Girls who ROCK: Alyssa, Educator and Author

Meet Alyssa, a Bowie State graduate with a degree in Elementary Education. She currently teaches 4th grade in Prince George's County Maryland and is the Author of a childrens book: "Rayna Tenay and the Very Bad Hair Week." Learn more about what inspired her to write a book dedicated to African American children with natural hair. Also,1 lucky winner will receive a free copy of Alyssa's book, "Rayna Tenay and the Very Bad Hair Week." Check details below. 

Why do you ROCK!
I rock because I am uniquely me. 6'0 tall and curly hair and one of the most personable people you will ever meet. I have a great sense of humor and love to laugh. 

About her book: 
My book is one of a future series about a little girl named Rayna Tenay. She decides one day that she doesn't want her hair braided because it's too much of a hassle. She goes through an itchy and soapy experience trying to do her hair herself. It's a funny story!

What inspired you to write this story?
My inspiration behind it was my students. I wanted to write about something the little African American girls in my class could relate to. Something they would want to pick up and read since illiteracy is so prevalent in the black community.

Why do the issues you address in this book matter?
The issues I address in the book matter because I think that while it is important for young girls to try to be independent it is also important for them to realize that their is a greater purpose and that sometimes ,even as adults, we have to do things we don't want to do. It also addresses the need for young girls to feel loved by fathers who are partly responsible for the type of self esteem a girl develops as she grows into a young woman. 

What issues do you hope this book helps to solve within the black community?
My hope is that this book will not only prove to be entertaining but will teach fathers the importance of their presence in their children's lives. I also hope that it will teach young girls that they are beautiful even if there is no one to tell them so.

As a teacher. what are the most prevalent issues you see amongst our youth?
As a teacher some of the most prevalent issues I see amongst our youth are the inability to critically think and to expound upon their own thinking. Children want the answers and sometimes they have to go and find it themselves which often proves too challenging for them.

What can we do as a community to address these problems? 
What we can do to address these issues is start talking to our children. I mean really delve deep into their imaginations. Turn off the television and have discussions with them about their opinions and what matters to them. Give them real world scenarios and have intelligent meaningful conversations. Spend time with your children. Make them understand their value and their worth. Make them realize that there is more to life than that which is portrayed on media specials or reality television. Teaching begins at home.

Why do you do what you do?
I do what I do because by the time we are adults it is too late. We are tainted, bruised and destroyed by life. But children are still innocent and have a chance to build a better world and, given the right tools, can achieve anything and everything you put before them. They are not self seeking and their love is unconditional.

What's next?
Well I definitely want to write more children's books and make this a series. I am falling in love with Rayna Tenay because she encompasses so many of the students I have come across in my years of teaching. I hope to one day be able to quit teaching and focus on my writing. I love it!

For more about Alyssa and her book: Website

Purchase your copy here: Rayna Tenay

1 lucky winner will receive a free copy of Alyssa's book,

"Rayna Tenay and the Very Bad Hair Week"

To enter the giveaway, please follow the instructions in the rafflecopter widget below:

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Girls who ROCK: Roni, The Travel Guru

5 things a woman should know before traveling

Roni is a trilingual travel expert who travels for fun and is sharing her adventures and travel tips with us! 

1. Know who you are
You may be thinking, "Why is this on this list?" but knowing who you are and what you can deal with is very important when you travel. For instance, a few years back I was invited to go on a fabulous skiing trip in Europe. However, I don't like skiing, I don't like to be cold and I am not a fan of any activity that requires I put on several layers in order to participate (try and find a post about skiing on this blog).  I could have gone on the trip but would I have had a good time? No. Several of my friends were going and I could have gone just to hang out with them and to enjoy the scenery but that would have been a big expense to just hang out. Because I know myself and I know that skiing and/or snowboarding are not my thing I passed on that trip, and that's ok. If you aren't into certain things that is perfectly fine, just know that so you don't end up spending tons of money, time, energy and effort on a trip that really isn't your style.

