February 2014 Issue

www.WomensElevationMagazine.com

WElevate. WEpromote. WEinspire.

Nurturing Yourself | February Issue 2014

Kelly Price

2012 Three Time Grammy Award Nominee Kelly Price discussing her life, the music industry, and new projects.

Are You Wearing Your Oxygen Mask?

Entrepreneur Spotlight

Fredricia Cunegin

What’s Holding You Back?

Loving God...

Loving Yourself

in this issue

IN EVERY ISSUE 4 from the founder Get back to yourself

12 recipes Sweet, savory & sippable

24 fashion Spring Pantone colors

26 are you wearing your oxygen mask?

Take time to put yourself first

44 spiritual corner Loving God, Loving Yourself

FEATURES 6 fredricia cunegin Entrepreneur Spotlight

28 cover story: kelly price Kelly shares with us music, life and new projects

40 feature of the month Naturally Me. Fashion & hairstyles

in this issue

contributors

THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS Tanya Angelique Owner of RelationScripts www.tanyaangelique.com

Sonja Smith Jones Owner of Beautiful Brown Girl www.beautifulbrowngirl.com

Kara Frison WE Magazine contributing writer www.softwordsbrighteyes.blogspot.com

Shannon Clark Graphic Designer www.srichardscreative.com

WElevate. WEpromote. WEinspire. www.WomensElevationMagazine.com

From the Founder

DELISHA SYLVESTER It’s February and that means it’s time for another issue from Women’s Elevation Magazine. The articles for this month are about nurturing yourself, and making sure that you take care of you. In the beginning of the year we are so full of ideas, and the desire to accomplish as much as we can.

Often what ends up happening is that we lose ourselves in the work that we forget to take care of ourselves. As women we take on a variety of different hats. From motherhood to wives/partners to business owners we sometimes forget that we need to take time out for us. So with this issue we urge you take the time to get back to you and your needs. The best way to do that is to start out by turning the page and diving into our issue.

As always…

Happy Reading

DeLisha

Entrepreneur Spotlight

Fredricia Cune WE Magazine got a chance to interview Ms. Fredricia Cunegin she is the founder of HRinMotion, LLC. Since 2005 HRinMotion, LLC has been a premier human resource management consulting firm. HRIM partners with CEOs of emerging businesses to help them maximize investments in human capital. Their philosophy involves looking at each organization as a whole –its mission, vision, processes, people and business objectives – they conduct in-depth analyses, strategic planning and automate implementation that build a human resource management infrastructure designed to increase overall performance, productivity and profitability. Read on to find out about more about the woman behind the business.

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a egin Women’s Elevation Magazine | 7

WE Magazine: Please tell us a little bit about your background before you started your business.

F. Cunegin: Before launching my dreams as an entrepreneur, I had the

opportunity to learn and understand the dynamics of being an employee, connecting with the mission and vision of another. I have been employed by small, medium and large organizations, working for both for- and non-profit. As I take this stroll down memory lane, cumulatively every position that I’ve had was destined to make a personal impact on others. I have worked for: a religious organization, hospitals, consulting firms, and a woman owned Title Company, and now HRinMotion, LLC. What a journey! I was created to be a change agent, one who strives to make extraordinary impact in the lives of others.

WE Magazine: What made you go into human resources?

F. Cunegin: Human Resource Management (HRM) is the design and

implementation of organizational systems to efficiently and effectively use people to accomplish organizational goals (Phillips, 2011). As a change agent, embracing this profession allows me to serve as a human capital expert assisting both sides of the aisle, the employer and the employee. HRinMotion, LLC (HRIM) is a woman-owned/veteran full service Human Resource Management (HRM) consulting firm with a mission to help business executives optimize value in human capital investments through the use of strategic planning, training and performance management to drive significant increases, companywide productivity, performance and profitability. As a virtual human resource department we function as a conduit in support of today’s corporate entities.

