www.WomensElevationMagazine.com
WElevate. WEpromote. WEinspire.
3
To Be Or Not? | January Issue 2014
Hot looks for cool weather
To be or Not to be? Interested in starting your own small business? Read This!
New Year
New Chapter
WEIGHT LOSS SUCCESS Yes you CAN!
Jacqueline
Entrepreneur Spotlight Twillie
Tiffney Cambridge
Educator. Mother. Star of Reality TV Show “Marrying The Game.”
Read on as Tiffney talks her brand, her life, and her hopes for the future.
in this issue
IN EVERY ISSUE 4 message from the founder What do you want to accomplish this year?
12 recipes Delicious recipes for any occasion
16 to be or not to be? Article by Tanya Angelique
24 get these looks 3 Hot Looks
38 do you really want success? Article by Tosh Patterson
45 spiritual corner Article by Kara Frison
FEATURES 6 jacqueline twillie Entrepreneur spotlight
28 cover story: tiffney cambridge Mother. Teacher. Activist.
in this issue
contributors
THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS Kara Frison WE Magazine contributing writer www.softwordsbrighteyes.blogspot.com
Tanya Angelique Owner of RelationScripts www.tanyaangelique.com
Tosh Patterson WE Magazine’s Chief Healthnista www.toshpatterson.com
Shannon Clark Graphic Designer www.srichardscreative.com
WElevate. WEpromote. WEinspire. www.WomensElevationMagazine.com
From the Founder
DELISHA SYLVESTER
With the start of a new year we always say thank you to our followers, both new and old, for allowing us to continue to inspire you with stories of positivity. We start this year off not with resolutions but with the hope that whatever it is that we want to do we get up and do it. Resolutions are often meant to be broken. Usually disregarded by the start of Spring; this year I challenge you to plan and execute. Do not waste time formulating lists of things that you know that you will more than likely not accomplish. Focus on that one thing that you want and use this year to put a major dent in accomplishing it. We will be here along the way inspiring, elevating, and promoting positive images of women that are walking right alongside you. With that, and as always‌
DeLisha
Happy Reading!
4 | Women’s Elevation Magazine
6 | Women’s Elevation Magazine
Entrepreneur Spotlight
Jacqueline Twillie
MBA
Author of Navigating the Career Jungle: A Guide for Young Professionals
Jacqueline Twillie is a speaker, blogger, and career coach. Her first book, Navigating the Career Jungle will be published in the Spring 2014. She has a corporate background working for organizations such as Victoria Secret, Gannett, and AT&T. Her mission is to help elevate the careers of young professionals by bridging the gap between who they are and who they want to become. Jacqueline is a native of Slidell, Louisiana. She received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Marketing from Southeastern Louisiana University In 2007. Two years later she received a Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in leadership from Tiffin University in Ohio. WE Magazine had a chance to interview Twillie on her journey and what inspires her while she travels on her journey as an entrepreneur. Women’s Elevation Magazine | 7
WE Magazine: What inspired you to get into the business/field you are in? J. Twillie: I was inspired to start coaching because I had access to information that many people I grew up with didn’t have access to. I wanted to share the knowledge I had received with others. I worked at an IT staffing firm for a year and I learned a lot about what Fortune 500 companies look for in employees. The information I learned I shared with my close friends when they were job hunting and then they referred me to others. WE Magazine: How have your entrepreneurial motivations changed since you first started? J. Twillie: My motivations have grown from simply sharing information to actually providing the steps and tools necessary for individuals to reach their career goals. In addition, I strive for excellence in everything I do and that means in the services I provide. I am pushing myself harder that I provide a greater value to my clients. WE Magazine: What is your favorite quote/mantra to go by as you reach for the stars? J. Twillie: We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. ~ Aristotle WE Magazine: entrepreneur?
What’s
your
most
memorable
experience
as
an
J. Twillie Hearing my family members say that they are proud of me is one of the most memorable experiences as an entrepreneur. Family keeps you grounded and they are always there for you whether good or bad. So it is especially rewarding to be able to share the joyous moments with them. It also is always memorable when you accomplish things that people tried to discourage you from doing.
