with the intention of saving yourself mistakes and heart ache, what would you tell yourself? This is a difficult one to answer. I have gone through many heartaches and made many mistakes and continue to do so. But I realise that I am a lot wiser and therefore tend to make fewer mistakes. At the end of the day no one is perfect. We all make mistakes which in-turn, helps us to grow. I don’t want to travel back to day one thanks, LOL, but joking aside the advice I would give any start up is to make sure you have a business plan, know what you want to do and give it your all, 150%, keep a check on your finances, and keep a abreast with change as it is so important to know what the new technology and new trends are in order to not get left behind. Also you must find the right team and associates that you can trust and lastly, delegate delegate delegate. How do you push through your worst times and what keeps you awake at night? Prayers and asking the Father for guidance. Who is your inspirational Shereo and why? Oprah Winfrey, and more recently Lisa McNicolls knowing all that she is gone through and how she has excelled. What’s your superpower, or what’s your spirit animal? Keeping calm under pressure. What will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you? Marinating family values and keeping up with your heritage.
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What is the last inspirational book you’ve read and why? I haven’t had a chance to read any books but I listen to Lisa McNicols inspirational tapes and they are great. What is your favorite TV show? I don’t watch TV much, but my favorite at present is “Come Dine with Me” How do you achieve work-life balance? I have now increased my team, and have started to delegate more so that I can get the perfect work life balance. Your holding a dinner party, who would be your ideal guests and why? Any one that is fun-loving, a “what you see is what you get” kind of person. What business tool could you not do without and why? My car and computer for getting around. What is the must do social media activity for greater impact in your business? All the usual’s: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, I do want to start making greater use of LinkedIn as well as the newer formats; Periscope and Snapchat. If you were to travel back in time to when you were 8 years old, what advice would you give to yourself? Be a bit tougher, and save more! In closing – is there a quote or saying you can share with Panache readers, which has either touched you or which you feel can inspire someone on their journey? Treat and respect others as you would like to be treated or respected yourself.
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Maureen Smith
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ounder of Tropical Connections Ltd The only company in the UK that is able to provide overseas residents with a unique and extensive range of services for, but not limited to, selling, buying or building property in Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica and St. Lucia. Passionate about her role in ‘bridging a gap’, Maureen is dedicated and committed to ensuring that her clients avoid pitfalls and financial loss with their property affairs in the Caribbean. She has no aversion to ‘going the extra mile’ if this is what it takes to help a client achieve a successful outcome. In a nutshell, who is Maureen Smith? Maureen Smith is one of the ‘Mothers of Civilisation’ who was born in the UK to Barbadian parents. I am a very downto-earth individual whose blunt and nononsense approach is appreciated by some and the total opposite by others. What was your dream job when you were young and why? I wanted to be an air hostess when I was growing up so that I could travel the world. What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership? Men and other females. Other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success? Choosing to be a shepherdess and not a sheep. And which was more rewarding: making your start-up a success, or being able to continue keeping it successful? Being able to surpass the 3-5 years when most start-up businesses fall has been my biggest reward to date.
If you could time travel back to day one of your start-up and have 15min with your former self to communicate any lessons you’ve acquired with the intention of saving yourself mistakes and heart ache, what would you tell yourself? I would tell myself to be very selective when spending money to promote my business. How do you push through your worst times and what keeps you awake at night? I cope with challenging times by telling myself that there are others worse off than me, while excessive cups of coffee keep me awake at night. Who is your inspirational Shereo and why? I don’t have a particular inspirational Sheroe, save to say, it is any female who will fight for what they believe and don’t allow others to control their lives. What’s your superpower, or what’s your spirit animal? Although I am a Scorpion by birth sign, I would have to say that my spirit animal is a lioness. What will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you? Self-worth in light of the level of disrespect that is displayed by both men and women nowadays towards women. What is the last inspirational book you’ve read and why? ‘The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success’ by Deepak Chopra, as it keeps me grounded and connected to my spiritual side. What is your favorite TV show? I have more than one ‘favourite’ TV show, but always try to watch Holby City, Casualty and Question Time. www.panache-e-magazine.com /
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How do you achieve work-life balance? I’ve always struggled to achieve work-life balance because I usually enjoy whatever work I have chosen to do. You’re holding a dinner party, who would be your ideal guests and why? I would wish to have individuals at my dinner party who have a wealth of knowledge and experience that they willingly share with other guests, so that everyone can leave knowing more than they did before they came to the party. What business tool could you not do without and why? My computer as much of my business involves email communications and it is the only tool with which I can hit those keys at speed without even looking at the keyboard. What is the must do social media activity for greater impact in your business? Showcasing properties and publishing articles about Caribbean real estate. If you were to travel back in time to when you were 8 years old, what advice would you give to yourself? Don’t waste time being sad about situations over which you have no control. (I was brought back to England from Barbados at the age of eight). In closing – is there a quote or saying you can share with Panache readers, which has either touched you or which you feel can inspire someone on their journey? A man or woman is the sum total of their experiences in life, so don’t follow others whose experiences are different to your own. Be captain of your own ship.