In essence, as a business owner, my goal is to provide: (1) a bottom line platform for C-suite professionals to experience a positive return on investment (ROI) through the proper use of refined effective tools, eg, succession planning, talent acquisition, and performance management while creating a working environment that understands the value of balancing professional and personal development.

WE Magazine: What are the top three tips you can share with our readers when they are applying for jobs?

F. Cunegin: Potential hires must know that it is an employer’s market; there

is a surplus of skilled and educated potential hires, which gives employer’s latitude in creating an onboarding process to identify the best organizational fit. Recently, I was conversing with a HRM colleague who was preparing for her fourth interview. She knew another colleague who was interviewed 12 times before a contingent offer was extended. One error or blunder can move your resume to the bottom of the pile. Consequently, a potential candidate must: (1) certify that his/her resume is crisp, ensuring that relevant employment 8 | Women’s Elevation Magazine

Women’s Elevation Magazine | 9

experiences are accurately stated; no fluff. If you have been unemployed for more than 12 months, I strongly recommend that: (2) you contract HRinMotion, LLC’s Resume Writing Services to capture and properly state the strengths and skills that are pertinent to the opportunity. If you have more than 20 years of experience, it is recommended that in your resume it is not numerically stated; you do not want to be discounted during the resume sourcing process. Although the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) prohibits employment discrimination for persons 40 years of age and older, you must know “keywords and language” that will move your resume to the top of the pile.

Another useful recommendation is: (3) you should volunteer to maintain and develop the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) required for positions of interest. Be proactive; familiarize yourself with the mission and vision of organizations of interest. The company’s mission and vision that you wish to work for should mimic your personal mission and vision. For instance, if going green is important to you, then you should be well-versed about an organization’s go green campaign. Finally, do not accept an employment opportunity just for the paycheck because money is never enough for you to stay with an organization.

WE Magazine: What has been one of your biggest accomplishments in business?

F. Cunegin: One of my biggest accomplishments in business happened when I signed my

first client contract. I was so proud of myself and even more excited when the client paid the first invoice. Another big accomplishment was forgiving myself for making a “dumb” business decision, which caused me to lose a client. As a business owner I have learned that you should never make a decision when fear is present. You must dissipate the fear first; this can be done by sharing your thoughts with someone you trust, who will provide you with objective wise counsel, and he/she will not allow you to remain in a mental slump.

WE Magazine: How do you juggle having a family and having a business?

F. Cunegin: This is a million dollar question for both fathers and mothers. First, you must sit down with your family and devise an action plan based on when, where, what, why and how, in building a successful family business. That right, everyone in the family must see the business infrastructure as ours. If there are children, as soon as possible, they must be 10 | Women’s Elevation Magazine

introduced to their family business. Your projections can be as creative as desired, just remember, there must be total family buy-in. Success is not an event it is a journey and “work” is at the helm. There must be flexibility, patience, communication, projections, family meetings, time for fun, discipline, spiritual development, emotional tune-ups, integrity, laughter, and apologizes. However, just know, if you do not give up, you will see the results of your labor.

WE Magazine: Tell us what kind of services your company provides?

F. Cunegin: HRinMotion, LLC provides: • A corporate HRM Assessment • HRM Policy and Procedural Manual • Employee Handbook • Job Descriptions (exempt and non-exempt) • On/Off Boarding Processes • Talent Acquisition • Resume Sourcing • Employee/Labor Relations • Sexual Harassment Investigation (w/final recommendation report) • Recruitment Services • Benefits Services (outsourced) • Payroll Services (outsourced) • Training and Development Services • Corporate representative at Unemployment Hearings • Compensation Structure • Resume Writing Services

WE Magazine: What is next for your business and brand?

F. Cunegin: HRinMotion, LLC’s

2014 projections include hiring another HR practitioner and a HR assistant; obtaining the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification; and more aggressively market the company brand in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV).

Women’s Elevation Magazine | 11

Recipes

for every occasion!

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Instructions 1. If using a box mix, prepare according to instructions otherwise use the following steps.