8 | Women’s Elevation Magazine
{
I am a firm believer that your work and your deeds should speak for itself, and that is what I strive to do.
}
Women’s Elevation Magazine | 9
WE Magazine: Where do you see your business in five years? J. Twillie: In five years I see my business blossoming into full service boutique career firm. I want to be able to coach professionals to reach the CSuite or to start their own businesses. I want to train career coaches to work in my business and continue to provide excellent service to our clients. I believe that the career “ladder” will disappear and it will become increasing important for professionals to learn how to be successful in the career jungle. In my business now we are educating professionals on how to do that. WE Magazine: How would you like people to remember you and your company? J. Twillie: I would like people to remember me and my company by the excellent service that they receive from working with us. I am a firm believer that your work and your deeds should speak for itself, and that is what I strive to do. WE Magazine: What popular entrepreneurial advice do you disagree with? J. Twillie: I believe that each person has a unique journey on the road to entrepreneurship the advice that works for me may not work for the next person and vice versa. With that being said you have to use common sense and go with your gut when it comes to taking advice. I think it’s also important to remember that advice is just that advice you can take it or you can leave it. For more information on Jacqueline Twillie check out her website http://jacquelinetwillie.com/. You can also find her on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JacquelineTwillie Twitter: https://twitter.com/JVTWILLIE 10 | Women’s Elevation Magazine
a love note to entrepreneurs. DO YOUR BEST WORK.
TOUCH ONE PERSON.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO A HANDFUL.
BUILD A LEGACY, NOT JUST AN EMPIRE.
KEEP YOUR VALUES FRONT AND CENTRE.
LAUNCH IDEAS FROM THE HEART.
SEE THE WORLD AS IT ISN’T.
MAKE PASSION YOUR MASTER.
ALLOW POSSIBILITY TO FEED YOUR SOUL.
CREATED BY STRIKINGTRUTHS.COM
Women’s Elevation Magazine | 11
Recipes
for every occasion!
12 | Women’s Elevation Magazine
Instructions 1. Cook orzo according to package directions until about half way done. Drain and set aside. 2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven. Sauté yellow onion, garlic and half of the green onions in the olive oil for 2-3 minutes until the onions are opaque and fragrant. 3. Add carrots, ranch mix and 2 tablespoons cilantro. Stir to combine and sauté until the carrots begin to soften.
Buffalo chicken soup with orzo Cook time: 30 mins Total time: 30 mins Serves: 4
Ingredients
4. Add chicken broth, buffalo sauce, cheddar, parmesan and shredded chicken. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, until the carrots are tender, but still have a slight bite.
1/2 cup uncooked orzo pasta
5. Bring the soup to a boil, add the underdone orzo and stir frequently until orzo is al dente.
2 teaspoons ranch dressing seasoning mix
6. Serve with sliced green onions, additional cilantro and blue cheese crumbles.
2/3 cup Frank’s Buffalo Wing Sauce
Notes Store-bought ranch dressing mix would be a great substitute if you prefer to not make it. If you don’t have any orzo on hand, switch it out with your favorite pasta, or choose rice or quinoa.