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Maureen Smith as her 8 Year Old self in Barbados
At Tropical Connections, we provide 100% support for dealing with a range of property matters in the Caribbean, and best of all... from right here in the UK! Our professional and no-nonsense approach for doing business with the Caribbean has been of great value to previous clients, many of whom had friends or family who had encountered numerous pitfalls trying to deal with a property matter in the Caribbean from the UK. But this need not be your experience. At Tropical Connections, we monitor and take care of every aspect of your Caribbean property matter from the outset through to conclusion. it’s a smooth and hassle-free experience that you are after for your property matter in the Caribbean, If it then contact us for more details about how we can help you achieve this. After all, we are dealing with a part of the world that is synonymous with paradise, so why should you experience anything less.
0845 / 07506 T:T: 0845 222222 14131413 / Mobile: 07506354902 354 902 info@tropicalconnections.co.uk E:E: info@tropicalconnections.co.uk W: www.tropicalconnections.co.uk W: www.tropicalconnections.co.uk www.panache-e-magazine.com /
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Caribbean Property
SILVER SANDS, CHRIST CHURCH, BARBADOS
By: Maureen Smith
HOUSE FOR SALE
Ref No: BAR099 Property Type: House Bedrooms: 7 Bathrooms: 5 Price: USD $875,000
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his wonderful property with spectacular ocean view is situated on the water’s edge in Silver Sands on the southern coastline of Barbados. Sitting on approximately 17,000 sq. ft. of land the fully enclosed property is made up of two separate buildings that share a large open courtyard. The main building offers four bedrooms and three bathrooms, a large open-plan living area and spacious patio that overlook the garden and ocean. The other building offers two self-contained apartments, one of which is a 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom on the ground floor and the other a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom on the upper floor.
On entry to the main house there is a small foyer which opens into a large open-plan living room and kitchen. The kitchen is outfitted with Decoran counter tops and wooden cabinets. Adjacent to the kitchen is a laundry room and separate storage that lead to the shared courtyard.
On this level are two identical bedrooms with built-in cupboards and air conditioning units. There is a shared bathroom between these bedroom. The upper floor of the main house is accessed via a unique spiral stairwell on which level is a third air-conditioned bedroom with built-in cupboards and en-suite bathroom. Across the hall is the master suite that is ocean side and comes with a private balcony from where you can enjoy stunning views. The en-suite bathroom has a large shower and single vanity with the main closet area located in the bedroom. The ground floor apartment in the second building is accessed via a central foyer which can facilitate a washing machine that can be shared by both units. The apartment is designed as an open-plan concept and there is a good sized patio just off of the living and kitchen area which leads to the garden and central courtyard. Upstairs is an identical footprint of the downstairs unit except for the additional loft bedroom. Both apartments are finished to the same high standard as the main house and all of the bedrooms are outfitted with air conditioning units and built-in cupboards.
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The main house offers approximately 3,100 sq. ft. of living space, whilst the apartments are approximately 990 sq.ft. each. There are white cement floors with inlaid marble accents throughout, coral stone rendered walls and high ceilings for the most part which are pickled white. The solid wooden doors throughout both properties allow a constant flow of ocean breeze. Fully enclosed with large wooden gates, this property is located at the end of a culde-sac and offers a good size garden to the front that could facilitate a pool and easy parking. A unique feature is a natural reef pool just in front of the property that can be enjoyed at low tide. A wonderful turnkey investment property or holiday home that is being sold fully furnished!