2. Preheat oven to 350 3. Butter two round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper 4. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

5. Using a mixer on medium to high, beat the butter on medium speed until soft and creamy.

6. Add the sugar and beat for another 2-3 min.

7. Slowly beat in the eggs 8. Beat in the vanilla 9. Slowly mix in the dry ingredients and buttermilk on low, alternating between the two and scraping the bowl as you go 10. Divide the batter between two round cake pans 11. Bake for 28 to 30 minutes. Rotating the pans half way through 12. Cake is done when a knife or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool the cake for about 5 minutes, loosen the sides with a knife, depan them, peel off the parchment paper, and turn them right-side up.

13. Fully cool the cakes For the Espresso Coffee Syrup and Frosting/Filling 1. While waiting for the cake to cool, mix the syrup ingredients, and set aside 2. In a large bowl, mix the mascarpone, sugar, vanilla, and liqueur until smooth 3. Whip the heavy cream until it holds firm peaks.

4. Stir about one quarter of the whipped cream into the mascarpone mix and lightly fold in the rest Assembling the Cake Place 1 cake layer on a plate 1. Moisten the top very generously with coffee syrup and spread about 1 cup of the filling on top 2. Moisten the second layer, then carefully place it soaked side down on top of the filling.

3. Moisten the top of the second layer and spread the remaining filling over top and sides of the cake.

Garnish 1. Sprinkle cocoa over the cake 2. Arrange dark chocolate garnish as desired 3. Refrigerate at least 3 hours before serving.

Cake is best if refrigerated overnight.

Nutrition Information Serving size: 1 piece Calories: 465 Fat: 29 g Carbohydrates: 46 g Sodium: 309 mg Fiber: 1 g Protein: 4 g Cholesterol: 78 mg

Adapted from: Snack Rules

Tiramisu Cake

Tiramisu in cake form made from scratch or with boxed mix. Here are directions for both.

Prep time: 40 mins Cook time: 5 hours Serves: 10

Ingredients For the Cake (if using a box mix): 1 box of yellow cake mix For the Cake (if not using a box mix): 2 cups (255 grams) cake flour 2 teaspoons (10 grams) baking powder 1/8 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 1/4 sticks (10 tablespoons) unsalted butter, room temperature 1 cup sugar 3 large eggs 1 large egg yolk 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 3/4 cup buttermilk For the Espresso Coffee Syrup: 3/4 cup hot brewed espresso or extremely strong coffee 2 Tablespoons cognac, amaretto, Kahlua, or brandy 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar For the Frosting and Filling: 1 8-ounce container mascarpone 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1 tablespoon amaretto, Kahlua, or brandy 1 cup cold heavy cream Garnish: 3 Tablespoons unsweetened baking cocoa Dark chocolate for decoration Women’s Elevation Magazine | 13

Thai-style Fish Cakes with Herbal Salad Thai inspired fish cakes with shredded salad with fresh herbs, only 222 calories.

Ingredients 1 pound tilapia filet, cut into large chunks 1 tablespoon corn starch 1 fresh kaffir lime leaf, minced or 1 teaspoon lime zest 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons Thai fish sauce, divided 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons maple syrup (or brown sugar), divided 1 tablespoon grated galangal, or 2 teaspoons grated ginger root 2 tablespoons coconut oil, divided 1 lime, juiced 1 tablespoon canola oil 1 teaspoon minced fresh chili, preferably Thai bird chilis or _ teaspoon crushed red pepper, or more to taste 4 cups shredded Romaine or Napa cabbage 1 scallion, minced 1 cup julienne radish 1 cup loosely packed torn mixed basil leaves, cilantro and mint

Instructions 1. Place tilapia in food processor with cornstarch lime leaf (or zest), two tablespoons fish sauce, 1 tablespoon maple syrup and galangal (or ginger) pulse and then process until the mixture comes together as a sticky rough ‘dough’. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Form fish mixture into 8 patties (1/4 cup each) with moist hands, and set on a baking sheet.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add 4 of the fish cakes and cook until browned on the bottom, 2 to 4 minutes. Carefully turn over and continue cooking, adjusting heat as necessary to prevent burning, until cooked through and the other side is browned, 2 to 3 minutes longer.

