September 2015

WElevate. WEpromote. WEinspire.

+

Straight Outta Compromises

Losing the WEIGHT Allegra Dolores: It’s Simple Chemistry

NUMA PERRIER Star and media mogul Numa Perrier sits down to chat with us about her new endeavors. She talks about her recent launch of HouseOfNuma.com giving us a glimpse into her creative world. She also gives up the goods on Black&Sexy TV, upcoming films, and her love of art.

Celebrating Women in The Arts|September Issue 2015

WomensElevationMagazine.com

in this issue

IN EVERY ISSUE 4 from the founder Art comes in many shapes and forms, it can evoke a wide range of emotions

6 straight outta compromises We cannot allow Hollywood to keep reinforcing racial stereotypes

20 recipes Did someone say fall? Check out these delicious dishes, sure to please.

50 spiritual corner Losing the Weight: Rid yourself of unhealthy spiritual habits

FEATURES 12 tanisha frazier Q&A with Miss New York Plus - her background, modeling and a few of her favorite things

26 numa perrier The co-founder of Black & Sexy TV sits down to chat about her creative world and new endeavors

44 allegra dolores Sister act, Allegra Dolores, talks with us about their origins, the music industry and working with Black & Sexy TV

in this issue

contributors

THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS Kara Frison WE Magazine contributing writer www.softwordsbrighteyes.blogspot.com

Aronya Waller WE Magazine contributing writer

Zalika Brown Food Contributor

Shannon Clark Graphic Designer www.srichardscreative.com

Dennis Dortch Photographer for Numa Perrier

Stock art courtesy of freepik.com and freeimages.com

WElevate. WEpromote. WEinspire. www.WomensElevationMagazine.com

From the Founder

DELISHA SYLVESTER Can

you

believe

it’s

already

September? It’s seems the summer has come and gone. With this issue we celebrate the ladies of the artistic world. Art is defined as “the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination...producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty and emotional power.” Each women featured in this issue uses their interpretation of art to invoke every emotion from happiness to passion to anger. It is important to celebrate those that use their lives to give someone else a different perspective. As always this issue includes something to make you think, something to make you hungry, and even something center your soul. So take a break, relax, and turn the page!

As always...

DeLisha

Happy Reading

4 | Women’s Elevation Magazine

6 | Women’s Elevation Magazine

Lifes

tyle

By Aronya Waller I am beginning this article a bit differently than what you may have come to expect from me. In fact, you may think that I sound like one of the most conceited women in the world.

I look good. I have a beautiful head of natural hair, golden caramel-colored skin, a pretty face, and I know how to make my extra pounds work for me. Just stick with me for a minute.

This is not a profile for Match.com or Tinder, a ridiculous exposé about dating websites, or even how I would not make the cut for the Alpha Phi recruitment video. Rather, this is how, once again, I would not make the cut in Hollywood. While I have lost faith in mainstream productions, I always believe that film productions and television shows created and produced by people from the African diaspora will feature the vast beauty, complexities, and dynamics within our culture—skin colors, hair textures, cultural features, and body shapes and sizes. We are a beautiful people.

Women’s Elevation Magazine | 7

Yet, for Straight Outta Compton,

the lowly the D girls are “African

this was not the case for the

American girls. Poor, not in good

N.W.A. biopic, produced by former

shape. Medium to dark skin tone.

members Ice Cube and Dr. Dre

Character types.”

along with the widow of Eazy-E, Tomica Woods-Wright. In its opening

This casting notice is horrifically

weekend,

an

divisive. Once again, we are creating

amazing $60.2 million, which is the

issues of colorism within our own

highest for a musical and the fifth

community. As a Black community,

highest August opening ever. Now,

we are quick to shout racism about

it is also infamous for another gross

a police officer, a flag, or a Lowe’s

act—its casting call. The casting

employee. Yet, we cannot call out

notice, posted and later removed

one another. This is so hypocritical,

by

rated

and this is why other communities

women on a scale of A through D.

cannot and will not take us seriously

The A girls are hot, classy, and have

about progressive movements for

good bodies. All ethnicities are

change such as Black Lives Matter

considered for an A girl. I get it. This

and the 300 Men March.

Sande

the

film

Alessi

grossed

Casting,

is Hollywood. I was excited because the women must have a real hair—

We continue to complain about the

no weaves or extensions. Score one

lack of roles in Hollywood as well as

for the naturalistas.

the lack of diverse looks within those roles. Yet, many of us have remained

After that, however, things went

quiet

downhill. The casting notice for

Instead of loud hollers, I heard lowly

the B girls stated, “These are fine

whispers. Is this not a form of racism?

girls, long natural hair, really nice

We cannot compromise on when to

bodies. Small waists, nice hips. You

be upset about racism. Would we

should be light-skinned. Beyoncé is

have been more inflamed if I said

a prototype here.” The average C

that Sande Alessi is a white woman

girls are African-American girls that

rather than if N.W.A. produced

have light to medium skin tones,

this? On the other hand, would it

and they must have a weave. Then,

have only mattered if this were for

8 | Women’s Elevation Magazine

about

this

casting

call.

We cannot compromise on

when to be upset about racism . a casting call for Pretty Woman?

in this article. However, I would like to

Stop

uplift some of our beautiful brown-

compromising

your

values.

and dark-skinned sisters: First Lady

Stop compromising your fight.

Michelle Obama, Lupita Nyong’o, allow

Arlenis Sosa Peña, Ledisi, Philomena

Hollywood to reinforce these racial

Kwao, Alek Wek, Lydia Marsha,

stereotypes. Light does not mean

Naomi Campbell, and Estelle.

We

cannot

continue

to

rich, classy, and beautiful; dark does not mean poor, ugly, and

I am grateful that minority producers,

fat. Since this publication is about

filmmakers, and writers now have

empowering

not

the Internet as an outlet so that they

degrade or defame another woman

no longer have to compromise.

women,

I

will

Women’s Elevation Magazine | 9

Shows such as Hello Cupid and

many facets of Rae’s characters

RoomiesLoversFriends on Black &

like a diamond gleaming in the light.