Get in touch:
Tropical Connections Limited, Weatherill House, New South Quarter, 23 Whitestone Way, Croydon, Surrey CR0 4WF England Telephone: 0845 222 1413 Mobile: 07506 354 902 Fax: 020 8686 6125 Email: info@tropicalconnections.co.uk Web: www.tropicalconnections.co.uk
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CELEBRITY Here's your monthly list of celebrity b BIRTHDAYS who shares your birthday. By: Christine Simpson
SPECIAL BIRTHDAY FEATURE The daughter of singers Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown
Bobbi Kristina Brown
04 MAR
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obbi Kristina Brown (March 4, 1993 – July 26, 2015) was an American reality television and media personality, singer, and actress. She was the daughter of singers Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown. Her parents’ fame kept Bobbi Kristina in the public eye, including her appearances on the reality show Being Bobby Brown. She was 14 when her parents divorced and Houston gained custody. When Houston died in February 2012, Bobbi Kristina was named as the sole beneficiary of her mother’s estate. Bobbi Kristina was found unresponsive in a bathtub in late January 2015. She was kept in a medically induced coma for several months; she died in hospice care on July 26, 2015 at the age of 22
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birthdays for INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY in MARCH. Discover 5th
Eddy Grant – musician Melissa Bell - singer
6th
Shaquille O Neal - basketball player Mary Wilson – singer
7th
Brandon T. Jackson – actor/comedian Sir Viv Richards - Cricketer
12 MAR Kéllé Bryan-Gudgeon – singer/television personality
1st
Harry Belafonte - singer/actor Booker T. Huffman, Jr - professional wrestler Lupita Nyong’o - actress
2nd
Admiral David Satcher - physician/public health administrator Mark E. Dean – inventor/computer scientist
3rd
Jackie Joyner-Kersee - athlete
4th
Garrett Morgan - inventor and community leader (1877-1963) Bobbi Kristina Brown – reality TV personality/heiress (1993 - 2015)
8th
Leon Robinson – actor/singer Boris Kodjoe - actor
9th
Bow Wow – rapper/television host
10th
Emeli Sande – singer/songwriter Jasmine Guy – actress/director
11th
Bobby McFerrin – vocalist/conductor Terrence Howard – actor/singer
12th
Kéllé Bryan-Gudgeon – singer/television personality Luenell Campbell - comedian/actress Al Jarreau – jazz singer Marlon Jackson - singer
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Tyrel Jackson-Williams – teen actor
17th
Nat King Cole - singer (1919-1965) Tamar Braxton-Herbert – singer/songwriter John Boyega - actor
18th
18 MAR Queen Latifah - rapper/actress
13th
Marvin Humes - singer/presenter Courtney Pine CBE - jazz musician Queen Latifah - rapper/actress Vanessa L. Williams - singer/actress Kenny Lynch OBE - singer/songwriter Shola Ama - singer Paul Barber - actor
Valerie Ann Amos, Baroness Amos, PC - UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator
14th
Quincy Jones - music producer Tessa Sanderson CBE – athlete Elise Neal - actress
23 MAR Chaka Khan - singer
15th
Ben Okri OBE – poet/novelist Will.I.Am – rapper/songwriter
19th
Philip D. Bolden – teen actor Kolo Abib Touré - footballer 20th Spike Lee - film director Freema Agyeman - actress
20th
Spike Lee - film director Freema Agyeman - actress
22 MAR Beverley Knight MBE - singer
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21st
Diggy Simmons - rapper/singer Ronaldhino - footballer
22nd
Beverley Knight MBE - singer George Benson - musician
26th
Diana Ross – singer/actress Ellia English – singer/actress Oliver Skeete - showjumper
27th
Ellery Hanley MBE - rugby player Zaraah Abrahams – actress Mariah Carey – singer/songwriter
28th
Cheryl James – rapper
29th
Pearl Mae Bailey – actress/singer (1918 – 1990) Smarck Michel – Prime Minister of Haiti (1937 – 2012) Jlloyd Tafari Samuel - footballer
30th
25 MAR Aretha Franklin – singer
23rd
Mohamed “Mo” Farah CBE – distance runner Chaka Khan - singer
Simon Webbe - singer/songwriter Obadele Thompson – sprint athlete
31st
Tony Cox – actor Antony B - DJ
24th
Robbie Gee – actor Kwame Kwei-Armah OBE – actor Herman George Ouseley, Baron Ouseley parliamentarian
25th
Clayton Brown – Panache Occasions Aretha Franklin – singer Angela Wynter - actress
29 MAR Pearl Mae Bailey – actress/singer (1918 – 1990) www.panache-e-magazine.com /
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Here's your monthly list of African & Caribbean Indep flag to reveal some more information about each country. By: Christine Simpson
GHANA
MAURITIUS
TUNISIA
NAMIBIA
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pendence Day Celebrations for MARCH. Please click on each
Independence from the United Kingdom
6 March 1957
Independence from the United Kingdom
12th March 1968 Independence from France
20th March 1956
Independence from South African mandate