Transfer to a paper towel lined plate and keep warm. Repeat with the remaining 1 tablespoon coconut oil and cakes, adjusting heat as necessary.

3. Whisk the remaining 2 teaspoons fish sauce, 2 teaspoons maple syrup, lime juice, canola oil and chili in a large bowl. Add Romaine (or Napa), scallion, radish and herbs and toss to coat. Divide salad among four plates top with the fish cakes and drizzle any remaining dressing from the bottom of the bowl over.

Nutrition Information Serving size: 1 piece Calories: 222 Saturated Fat: 5 g Fiber: 2 g Protein: 23 g Sodium: 935 mg

Adapted from: Healthy Seasonal Recipes 14 | Women’s Elevation Magazine

Instructions 1. To make the syrup, bring the sugar and water to a boil in a small saucepan.

2. Once the sugar has dissolved, add the passion fruit, ginger and the lemon juice and zest and remove from the heat.

Allow to cool.

Passionfruit & Ginger Cocktail

3. To serve, pour a little of the syrup into a glass filled with ice then add some light rum and fill up with soda water. Add the mint and lemon and serve.

4. Alternatively, combine all the ingredients in a large jug.

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Serves: 4-6

Ingredients For the ginger passion fruit syrup: 1 cup sugar 2 cups water 2-inch piece of ginger sliced Pulp and seeds from 10 passion fruit Juice and zest of 2 lemons To Serve: Light rum Soda water/sparkling water Fresh mint Adapted from: Simply Delicious

Lemon slices Women’s Elevation Magazine | 15

What’s Holding You Back?

By Tanya Angelique, MBA

Mediocrity and apathy are the silent killers of dreams.

Quite often as adults, we drift away from what we spent many years imagining. We allow the harsh realities of heartbreaks, short term failures, and the opinions of others to stake claim on our dreams. We allow such

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experiences to create a belief that what we once dreamt of and believed was possible to simply fall by the wayside. Soon like weeds in a garden we allow the very life of our dreams to be snuffed out causing our spirit to decay.

Do you remember playing pretend? Maybe you dressed up like what you dreamt of being, dancing like a ballerina, imitating the teachers and preachers or walking like a model. Perhaps you slipped on your dad’s suit or mom’s heels knowing that someday you would be successful to the point where everyone knew your name. Then one day you grew up but with blow after blow you lost the ability to feel passionate about dreaming. In fact you began to suppress the emotions needed to believe in the impossible thus losing faith in what you couldn’t see before your eyes. This state of being breeds apathy.

Now don’t become defensive and say you are not apathetic. Apathy is simply a state of indifference or being numb to emotions such as motivation or passion. It is as common in people as fear, doubt or complacency and is completely overcome-able. I won’t sit here and try to diagnose or uncover what led you here but rather I will shed light on basic steps needed to shift your thoughts.

First you must be willing to confront your inner thoughts. Get very clear about what has brought you to this point and break its cycle. This requires total honesty and willingness to endure the urge to justify what went wrong, who wasn’t there for you or who hurt you. You will have to allow the very essence of who you are to rise up through the ashes like the Phoenix, refusing to be buried beneath all that “stuff” any longer.

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Next, you must find that place within that you escaped to as a child to create what I will call Disney; your Magic Kingdom. This is the place where magic happens and the impossible seem possible. Every fear is diminished by an overwhelming sense of hope and excitement. Garnered with an array of strength and possibility you step to the ledge and jump.

Last, you gather the tools needed to sustain utopia in the midst of hell.

Everyone who visits Disneyland arms themselves with trinkets to take home that routinely takes them back to the feelings and experiences of that trip. Likewise, so should you have paradigm shifters. When feelings of apathy, mediocrity, or indifference set up you can focus on those feelings that give you the strength to believe or take action.