Sexy TV expose us to the beautiful

As long as she does not continue

assortment of women of color. They

to compromise, Rae will open our

are not a homogeneous prototype;

voices to a new audience.

instead, they vary in their skin tones, sizes, styles, looks, and above all,

The voices from women of color

attitudes and personalities.

varies like the melodious sounds of the New York Philharmonic. No

Similarly, Issa Rae, known for her web

instrument is greater than another is.

series The Misadventures of Awkward

The soothing sounds of the flute, the

Black Girl has yet to compromise

sensual undertones of the violins,

as she develops a new series for

the revolutionary declaration from

HBO,

Although

the trumpet, the intrigue of the

conflicting stories have emerged, it

trombone, and the leadership of

was rumored that HBO initially may

the bass drum. The orchestra will

have been apprehensive about

be incomplete if one section is

hiring young women of color as

missing. Similarly, if we continue

writers and producers due to lack

to compromise, the stories about

of experience. I hope that HBO

women of color will continue to be

understands, as Rae does, that we

incomplete. We are more than one

need these creative voices to tell

instrument…we are a harmonious

our story. These voices show the

symphony.

called

Insecure.

“And so I hope that my presence on your screens and in the magazines may lead you, young girl, on a similar journey. That you will feel the validation of your external beauty but also get to the deeper business of being beautiful inside. There is no shame in black beauty.”

—Lupita Nyong’o

10 | Women’s Elevation Magazine

Shannon Clark graphic designer 252.622.9344 | shannon@srichardscreative.com

Are you in need of quality graphic design work at an affordable price? If your answer is “YES!!” then you should definitely contact me. I have multiple years of ad agency and magazine publishing experience. I am willing to work with your budget and can charge either by the hour or per project. Contact me at shannon@srichardscreative.com today and let’s get started!

Women’s Elevation Magazine | 11

Stylist/Creative Director: Corrinn Chishimba Photographer: Zakiyah Caldwell MUA: Charlene Lee Hair Stylist: KB Naturalista

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Fash

ion

Tanisha Frazier Tanisha D.N. Frazier graduated from William Paterson University of Wayne, NJ, in January of 2009. She obtained her Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in management, and a minor in English, writing. She was born in Newark, NJ and raised in Paterson, NJ, where she currently resides. Apart from her full time job she’s pursuing the career of being a professional plus size model. She plans to become a published author which will help support her in her journey in becoming a working model. Read more as we talk to her about her love for fashion.

Women’s Elevation Magazine | 13

·

Vissa Studios- “Protective Styles for Natural Hair” (2011)

Kaci Taylor- “I’m no Bully” (2012) Jon Marc Collection (2014)

·

National Curves Day (2015)

What campaigns have you been a part of?

What s inspire you? ily My fam s me. inspire

How did you get int o modeling?

You probab ly won’t believe this but when I made up my mind I wanted to start mode ling it all started with a Google sea rch.

Tell us about your Miss New York title.

What does that entail?

The mission of Miss Plus USA was to provide a platform and opportunity for the average size woman through competition, requiring a healthy lifestyle, class, and volunteerism. I held the esteemed title representing New York as Miss New York Plus USA. I was required to make appearances as a State Queen, compete, and promote my platform which was the awareness of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) which is a endocrine disorder that I have.

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You’ve also been the model for a few book covers what was that like?

Tell us about your background.

I was born in Newark, NJ and raised in Paterson, NJ, where I currently reside. I was educated in the Paterson public school system up until high school. I then attended Passaic County Technical Institute in Wayne, NJ graduating with honors.

I continued my education at William Paterson University of Wayne, NJ graduating in 2009 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in management, and a minor in English, writing.

Two years later one of my dreams came true when I was inducted into Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. I currently work at AT&T Mobility on a team with four other managers as a Billing Ops Analyst in the International Care department.

When I’m not at work I’m actively pursuing a change in careers as a plus size model and my Master’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising. When I’m not on the runway you can find me writing, mentoring, or dancing.

Or reading a comic book lol!

Seeing my face on the cover of a book was so surreal. You don’t see many plus size women gracing the covers of books so I’m very grateful for the opportunity.

Besides modeling what are some of your passions?

Writing, dancing, and reading. I love books lol!

· ·

· ·

What advice would you give a young aspiring model?

Do your research. This is the first step in answering the Golden Question. The Golden Question is: What must I do to become a plus size model? I get asked this question frequently. My initial response is always to do your research. Research the industry, know the faces of famous plus size models, known when fashion week is and where, what goes in your model bag, and what do you wear to a go-see.

These are just a few things that a model should know. This determines how serious the aspiring model is because knowing your information will determine whether you stay an aspiring model or become a professional model.

Women’s Elevation Magazine | 17

What are you working on next?

Right now I’m working on my portfolio and building my client list. I also haven’t been on a runway since February so I’m looking to grace the runway again for Fashion Week this September. I have my eye on Uptown Fashion Week.

You attended a fashion week, what designer did you walk for? What was the environment of that week?

tions:

Fun ques

d. is Charme ow. e h m s ti te ll ri a o f v 1. Fa te show o My favori orrest book.

by Bella F s te e ri ri o e v s a F e . ir 2 llege of Vamp uating Co d ra G t.

A Shade n plishme st accom e d u ro P . rrings 3 essory. Ea c c a n io h 4. Fas urglass brand. Ho p u e k a 5. M

How do you give back to your community?

·

I attended Style Fashion Week this past February and I had the pleasure of walking for ASK Fashion. I had such a great experience. I’ve worked behind the scenes before for major shows during Fashion Week and Style Week is just as professional and fashionable as any Fashion Week in NY.

·

d? you be foun Where can .) website, etc , ia d e m l ia (Soc I’m very active in my church

and we’re constantly giving back to the community.

Also, as a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc we have a number of community service projects that we do like Operation Big Book Bag which is coming up before school starts.

is My website om and my c r. ie z a fr a h www.tanis smodelnish. lu p @ re a IG Twitter and Facebook is n o e g a p n My fa isha /plusmodeln m o .c k o o b www.face

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·

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Balsamic Glazed Lamb Chops Serves 6 at 2 chops per serving.

INGREDIENTS 12 small Lamb Chops 2 T. Olive Oil 1 T. Garlic,crushed 1 T. Coarse Salt 1 t. Coarse Ground Pepper

BALSAMIC REDUCTION: 1/2C. Balsamic vinegar 1/2 t. Coarse Salt 1/4 t. Freshly ground Black Pepper 3 T. Brown Sugar

Instructions To make the balsamic reduction: In a medium saucepan, pour in the vinegar, salt, pepper, and brown sugar.

Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to medium.

Simmer until the vinegar has reduced by one third to one half and is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Watch closely! If the vinegar and sugar cook too long it will caramelize and become solid. Remove from heat and pour in a small bowl. Let cool. Can be stored in the fridge for up to a month.

Place the oven on broil.

Place the lamb chops in a bowl or large ziploc bag.

Place the olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in the bowl with the chops and toss well to evenly coat the chops with the seasonings and oil.

Spread the chops out evenly on a broiling pan, making sure that they are not touching each other.

Place the pan on the top rack of the oven and broil the chops for about 5 minutes, or until the chops are a deep, golden brown on the side facing up.

Remove the chops from the oven and turn each one over.

Place them back in the oven and broil again for about 5 minutes or until the side facing up is the same golden brown as the underside.

Remove from the oven and drizzle the balsamic glaze over the chops.

Taken from The Kitchen McCabe

Women’s Elevation Magazine | 21

Pumpkin Waffles Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Yield: About 7 - 8 Belgian waffles

INGREDIENTS 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp baking powder

Photo by Jackie Dodd

Instructions Preheat oven to 225 degrees and preheat a belgian waffle iron (non belgian should work fine too) to medium heat. In a large mixing bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg for 20 seconds. Create a well in center of mixture then set aside.

3/4 tsp baking soda 3/4 tsp salt 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground ginger

To a separate medium mixing bowl add egg whites and cream of tartar, then using an electric hand mixer set on high speed, whip until soft peaks form, then add 2 Tbsp of the granulated sugar and whip until medium-stiff peaks form.

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 4 large eggs, yolks and whites separated 1 pinch cream of tartar 5 Tbsp granulated sugar, divided 1 cup milk 1 cup buttermilk 1/4 cup canola oil 1 cup canned pumpkin puree 1 tsp vanilla extract Vegetable oil cooking spray Apple cider syrup, maple syrup or butter pecan syrup, for serving

In a separate medium mixing bowl whisk together milk, buttermilk, canola oil, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, egg yolks and remaining 3 Tbsp granulated sugar. While whisking, slowly pour milk mixture into flour mixture and mix just until combined (batter will be slightly lumpy), then fold egg whites into batter. Spray waffle iron lightly and evenly with cooking spray then pour necessary amount (whatever fills your waffle iron, mine was a scant cup) into waffle iron and cook according to manufactures directions. Keep warm in preheated oven and repeat process with remaining batter. Serve warm with syrup of choice.

Recipe Source: Gourmet

adapted

Taken from Cooking Classy

22 | Women’s Elevation Magazine

slightly

from

Bang Bang Shrimp

Instructions To make the sauce, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey and rice vinegar in a small bowl; set aside.

Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Yield: 4 servings This tastes just like Cheesecake Factory’s version, except it’s way cheaper and so much tastier!

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.

INGREDIENTS

In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, hot sauce, salt and pepper, to taste; set aside. In a large bowl, combine Panko, onion and garlic powder, basil, oregano, salt and pepper, to taste; set aside.

1 cup buttermilk

Working one at a time, dip shrimp into buttermilk mixture, then dredge in Panko mixture, pressing to coat.

1/2 cup vegetable oil, or more, as needed

3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup cornstarch 1 large egg 1 tablespoon hot sauce Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1 cup Panko*

Working in batches, add shrimp to the skillet and cook until evenly golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a paper towellined plate.

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Serve immediately, chili sauce.

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

drizzled

with

sweet

NOTES *Panko is a Japanese-style breadcrumb and can be found in the Asian section of your local grocery store.

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

FOR THE SAUCE 1/4 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce 1 tablespoon honey

Taken from Damn Delicious

1 teaspoon rice vinegar

Women’s Elevation Magazine | 23

Tiramisu Mousse Instructions Break up chocolate bars into small pieces and place in a microwave-safe dish.

INGREDIENTS Two 7-oz. bars dark bittersweet chocolate 4 oz. mascarpone cheese 1 pint heavy cream 2 tsp. instant coffee dissolved in 4 Tbs. hot water 2 Tbs. marsala wine

Microwave for 1 minute and stir. Repeat with 30 second intervals, stirring after each one until chocolate is melted. (Two bars should take about 2 minutes) Do not burn chocolate.

Add mascarpone, cream, coffee, and wine to a blender, adding melted chocolate last.

Blend until mixture thickens (about 15 seconds). Do not blend any more than that, or the cream will curdle.

Spoon into individual cups and chill.

Taken from Recipe4Living

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Women’s Elevation Magazine | #

NUMA PERRIER Numa Perrier is an actress, writer, producer, businesswoman, artist, and more. Perrier is the co-star of the web series The Couple and a media mogul who helped to create the network Black & Sexy TV. She sat down with WE Magazine founder, DeLisha Sylvester to answer questions about Black & Sexy TV, her love for art, and some of her upcoming film projects. Perrier is taking the world by storm and doesn’t seem to be slowing down. She balances motherhood, love and creativity all while inspiring others to push down barriers and create their own way.

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Cove Stor r y

Photo Credit Dennis Dortch Hair by Erin Smith Lipcolor - MAC

Women’s Elevation Magazine | 27

WE Magazine: Thank you for doing

N. Perrier:

this interview. I had already spoken

parents were Haitian immigrants, and

with Ashley (Blaine-Featherson) and

I was adopted at a very young age.

Jeanine (Daniels) earlier in the year.

So I don’t have any early memories

Both of those interviews were great.

of them. I just have memories of my

Just getting to speak to them about

adoptive parents. I grew up with two

what they were doing and their roles

of my blood brothers and one of my

with Black & Sexy TV was amazing.

sisters, so we were all together. It was

So now it’s your turn [laughs]!

the four of us, and we were put through

I was born in Miami, my

a private adoption. So I did get to grow N. Perrier: Yay [laughs]!

up with a sense of who I was in a very skeletal way.

WE Magazine: I had the opportunity to learn a lot of about you before this

One of the places that we lived was on

interview. So there’s a lot to get into

a farm in Washington, in a town called

it. I’ve just been reading up on you

Skamokawa. There was a population

and your life…

of 500 or less, about 250 people lived in this town. We were renting a house on

N. Perrier: Uh oh…got ‘em [laughs]!

100 acres of land. It was a farm town, and it was kind of like sharecropping.