2. Know the daily limits on your debit/visa card
When you are traveling, you will probably want to use some form of plastic. That's fine but you need to be aware that there is a daily limit on how much cash you can take out and it is different for each bank. Call your bank and find out what the limits are for you so that you won't be stuck in a foreign destination unable to retrieve your money. Just know that every time you use your credit card you will be charged an international transaction fee which varies from card to card so ask what that fee is before you leave the country.

3. Know your budget
I went on vacation with someone who had a very small budget yet was constantly trying to stretch it by doing things she shouldn't have been doing. This causes stress to everyone and she really didn't get the most out of the destination because she was constantly worried about how much money she was spending. If you are traveling on a budget, be sure to know how much you can spend and stick to it. It is important to not stress yourself out when you are traveling, as traveling to a foreign country can be stressful enough. And if you are traveling with other people that may have a bigger budget than you do, do not make them feel badly that they can do things that you can't. That isn't fair.  Plan for the things that you know you absolutely want to do, then budget your money accordingly so that you can enjoy your vacation without constantly counting every penny you spend. Or if you are the one with the bigger budget, don't feel like you have to not enjoy the things you want to because some of your travel buddies can't do the same things.

4. Know the difference between your debit card and a worldwide credit card
I have a debit card and a credit card. Sometimes people think that because they have a debit card with the Visa logo, that is the same thing as a credit card. It is not. Your debit card comes directly from your account, even if you use it as credit. The amount that you charge will eventually be withdrawn from your checking account at your local bank. If you have a credit card issued by a worldwide bank (Chase, Citibank, Bank of America, just to name a few), depending on what your limit is, you will probably have access to more money than you have in your checking account. This comes in handy when you travel. I am in no way saying you should spend more than you can afford, that isn't the point. However, having a credit card and a debit card eases my mind when I travel because I know that I can buy whatever it is I need while I'm traveling then pay it off the next month when I return home.

5. The current is probably different
If you are traveling to another country, more than likely the current they use for electricity will be different than what you use in your country. This is very important if you plan on bringing your electronics and anything with a plug with you on your vacation. You need to find out what current is used in the country you are traveling to and get the appropriate adapter and/or converter in order to be able to use what you brought. Some people choose to buy what they need while they are traveling (curling irons, hair dryers etc.) if they aren't staying in a place that provides them. This is another option but just remember that you won't be able to use those appliances once you return home without the appropriate adapter or converter.

For more of Roni's adventures:

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Girls who ROCK: Niki's Groove; The Illustrator

 

About Nicholle "Niki" Kobi: 
I actually used to work in the financial industry but for a year now, I've been a freelance illustrator. I decided to leave my job to develop my own business as a fashion illustrator. My family is from the Kongo (Kinshasa), but I grew up in Normandy in a small city (France) and have been living in Paris since 1999. At first, I came to Paris to study then, I decided to stay.

Why do you ROCK?
In French we say "je suis la ou on ne m'attend pas"  which means: "I am where no one thinks I can be or go..." That's why I rock! 

How did you get your start in illustration?
I've always illustrated, but I didn't take it seriously. I just did it for fun and for friends. But like I said earlier, I worked in the financial industry and realized that I wanted to go back to my first love and my passion which, is illustrating. So, I decided to be an illustrator, full time.

                  

 

Where and when are you most creative?
I'm most inspired at home in my little office. I feel great there when I'm alone listening to good music. I'm most creative when I have all these elements.

What do you hope your illustrations will contribute to society?
There's an empty space in illustration for black women and that's sad so, I really want my illustrations to show that we can be whatever we want. Most illustrators draw white or manga women and I want to draw real, modern black women. I hope that all black women will see how beautiful they are no matter what shade, hair type, size, etc.

What or who inspires you?
I'm inspired by black women that I meet in the street or that I see on internet. The internet is a big source of inspiration. I just love being a woman.

              

What's are your goals for your illustrations?

My goals are to touch black woman around the world. Maybe I'm a big dreamer but, I want to capture every black beauty with my pen. I hope to make them feel more beautiful or just to see how beautiful they already are.

Why do you do what you do?
I do what I do because it makes me feel happy. I love what I see when I finish an illustration and want to share it with the world.

What are your favorite pieces that you've created?
I don't have a favorite. I love them all differently because I believe they are an example of God's grace. Even though sometimes I'm not happy with some of them, there's always someone else who likes it and that great! 