While this knowledge will not change your world overnight it will impact the days and weeks ahead. Each day that you find the strength to confront your barriers, reach for your inner utopia, and shift your thoughts positively you are recreating your life. Once you have mastered this way of living you will truly live your best life in pursuit of your wildest dreams.

Learn more about LifeCoach Tanya Angelique at www.relationscriptsinc.com

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Darling,

open your eyes.

You are not made up of those words that hurt you. Or that number on the scale. Or the expectations that you feel you will never meet.

You are made up of nothing more than you.

Simply, beautifully, wonderfully, uniquely you.

You are a lovely and complex soul.

An individually fascinating combination of thoughts, ideas, feelings, emotions.

No other is as beautiful as you.

Look past the mirror.

Look at your soul.

Only then will you see yourself as you truly are.

Beautiful.

So smile! And don’t forget to

love yourself.

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PANTONE Colors for Spring 2014

Dazzling Blue

Radiant Orchid* Placid Blue

Freesia Violet Tulip

Celosia Orange Paloma

Cayenne

*Radiant Orchid is the “Color of the Year” for 2014

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Hemlock

Sand

Bright Bold

Beautiful

Women’s Elevation Magazine | 25

Are You Wearing Your

Oxygen Mask ? by: Sonja Smith Jones

E

very approaching Valentine’s Day the retail industry reminds us to show our

deepest affection to those we love the most, by giving cards, candy, flowers, or jewelry. Most of us are born nurturers; it is just innately in us. Even as little girls we took care of our dolls as if they were real babies. It is so easy to see and meet the needs of others, but what about that woman in the mirror who is tired, achy, and worn out? What about that reflection you see in the mirror, who is begging you to just stop, breathe and unwind?

The truth of the matter is we all need to master the Oxygen Mask Theory, which is the practice of saving yourself first, then subsequent others around you.

When I was single and living on my own, I was keen on nurturing myself simply because there was no one else around to do it. No one is going

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to give you permission to take time out for yourself; you just have to do it and the first step is simply making time to do so. Put yourself at the top of the “To Do” list.

In the days before marriage and motherhood, I prided myself on just loving and being happy with me. From time to time, I would buy myself flowers from the local grocery store, take bubble baths by candlelight (with a glass of merlot), all while listening to my favorite jazz. Every now and then, I would splurge on a trip to the spa and indulge in a massage. Then there were times when I would sit by the pool at my apartment complex with a juicy novel and just get lost in the story. Sometimes, I would play hooky from work to go to the first showing of a new movie, having the entire theatre to myself. Talk about a private screening! Another all-time favorite was putting on a music video channel and dancing like no one was watching, well, no one other than my cat, Victor Newman…but that’s another story. Ultimately, I realized that it was the little things that brought my heart the most joy and peace.

While I don’t have the luxury of as much free time now, I am enjoying the journey of “getting back to me’. My nurturing moments now consist of warm cup of tea, seasoned with a candy cane, just watching the fire in the fireplace; or massaging my feet with cocoa butter, and putting on a pair of ridiculously colored, fuzzy socks. Nurturing yourself doesn’t have to be expensive, it just has to bring you joy. Whether you are in a relationship or not, I challenge you to take time to value the one person on this Earth that you cannot live without…YOU; because you have to learn to love yourself before you can love anyone else or be of use to anyone else. Go ahead, put on your oxygen mask and start feeling better right now.

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Kelly Price Kelly Price sat down to talk with me (DeLisha Sylvester, Founder & CEO) in this interview to share with our readers her story. For those that do not know Ms. Price is a seven-time Grammy award nominee, a singer, a songwriter, a fellow Soror (Honorary Member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.), and one of the strongest women you could ever read about. If you tuned into R&B Divas LA you will note that Ms. Price shared with the world her

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life as a child. During her childhood she dealt with the experience of homelessness and sexual abuse at the hands of a family member.

She uses these tragedies to overcome and share with us her magnificent voice via song. Read on as she gives her testimony, talks the music industry, and how she has been able to stay relevant in such a fickle business.