WE Magazine: [laughs] No, no all

That’s how I would describe it. It was

interesting things. No bad things,

like modern-day sharecropping; this

just things I didn’t know before. I

was in the 80s. So all of the pastures and

want to start by talking about your

the animals belonged to our landlord,

upbringing. I didn’t know that you

but she allowed us to have our own

were adopted. One of the things that

animals, our own garden, and food. It

I learned about you was that you

was there that I learned the basics of

lived on a farm in Washington, and

farming. I learned discipline.

you talk about how that experience shaped your life/work ethic.

28 | Women’s Elevation Magazine

We were in such a small town, and we

were the only black people. So we

encounter at such a young age. It

definitely stood out. Early on, I had a lot

kind transformed you into the artist

of feelings of being on the fringe and

that you are now. You are truly an

feelings of being very different than my

artist as I have learned through my

surroundings. I let my imagination take

research. I did not know that you

me to other places as a way to escape.

did something called large scale

There was not a lot to do. There was

installations. The only place I ever

not a lot of culture to that place so it all

heard about that was on Sex and

kind of happened in my mind.

the City [laughs]. I think there was a guy on there that did that.

WE Magazine: I can only imagine growing up in such an open space,

N. Perrier: Yeah, I think he was a New

but to be the only black people in

York artist [laughs].

town is very interesting. Just to grow up and not see a good representation

WE Magazine: Exactly! You also got

of yourself around you.

into photography early on. So tell me a little bit about that.

N. Perrier: Yeah, we were it, and my parents are interracial. My mother is

N. Perrier: Well, on the farm, I was only

white, and my father is black. So on

writing, and I had a dream of acting.

top of that, it was like all these black

Those are the two things that existed

kids with a white mom and a black

for me then. I just had time to write and

dad. We definitely went through a lot

imagine things. I didn’t think of writing

of racism, a lot of stares, and a lot of

or acting as art back then. I didn’t

feelings of displacement. So early on, I

know a lot about art. My sister is a visual

was very aware of being different, and

artist. She can draw anything; she has

not necessarily being accepted for it.

an amazing aesthetic and talent. I didn’t know that writing and acting

WE Magazine: You have a lot

were under that same category. So

of layers there. That’s a lot to

as I grew up, I started to have a real Women’s Elevation Magazine | 29

30 | Women’s Elevation Magazine

passion for images. I would tear photos

school?” So I realized that it was kind of

out of magazines and make my own

like acting. You have to figure out the

books out of them. I started to imagine

game and find your way in.

myself photographing people and scenes, but I didn’t have a camera. It

So I just created my own art shows,

was all in my head [laughs].

and I invited other women who were artists that I knew. I invited women that

It wasn’t until I was about 22 years

had art but weren’t doing anything

old that I got my first camera. Before

with it. I invited those women to be

then, I only had disposable cameras.

in my first art show. From there, I just

I was always trying to do something

began to blossom as an artist. Soon,

interesting with the photos I took. I

other curators and other art galleries

always had a dream of becoming a

wanted me to show their art. I had to

photographer, but it wasn’t something

find my own way in, and just discover

I saw as a career path. It was just

myself along the way. I didn’t grow up

something I was interested in. I started

thinking I was an artist. I later found out

doing a lot of travel and took a lot of

that it was all under that umbrella.

photos. After I would get the photos back, I really started to like the pictures

WE Magazine: It just seems like you

I took. I just realized then that I was

were blazing your path way before

photographer [laughs]. It just kind of

Black & Sexy TV. You were creating

dawned on me one day.

your own lane. So now all of it makes sense as to why you do Black & Sexy

I felt like I had a talent and that I should

TV by yourself.

be showing the photos somewhere. I started going to galleries around L.A.

N. Perrier: This is something I talk about

and asking them to show my work. Of

all the time. Our entire lives lead us

course, they were so snobby and rude

to this moment. When I look back on

to me. They would ask, “Where’s your

how I’ve been writing since I was eight

portfolio?” or “Where did you go to

and acting since forever, all of that led Women’s Elevation Magazine | 31

me to what we do today. I feel like I

down and wrote down the list, it was

am the perfect person to be in the

amazing. I was like, “Wow, this girl

position that I am in right now. I feel like

is talented because I love all these

the entire team, we’re all the perfect

shows!” I am a stan for this network.

people to be doing this right now.

I found you all randomly, and I

So that feels really good to feel like

believe I started out with Hello Cupid

your life has so much purpose. It keeps

or RoomieLoverFriends. From there, I

me focused.

just went through everything else.

WE Magazine: I told Jeanine

You’ve produced so many of the

(Daniels) that I feel like you all have

shows. From a creative perspective,

created a family. You all just mesh

what show really allowed you to pull

so well together both on- and off-

from the experiences you’ve had?

camera. Everyone is talented. You all have something special there.

N. Perrier: Well RoomieLoverFriends is completely based on my real-life stories.

N. Perrier: Just like any family, it’s like the

A lot of the episodes of The Couple

full spectrum. Everything isn’t always

ended up being about my relationship

perfect; you get angry and pissed at

with Dennis (Dortch). He was directing

each other at times. Different things

it, and a lot of it was about our early

come up; people are growing and

struggles. So that gave me a lot of space

changing. There’s still a lot of love there

to vent. It was challenging because

and a lot of history. It’s just something

you’re playing yourself. I am a person

that you can’t deny.

who goes to ten really fast too. I try not get mad at Dennis if he says something

WE Magazine: Now it’s time for

like, “Do it more this way because you

my favorite part. I get to ask some

would do it bitchier.” And then I’m like,

questions about Black & Sexy TV

“So you’re calling me a bitch?”[laughs].

[laughs]. You have been involved in

So it’s always trying to balance that out

all of my favorite shows. When I sat

and have that collaboration there.