If you could illustrate for anyone (a company, blog etc), who would it be?
I have one company that I really want to work with but, it's a secret... :) However, I'm open to a lot of things. I would love to create illustrations for the beauty industry as well as fashion, magazines, blogs, hair products...etc

What tips would you give someone hoping to become an illustrator? 
Practive everyday in order to get published on a blog or website and also look for an agent to represent you.

You can find out more about Niki and her illustrations here:

NikisGroove.com

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Confessions of a Naturalista: Dinesha "My Natural Hair Journey, a poem"

Confessions of a Naturalista: "Gratitude is Gorgeous" by Beatrice Clay

Why Gratitude Lists are Important

By: Beatrice Clay

                             

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.  It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates vision for tomorrow.” ~Melody Beady

Gratitude is the very first step toward creating a more beautiful life or anything for that matter. Taking stock of what you already have and expressing gratitude for it is a game changer or rather a mind changer.  As the opening quotation suggests, gratitude preps your mind and spirit for miracles.  Identifying and choosing to focus on the little sweet pleasantries in your life not only keeps you from responding negatively to all the crap that you will surely encounter so long as you’re breathing, but gratitude also opens you up to receive more good than crap.  Think of gratitude and expressing it as a magnet for all things good, graceful and Godly.

You’re essentially telling God, the Universe or what ever divine love that lights you up and keeps you going that you are aware of divine provision, you gladly accept it and your heart is open to more. 

                               

“You simply will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life.  And you will have set in motion and ancient spiritual law: the more you have and are grateful for, the more will be given you.”~ Sarah Ban Breathnach

My daily gratitude lists are my saving grace most days. Once I am awake and properly hydrated (read: caffeinated) I jot down 3-5 things that I am grateful for.  I start my day with gratitude. Even when I am at an emotional low or on the brink of tears or trying to quiet the urge to scream “why me,” I write my gratitude list. My commitment to writing a gratitude list despite how I feel is actually the saving grace part.  On those “why me” days, my gratitude lists keep me from sinking lower.  Those few moments I spend searching my heart to find the good, are a few less moments I spend bemoaning the crap.  In those moments, gratitude does her work. My gratitude list reminds me it ain’t all bad.

I encourage you to start expressing gratitude daily. Lists work wonderfully. No fancy paper or notebook needed. Just grab a pen/pencil/sharpie or crayon and a blank piece or paper or index card and jot down at least three things you are grateful for today.  Tomorrow, write another gratitude list. The day after tomorrow, another.  The third day, another. You get where I am going.  Make writing a daily gratitude list one of your sacred practices and watch something beautiful begin to happen.

Need a little more, well join me for 365 Days of Gratitude over at inspired by Beatrice Clay. Got a blog or other social media account and want to share your lists? Let me know and I’ll be sure to follow.

One last bit of PRETTY before I go: printable blank gratitude cards made just for you and your gratitude lists! (link “gratitude lists”)

Beatrice Clay Elsewhere:
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Girls who ROCK: Jessica Watson "Take Chances, Follow your Passion"

I would describe Jessica as a curly girl on a quest for discovery and adventure. I'm proud and excited to share this because not only is Jessica my mentor, but also someone who I truly admire. She has played a major role in me starting my own company and I'm so glad to know her! Please enjoy this story about taking risks and following your passion.

Introduce yourself: 

My name is Jessica Watson, and I'm the CEO/Creative Director of JWatson Creative  (http://jwatsoncreative.com), a design + consulting studio in Baltimore, MD. I also manage B'More Creatives (http://bmorecreatives.com), a networking group for women in the creative profession. In 2013, I operated my business solely from the road for the entire year, living for a month at a time in a different city. I've had the pleasure of bike riding at night through the French Quarter, kayaking in Miami, hiking in California, driving the Pacific Coast Highway, and so much more. My eyes have seen such breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, and the experience has shaped who I am as a person today. I blogged about the journey here: Design By Travel (http://designbytravel.com)

Why do you ROCK?