21st March 1990
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THE POWER OF SPIRIT
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y name is Ricia Leslie. I am the first international student of Inner Visions Institute for Spiritual Development, traveling once a month from London, England to attend the Institute and this is my story. I lived with the father of my two children for over 20 years. The relationship lacked honesty, commitment, faithfulness, equality and integrity. However, I had told myself that this was the man I had chosen to grow old with. I was committed to maintaining a twoparent family since my parents split when I was seven and I was determined not to repeat that pattern. In my determination not to repeat the pattern, I made myself a victim within the relationship and responded accordingly. Low expectation was my mantra. I was miserable most of the time and expected to be so for the duration. I bore it like a trooper though, I thought, until I attended a 2-day workshop called “Tapping the Power Within”, facilitated by Jackee Holder. An incident that occurred with my kids father after the first day of the workshop, prompted me to refer to it the next day when Jackee asked if anyone wanted to share anything that had occurred for them since the previous day. I shared my ‘incident’, after which Jackee asked, “how often do you feel like that in your relationship?” The emotions that question evoked in my body were indescribable. I remember feeling as if a tornado was emerging from my groin, moving
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momentum through my chest. By the time it reached my throat, I was totally engulfed in this vortex of emotions, anger, sadness, grief, despondency. My brain was trying to answer “most of the time”. My throat was totally constricted, my mouth moved but no sound could be made. I was dangerously emotional, the tears that I had been fighting to contain were no longer a threat, they were real. The more I struggled to restore my composure, the more the crack in the damn gaped. 10+ years of hiding, camouflaging, and suppressing normal expressions of emotion in order to protect myself, could no longer be contained by my body. No matter how I tried to hold it down, the sounds of pain and anguish filled the quiet, still room. The other participants were told to form a circle round me. Jackee sat opposite me, holding my head in her hands, telling me to hold my head up and not be ashamed. Cry by all means, she said, let it all out, hold back nothing, cry until you are done, but hold your head up while you do it. We are here to support you. So ride it out as the beautiful, powerful woman you are, with your head held high. This is your breakthrough, there’s only one way after this and that’s up from here. How divine! So for the first time in many, many years, I accepted support, I allowed myself to be vulnerable and let my real feelings show. My breakthrough left me open and willing to receive what the Universe had for me. I recall I picked two cards on the first day of the workshop which said, “What have you done with the gifts God has bestowed upon you?” and “We have work for you.” I have learnt www.panache-e-magazine.com /
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about my gifts at the Institute and I now know what my work is. There are no coincidences. The incidents that led to my attending the Institute just seem like coincidences. I just happened to pick up a copy of Essence in the hairdressers that had Iyanla’s picture on the cover and an article about her inside. There were a couple of lines in the article mentioning that the Institute would start in the summer. I wrote to Iyanla at Inner Visions, making a general enquiry about the Institute as I was quite interested in spiritual development. Iyanla happened to write back to me personally saying, “. . . please know that it is entirely possible for you to join us at the Institute, as class will only meet one weekend per month.” That was it. As soon as I read those words, I said, OK., I’m going. No doubt. No hesitation. Done deal. It just so happened of course, that my 10-year savings plan matured that summer too. I had enough for fees and flights to Washington for one year. That’s all I needed, surely. How much development could a spirit need? Summer intensive at Omega, October, November, December 2000 in Silver Spring staying with Erika (who was the first of three at Omega to offer to put me up). What a phenomenal experience. Unlike anything I had ever witnessed anywhere. Every month was somehow better than the last. I had a notion that the Institute was somehow able to tap into secret service records and bring up my file so that they could bring up my particular issues each month. Such is the power of Spirit. 56