26 | Women’s Elevation Magazine 32

RoomieLoverFriends was based on a

fantasy of mine, and I really wanted it to

real-life story of mine when I lived with

happen. Her dad never gave me time

a guy. He was my friend, which is a

of day [laughs]. It didn’t really work out

little different than RoomieLoverFriends

so with RoomieLoverFriends I just kind of

because they weren’t friends. It’s the

lived out that fantasy [laughs]. I really

story of sleeping with someone you are

wanted to put it in the story because

living with, but you’re not a couple.

it was the best way for Cherise to get

You’re still dating other people so it’s a

back at Tamiko. So we tried to figure

story of how do you work all that out.

how they would meet, and we figured

That was just obviously something that

out that he would pursue her. She goes

needed to be a show. Dennis thought

for it because she can have something

that we should write it together, and I was

over this girl’s head. So I’m evil [laughs].

like, “Are you sure?” [laughs]. It meant that I was going to have to give him

WE Magazine: So you were Cherise

more details about the situation, but he

in your mind, and I could not stand

didn’t care. So for the first season I really

her [laughs].

put a lot in to it, but I really have to shout out the actors. Shayla Hale and Andra

N. Perrier: I got everything I needed

Fuller really put a lot into their roles. They

from Tamiko out of the first season.

took their characters to a whole other

After that, the story evolved in ways

level. I love it so much; I love what they

that never really happened in real life.

added to those characters.

WE Magazine: I didn’t like her at all, There’s one storyline I’ll tell you about—

but I think that most didn’t [laughs].

when Cherise started dating Tamiko’s dad. Back in the day there was this

N. Perrier:

girl, and I didn’t like her very much. Her

coming out.

That was my dark side

dad was kind of good looking, and I wanted to date her dad so bad just to

WE Magazine: I see. So you work on

get to her. Just to mess with her. It was a

another one of my favorite shows, Women’s Elevation Magazine | 33

Sexless. I have been a religious watcher since it started. Tell me a little bit about your role. Sexless had me at the beginning because I feel like I’ve been in some of the situations. I am constantly on Twitter talking about it…

N. Perrier: Yes, Sexless has been really fun. I have to shout out Leah Williams, she brought the show to us originally.

It was supposed to be about one virgin; it was semi-autobiographical of her life. Dennis (Dortch) thought it should be an ensemble cast so we created a small team. It was me, Leah, and Esther Withers, and we just started sharing our own stories or stories of others we knew. The ones we felt had the most energy in them are the ones we went with. Then, we just started shaping the characters. We always had the vision that Sexless would be one our sexiest shows.

WE Magazine: It most definitely was.

N. Perrier: People who aren’t having sex are always thinking about sex or finding ways to release that sexual tension. I love this show, the cast is 34 | Women’s Elevation Magazine

awesome, and we gel together. We just went out last night to see Straight Outta Compton. It’s just become real friendships on- and off-set. It creates a sense of trust so we can try things in the storyline and have that trust.

“ It’s just become real friendships on- and off-set. It creates a sense of trust so we can try things in the storyline and have that trust.“

WE Magazine: Sexless is probably

together to create this awesome

one of my favorites because it mixes

thing. I would have to say Wendy

the vibe of A Different World and

is probably my favorite character. I

Sex and the City together. It’s great

was kind of giving Noli the side eye

to see all of the natural hair and

[laughs], but I love them all actually.

the different shades of skin coming

It’s one of my favorite series…

Women’s Elevation Magazine | 35

N. Perrier: Thank you, I love hearing

in the Black & Sexy TV brand. That show

that! After we had done all of the other

launched our subscription service. We

shows, it was time to do another show

had such relief and celebration when

from the ground up. We had to build it,

it was a hit. It’s those risks you take in

and from the moment that we put the

business that you’re unsure of, but you

first photo on Instagram, people were

don’t know until you take that leap.

excited. We knew we had something special. It’s just grown from there. We

WE Magazine: I wanted to ask you

hope to bring even better and more

about that because you talked

complex storylines in the next season.

about branding. You all have great

I am just glad that people can relate.

branding, but what is your process?

You have a great following. Every

WE Magazine: Sexless, if I remember

time I see an email from you all, I’m

correctly, was your first series

thinking, “Okay when can I clear my

under the subscription service.

schedule so I can watch the latest

I remember talking with Jeanine

episode.”

(Daniels) about the subscription service. I told her whenever you

N. Perrier: It’s a little bit of magic sauce

were ready let me know and I would

that starts with the name, Black & Sexy.

get my coins [laughs].

A good brand starts with a name; you cannot deny the allure of black and

N. Perrier: Yes, it was. Sexless will always

sexy. Dennis (Dortch) came up with the

be special to us because of that, and

name so we will always pump him up

because it was a brand new show. It

for that. It just feels good to be black

was risky for us. We wondered how were

and sexy, and starting from that name

going to launch a subscription service

we just keep the energy of that going.

with a show that didn’t have a fan

No matter what we do, no matter what

base yet. So we released the minisodes

we post, it’s always going to have

to give people a taste of the show.

feeling that black is beautiful. Dark

People still had to trust us and believe

is lovely. Black is sexy. You know that

36 | Women’s Elevation Magazine

feeling of pride. That energy and that

WE Magazine: Exactly, and I think

edginess is always going to be present

Will Catlett (Mike on That Guy) is

in everything we do. So if you feel that

from here as well.

way, that’s because we really commit to feeling close to the audience. You’re

N. Perrier: Yes.

all our friends, and that’s how we feel.

WE Magazine: I want to move more WE Magazine: I’ve met so many

into what you’re doing outside of

people just via Twitter because

Black & Sexy. You have this new

we love the network. We get

website HouseofNuma.com. I read

to engage and talk about the

your first blog post “Push” where

shows.

a

you talk about Black & Sexy in the

follower that actually watches it

beginning stages. What made you

with me, and we comment while

want to start your own site?

You

know?

I

have

watching. So it really creates a family feeling. I tweeted you guys

N. Perrier: Well, House of Numa is

a few weeks ago: “Like when can

something I wanted to do for a while,

I get my internship?”

probably about a year ago. Originally, I wanted it to be me going to art

N. Perrier: You coming to LA [laughs]?

shows and reviewing them. I wanted to introduce people to artists that

WE Magazine: I would love to move

they may have never heard about

my family, but I think my fiancé

before, and showcase my art as well. I

would kill me [laughs].

realized, the more that I thought about it, it should be more comprehensive.

N. Perrier: Where are you now?

Sometimes, I want to vent or celebrate some of things that I’ve accomplished.