WE Magazine: Hello, Ms. Price how are you?

K. Price: I am great how are you? Good morning‌well Good afternoon now.

WE Magazine: I am doing well. I know that you are strained for time so I will just jump right into it. I am so happy that you were able to do this interview.

I watched R&B Divas, and one of the things that I liked about you was that you really touched on your story. You talked about how you went from homelessness and being abused to now being one of the most successful artists in the music industry. How do you use those tragedies to keep you motivated to write music and do other projects?

K. Price: You know I have to honestly say that first of all what happened to me as a child has happened to a lot of people. And it is something that can be quite debilitating. I absolutely know that my faith, my faith in God, my Christian walk had a lot to do with me being able to take the anxiety and pain from those experiences and repurpose them.

I think that when you go through stuff like that there is one of two ways you can go. You can allow it to overpower your life and literally chart out a course for you that can lead to destruction or things that are nonproductive. For me I took all of those experiences and I channeled Women’s Elevation Magazine | 31

them. I was fortunate, I think everybody has a gift they just have to tap into what that is and figure out how they can utilize it to advance their own life. Mine was pretty obvious with singing and with being a writer. I started to write at such a young age. I started writing poetry and even just letters to myself, and that was a way that I could get it out before I knew that I could tell anybody about the things that were happening to me. So when I was happy I sang, but when I was angry or frustrated or any of those other [emotions] I sang also, and I would take everything that I was feeling and put it into that. Until this day I have never changed that particular formula. Everything that I am feeling I channel it into my creative process. To me that’s where the best of it can come out, and so it is a part of everything that I am.

It’s a part of everything that I do; the passion, everything that comes from that finds its way into the world best by being channeled through my creative process.

WE Magazine: One of the things that I really wanted to do with this issue was to use you as an inspiration to other women who have either gone or are currently going through the things that you went through. So beyond the celebrity, beyond the fame, and the voice who is Kelly Price? I know you’re a mom, you’re a wife, but who do you wish people would see you as when they see Kelly Price?

K. Price: Kelly Price is just a person. She is a mother, a daughter, a wife. I have the same issues that everybody else has. It just so happens that because of what I do for a living it puts me in front of the world and people have an opportunity to see it. I don’t esteem myself above other people I think that I am just like everybody else.

I just happened to have a talent that I use for 32 | Women’s Elevation Magazine

my life. And I want people to know that about me. That I am a person who is flawed, but I am a person who is gifted. I struggle with things but I am a fighter. I fight to overcome those things, and try to find the best outcome for myself.

I love to help other people, and I try to make that a part of everything that I do.

Even when I make my music, at points it’s very difficult. There are times when writing music [especially with] a lot of the songs particularly on this last album, that I thought about before putting them out because they were so deeply personal. Even the music is something that I do because I feel like it is something that is bigger than me. It’s for people who may not have a voice. It’s for people who may not have the opportunity. It’s for somebody to hear that I let it out so they need to talk about it. They need to tell [their story], they need to find a way to channel it, so that they can start to [really] live life.

That’s what I want people to know. I want people to know that I was somebody who lived and while I lived I tried to help somebody other than myself. There are things that I do simply because I know that they will help somebody other than myself. There are a lot of things that I have not done throughout my career because I felt like it would Women’s Elevation Magazine | 33

affect the people who watch me; for the people who look at me as an example for anything. So I want to be known not just as a girl that really could sing or had that song that made [them] feel some type of way. I want to be remembered as somebody that lived her life in an effort to help somebody else.

WE Magazine: That’s awesome and that is so well put. Like I said I learned a lot about you and I realized that there were things about you that I didn’t necessarily know because I am not involved in your everyday life. But you’ve definitely been a mentor and a voice of hope to young people. So what would you say to a young person that is looking to get into the industry today? I mean it’s changed so much from when I was a child, and I am not in the industry, but I can 34 | Women’s Elevation Magazine

tell the change has happened. What would you say to someone that wants to get into the music business now?