2 cups cooked chicken, cubed or shredded
2 teaspoons olive oil 1/4 cup yellow onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 2 medium carrots, peeled, and cut into half moons 3 tablespoons cilantro, divided 32 ounces chicken stock 4 ounces cheddar cheese, grated 4 ounces parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup green onions, chopped and divided 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
Adapted from: Running to the Kitchen Author: Bake Your Day
Women’s Elevation Magazine | 13
Instructions
Asian salmon with rice noodles and asparagus Prep Time: 40 minutes Yield: Makes 4 servings
Ingredients For salmon: 2 tablespoons sesame oil 3 tablespoons honey 4 tablespoons soy sauce (if you want to make this dish gluten-free, make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce, not a regular one) 4 tablespoons rice vinegar 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced A pinch of ginger (powdered) 1 and 1/4 pounds salmon For rice noodles and asparagus: 8 ounces very thin rice noodles 1 bunch fresh asparagus salt & pepper a drizzle of olive oil
To cook prepare the marinade and cook salmon: 1) To prepare the marinade, in a medium bowl, combine the sesame oil, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, a pinch of ginger and whisk to blend. 2) Place salmon in a baking dish, skinside down. Pour the marinade over the salmon, cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. 3) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake the salmon uncovered for 15 minutes at 350 degrees in the same baking dish in which you marinated it. Remove the salmon from the oven, pour the marinade from the baking dish into a small saucepan. Preheat the broiler. 4) Slide the spatula under the salmon the remove the skin. Broil salmon (without the marinade or the skin) for about 5 minutes (or more, depending on your broiler), until it caramelizes nicely. Remove from pan. 5) While the salmon is broiling, reduce the sauce (the marinade) in the sauce pan on the stove top by boiling it down a little bit. Be careful – don’t over do it – reduce it just a bit to have enough to pour over each of 4 serving of fish. During your salmon preparation process (baking and broiling) prepare rice noodles and asparagus: 1) Cook very thin rice noodles according to package instructions, drain. 2) Place asparagus in a glass baking dish, season with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil. Bake at 350 degrees (at the same time with salmon, but in a separate dish), until soft but still crispy. To serve:
Adapted from: http://juliasalbum.com/2013/10/asiansalmon-with-rice-noodles-and-asparagus/ 14 | Women’s Elevation Magazine
1) Place a scoop of rice noodles in the center of each serving plate. Put several sprigs of asparagus on the side. Place a serving of salmon on top of noodles. Pour the condensed sauce on top.
Instructions For Crispy Parmesan Chicken: Spread flour in a shallow dish. Beat eggs in a second shallow dish. Combine panko and Parmesan in a third shallow dish. Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Working 1 cutlet at a time, dredge cutlets in flour, dip in egg, then coat with panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Heat 3 Tablespoons oil in a 12inch nonstick skillet set to medium heat. Once hot, cook 2 cutlets at a time until golden brown and crisp, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and place in a warm oven (170-200 degrees) to keep warm. Repeat with 3 Tablespoons oil and remaining cutlets. If desired, place sliced cheese on top of chicken cutlets before placing in warm oven. Before serving, top with warm balsamic roasted tomatoes and chopped fresh parsley. For Balsamic Roasted Tomatoes: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Toss together tomatoes, garlic, vinegar and olive oil on a medium baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes, until the tomatoes are tender. Halfway through cooking, give the pan a gentle shake to coat tomatoes in balsamic mixture. Remove from oven and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Serve warm over chicken cutlets.
Crispy Parmesan Chicken with
Balsamic Roasted Tomatoes Yield: Makes 4 servings
Ingredients For Crispy Parmesan Chicken: 1/2 cup all purpose flour 2 large eggs 1 cup panko breadcrumbs 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese 4 (4 ounce) chicken cutlets, 1/2 inch thick, trimmed of fat Salt and pepper 7 Tablespoons olive oil, divided 4 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese, optional 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley For Balsamic Roasted Tomatoes: 1 1/2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1 Tablespoon olive oil Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper
http://www.thecomfortofcooking.com/ 2013/12/crispy-parmesan-chicken-withbalsamic-roasted-tomatoes.html
Pinch of Italian seasoning Women’s Elevation Magazine | 15
To be or Not to By Tanya Angelique, MBA
A
re you interested in starting your own small business?