WE Magazine: I’m in Maryland…

I wanted to integrate the business side into what I am doing. It needed it to

N. Perrier: DMV!

reflect me in style, in art, as a mother, Women’s Elevation Magazine | 37

and as a businesswoman. When all

making them more, and celebrities

of those things clicked together, I was

were catching on. I started doing stuff

ready to do this. I wanted the blog to

for Rihanna and her tour.

be very personal, like you’re reading my diary. I really want to let people

Here’s the thing I want to say about

in and make myself more vulnerable.

the fashion industry, or any industry for

I know when you do that the effect is

that matter. When you’re starting out,

stronger. I just took the plunge, and I will

everyone wants your stuff for free. It’s

be posting every Saturday morning.

kind of like what we did with Black & Sexy. Everything was for free for so long,

WE Magazine: I really connected with

but finally you have to start charging.

your first post about being pregnant

So with the gloves I was really trying to

and starting something new. I started

figure out how to make money from this

this magazine after the birth of my

because I was doing luxury, high quality

daughter. So I understand having

gloves. So I just kind of came to a fork

a passion for something and going

in the road. We started doing Black &

balls to the wall, and just doing it.

Sexy TV, I was pregnant and I had to make a decision. I had to ask myself,

Fast forward. I learned that you

“What do I want to be known for?” Do

design and create gloves. All I

I want to be known for someone that

could think is that this girl does a lot

makes great gloves for celebrities or

of things [laughs]. How did you get

do I want to change the landscape

into that?

of black TV and media. It was a really clear decision [laughs].

N. Perrier: Well the gloves, I was doing that before we launched Black & Sexy

I still love it, and I can see myself doing in

TV. It ended up becoming a business.

the future. It’s actually funny. I was just

I didn’t intend on it going that way. I

approached by a bridal company to

wanted the gloves for myself, and then

do a collection for them. I am actually

people started to like them. So I started

thinking about doing it, but it will be just

38 | Women’s Elevation Magazine

a limited thing. I want to keep my focus

because it really spoke to me. I didn’t

on acting, and Black & Sexy. I realized

grow up with my Haitian family. I grew

that designing gloves will be there.

up with my American family, but I know my biological parents now. I felt like I

WE Magazine: Exactly, it is always

could really relate to the character

good to have multiple talents and

because I went to live with them for

multiple streams of income. Let’s

some time as a young adult. At that

switch for a minute because you’re

part in my life, I wasn’t 30, but I was still

also going to be in a bunch of

trying to figure myself out. I was trying

upcoming movies. I’ve been trying

to piece my life together in a culture

to learn more about According to

that I didn’t grow up in. We should be

Diana so why don’t you start there.

filming early next year.

N. Perrier: So Rachel (Benjamin), the

WE Magazine: That’s awesome! You

director, started talking to me about

then sort of switched genres and

this project a long time ago. She gave

went sci-fi on us with your upcoming

me a basic outline—it was about a

role in Octavia. When I read about

woman, who happens to be Haitian.

the film, I was excited because I

She’s fallen on really hard times; she

love when black people enter the

has to move back to Miami with her

sci-fi world. You don’t see a lot of

aunt and her family. It’s really kind of a

us in that world. I know the storyline

humiliating part of her life, but she has

is about a vampire. Tell me a little

to do it. She’s not 20; she’s 30. She’s

bit about this project and why you

trying to figure herself out. It’s very

chose it.

funny, charming, and very Haitian.

It really deals with the immigrant

N. Perrier: Octavia is 150 years old so

lifestyle as her family tries to assimilate

she’s seen the slave lynchings, the civil

into America.

rights movement, and the modernday lynchings that go on today. She’s

I was really excited about this script

a vampire that doesn’t want to live Women’s Elevation Magazine | 39

anymore. So the movie is about her trying to be released, and she’s trying to find that way. She meets a lot of vampires along her journey. Some of them are trying to do the same thing, whereas others believe she has an obligation to stay the same. Because she’s seen so much, they feel she has an obligation to help the world change. She feels like they haven’t changed so far so

that I ran across this, so I took it as a sign.

why would they now?

So I reached out to them, they sent me the script, and it blew me away.

I heard about this project because the director wrote a blog about black film,

It was the opportunity of a lifetime. I

and how white critics critique black

pulled all of my resources together and

films. He talked about how they critique

put myself on tape. I sent it over and

without understanding the culture. So I

the director sent me an email asking

read that and I thought it was amazing.

me to come to NYC for a screen test.

I looked him up and saw the project,

I did a three-hour audition with one of

but they had already cast Octavia. I still

the actors they had already cast, and,

wanted to be a part in some way so I

at the end of it, they offered me the

told him if there’s anything that comes

role. It was a long process of getting to

up let me know. He kind of brushed me

it, but I really feel like it was meant for

off. A few months later they lost their

me somehow. We made the short-film

lead actress, and they were looking for

version already, and we will be working

Octavia again. I thought it was weird

on the feature film next year.

40 | Women’s Elevation Magazine

“ What do I want to be known for?” Do I want to be known for someone that makes great gloves for celebrities or do I want to change the landscape of black TV and media. It was a really clear decision.”

Women’s Elevation Magazine | 41

amazing

Why We Laugh. The documentary

that it all came together. It sounds

discusses why we as black people

like divine intervention. It seems

laugh in order to deal with the pain.

like you’re going to be really busy

So that sounds like a great film.

WE

Magazine:

That’s

because you have a third movie called Jerico. Tell me a little bit

I read that you might be putting a

about it.

movie together about the life of Lorraine Hansberry. Is that true?

N. Perrier: It’s a movie set in the Jim Crow era. It’s a comedy. The director

N. Perrier: Yes, it’s in early development.

reached out to me because of my

Taye Hansberry is a friend of mine, and

work on The Couple. He told me about

her grandmother Is Lorraine’s sister. She

the role when he was working on the

really wants to find a way to tell the

script. Once it was done, he sent it

story in a respectful, accurate, and

over, and I loved it. We’ve already

meaningful way. It’s been more than a

filmed that one, and they’re already

year now since we started talking about

working on a sequel. The thing I love

it, but I am giving it the time and space

about this movie is that they took a

to make sure it’s what the family wants.

horrible time in history, and they were able to find some humor. Racism is so

WE Magazine: I saw the play, A

ridiculous that sometimes you just have

Raisin in the Sun, and I have read

to laugh. It’s crazy; the extremes that

it in class. It was always one of my

people will go to because of the color

favorites.

of someone’s skin. They found a way to blend the pain of that and the comedy

I just want to ask what is next for you.

of that in a script.

