JUNE, 2021
Uniting Women & Teenage Girls to Impact Their World ™
I Know Who I AM REV. ROBIN HOPSON
A Personal
BOARD of DIRECTORS GAIL PERRY-MASON
MARRIAGE and the Healthy Balance
Plant the Seeds &Watch Them GROW KELLIE NAPPER
Clear the Clutter & Clear the MIND
DANA RANDOLPH
COVID-19 & Return-to-Work
ANXIETY
DR. CHERYL MERCHANT
LENITA SUE SWAIN-CLEVELAND – “HONEY”
ON THE COVER: PAM PERRY, BRANDING ACCELERATOR
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GREETINGS SISTAHS! It is an honor and privilege to present SISTAH Talk to you again after being on hiatus for a few years. So we are back, rebranded and reinvented to bring you the best information, motivation and empowerment to take you to the next level, reignite you at the level you are now, or motivate you to get started on that dream, that business, that book – whatever the Lord has put in your hands to do and to complete. The work He begins in you He promises to complete, but we have to get started. An old saying states “if we take one step, He will take two” but it is my witness that He will bless exceedingly abundantly above all we could ever ask or think, which is my life’s theme scripture (Ephesians 3:20). For those who think you can’t do it, you can’t get back into it, you can’t get it started I encourage you that you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength and this is also where SISTAH Talk comes in. The women who share in this issue of SISTAH Talk and forthcoming issues, are living testimonies of God’s blessings in their areas of expertise and ministry. It is my hope that you will be empowered, informed and inspired by what God has given them to share with us. It is not always easy to think of reinventing your life, your business, your ministry or you, individually. However, there are times the Lord completes the work through reinventing and rebranding a situation. Let me invite your attention to the story of Hannah. God moved to reinvent Hannah’s life. Just at the moment you think it’s over, God has a plan to reinvent and rebrand your life. God takes advantage of impossible situations to show His great mercy and power. There are times when life irritates us to provoke us to discover the very best in life. Hannah may have been ready to settle for less, but she began to come out of her comfort zone. Divine hunger for a thing can lead you to God’s divine design. When you feel like your strength is failing, depend on God’s power and might. Remember God’s promises and believe them by faith. When God promises a thing, He will do it. It’s time to ignite the fire… Let’s Get It, Let’s Go! Enjoy this issue of SISTAH Talk.
PHOTO BY SHAWN LEE STUDIOS
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A SISTAH’S LIFESTYLE I Know Who I Am by Rev. Robin Hopson ...................................................................................................................... 7 FAITH & FINANCES A Personal Board of Directors by Gail Perry Mason ................................................................................................. 9 ALL THE SINGLE LADIES How to Have the Perfect Conversation by A.J. Williams ........................................................................................ 12 VIRTUOUSITY Marriage & the Healthy Balance by Dana Randolph ............................................................................................. 15 ON THE COVER: “The Makeover: Rebranding & Reinventing You” PAM PERRY, Branding Accelerator ........................................................................................................................... 16 EDUCATION CORNER Plant the Seeds & Watch Them Grow by Kellie Napper ....................................................................................... 23 MINDING SELF COVID-19 & Return-to-Work Anxiety by Cheryl Merchant Ph.D., LPC ............................................................... 25 A SISTAH’S CLOSET Clear the Clutter, Clear the Mind by Lenita Sue Swain-Cleveland ...................................................................... 27 AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: Sandra Epps ......................................................................................................................... 30 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Shania Monae ..................................................................................................................... 32 EVENTS & BUSINESSES
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A SISTAH’S LIFESTYLE
I KNOW WHO I want to tell a story about a little girl on her journey. This little girl was born a few weeks early and still healthy! The first few months of life were good, but then 4 months into life this little baby was infected with a virus. The enemy tried to take her out, but thanks be unto God she overcame that obstacle of life! God was Crazy about her! Well life continued and the little girl became school age, and she went to school and of course she made friends she was always friendly and talkative, her mother would say she has been talking since she was 10 months old. Well, this happy little girl begins to deal with some unpleasant comments being made about her… she was teased for nose and her school mates begin to call her rat girl or refer to her as Splinter from the teenage mutant ninja turtles. She was so embarrassed and ashamed of herself she would go home and cry. She begins to hate the way she looked. She wanted to be accepted so bad she did anything and allowed people to treat her any way just so she could have friends. Not only was this little girl dealing with the teasing and taunting at school. People in the world would tell her oh my you