If you are, you may already have your mind made up. If you are still toying with the idea of starting your own small business, you may be wondering whether or not your dream is one that should stay a dream or one that could actually become a profitable reality. 16 | Women’s Elevation Magazine
r o be? Women’s Elevation Magazine | 17
18 | Women’s Elevation Magazine
To help you decide on whether or not you should start a small business, you may want to examine the pros and cons of doing so. These pros and cons may help make it easier for you to decide whether or not a small business is right for you. A few of the most important small business pros and cons are touched on below. Perhaps, the biggest pro or plus side to starting your own business is the fact that you will be achieving a dream of yours. There are many individuals who have a dream to start their own business, but many rarely end up doing so. One of the reasons for that is fear. Many are afraid of failure. Yes, you and your business venture may fail, but many say the ride was worth taking, no matter how good or bad the outcome turned out to be. Another pro or plus side to starting your own business is type of businesses that you could start. For instance, did you know that you could open up your craft store, run a payroll processing company, start a dog grooming salon, or start your own hair salon?
Perhaps, the biggest pro or plus side to starting your own business is the fact that you will be achieving a dream of yours.
Women’s Elevation Magazine | 19
When it comes to starting your own business, you will find that the possibilities are literally endless. In connection with the types of businesses that you can start, did you also know that those businesses can be run in different ways? For instance, if you are interested in opening up a Barber’s shop or even a hair salon, did you know that you could rent your own commercial building space or even run the business out of your home for a while? Also, depending on the type of business you run, you may even be able to have an online store. In fact, it is not uncommon for many small business owners, who sell products, to have storefront retail stores, as well as online retail stores.
One of those challenges is the fact that there are not really any guarantees.
20 | Women’s Elevation Magazine
Once again, the possibilities are basically endless. Although there a number of pros or plus sides to starting your own small business, you will also find that there a number of challenges or cons to doing so as well. One of those challenges is the fact that there are not really any guarantees. Sometimes even the best small business plans fail. There a lot of factors that go into determining whether or not a business can be a profitable one, like the ability to reach the targeted market, startup costs, monthly expenses, and location.
DREAM BIG Women’s Elevation Magazine | 21
Follow your passion and accept that dreams require a risk, sacrifice and hard work.
While there are steps that you can take to help improve your chances of success, there are still no guarantees. Another one of the cons or downsides to starting a small business is the startup money needed. Yes, there are some businesses that have smaller startup costs than others, but almost all small businesses do have startup costs. The good news though is that if you don’t have the required funds, you may be able to obtain financing for your small business project. The only thing is that you need to have good credit to do so. So, if your credit currently isn’t in good standing, you may want to think about working on it now. The sooner you get your credit repaired, if it needs to be, the sooner, you can start opening up your small business. There are also grant options to aid in business start-ups. The above mentioned pros and cons are just a few of the many associated with trying to start your own small business. In all honesty, you may want to think about creating your own pros and cons list. If the pros outweigh the cons, starting your own business may be something that you should consider doing. Either way, follow your passion and accept that dreams require a risk, sacrifice and hard work. www.relationscriptsinc.com 22 | Women’s Elevation Magazine
t e G e s e h TLooks! 24 | Women’s Elevation Magazine
Jane Norman shirt top $17 JANENORMAN.CO.UK
Wallis military coat $78 WALLISFASHION.COM
EKYOG slim jeans $98 PLACEDESTENDANCES.COM
Wear to Work
Monki glove $8.27 MONKI.COM
Object Collectors Item black beret $8.68 OBJECTCI.COM
Alexander Wang leather shoulder bag $875 SHOPMRSH.COM
Wedge heel boots WHOLESALE-DRESS.NET
Map Handkerchief - New York $13 MUJI.US Women’s Elevation Magazine | 25
c i s s a Cl
MSGM lace up dress $580 FLANNELSFASHION.COM
Burberry black velvet coat $745 FLANNELSFASHION.COM
Yves Saint Laurent high heel platform pumps $795 YSL.COM
Perrin pouch purse $895 MODAOPERANDI.COM 26 | Women’s Elevation Magazine
French Connection top $30 USA.FRENCHCONNECTION.COM
Print blazer $47 SHEINSIDE.COM
Fun
Elastic waist pants $17 BANKFASHION.CO.UK
Knee high boots $48 OVERSTOCK.COM
Lulu Townsend purple purse
Blue Nile sterling silver earrings
STONE pendant necklace
$50 DSW.COM
$99 BLUENILE.COM
$1,551 MYTHERESA.COM
Women’s Elevation Magazine | 27
Tiffney Cambrid Tiffney
Cambridge is an African-American, television personality – co-star of VH1’s hit reality series, “Marrying the Game.” A Los Angeles, CA native, born and raised in Inglewood, CA. Tiffney is well educated, holding a Master’s degree in Multicultural Education, which she earned from the University Of Southern California. WE Magazine had a chance to sit down and talk with Ms. Cambridge right before she attended DC’s For Sisters Only event back in November.