You’re working on so many things. I am excited; I saw that Black & Sexy

WE Magazine: We’re still dealing with

TV is coming out with a new show

a lot of racism now in our society.

called, Rider. I totally forgot to ask

There was a documentary called

about that.

42 | Women’s Elevation Magazine

N. Perrier: Yes, it’s about a driver that

personal

drives for a company like Uber. It shows

showcase what it’s like to keep my

all of the crazy things that happen

head on straight while doing all these

on those rides. Jeff Oliphant is co-

things. The blog allows me to stimulate

creator and star of that show. It’s cool

my imagination while taking care

because you’re going to see a lot of

of everything.

as

possible,

and

just

guest appearances from the Black & Sexy universe. We introduced the

WE Magazine: I appreciate you

character on Chef Julian because he

taking the time to talk with me. You

knows Julian.

have a fan for life.

WE Magazine: Yes, I remember

N.

because Kendall was a passenger,

enjoyed it.

Perrier:

No

problem,

I

really

and I wanted him to win the newcomer award for the way he said Crenshaw [laughs].

N. Perrier: [laughs] It’s going to premiere on September 6.

WE Magazine: Ok, so back to you.

For more information on Numa Perrier visit www.houseofnuma.com.

Also follow her on Twitter and IG at @MissNuma.

What else can we expect from you?

N. Perrier: I want to keep House of Numa fun and exciting. One week, you might see a short film; the next week, I might interview someone I know. I’m going to just keep it as a

For more information on Black & Sexy TV visit www.blackandsexy.tv.

Also follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @BlackAndSexyTV.

mixed bag of things I want to share.

I am going to try to keep it as Women’s Elevation Magazine | 43

(L-R) Kay Allegra, Asia Dolores 44 | Women’s Elevation Magazine

Mus

ic

Allegra Dolores Mix one-part Joy, and one-part pain; add soul – and taste the sound of Allegra Dolores. These Chicago-born biological sisters are a multitalented force of nature. Dolores is the emcee with overtones of sarcastic humor, while Allegra carries an edgy rocker vibe with an element of negro spiritual. And just when you think you’ve got them figured – out comes the harmony in their singing voices. Allegra Dolores is also an emcee favorite among the indie hip hop community in Chicago, while capitalizing on out-of-the-box opportunities like Dolores’ acting work which can been seen in the opening credits to HBO’s True Blood. We sat down to chat with them about their love for music.

Women’s Elevation Magazine | 45

(L-R) Asia Dolores, Kay Allegra

How would you describe your music for people who have never heard it before?

the Moonwalk. A radio was always playing in the house, in the car and at all of our parents’ friends houses. My godfather bought me my first record--it

Asia D: Nostalgic and mellow. A

was Steely Dan’s Aja--he is a musician.

soundtrack for the perfect summer day.

We had several copies of Thriller around the house. What I remember my sister

Kay Allay: Soul smoothed out on a hip

singing the most was “Save the Whales”

hop tip, with an alternative funk/rock/

from Cheech and Chong’s Nice Dreams

funk/pop/house feel appeal to it. We

movie.

want you to feel good and move.

Kay Allay: Haha, it’s funny I actually

Thinking back to your childhood, what was your first experience with music? What song do you remember most?

remember that. Our mom would have us in all sorts of lessons and groups. She took me to piano lessons when she was pregnant with Dolo. Our dad liked a lot of cool music. He had a chessboard in his

Asia D: We watched a lot of movies,

man cave and the walls were decorated

individually,

with

with posters of his favorite bands. I

friends. We had a copy of Purple Rain

remember listening to all his albums--

and we watched it over and over. Our

War, Coltrane, Stevie Wonder, Roy Ayers,

entire family watched the Motown

and a ton of Doo Wop. I remember him

25 show where Michael Jackson did

listening to a lot of Warren G too.

as

a

46 | Women’s Elevation Magazine

family,

and

How did you hook up with Black & Sexy TV?

Where did you get your start?

Kay Allay: We started off as a kind of a

Asia D: MySpace. I hesitate to antiquate

spoken word with rhythm trio--like a Nerds-

it, but you couldn’t be on the internet

N-Harmony kind of thing, just recording

unless you knew HTML then.

stuff at home because it was fun. Some of the stuff we recorded was actually

Kay Allay: Way back when there was

kind of good. Actually Nerds-N-Harmony

that thing that people called MySpace,

would have been a better name, but

we uploaded The Music OK. One day,

we were angry activists at that time and

Dennis Dortch inboxed us and asked

needed a to channel it productively. So

us if he could use it for a film he was

we performed a couple of those songs

making. We had a good vibe, and the

on the spoken word scene in Chicago,

rest is history.

doing Open Mics. After a while, that got us on stages with other acts. About a

What has it been like working with them on so many different projects?

year into that, we got into a huge blow up with the third member of the group and broke up. The night of the blow up,

Asia D: It feels like family. Dennis and

Dolo and I formed Allegra Dolores--it

Numa visited Chicago and we took

represented the truth about us, “Joy and

them to our parents house.

Pain”, which is the meaning of our name.

We wrote and recorded The Music OK as

Kay Allay: Yeah, definitely family. Our

a response to the blow up and uploaded

parents dug them, and that’s always

it onto MySpace. Around that same

a good sign, cause we can’t bring just

time, we joined forces as the lady duo

anybody to the house, that’s a no no

of funk/rock band called Room 11 and

lol. But the way we work, Dennis will

had a song published in the soundtrack

call and give us a direction and a vibe

for A Good Day to be Black and Sexy. It

that they’re looking to capture, then

all kind of started coming together at the

we get to work. It’s been one of the

same time.

best

collabs

we’ve

done

with

people who live in a different part of the country. We love working with them.

Is there anything you would change about the music industry?

And the team is growing, incorporating more awesome into the Black & Sexy

Asia D: Well, the industry is about making

sauce. We enjoy being a part of the

and selling music. I think it’s doing what

movement.

it is supposed to do. Anyone can make

Women’s Elevation Magazine | 47

music now and anyone can make money. The misconception is that the

What is your creative process when you’re recording?

industry is designed to make the artists millionaires…it’s not.