are pretty to be so dark or you’re a pretty black girl. This poor thing thought she was really the ugly duckling, the only thing she had was long hair and boy oh boy did that make it worse. This little girl of course grew up and she took all these insecurities with her. Yep, she went to church, but she didn’t really understand … as this little girl begin to grow up and now standing a young lady and gets into her first real relationship and it becomes abusive. she leaves that situation and years later meets her husband, and he is abusive too but wait did I tell you she was a minister now how be it that she was going through this?? What was wrong with her! How could she be preaching and teaching and going through all of this you ask… I’ll tell you… She didn’t know who she was!! She didn’t know God was Crazy about her, she didn’t know she was created in His Image you want to know how I know? I am that little Girl!! The Bible teaches us in Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them
Once you tap into who you are you will see that God has equipped you with everything you need in order the live the life He has preordained and destined for you! Once it resonates in your spirit that you were made in the image of God to be like God your thought process of you will change. You can let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus it’s a reality check! You stop hating and begin to congratulate! You can rejoice with then that rejoice! You are no longer trying to do everything under the sun to get attention, you are happy and living a life of peace staying in your own lane! With a genuine heart you can say what God has for me is for me and believe it! You can say I am the head and not the tail and believe it! You can say I am blessed in the city and blessed in the field and believe it! You can say I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me and believe it! You can then know Who You Are and Who’s You Are! God Bless You!
©2021 Robin Hopson. All Rights Reserved.
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FAITH & FINANCES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Let’s talk about How (and Why) Sistahs need a Financial Mission Statement and Personal Board of Directors. Maybe you’re familiar with the “company or organization mission statement” that describes why they to what they do. Sistahs are their own Chief Life Officer and each of us are on a mission daily. In other words, a mission statement can help give purpose and goal planning. A personal board of directors will support your mission and help you reach your goals. Steps to creating your mission statement and selecting your personal board of directors. 1. Start with giving yourself a Mind Your Own Business Day - Take 30-40 minutes and take action to handle your business on purpose. Schedule it- Block out time weekly. 2. Write down your financial goals - short term and long term. Financial mission- examplesdebt free, build wealth, pass generational wealth, start a business etc. 3. Put a GPS on your money so you will know where it is going before you change your mission. Remember none of your $ should be homeless. www.mint.com 4. Make layoffs in your life to make sure you can execute your mission/goals. 5. Create your personal BOD- Board of Directors to support you in executing your personal mission. i.e., Attorney, Life Coach, Financial Coach, Mentor, Insurance Agent, Real Estate Agent etc. (Most of my BOD don’t even know they are on my Board). Just talk to people who will hold you accountable. Your mission statement and BOD are serious. Both reflect your goals and purpose. I personally encourage all Sisters to create a powerful statement and board that inspires and
guides you to a better life on purpose with a purpose. Your mission is one of the most important documents you will ever develop. Embrace it, internalize it and then follow through with it. The results will be so satisfying. It will change the way you work and live and give you a renewed sense of clarity. Let me share a small portion of my mission statement: “I want to use my God-given gifts and talents to make a positive difference in this world. I want to teach others to define, use and empower themselves, at the same time gaining wisdom from others’ mistakes and successes. My mission includes the following goals: To create financial freedom for myself, my family, my friends, and my community ─ because if my family doesn’t have financial freedom, then neither do I.” BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Look at this diagram and consider the persons you choose for your personal board of directors: Banker Mentor
Accountant Financial Coach
Now these are just a few board members that you might need to help you to your goals and also to hold you accountable. ©2021 Gail Perry-Mason. All Rights Reserved. |9
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HOW TO HAVE THE PERFECT CONVERSATION by AJ Williams “The Single Black Chick” #ChickChat Contrary to popular belief, being a good conversationalist is not something you are just born with. That person you envy because they seem to be able to talk to anybody, maneuver their way through social situations with ease, and automatically inspire confessions and comfort in their conversational partners? Yeah, that person has done some work. They’ve probably read a book, a blog or both on the subject because being good at conversation is like being good at basketball. You don’t just walk onto the court, and miraculously know how to shoot the three — unless you’re Steph Curry. But even he had to practice. The flip side to this truth is you can learn to be a great conversationalist. Even if you’ve spent 12 |