K. Price: Well I would tell them to merge the times and utilize them for their advantage. When I first came along we didn’t have Twitter, we didn’t have Facebook, and now people literally have the power of exposing themselves at their fingertips. If you can get to a cell phone or a computer or pretty much any electronic device, you have the opportunity for the world to see you. Utilize that, but use it responsibly.

Don’t put yourself out there in a way that you don’t want the world to know you as or to see you. Also be a student of the business. I think that electronics and technology have diminished the need in people’s minds to learn what the business is really about. So then they figure that if somebody just sees [them] that they don’t need to know how to do a record deal. Or what publishing is all about. Many people think that once they see [them] that they will be fabulous and they will be fine, but you do need to know what the business of the entertainment industry is. Or you will find yourself as the really talented person who finds themselves destitute in a few years. There is always somebody who would be willing to take on a talented person because for them they see an opportunity to make money with what someone else can do. But if you educate yourself you always position yourself to maximize from your own ability, and you get the most out of it. You don’t become just another person for someone else to be able to get rich off of.

So I would say [to anyone wanting to get into this industry] that they would have to educate themselves because it’s bigger than just being famous. What you want to do is change your life Women’s Elevation Magazine | 35

around for real. There’s a different from being rich and being famous.

There’s a difference between being wealthy and being famous. Some of the wealthiest people in the world live in obscurity and nobody knows who they are. You want to [make sure you] do what you love, and also change your life and live well from it too.

The best way to do that is to educate yourself, and own as much of yourself as you possibly can. Sometimes you have to go into partnerships with people, and allow them to buy into your publishing or buy into your music, but keep as much ownership of what’s yours as you possibly can.

Because in the end that’s what will feed you when you stop making records, when you don’t go on the road you’ll be able to collect money for songs that you’ve written. That’s very important. Those are things that they don’t teach artists, [that you should] own what is yours. It’s not just your song because you sing it; you own it because you wrote it or [because] you have an interest in the publishing. You can live off of that for the rest of your life, and if you are careful so can your children and your grandchildren. It’s one of the most valuable lessons that I’ve ever learned. And today I own my publishing and I’m grateful for it because when I don’t travel and when I don’t make records I still live because I have income from things that I wrote 15 years ago.

WE Magazine: That is good to hear that you own your own publishing!

That is not something that many people can say. You mentioned image and not wanting people to see certain aspects of you. How have you been able to stay so relevant in the music industry? Because like I just said it’s changed so much, and it seems that people are wearing less and less clothing. The musical content has also changed from when I was a kid. So how are you able to combat all of that? It’s got to be hard.

K. Price: Well, I came into this business as a big girl. Therefore, wearing little to no clothing was never an option for me that was never going 36 | Women’s Elevation Magazine

to happen. But the great thing about it was that I had an opportunity to step into this business, and prove that a voice and a great song have staying power. So having a voice and really working on my craft has been my foundation. Having songs that have staying power, you know people still listen to the songs from the first record and they love them. That’s amazing because we are now looking at 15 years ago that these songs were released. Looking at them from the time that I’d written them it is even longer than that. So I’ve been able to tap into a world of releasing timeless music [where] the messages remain relevant even if the sound changes. If you are saying something that is relevant because the message is timeless then you can still bring that back over and over again. And I think the other thing is having good relationships. I’ve been able to maintain great relationships in this industry that have spanned more than 20 years. These are people that I speak to not even every day, but because of the integrity between us they can pick up the phone at any time and call me. They can say “Hey Kelly I need this” or I can pick up the phone and say “Hey I need this.” Because every time I do something they know that it is on the up and up. That’s the other thing I would tell people. It is important to maintain your integrity and maintain your relationships because when the winds of the industry do change, people will remember you from the last time heard you or saw you. If the last time they heard you or dealt with you was a pleasant experience then they’ll never have a problem with coming back to do business with you again. So, that’s been a great thing for me because I have always been able to go back to people because I’ve always done right by people.

WE Magazine: Well Ms. Price I really appreciate this interview, you’ve been one of the nicest persons I’ve interviewed.

