AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

Kertrina Dauway

As a child, Kertrina Dauway often wondered what life would be like as an adult She did not know that life would take her on a journey of selfdiscovery Growing up the second of five siblings, she knew she wanted to help people She and her siblings had a very privileged upbringing and were fortunate enough to have well-educated parents who instilled in them a very strong work ethic In 2007, Kertrina, aka Singer Lady Diamond, became the Emcee of the House of Blues Gospel Brunch, overseeing the entire production for both the Dallas and Houston locations

She has worked on major productions and is the founder of the You Can Live Again Expo and Awards that will take place on May 27. This event celebrates individuals who have pushed past obstacles and are living again and helping others live again.

Her background in sales is extensive, and she leaves a legacy in corporate America as one of the top award-winning business development consultants representing a Fortune 100 company and a major partnership with a major music entertainment company She has authored a book, How To Be A True Sales Professional It provides insight into developing trusting business relationships through self-discovery Still staying close to her roots in music, she enjoys performing Classic R & B on the local Dallas music scene and celebrating individuals

If you had to describe yourself in one sentence, what would it be and why?

I love people and always want to help Why?

I was born this way

You grew up in a fairly large family. How did your experiences impact who you are today as a leader and entrepreneur?

Both my parents are native Mississippians with strong family values and work ethic. The way they came together to raise us is still awe-mazing. Our upbringing was similar to that of the Cosby Kids. We had a very structured and disciplined upbringing. Because of this, my siblings and I have a very strong work ethic An example of this is when the kids would be out playing in the yard, and we would be in our yard raking up the leaves, etc This has been extremely valuable to what I have brought to the table in corporate America

Tell us about your passion for music. Who would you say are your musical influences? This is a very good question In Gospel, I'm a huge fan of Dorinda Clark and Le'Andria Johnson However, I grew up listening to Shirley Caesar and Tremaine Hawkins In R & B/Pop, I imitated Tina Turner as a child and loved Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, and Whitney Houston. In Jazz and Blues, I'm a fan of Ella Fitzgerald, Harry Connick, Jr, Michael Buble, and BB King.

When did you discover you had a message that needed to be shared with the world? I grew up always wanting to help others and have done this all my life Inspiring people is a life mission for me

Tell us about your book, How to be A True Sales Professional. Who would you say this book was created for?

Now this book is creative for any individual who wants to improve in their respective career

Everyone is a salesperson This book is a guide to first identify your own selfawareness and how that is relayed to client and/or business relations

What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles?

I think the word, pretty definitely is inner beauty revealed through knowing who you are. It is knowing your purpose and focusing on it and the joy of knowing it is helping someone.

Hustle focuses on the cultivation of your inner beauty and purpose It's important not to confuse the word hustle with walking over others to get where you are trying to go If you are truly walking in purpose, you will NEVER have to walk over anyone or take from anyone Your FOCUS and healthy DETERMINATION will get you where God wants you

Pamela Coleman is a Charlottesville, Virginia, native and mental abuse survivor Coleman took pen to paper to ease years of abuse, lies, and secrets Her book Is this me? Am I her? reflects on years of abuse at the hands of her mother Coleman’s father, grandmother, and brother protected her as she grew up During middle school, Coleman began to drink She thought that this was ok because her mother did it

With her book, she hopes to help others who have gone through similar events Coleman is an award winner of an Impact Award for her support and encouragement of others Along with the Book Tour Award, she has traveled to several states, met some amazing people, and made lifelong connections.

When she is not writing, she’s very passionate about men ’ s mental health and runs her online life coaching business, Finding Your Path This is where she applies her life coaching skills and life lessons to help others During the Christmas holiday, her website spoke to over 26 people free of charge Coleman understands what it is like to spend the holidays alone, sad and depressed, with nowhere to turn She makes sure that no one will be turned away because of cost

Coleman’s cheerleaders are her sons, Eric and Evan Coleman, and grandson Maverick Coleman works full-time with high school students that come in from other countries to bridge the gap between the students and teachers and ensure the students have an easy transition and the best education available