28| Women’s Elevation Magazine
dge Women’s Elevation Magazine | 29
WE Magazine: I am going to jump right in because I know that you are on tight schedule, first off thank you for taking this interview. I want to start off with the fact that I did not know that you have a Masters’ Degree! In doing my research I found out you have a degree in Multicultural Education and I thought that was just great. T. Cambridge: Yes, I am a schoolteacher. The University of Southern California offered a wonderful program where you can get your Masters’ at the same time of getting your teaching credentials. I was truly blessed to go straight through school, complete my undergraduate, and then go right into getting my Masters’ while getting my teaching credentials so I didn’t have that break. I taught while I was in school so it was like I was getting on hand experience at the same time. WE Magazine: I have a lot of friends that are involved in the program “Teaching for America” and I think they are kind of setup similar where you can get training while teaching. How long have you been teaching? T. Cambridge: I have been teaching for 16 years… 30 | Women’s Elevation Magazine
WE Magazine: Wow, and what grade level has been your primary focus? T. Cambridge: This year I am teaching third grade, but over the course of the 16 years I have taught second grade, combination classes or second and third up to sixth grade. But the majority of my time has been spent with third, that’s the grade I really like. WE Magazine: You are truly with the kids (laughs). I’m trying to figure out how you do that. T. Cambridge: Yes, (laughs) I have the little ones. WE Magazine: Yes, I mean you have the little ones there and then the little ones at home. They are so cute by the way! T. Cambridge: I never have a moment that does not include a child (laughs). WE Magazine: I wanted to be a teacher when I was younger but quickly learned I don’t have the patience. I have a two year old now and I barely keep up. T. Cambridge: I really like kids though… WE Magazine: I like my own the most (laughs). My one little girl, she’s turning two in December, and she’s enough. T. Cambridge: She’s still in the cute stage. WE Magazine: Oh yes, she’s in her “No” and “Mine” phase right now. But your life has really taken a different direction. I mean you’ve been pushed into the limelight because of the show on VH1, which I religiously watched for both the first and second season. I loved it, it was great, and I am secretly hoping that you both get married (laughs). But I won’t go deep into that topic. I wanted to ask you why you allowed your life to be public because it definitely opens you up to a lot of opinions both negative and positive from the audience. So why did you allow people to come in and see your life with Mr. Taylor? T. Cambridge: Well it started out as maybe a three or four episode show that was just going to show Jay (Jayceon Taylor aka The Game) and I getting prepared to get married, but then after I called the wedding off it spun into this whole “Marrying the Game” series that’s on TV now. When it was first starting out I wasn’t mad about Women’s Elevation Magazine | 31
having the cameras around. You know filming me getting ready and my day to day actions because I thought it was just going to be a little short series. But you know how TV is. When the drama came and the wedding was called off it became something they really wanted to be a part of… WE Magazine: Of course… T. Cambridge: So that’s really how we kind of unfolded and then one thing led to another and we finished season one of us not getting married as you all saw. Then everyone wanted us to come back for another season, and now we’re just trying to figure out what direction we’re going to go in or whether or not we’re going to call it good with season two, and for me go back to my private life... WE Magazine: And get married (laughs)…I’m pushing that… T. Cambridge: That is the million dollar question… WE Magazine: Looking in, and I am an outsider looking in, and I understand where you are coming from to some extent because I have been engaged for three years and the question of “When are you getting married?” inevitably always comes up. I mean eventually you know that you want to walk down the aisle with the one you love, it’s just the “When?” that is always the hard part. So I totally understand that side of it. T. Cambridge: People are more concerned with the actual date of when I am going to get married than I am. I think when I postponed the wedding it took a lot of the pressure I was feeling off of me. I was really, really under a lot of pressure and stress going through that whole process so after the wedding was postponed that stress was released. I am really comfortable with the space I’m in and I am not in any sort of race to get to the altar. I know that I will get there, but I know that I am just not pressured and stressed about it. WE Magazine: I agree and can you call my friends and tell them that same speech. Tell them to back up (laughs). No I am just kidding, but in calling off the wedding in the public eye you have been subject to some really crazy comments that come out of people’s mouth that don’t even know you. How are you able to positively just shake that off? T. Cambridge: You know I don’t really get into a lot of issues when I’m out in public. Everyone is really warm and kind to me. I know that the blogs are more prone to 32 | Women’s Elevation Magazine