your entire life bemoaning your fate because you just aren’t that good a “talker”, wishing you hadn’t blurted that embarrassing fact on your last date or overshared with that handsome stranger at the bar, you can evolve. You just need a little practice. How to get that practice? I like to chat on Livelinks! Livelinks is a chatline where you can connect with local like-minded singles whenever you like. The beauty of phone chat is you can do it anytime, anywhere, and there’s always someone on the line up for having a conversation. While you chat, you can practice the subtle art of conversation that will lead you to greater success in your relationships and your career… And to help you on your quest for the perfect
conversation, here are three steps to get your conversations — and your dating game — flowing smoothly! 1. Don’t Dismiss Small Talk Small talk gets a bad rep. But it’s not actually the small talk that’s at fault, but the small talkers! 2. Dig a Little Deeper Once you’ve established a level of comfort with the person you are talking to, dig in. It’s time to talk about something that matters because now that you’re in, you want to get real close and cozy. 3. Have Some Fun with It Last but not least, have some fun with it! Don’t worry so much. Relax. We’ve all blundered and blurted and otherwise engaged in interactions we were less than proud of. It’s only human, and the last thing you should be doing is torturing
yourself over spilt milk, or in this case, spilt words. It’s simple really. When you are tense, your conversational partner will pick up on that feeling and respond in kind. Likewise, when you relax, the person you are talking to will be able to relax also. Often, we create awkwardness in situations simply by being uncomfortable. Overcome that, and you will be well on your way to actually enjoying your conversations. So go ahead, take your new-found conversational skills for a spin… Practice chatting with the singles on Livelinks! And ladies, you’re in luck because you can chat to your heart’s content for free. Put my advice to the test, and I guarantee that conversational spin will turn into a joy-ride in no time. Call 888-519-5673 to try Livelinks today! Happy chatting.
©2018 AJ Williams – All Rights Reserved. http://singleblackchick.com/2018/06/how-to-have-the-perfect-conversation
AJ Williams is the @SingleBlackChick, Blogger, CEO, Digital Editor, and Digital Editor/Social Media Manager/Columnist/Writer for the Michigan Chronicle. She is a former Relationship & Dating columnist for FRONTPAGE Detroit. AJ is the Creator and Blogger-in-Chief at SingleBlackChick.com a personal blog/website where AJ shares her candid take on relationships, life and love using her dating life as a platform to empowering black women to embrace their skin, sexuality, soul and personal journey.
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VIRTUOUSITY
Anything in life requires some sort of balance. It is almost impossible to live a life with family, work, and hobbies without even considering time management. Some people spend all their time focused on one main thing, while possibly neglecting the other things and people in their life. When we do this, it can potentially cause unnecessary drama or the feeling of neglect from those we love and care for. In a marriage, of course we must work, there may be children involved, we have our side hobbies along with other ventures in life. It is healthy to have time away no doubt, but there should always be a balance in place. A healthy balance in fact, one that allows us to do the things we enjoy, while also putting in time and effort towards our marriage. Just think, if we give all our time and attention to everything and everyone other than our spouse, where does that leave our spouse and marriage? There is a void that will be put in place, a void that could leave our spouse feeling alone and neglected. It could also leave our children feeling the same way. We must always seek God first in how to go about managing our time and efforts. Although in a marriage, some things should really be common sense, but for some unfortunately it’s not. Therefore, it is important to communicate our wants and needs. We should never be put in nor place our spouse in a position where they are fighting for our
attention. These are things that should be discussed even prior to marriage. During marriage you might need to give a gentle reminder because we all get caught up in our daily life routine and unfortunately forget. If we learn how to consider our spouse in all things, then it won’t be so easy to forget. We learn to put their needs at the forefront which allows a healthy balance to manifest in the marriage. Just think, by placing our marriage first up under God, there will be no room for neglect or the drama that might surface because of it. Both husband and wife should always use time management and look to ensure that the needs of the marriage and household are being met. When we seek to consistently make time for each other, there will be less neglect and more nourishment. How are you making time for your spouse? 5 ways to keep a healthy marriage: • Make quality time for each other • Never put anything other than God above your spouse • Communicate your needs and wants • Utilize time management • Use wisdom in all decisions ©2021 Dana Randolph – All Rights Reserved.
THEPURPOSEDWIFE.ORG This book will give insight on how to use wisdom instead of emotion. It will teach you how to communicate, listen and how to gain understanding when dealing with your husband/future husband.
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ON THE COVER
Partnerships to Market Your Book, Grow Your Business and Brand Your Ministry.