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I began to worry after the first trimester about not having the funds to complete the course. It was actually frightening to think that may be the case. In January the miracle started. I realized that I would not be satisfied just doing the first year. I wanted to complete all three years. However I wanted to get out of my relationship and things were definitely coming to a head. Financially I could not imagine how I would manage routine commitments, let alone the extra that school would cost. Early on in 2001, I went to Erika and Latalya who were sitting in the kitchen and said, “Someone keeps asking me, ‘who do you know that’s got money?’ over and over again.” Erika said, “Well, who do you know that’s got money?” I said, “nobody, apart from the lawyers I work for”. Well that’s probably your answer, says Erika all matter of fact as though being asked questions by an unidentified voice is the norm. No sooner have I accepted that as the answer the voice chimes up again, “ask for what you want” over and over again. I go back to Erika and Latalya and say, “now someone keeps telling me to ask for what I want.” Erika looks me in the eye and says, “Well you need to be obedient”. Thanks a lot. There is no way I can go to my employer and tell them to give me what I need to attend spiritual school in America. No way. Erika with Latalya backing her did not budge. “You know what you have to do”. When I returned to work the next week, I had an exchange of emails about my course with one of the day secretaries who was intrigued and had said that if she won the lottery she would give me the money to continue. When
I bumped into her soon after, she brought the topic up again and then said I should ask David, one of the partners that I particularly got on with, to give me the money. “You know they’ve got mega bucks, Pat, she said, what do you have to lose by asking and you could gain?” Well I thought she must have been an Erika and Latalya plant. Another “coincidence” to encourage my obedience. The fact that a girl that actually worked for the Firm had said it, really did plant the seed of possibility in my mind. I pondered on it. What was the alternative? To leave school! In the meantime I had known my relationship was no good for me for over 10 years. I had voiced my wish to end the relationship in the latter years, but my words carried no weight. The sticking point was always the house that we owned jointly and neither of us wanted to leave. However after six months at Inner Visions Institute, he moved out. Two months later he stopped paying the mortgage and never paid any child support. I still don’t know how, but each month I just seemed to get by, but even more miraculous than that, I started living as though life had meaning and I had a purpose. My ex had spent the previous six months before moving out, in Jamaica and so the split was quite established before he even moved out physically. It must have been after the class weekend in February, that I realized that every single month was going to be better than the previous month, that I decided I had to put my pride and reservations aside and ask David to sponsor me as well as be my advocate to ask the other partners to sponsor me in order that I could finish this course. So on Tuesday evening I went into work and watched David walk back and forth from
his office until 9 pm when he left, without me saying a word. The next night the same thing. Watching, watching, too late. On Thursday, I realized it wasn’t working. I needed to try a new approach. So I called work at lunchtime to speak to David in order to set up an appointment to speak to him that evening. When I rang, his secretary answered to say he was on the line. “Oh, thank God!”, I thought ready to back down. “Is there a message?” “Tell him Pat rang, it’s not urgent and he only need ring me back if he feels like it.” 60 seconds later the phone rings, of course it’s David. Hi Pat, what’s up? “I’d like to come and see you this evening, I need to talk to you.” “OK. can you get in at 5 p.m. as I need to leave on time today?” “Sure, see you then”. I have known David since the late 80s when he first came to the London office as an associate. I could always spot the associates with partner potential and he was one of them. I had worked hard alongside him on his way to partnership and feel I made my contribution not only to his advancement within the Firm, but to many others who overworked themselves into the small hours in their endeavors to climb the corporate ladder. I had always liked David. He was just three months younger than me and beneath that grumpy and snarly exterior, I saw the heart of gold and it’s a fact that he has beautiful eyes and gorgeous thick, dark hair. Helena and I discussed the fact that where women were concerned, he lacked the confidence to realize just how eligible he was in those days. Just a little arrogance in a man, the kind that says I’m sure of my stuff, can be very attractive to certain kinds of women. Anyway, I felt comfortable around him, however that day www.panache-e-magazine.com /