talk about you negatively, but I think that that’s something that just comes along with the territory. It doesn’t feel good, and it’s hurtful for people to talk about you. They don’t know you and they don’t know your experiences, but I think that with every ounce of negative you get such an overwhelming sense of positivity from people. So I just try to focus on the good things, I focus on the people that appreciate me and understand my story, understand my relationship struggles, and that relate to me. So I just focus on that group as opposed to focusing on the negative. WE Magazine: And I think that is the best way to look at it. I just wanted to ask for young women like myself who are in relationships and are looking to take that next step towards marriage what type of advice would you give to those women? A lot of young women are just rushing to get to the altar and they may not be thinking of all the variables. To see someone in the limelight that started to plan a wedding, and then stopped to consider all of the variables is very powerful. T. Cambridge: I think that everyone gets caught up with having a wedding and you have to look at the actual marriage and the commitment. You have to look at what you’re committing yourself to. I feel like I take it really seriously because I am making the commitment to this person in front of my family, my friends, and most importantly God. I want to respect that commitment, and I want the person that I marry to also honor and respect that. So I think that when you think past the actual day and the glamour and the glitz that comes with it and really get into the relationship you are going to be in for an extended period of time you really have to think about that. You have to come to terms with whether or not this is the person that you want to commit to and spend the rest of your life with. Women’s Elevation Magazine | 33
You have to look at the big picture, and not get caught up and thinking you have to. As women we get to a point in life where we want to be mothers, we want to be married, and have that life. But you have to look past that, like 15 years past that and evaluate the situation for its authenticity to see if this going to be something that will work for you. WE Magazine: I completely agree with that statement I feel like a lot of people just get hooked on that wedding portion, and don’t look 50 years down the line when you hopefully still want to be with that person. Life can take you through a lot of changes and you need someone that is going to be there with you not someone that is going to run away as soon as there is a problem. So I completely agree with that advice, it was well said. Switching subjects for a second I mentioned before the two adorable children that you have. They are so adorable! So you are a schoolteacher, you have two children, and you’re working on numerous projects how do you do all that and still stay afloat and what are you currently working on? T. Cambridge: Well I’m a school teacher so I am writing children’s books. The title of my series is going to be How the Little Girl Lost Her Smile; it’s basically about a student of mine that lost her smile because she dealt with a few traumatic experiences in her life. She started out with this big beautiful smile in kindergarten but as the years passed I noticed that her smile had gone from this big beautiful expression to this sadness. I looked into this little girl, went through her student file, and talked with her parents to really get to the bottom of what happened to her. So that’s where I got the idea to write the children’s book
34 | Women’s Elevation Magazine
from, but writing the book truly comes naturally to me. I like reading, writing, and teaching literature so the book I can kind of do with the kids that I’m working with now and my kids at home. Now the reality show part of it comes with its challenges. You know having the cameras there and then working full time as well is challenging. I think the key to it is being organized. I have a really strong support system around me and people that help me with the kids or with my schedule. I’m an early riser, so I’m up early, I get my kids up and I’m out the door by 8. After school I have a couple of hours to myself before my children get home and then once they’re home its mommy mode. So that’s a typical day, and then you throw reality television in the mix it’s a lot to juggle, but I have been blessed to be able to put it all together. WE Magazine: It’s great that you have a support system. It’s really important in order to be able to work and do what needs to be done. Especially when your significant other is travelling or always on the go because of work which I completely understand. My fiancé does similar work so I get it. You also have to be used to be alone while your significant other is working. T. Cambridge: It’s not easy when your partner or your spouse is gone like that. It’s not that you’re a single mother, but it can feel like that sometimes especially when they are gone like that. WE Magazine: Yes that’s one of the first things you have to learn is to be comfortable being alone. I learned early on you have to be used to that and not planning vacations (laughs). I want to talk a little bit about your mother because you joined forces with The Fearless Movement in support of breast cancer in October. Your mother passed from breast cancer am I correct?