I rock because somewhere along the way in this journey of life, I discovered that I had the power and the capacity to do much more than I ever thought possible. When I challenged myself and my beliefs, my future became even brighter, opportunities became clear as day, and I got very excited about what I could do in this lifetime. In addition to my work, I'm passionate about giving back to communities, and empowering others to chase their dreams through believing in themselves.

Motivational Typography created by Jessica

Why did you travel around the country?

When I decided to start JWatson Creative almost 4 years ago, I was sold on this notion of having an amazing life full of adventure and excitement. I thought being a business owner was my ticket to freedom. I'm also a huge believer in setting intentions and positive energy, so I fell in love with inspirational quotes telling me to go live my dreams and explore the unknown. 2.5 years into my business, and I felt tied down to my location with my MacBook Pro attached to my hip. "This isn't what all the books said," I thought to myself, "I want a life where my work and personal worlds meet on the corner of fun and adventure." I didn't realize how much the quality of my life was dependent upon me. After some mindful reflecting, I decided to do exactly what those quotes told me to do, I packed up my car and ventured out into the unknown.

What cities did you live in, and how did you pick them?

My January started in Miami South Beach, which was a nice way to start the year (I mean, it's January and I'm wearing flip flops!). From there I went on to Atlanta, New Orleans, Austin, Boulder, Long Beach, Portland, Seattle, Chicago and Memphis. My car was my mode of transportation. I chose cities that I had always been curious about, but was never sure when I would get to them. When would I go to New Orleans, for example, and really experience the authenticity that is New Orleans?

In all honesty, when I started in January 2013 I only had a couple cities in mind for my trip. I found it so taxing to plan anything beyond 3 months of the year because of all the coordinating and details involved (which is so not how I used to live my life). I have grown to be comfortable with the uncertainty that comes with living in the now, and to appreciate the present moments we are given.

Did you have any goals while traveling?

My goal was to not be a tourist. I wanted to live like a local without being local. I volunteered, socialized, and networked like I would do when I was at home. I found my favorite local cafes and restaurants, and also met some great new friends along the way. I get a lot of questions asking if I picked up new clients or tried to sell my business while I was traveling. I'm no sales person in the traditional sense. I believe in building relationships and connections, and feel that those will ripple forward creating several opportunities in the years to come. I also believe that the best selling tactic is your integrity, and showing who you are as a person verses talking about it. Actions always speak louder than words. I'm already starting to see the fruits of my journey, and I look forward to engaging in what happens next.

What advice do you have for anyone starting a business or going out on their own?

You have to be crazy to be an entrepreneur, but I promise it's the good kind of crazy. It's the wonderful, unpredictable, hopeful, wide-eyed, heck-yeah, let's do this like of crazy. It's not for everyone, but if it's for you, you'll feel it. It will light your fire. There will be times when things won't add up, when you'll fall down and wonder how to get back up, or when things don't go as planned. Steady yourself and work through it. Keep your eyes on the prize. Don't be afraid to treat your business like a fluid concept (as in, something that can change and grow and adapt based on life lessons and experience). In addition to the hiccups, there are also these beautiful moments of amazing synergy where everything is going right and you're on top of the world. Those are the moments I live for, but I appreciate both circumstances. Everything that didn't go according to my plan has taught me so much, and has eventually led to experiences and projects beyond what I could've imagined for myself.

Have people in your corner, preferably those who have wisdom and experience, who can advise you and provide constructive feedback. Think positive thoughts, and be thankful for what you do have.

What's your favorite quote?

"You must give up the life you planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for you." - Joseph Campbell

"I am learning to trust the journey even when I don't understand it." - Mila Bron

"Eventually all the pieces fall into place. Until then, laugh at the confusion, live for the moment, and know that everything happens for a reason." - unknown

What's next?

I'm back in Baltimore for the time being, presently planning to do some travel in Europe later this year, and also considering participating in a service project abroad. I've learned that strangers really aren't that strange at all. We're all connected in more ways than we know. We are all human. And the more you discover the humanity in all of us, the easier it is to relate to people, go with the flow, and embrace the concept that no matter what happens everything really will be alright.

To purchase some of Jessica's awesome Motivational Typography and other items click here: Facing Forward