After working with Pam, her clients have been featured on CNN, TBN, The Word Network, Radio One, Oprah Magazine, Tom Joyner Morning Show, Essence, Ebony, Black Enterprise, PBS – and many other major media outlets. Her clients have been offered major publishing contracts, and have created successful fulltime careers as “authorpreneurs” earning six-figures.
Pam had the following to share with SISTAH Talk:
She has been called by Publishers Weekly a “PR Guru” and featured in many major publications (including several covers), and on more than 100 radio and TV programs. She also has a 20+ year career expertise in marketing, public relations and journalism in Detroit; including work with The Detroit Free Press, WNIC, The Edge with Jeffrey Miller, Radio One, Michigan Chronicle, WNIC and TheHUB Detroit magazine.
Known as the master of connecting the right people, for the right project, at the right time – Pam Perry PR works hard to help her clients brand (and get paid) like a superstar.
SISTAH Talk: What is your background relative to Public Relations & Marketing? Pam: I am a graduate of Wayne State University School of Journalism - with a concentration in Advertising and Public Relations. I graduated with Honors many moons ago and while at Wayne State I worked at the school newspaper, radio station, WDET, an advertising agency. Before I graduated, I got a job at the Detroit Free Press. Going to a school in the city offered me "real world" experience in a major media market.
PAM PERRY
PAM PERRY is an award-winning communications professional. She teaches and mentors authors, speakers and entrepreneurs on how to build a platform and attract major media and publishing contracts. She is also the publisher of SPEAKERS MAGAZINE and co-founder of Digital Business Acceleration.
Pam has worked with many nonprofit organizations, like the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and the Detroit Area Agency on Aging, developing their social media presence, online brand and digital marketing programs. She is also author of Synergy Energy: How to Use the Power of | 17
SISTAH Talk: What made you decide to go in the Public Relations & Marketing? Pam: It was something I felt “called to”. I am very good at promoting. I noticed it when I was a teen at Cass Tech and while I was a member of my childhood church, Corinthian Baptist Church. I was the person people called on to promote something, write something or bring people together for an event. I was always a "people" person and loved to write. I had the gift of communication.
PAM PERRY
SISTAH Talk: When did you decide to start your business? Pam: I always wanted to have my own business. I started three (3) businesses before I started the one I now have had for over 20 years. My first business was when I got fired from an agency - and I started "PPC" - Pam Perry Consulting. Never registered it. Just got business cards. I was 28 or so. It was a mess. Then I started Special Events & Meeting Planners (SEMP) at 30 - that was a hot mess too. I hated planning events - I only really like promoting them. So that didn't work out. Then I worked with my husband, we owned Perry Marketing Group. It was an ad agency - and I was the VP of Public Relations. After our daughter was born, I left my job as Public Relations Director of The Salvation Army and joined Marc at PMG. I did that for four years before the company went out of business. I really was developing my business idea while at PMG. The agency worked with automotive type of clients - and I wanted to work with nonprofits, churches and Christian authors/speakers. So, when the business closed, I opened up Ministry Marketing Solutions, Inc. - and we've been going ever since. That was in the year 2000. SISTAH Talk: What has been your biggest challenge? Pam: Picking the "wrong" clients or team members. I'm a really trusting and giving person - but I had to realize that people will take advantage of you. Not only does that hurt but it costs me money. Just because someone says they are a Christian - doesn't guarantee they have the character to do business with you.
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SISTAH Talk: What has been your greatest victory? Pam: It's a blessing to be a blessing to see my clients soar. I've won a lot of awards too - but the greatest victory is running my "home-based" business, being happy, raising my daughter - and seeing her graduate from Michigan State - and working for one of the country's largest ad agencies. I always wanted to have an exciting career and raise a happy family - and have success at both. That's my biggest victory. SISTAH Talk: What do you believe is the most important aspect of branding? Pam: Consistency - and being authentic. There's so much fake out there - it's crazy! SISTAH Talk: What do you believe is the biggest mistake people make in branding and marketing? Pam: Not knowing their "target market" - not knowing their "why" - and not taking the introspective time to discover these essential elements. It's the key to what will keep you going when things get tough.
say! Be an activator - not just a "collector of information." SISTAH Talk: Many see reconstruction as failure because the first thing did not work. How does reinvention and rebranding strengthen a brand? Pam: We "tweak" as we go. No one starts out perfect. Success comes when you start – not when you just talk about it. If something doesn't work out – you then have more insight into what WILL work out. SISTAH Talk: What encouragement would you offer those who struggle with marketing, branding and how they can get started on a small scale? Pam: I would say read marketing books, watch marketing videos and find a good mentor or coach you trust to help you. I always say, you either learn from mistakes or mentors. Mistakes are costly and mentors will open doors of opportunity for you - if you are a good mentee.