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as I walked towards his office, I was sweating, my legs were shaking, my mouth was dry. I sat down and tried to get a grip, but as I spoke and gestured with my hands, I noticed they were shaking, as was my voice. David was great. I remember wondering whether counseling skills were part of his lawyer training. He made notes from time to time, he sat back in a relaxed posture, held my gaze, listened intently, allowed me to speak, uhmmd and aahhhd appropriately. I explained my position with regards to the breakdown of my relationship, the financial and emotional repercussions of being a single parent. He was sympathetic and said he was very sorry to hear of my situation. I then went on to explain about attending the Institute and how it had already helped me so much. I told him that no matter what the circumstances were in my life right now, I could not allow lack of finance to be the reason why I could not complete this course. I then went on to tell him that I reckoned £6,000 per year for each year would cover it. He said, “that’s a lot of money”. I thought, “to who”? But said, mmm. He said, “Leave it with me, I’ll see what I can do”. The next week he asked me to write an email outlining the course, why I want to do it and what I want to do with it, which I did. After that, March, April, May, June – nothing. Summer Intensive is August this year luckily, but no feedback from David whatsoever. OK so in class they taught us that God meets you at the point of action. So my action is to write out my holiday request form as if I am going to the Summer Intensive and then to put my dates in our holiday diary. After that I go down to the car park and sit in my car to smoke a cigarette. I close my eyes and I say, God, I don’t know what this is going to look 58
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like, I don’t know how it’s going to turn out, but I am ready to surrender to any way you want to do it. 10 SECONDS later I hear footsteps. I open my eyes. I see David walking towards his car which is parked on the other side of the car next to me. As he gets nearer I call out, have a nice weekend David. He walks over. “Is that you Pat, what are you doing down here?” “Smoking”. Then the miracle occurs. “By the way”, he says, “I’ve spoken to most of the partners and by and large everyone is very supportive”. I’m stunned, but I smile. I think “By the way?” If I hadn’t come down here at this precise time, would you have waited another week to tell me, by the way?” Did he really not realize he held my life in the balance? I said, “Wow, that’s great, thank you David, or words to that effect. He said we need to know if there’s a similar course you can do here as the travel is the most expensive aspect. We don’t want to make individual cash donations to you, we want to do it properly through the Firm. We also need to know if the Institute is a charity. I thought there must be some tax benefit there. I told him I would get him all the information he needed and he said I should come and see him when I next came in on Tuesday. David left. I got out of my car and half way up the ramp to go back into my building I stopped and said “Thank You God!” many times over. I furnished all the information required and a week or so after that David called me into his office as soon as I arrived. “Come in, come in”. He was so excited. He said, “We’ve been talking about this all over partners’ lunch”. Ooooooeerrrr! I got excited. He went on, “What we propose to do is give you an
interest-free loan which you don’t have to pay back and when you reach your 20 years service next year, we’ll tie it up as a length of service payment. Wow! So that’s how we’ll pay your school fees and we can simply issue a cheque direct to the Institute every quarter or however you want. And then I have a list of all the partners who are willing to give you their airmiles or pay your fare to Washington each month. Double Wow! In my mind I thought, Thank You God! Thank You God! Thank You God! I said “Thank You David”, knowing it’s only me and God in the room. Funny thing about David, he claims to be an atheist. I keep telling him you can’t hide who you are from me.
anything is possible, my faith has soared, I trust implicitly when my intention is clear and my commitment is solid. The universal laws do not discriminate. If such a miracle can happen to me, it can happen to you too. State your desire. Listen to the voices. Be obedient. Let the universe do the rest. There is a reason why I was chosen to be the first international student of Inner Visions Institute for Spiritual Development and now I believe it’s linked to creating Elevated Talk.