Asia D: Joy sets it up - Pain breaks it down.

Kay Allay: I think the industry is evolving

Kay Allay: We collaborate in that way. I’ll

already.

Every day lives are digitally

come to Dolo with an idea, hook, melody

accessible to any and everyone; artists

or concept and she’ll add to it, smack it,

can work independently and directly

flip it, rub it down lol. And then the process

with their audience from anywhere on

will continue until a song that we’re proud

the web. You can walk to your local bar

of is written. We also like working with

and check out the house band, and if

engineers and producers who we vibe

you like them enough to upload their

with. We do a lot of work with Frankie

performance and it gets a ton of hits on

Blaze, our musical director and honorary

your page, you’ve just done the job of

third member of Allegra Dolores, because

an A&R. So some parts of the industry are

he understands our sound.

changing with the times, and the times are dictating the change. It’s looking like live shows and songwriting are equally viable

What’s next for you any performances or new releases?

avenues for the artist, but you still need a team if want to make an impact and

Kay Allay: Dolo and I are toying with an

progress to the next level--independent

EP concept and our first live set will be

or corporate. Many live acts may not

in a couple weeks at an art festival on

transfer well on radio when they first start

the south side of Chicago. We’re also

out, but because they leave blood on the

members of rhythm rock band, JD’s

dance floor when you experience them,

Revenge. We love that outfit--we get to

their reputation builds. Their movement

channel our grittier rock side.

begins. That part of the industry is so dope to witness, because it’s happening without corporate sponsorship...and as

Answer this question: Without music, I would be…

a result of your efforts in the indie arena you can get corporate sponsorship. And

Asia D: bored, depressed, lame, lost.

that’s okay too, its part of the progression and change--and a sign that streets is

Kay

watching; you’re doing something the

mind would be naked and exposed,

people can feel. There’s no one specific

without clothes.

way to go about the industry any more, and that’s a good thing.

48 | Women’s Elevation Magazine

Allay:

Crazy

as

cat

piss.

My

(L-R) Asia Dolores, Kay Allegra

The industry often asks its artists to change for one reason or another, how do you stay true your roots?

Please feel free to add any other information you want to share with our audience/readers.

Asia D: Our roots are in family, comedy

Allegra Dolores: We want folks to

and not taking ourselves too seriously.

know we deeply appreciate their

Keeping those things in mind helps us be

comments, praise, accolades and

thankful for every opportunity to show

“daps” on what we do. Find us on “the”

off our harmony and blend, and the

Twitter @AllegraDolores and Facebook:

way we put words together.

Allegra Dolores Music and THANK YOU!

Kay Allay: What she said. Lol! We do what feels good, so if it’s not fun, we’re done.

Women’s Elevation Magazine | 49

Spiri t Corn ual er

*This piece originally appeared on Kara’s Soft Wordswww.softwordsbrighteyes.blogpost.com* I’ve been saying for the last few months that I am at my heaviest weight ever- right now. It’s actually been really annoying and upsetting for me. I started running out of clothes to wear but I didn’t want to face reality and buy clothes in larger sizes either. Ugh! Common sense tells us that if we don’t like the way things are, we probably need to change our behaviors. In this case, I needed (and have started) to examine what I’m eating, make wiser choices and implement more physical activities.

In case you didn’t know, excess weight can cause a variety of complications when it comes down to your health. One of the most significant risks that we hear about has to do with the condition of the heart.

“As it is in the natural, so it is in the spiritual.”

In the last couple of weeks, God has really been dealing with me about the condition of the heart. Often times, we try to measure how good of a Christian someone is by taking into account things like their church attendance, the number of scriptures that they can quote, and how long they shout.

However, I truly believe that the success or failure of our relationship with Jesus boils down to obedience.

We know that “sin is bad” but do we really know what sin is? One definition is an immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law. Another definition says that it is a willful or deliberate violation of some religious or moral principle. (www.dictionary.reference.com) Recently, one of my close friends mentioned how important it is to obey God. Her point was that if God tells us to do something and we choose not to do it, we are then committing a sin because we’re disregarding His instructions.

How deep is that? A lot of times, people think that you have to do something (cuss, steal, kill, etc.) in order to be in sin but in this case, NOT doing something is just as bad.

If we get to the place where it is hard to obey God, it’s probably worth checking out our heart. {Luke 10:27; 2 Corinthians 13:5} Sometimes we have excess weight that starts to surround and weaken our heart. It could be anything(!)- such as doubt, fear, jealousy, hatred, and 50 | Women’s Elevation Magazine

anger. So how do we deal with this?

Hebrews 12:1(b) gives us clear instructions! “...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us...”

This is the thing-> sometimes we need to address or get rid of things in our lives that may not necessarily be flat out sins.

It’s like dealing with junk food. It’s available to us but we decide whether or not we’re going to eat it. The more we eat unhealthy food, the more likely we are to gain weight and eventually put ourselves in danger.

If we develop spiritually unhealthy habits/traits and don’t address them, our HEART will suffer and our body will eventually break down.

I believe that God has a purpose for all of us. Yes- He is sovereign but I encourage you to work towards being a willing vessel that is *fit* for His use. If our heart is filled with things that aren’t like God, how can we expect to bring glory to His name???

Just recently, I realized that there are some issues with my own heart that I need to address and you better believe, I’m working on it! I pray that you’ll do the same. Please recognize that even ‘small things’ can affect your heart’s health (acquaintances/friendships, music, tv, etc. . .) so choose whatever you’re taking in-> WISELY! As you recognize the things that are jeopardizing your health, cast them on to the Lord. He will carry your burdens and deliver you into a life of freedom! A few days ago, I wrote this prayer with the Daily Dose of Love (#DailyDoseLove) for Ladies of Virtue. . . Empowered! I hope it encourages you!

Lord, I want my heart to be a place where only (Your) Love resides. Please reveal to me and [help me to] remove anything that is not like You. Allow me to be a willing vessel that is *fit* for Your use. And let my actions be filled with sincerity. Amen.

Kara Frison is a 2010 graduate of Hood College who strives to inspire others through her writing. You can read more of her thoughts at www.softwordsbrighteyes.blogspot.com and connect with her on Twitter/Instagram {@karalfrison} or by searching for #DailyDoseLove.