SISTAH Talk: Tell us how "Show Up to Go Up" factors into branding and marketing? Pam: You have to be bold and show up BIG and you will "level up" in your life and business. You have to have faith and courage to put yourself out there! SISTAH Talk: For those who are reinventing and/or rebranding themselves, what helpful hints would you give them to encourage their journey? Pam: Find a mentor. Pay for a coach. Quit trying to "DIY" and "Google" Your way to through - I have paid coaches thousands of dollars over the years and it has helped my business grow and prosper. I mentor authors/speakers in my membership program and I have a Branding Accelerator Program where I mentor them personally for three months in a small group. It's important to get wise counsel - and do what they
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PAMPERRYPR.COM
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EDUCATION CORNER
PLANT THE SEEDS &
Leadership isn’t just about giving orders. It’s also about empowering others. Leaders have the power to set employees up for success. Success is not the success of the company or the organization, success is the growth of the individuals that make up the company or organization. To set employees up for success the following should be put in place.
tools in place, it would only make both your job and their work more challenging. When I speak of tools, I am referring to training, resources, and materials. It is hard to be successful if you are not equipped with the proper tools. Tools are like the foundation of any business that provides the platform for success.
Opportunity for growth and advancement. One person should not hold the key to all the information. Knowledge is power. If something were to happen to the one with the key the entire organization will fail.
Finally, acknowledgement. Why not! Why not acknowledge those who make the organization look good! Success looks good on you and success looks good on them. This is a great morale booster. It’s the little things that count. To put in long hours, attend multiple zoom meetings, deal with the public and still get the job done only to never be recognized, could run away some of your best employees. Get to know the individuals you work with and put incentives in place such as gift cards, days off, bring your child to work day, self-care Fridays, and bonus bucks just to name a few. This will not only help to retain your employees but will grow your staff mentally, intrinsically, and they will feel self-fulfilled.
To prevent this incorporate mentoring and delegate. Mentoring is a great way to empower staff so that they feel like they belong. Without staff no one person can be in all positions of an organization. Once that staff is mentored, delegate different task for them to complete. This will make them feel empowered and included. Tools is the second vital peace that is needed for employee success. Without the proper
©2021 Kellie Napper – All Rights Reserved.
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MINDING SELF S
COVID-19 &
During normal times it is normal to feel anxiety from time to time. Now, we are living in an unprecedented time and there are increases in feelings of anxiety. As the U.S. begins to resume social interactions and returning to the workplace after 14 months of living in a less socialized space while trying to cope with raw
emotions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are feeling ‘reentry anxiety’. Reentry anxiety refers to the anxious feelings people may feel about reentering spaces outside of the home and there are two types: Feeling anxious about leaving home and feeling anxious about social interactions.
HERE ARE SOME *TIPS THAT MAY BE HELPFUL TO EASE REENTRY ANXIETY… In both types of reentry anxiety, imagine scenarios of leaving home, and socially interacting with others. This can create a thought map and video that can be replayed over and over to help a person develop a level of comfortability. WHAT CAN A PERSON DO TO EASE REENTRY ANXIETY ABOUT LEAVING HOME? • Take a short walk. Listen to your playlist of favorite songs as you walk. Next time, walk a little farther. Repeat. • Take a short drive. Listen to your playlist or your favorite radio station. Next time, drive a little farther. Repeat. WHAT CAN A PERSON DO TO HELP EASE REENTRY ANXIETY ABOUT SOCIAL INTERACTIONS WHEN RETURNING TO THE WORKPLACE? • Do a dry run of going and coming, and if possible, briefly going inside. Stand at the window, or sit in a chair for several minutes. • If you have a dedicated workplace, clean, disinfect, and rearrange it. • Keep a supply of hand sanitizer, disinfect wipes, and masks available in your workplace. • Inquire about your employer’s COVID-19 safety protocols. • Buy something new to wear. We usually feel surprisingly good when we put on something new that we really like and think we look great in it. *Disclaimer: Tips are for informational purposes only. ©2021 Cheryl Merchant, Ph.D., LPC – All Rights Reserved. | 25
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A SISTAH’S CLOSET S
Clear the
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There are three things I would love for you to think about when it comes to your overcrowded closet. Are there items in your closet that’s clogging your peace of mind? Here are a few decluttering questions you may want to consider. 1. Do you absolutely love the piece? 2. Does the piece fit you well? 3. Is the piece in good and wearable condition? If you can answer yes to all three questions, great! If not, please consider selling or donating pieces that are causing your clutter. There are consignment shops, shelters and thrifts store that benefit from your lightly used wearable items. You will feel great about decluttering while helping others. Congratulations! Your journey to clear our closet clutter and clear your mind begins with a single step.