K. Price: Aww thank you.

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Created, Written and Produced by Grammy Award Winner Kelly Price, Too FAT for Fame will follow the lives of several individuals who are struggling to make their dreams come true in Hollywood. They are big on talent, big on drive and in the eyes of many...too BIG to make it in the world of entertainment.

You can stay updated here https://www.facebook.com/TooFatForFame/info

WE Magazine: I really appreciate it you were so sweet, I love your music I’ve been listening since I was a kid and I am 26 now. Please enjoy your day and anything I can do for you let me know!

K. Price: Thank you so much…well one thing if you will allow me to mention.

WE Magazine: Yes, yes of course!

K. Price: Please let your readers know about “Too Fat for Fame” it’s my own reality show that’s coming out and you can go to the website www.toofatforfame.com to get all the details. It is specifically for plus size men and women looking to break into the business.

WE Magazine: We will definitely share that! Thank you so much Ms. Price and have a great day!

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• Feature of the Month •

If you haven’t already you should check out Aquila Monsels also known as The Fashion Preacher. She has an awesome blog that features not only her fashion sense, but also her natural hair styles! What we love about her the most that she keeps her blog up to date with the latest fashion and beautifully taken photographs. Her goal is to “inspire women who love fashion as much as [she] does” Keep up with her by checking her out on Instagram @TheFashionPreacher and her blog www.thefashionpreacher. blogspot.com.

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“You Love the Campaign...

The Movement is coming soon...”

Website: www.beboldbeyoubenatural.com Instagram: @NaturallyMeWeMagazine Twitter: @NaturallyMe_WEM Facebook: www.facebook.com/beboldbeyoubenatural

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February Spiritual Corner

Do you love yourself? I’m not promoting being vain or obsessed with yourself. . . but can you recognize and appreciate your qualities? Do you recognize your value?

I truly believe that a relationship with God can help us to recognize our own worth and establish a healthy sense of love for ourselves. If we care about someone, we’ll most likely cherish and want to protect them. We should be grateful for our lives and desire to make the most of them.

Realizing that we have been created in God’s image should remind us that there’s no need to compare ourselves to others. If we focus on the world’s messages, we’ll always be more concerned that there’s someone prettier, smarter or popular instead of the fact the fact that God views us as His masterpiece. How amazing is that?

Considering the fact that God has given us a specific purpose in the earth should remind us that not everyone is meant to be connected to us. No one deserves automatic access to your life- just because they may be drawn to you. Be selective about who you surround yourself with. Either you’ll influence them or they will be able to influence you.

Knowing that we can go to God in prayer about any and everything should cause you to be able to forgive yourself. Sometimes we make choices that aren’t the best. Whether you want to reflect on your academic career, business ideas or friendships/relationships, we don’t always get it right. As women, we sometimes

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have a harder time than males when it comes down to moving on from hurtful situations and disappointments.

Rather than beating yourself up over a past mistake, take the opportunity to live, learn and grow. Pray to God for wisdom and guidance so that you won’t make the same mistakes in the future. If God forgives us for our mistakes, we should be able to do the same!

If you truly love God, you will accept His Word over anyone else’s. People will project their thoughts and opinions onto you but you don’t have to accept them.

Some may try to kill your goals and dreams but you’ve probably already heard that nothing is impossible with God {Luke 1:37- The Holy Bible; KJV}.

I encourage you to grow in your love for God and you’ll see that your love for yourself will also increase. Once you love yourself, you make it easier for others to love you as well. Let me leave you with this . . .

“I will not be bound by fear, guilt or pressure from other people’s expectations or opinions of me. I will live by faith!

All things are possible with God. As long as there is breath in my body, every single day is an opportunity to fulfill His purpose for my live. . . I will always remember that I AM LOVED!” {I Am Loved- Kara L. Frison} 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 learn about her organization- Ladies of Virtue. . . Empowered! (for women - 14 & older) by visiting www.facebook.com/ LadiesOfVirtueEmpowered.

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