So that’s the basis of my story. There are more “coincidences” about which I could speak, but they will have to wait for my book. For now I would like to look at the lessons. I learned about faith, trust and commitment. I was absolutely committed to continuing school and faith and trust must have been in there somewhere, as I simply could not see myself not going back. I learned about the power of intention. The words I used when I first asked David for financial support came out crystal clear even though I was totally nervous, and they were full of intention, “no matter what the circumstances in my life right now, I can not allow lack of finance to be the reason why I cannot complete this course”. I learned about intuition, the voices that kicked everything off were simply the voices in me, the voices of intuition. I understood obedience, obeying that inner voice even if it made me shake and sweat, and not least, I learnt about gratitude. I asked for what I wanted and it was given to me. How much more grateful can I be? The gratitude has instilled in me an absolute belief that
Innervisions Graduation Group with Michael Beckwith Rickie Byers Beckwith and Iyanla.
E
ABOUT ELEVATED TALK levated Talk was a name I came up with when I took a break from work and stayed in Jamaica for 9 months. It was here that I had the space to reflect on my own journey. My training as a spiritual life coach with Iyanla, where that elevation and time for real talk had not only transformed but saved my life. I realised the reason I was able to “take time out” was because of the connection and wisdom those who had risen above their life circumstances had gifted to me. The actual conception of Elevated Talk I believe began a few years prior, when my
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daughter a talented hair stylist who was used to her clients’ confiding in her, came up with the idea of forming a group for those of us who were looked upon as the go to person for support. This group which we called P.U.S.H.H (Producing Unique Success with Happy Hearts) was a 9-month programme where the supporters got supported. This was a monthly space where trust and compassion were nurtured, where we 60
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could be vulnerable and allow ourselves the breakdown that led to the birth of our breakthrough. Basically we had real talk. It was elevating, inspiring and safe. While I was in Jamaica I noticed the large number of women of were high achievers and wondered what they did for support. I began to see Jamaica as an ideal place to plant the seed of true sisterhood. During a
conversation with my niece who was born and bred in Jamaica, who felt bringing Iyanla to Jamaica would be awesome and knowing how the teachings of Iyanla had transformed my life, I began to vision bringing that inspiration to the island as a springboard for personal growth and the development of safe, nurturing spaces for those who were only used to “going it alone”. The aim of Elevated Talk is to: • inspire people to accept their vulnerability in a safe space that nurtures them to be all that they can be actualising; • coming together to hold the safe space with compassion for each member – collaborating; • moving beyond the space to bring their gifts to the world – being of service. The Elevated Talk team consists of my daughter, her partner, my niece in Jamaica and myself primarily but fiercely supported by the original PUSHH members and the current members of Living Vision, a group I set up last year under the same premise. The inaugural event of Elevated Talk is a platform with the emphasis on spirituality, for phenomenal speakers to inspire us with their wisdom and insight to be the highest, creative manifestation of ourselves that we can be. The opportunity to collaborate and discuss new ideas and concepts is we believe the way forward for Elevated Talk. We aim to continue the dialogue with forums, contributions from attendees and future Elevated Talks.
Innervisions Graduation with Iyanla.
Innervisions Graduation with Renee.
Innervisions with my sistas LaTalya and Erika.
Ricia Leslie - Intuitive Life Coach ELEVATED SELF E - patricia@elevatedself.me W - www.theforumforchange.com
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Horoscope
Horoscope for MARCH 2016
A
month divided between inclement weather and brighter periods, and between chances to open doors and seize new opportunities for making progress in many respects (individually, but also economically, socially and collectively) and restrictions on the cards around the 23rd, when our hopes will be severely put to the test with unavoidable setbacks. We will therefore need to find a way through the frustration and take time to deal with Saturn’s ever-recurrent tendencies, without giving up in the face of the difficulties that will arise but ultimately fade away. If you wish to have a look at your Horoscope for March 2016. You also can search for a particular horoscope with your new monthly horoscope archive since April 2013.
Read more: http://www.free-horoscope.com/ horoscopes/monthly/#ixzz3ihivgzYq If you do not know your astrological sign, use our application “What is my sign?” by entering your date of birth. Read more: http://www.free-horoscope.com/horoscopes/ monthly/#ixzz3YcrrbylW
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