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MAKE EVERY DAY YOUR RUNWAY
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Girlfriend, It’s Time to Soar! A Journal for Personal Transformation is a self help tool to spark creativity, generate new ideas and cultivate passion and induce motivation. This journal book is written for women to assist them with reclaiming their life, to affirm their success, set new habits and create what they desire. Written and illustrated by Sandra Epps, she combines quotes, graphs, butterfly imagery and questions to ignite clarity and focus for readers to accomplish their goal. Girlfriend, It’s Time to SOAR! is a self-help and personal growth book that will encourage women with these actions: *Prompt positive introspection. *Create what you desire. *Map your mission. *Jump-start your purpose plan.
Creative, results-driven and determined are understatements when it comes to describing SANDRA EPPS, artist and author. Founder of Sandy’s Land LLC an entertainment service and the Detroit Doll Show, Epps’ mission is to empower and inspire women and girls with her innovative products, programs and accessories that promote self love, faith and creative expression. The Detroit Doll Show strives to inspire brown girls of all ages to “Love the Skin They’re In.” The charge is to celebrate history, culture, BEaUty (self love) and diversity with the promotion of dolls of color. 30 |
A survivor of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), a disease where the immune system attacks both the body tissue and organs, Epps uses her story of overcoming as a living testimony that others can choose to overcome any obstacle in life. She promotes lupus awareness through her many keynote addresses, lectures and health panel discussions throughout Michigan. Her triumph over lupus also inspired her first self-published children’s book -- Imani Has the Most Exciting Dream! that assist children who are faced with adversities to transform their fear into faith. Her second book, Girl Power Discover the Princess Within provide key tools to help build a girl’s self-esteem with tips to defuse a bullies action, ignite self-love, fun journaling and how to develop healthy friendship’s. And most recently Epps has written, Girlfriend, It’s Time to SOAR! A Work Journal for Personal Transformation to help women to affirm their success, prompt positive introspection and get focused on living their best life right now at any age. The book also includes her artwork that celebrates women and the transcendental meaning of butterflies. Epps’ artistry, which ranges from face & body painting to custom designs and textiles, has been enjoyed by art fanatics throughout
the Metropolitan Detroit area and abroad. Her face painting has grasped the fascination of children and adults alike at the DMC Health Fair, Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Winter and Spring Concerts, Wayne County Community College Reading Fair, DTE’s special events held at Beacon Park, the City of Detroit Police Department’s Annual Night Out, Wayne State University Annual Student Fair and the Family Head Start Awareness Day Celebration just to name a few. Her captivating artistic ability led her to be the featured artist at the International Face and Body Art Conference Gala and has also caught the attention of various local media outlets. Epps art parties include pillow and purse painting that provides an opportunity for women and girls to experience selfexpression, release stress and create their very own décor item or wearable art.
SANDRA EPPS
It is the largest black doll show in the nation. Epps also established SHE’S Empowered, (Sisters Helping Encourage Sister) which was an organization created to encourage women to live healthy in mind, body and spirit and to increase lupus awareness. SHE’S Empowered hosted the Women’s Empowerment Conference BUTTERFLY BASH which had been pivotal with providing empowerment from professional speakers, tackling health disparities with black women, intriguing attendees with creative fashions from local designers and closing out the event with a surprise entertainment.
Epps has been featured in several magazines in Detroit and abroad, along with received numerous awards. Presently Ms. Epps operates Sandy’s Land LLC full time where the motto is,”We Party with a Purpose and Bring the Fun to YOU!” Epps has served as Executive Assistant and Director of Community Affairs for Detroit City Council Member JoAnn Watson during her tenure. She has worked as Producer for the television/radio broadcast “Wake Up Detroit!” and Co-hosted a talk show at WHPR TV 33/ 88.1 FM. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a Major in Art from Wayne State University. For more information on Sandra Epps’ products or services, please call (313) 492-6953 or visit www.sandyslandtips.blogspot.com or www.detroitdoll.bigcartel.com
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SHANIA MONAE
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