Women’s Elevation Magazine | 35
T. Cambridge: Yes she did. My mom has been gone for nine years now. November 1st made nine years since her passing. She survived for years with breast cancer. My grandmother also succumbed to it. So that explains why I am so adamant about supporting breast cancer awareness and breast health care. I am really an advocate for women to get out and get tested early. WE Magazine: It’s very important especially for African American women. My mother was just diagnosed with breast cancer so I agree with getting tested early. What other things are you doing to bring awareness to breast cancer? T. Cambridge: October was a really busy month for me. I worked with The Fearless Movement, and I really just got out into my community. I teach at a minority school so I got out with the parents both the women and men because it’s affects men as well. I just got out there and asked have you had your mammogram? Have you gone out and gotten tested for the various cancers that can affect you? Then I also worked with The Denise Roberts Breast Cancer Foundation which is based in Los Angeles. It supports minority women fighting breast cancer. I’ve also been doing some speaking engagements so that I can really be a face for it. I have a girlfriend who was 36 years old, with a four year old son, and was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had to have both of her breast removed, go through reconstructive surgery, and she’s younger than me. So I just really want to be the face for young women to know don’t wait until you’re 45 to go get tested, start the process now. It’s about being proactive. WE Magazine: That’s exactly right it’s important to be proactive that was one of the first my mother said to me was to start getting myself check because she was the first to get it. If she could get it what’s to say I couldn’t. You mentioned The Fearless 36 | Women’s Elevation Magazine
Movement and I wanted to talk a little bit more about that and your role. For those that don’t know about it, share with us what it strives to do? T. Cambridge: The Fearless Movement is an organization that supports women living without fear. It’s truly about empowering women and motivating women to go out and support each other as well. We don’t want to be negative we want to inspire others and be positive. I was so proud to be the spokesperson for the month of October to really encourage women to be fearless in going to get checked for breast cancer. WE Magazine: Well we appreciate you being a part of teaching women the value of their life, and how to protect themselves. Thank you being a part of this interview. I want to end with a question regarding women in the media. How do you feel about the status of women in the media and how do you feel about where your position is in the media? T. Cambridge: I think that it’s important that we govern ourselves and that we really try to portray ourselves in a positive light for the young ladies that are looking up to us. I’m proud that I’ve been able to present a positive image of a strong working woman who is a mother. I am a woman who is independent and really able to have a voice of her own. So I really appreciate the fact that people appreciate me for that and really recognize that in me. I think as women we should be there to encourage each other and not tear each other down. WE Magazine: Well said, well thank you for being a part of this interview. I love the show and love what you’re doing. I hope that you have a wonderful time in our nation’s capital. T. Cambridge: Thank you for having me. You have a good one.
Women’s Elevation Magazine | 37
38 | Women’s Elevation Magazine
y l l a e R u o Y o D ? s s e c c u S t n a W By Tosh Patterson
See the question isn’t “Do you want it?”
Of course you want it. The question is “Do you want to WORK to get it?” I know. I speak from experience. Sometimes I want the rewards and the glory without putting in too much work. And if you’re anything like me you want awesome results without putting in the work. In 2013 you may have made a commitment to be healthier. In 2013 you may have vowed to lose weight. In 2013 you may have started your goals, but didn’t finish them. And guess what…SO
WHAT?! Women’s Elevation Magazine | 39
Here’s how you can stop beating yourself up over what didn’t happen in 2013; start with these three actions:
Step One
Create a vision board. Get clear about what you intend to accomplish for your health, both physically and mentally, this year. Research shows that written and visually displayed goals are more likely to happen.
Ask for support. Stop trying to do it all alone. Who can support you either in-person or online? You need accountability AND support. Take time to identify at least one person or community of like minded thinkers to help you keep the wellness goal alive.
40 | Women’s Elevation Magazine
Step Two
Step Three
Focus on changing one thing. Your instinct may be to drink more water, exercise daily, eat perfectly, sleep 8 hours‌and on and on, but the reality you have to master one good habit before you can incorporate another new habit.
When you take on too much and attempt to be perfect, the likely outcome is frustration so you throw in the towel all together. Let this year be different by focusing on being consistent with one healthy habit like working out daily; once that happens consistently for 30 days, then focus on the next healthy habit. This approach will ensure longterm success instead of yo-yo dieting.
Women’s Elevation Magazine | 41
NOW is the time to step up to the plate (literally & figuratively) and take responsibility for yourself and your life. You deserve vibrant health! In 2014 you need a roadmap. In 2014 you need a system to ensure your success. In 2014 you need to be willing to do the work of making yourself a priority! If you want weightless resources, please visit www.toshpatterson.com to get “7 Waistline Tips Checklist”
Chief Healthinista at Be Well, Eat Well, Live Well Mobile: 202.656.5866 Email: info@toshpatterson.com Blog: www.toshpatterson.com Struggling to Lose Weight? Tired of Your Routine? Schedule FREE 15 Minute Discovery Session with me http://bit.ly/17o97zY & we’ll get the scale moving again!
42 | Women’s Elevation Magazine
Creativity. Design. Branding. Bringing web design to businesses and professionals e-mail: bealorel@gmail.com with inquiry about your next web page www.laurenbealore.com
January Spiritual Corner
Moving Forward
Embracing the New Chapter in Your Life
Happy New Year! I hope you’re excited about it! This time of the year can take on different meanings for different people. Some are anxious to say goodbye to the last 12 months and the events while others look at it as a time of new beginnings. I want to encourage you to embrace this time as the start of a new chapter in the story of your life. As you may know, a vital part of the writing process is reviewing your work and making necessary revisions. We can apply this principle to our lives as well. Are there aspects of your life from the last year that you weren’t happy with? Well here’s something to think about. “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” If you know that something ‘didn’t work’ for you, make a conscious effort not to repeat that not-so-good decision. Trust me. I understand that we cannot control everything. Ultimately, our lives are in God’s hands. However, we have the ability to pray for wisdom and guidance. And if God gives it to us, we should use it! In this new chapter of your life, please give yourself credit and trust your gut! Remember that there is a purpose for your life and during this journey; you’ll deal with a variety of situations. The things that you’ll experience and the people
you’ll encounter will either cause you to be bitter or better. Please choose the LATTER. I pray that you’ll also tap into your purpose. Recognize what you were created to do and walk in it. Be willing to encourage your friends and family members to do the same! Find an accountability partner to keep you on track with whatever resolutions or goals that you set for yourself. We may face setbacks and times of disappointment but we can encourage ourselves by remembering that God is with us. We can lean on His strength whenever we feel weak. Decide how you want the story of your life to read and go after it! The sky is the limit and with God, nothing is impossible! “I will no longer be defined by what someone else believes that I am. Now that I have dropped the weight. . . I am light as a feather. It’s time to elevate. Soulbird rise. Lift your eyes. Spread your wings. Prepare to fly. This is the moment of your life. Go ahead and fly.” {Soulbird Rise- India.Arie} 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. Women’s Elevation Magazine | 45