pg 62
Pg 46
March
issue (2015)
UT in the CityStress Management Marvin Wilson The Secret is out!
14 Love Hippy THEOPencil-
The Writers BlockKisha Green’s Literary Treasures Lakia Nichole
Men’s Advice On Dressing to Impress
The Fig Restaurant Roosters Wood Fired
Pg 40
Variety at its best…..
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in the
City
Urban Tymes has been out in the city, covering various events and more! Just check out the latest pics! To have us visit and cover your event for the magazine, contact us at urbantymes@hotmail.com! First /Second panel: Rolanda Caple and her husband Brian D. Caple at the official release of her new book: “It’s For You.” At Firebirds Charlotte. Congrats to you both!! Third panel: CIAA in Charlotte, and the Charlotte Convention Center provided locals and visitors to the city various activities and vendors! Fourth panel: Groove Masters delivered smooth sensual jazz stylings, with guest singer Harold Sanders, at Petras Piano Bar.
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The Release: 3/5/2014
Four Ways to Deal with…..
Here are four simple techniques for managing stress:
- ESSENTIALS -
1. Positive Self-Talk Self-talk is one way to deal with stress. We all talk to ourselves; sometimes we talk out loud but usually we keep self-talk in our heads. Self-talk can be positive ("I can do this" or "Things will work out") or negative ("I'll never get well" or "I'm so stupid"). Negative self-talk increases stress. Positive self-talk helps you calm down and control stress. With practice, you can learn to turn negative thoughts into positive ones. To help you feel better, practice positive self-talk every day — in the car, at your desk, before you go to bed or whenever you notice negative thoughts. Having trouble getting started? Try positive statements such as these: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
"I've got this." "I can get help if I need it." "We can work it out." "I won't let this problem get me down." "Things could be worse." "I'm human, and we all make mistakes." "Some day I'll laugh about this." "I can deal with this situation."
Remember: Positive self-talk helps you relieve stress and deal with the situations that cause you stress.
2. Emergency Stress Stoppers There are many stressful situations — at work, at home, on the road and in public places. We may feel stress because of poor communication, too much work and everyday hassles like standing in line. Emergency stress stoppers help you deal with stress on the spot. Try these emergency stress stoppers. You may need different stress stoppers for different situations and sometimes it helps to combine them. ● Count to 10 before you speak. ● Take three to five deep breaths. ● Walk away from the stressful situation, and say you'll handle it later. ● Go for a walk. ● Don't be afraid to say "I'm sorry" if you make a mistake. ● Set your watch five to 10 minutes ahead to avoid the stress of being late. ● Break down big problems into smaller parts. For example, answer one letter or phone call per day, instead of dealing with everything at once. ● Drive in the slow lane or avoid busy roads to help you stay calm while driving. ● Smell a rose, hug a loved one or smile at your neighbor. ● Consider meditation or prayer to break the negative cycle.
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8. Take a nature walk — listen to the birds, identify trees and flowers. 9. Make a list of everything you still want to do in life. 10 .Watch an old movie on TV or rent a video. 11 .Take a class at your local college. 12 .Play cards or board games with family and friends.
4. Daily Relaxation Relaxation is more than sitting in your favorite chair watching TV. To relieve stress, relaxation should calm the tension in your mind and body. Some good forms of relaxation are yoga, tai chi (a series of slow, graceful movements) and meditation. Like most skills, relaxation takes practice. Many people join a class to learn and practice relaxation skills. 3. Finding Pleasure When stress makes you feel bad, do something that makes you feel good. Doing things you enjoy is a natural way to fight off stress. You don't have to do a lot to find pleasure. Even if you're ill or down, you can find pleasure in simple things such as going for a drive, chatting with a friend or reading a good book. Try to do at least one thing every day that you enjoy, even if you only do it for 15 minutes. Such as:
Deep breathing is a form of relaxation you can learn and practice at home using the following steps. It's a good skill to practice as you start or end your day. With daily practice, you will soon be able to use this skill whenever you feel stress. 1. Sit in a comfortable position with your feet on the floor and your hands in your lap or lie down. Close your eyes. 2. Picture yourself in a peaceful place. Perhaps you're lying on the beach, walking in the mountains or floating in the clouds. Hold this scene in your mind. 3. Inhale and exhale. Focus on breathing slowly and deeply. 4. Continue to breathe slowly for 10 minutes or more. 5. Try to take at least five to 10 minutes every day for deep breathing or another form of relaxation.
1. Start an art project (oil paint, sketch, create a scrap book or finger paint with grandchildren). 2. Take up a hobby, new or old. 3. Read a favorite book, short story, magazine or newspaper. 4. Have coffee or a meal with friends. 5. Play golf, tennis, ping-pong or bowl. 6. Sew, knit or crochet. 7. Listen to music during or after you practice (Courtesy of The American Heart Association) relaxation.
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Finance
Are you looking to buy your Dream Home? Do you need to sell your home first? Have you outgrown your home or apartment and want to discuss your options to step up to a bigger home for a great value? Are you relocating to the Triangle area? Are you looking for advice on conducting a short sale to avoid foreclosure? Are you a first time home buyer that is looking for good advice to start the process? If your answer to any of these questions is YES, please give me a call. It would be my honor to serve as your REALTOR. The Triangle Area is still rapidly growing and changing. I have a passion for this industry and take pride in serving the Triangle Area. Often I work with clients that are relocating to the area. My car is my mobile office. I have managed over 200 successful transactions since 2002 and have closed in each of the major counties in the Triangle. After a successful career in the fields of engineering, product development, sales and product management, I can
truly say that my career as a REALTOR is the most fulfilling. I have been blessed with the opportunity to live in other parts of the country which has given me a great perspective on the opportunities and treasures that Triangle Area has to offer. If you are looking to buy or sell, I would like to offer my experience, knowledge, and resources to help make your transition successful. I am a proud graduate of North Carolina A&T State University with Bachelors in Engineering and the Johns Hopkins University with a MBA from the Carey School of Business. I am active in the community with my church and fraternity. I have a passion for life and success.
Your Dream Home can be yours this year! Please contact me. God Bless.
Stephan
“It’s Not What That Matters… it’s Who.”
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The Tuscany sun hovered in the sky, and although the day was beautiful, it was still a piercing cold afternoon when I met the mysterious, Marvin Wilson, founder and operator of “Wilson Secret Tickets”. I had just finished a morning workout and was already running behind schedule. There wasn’t enough time to go home and put on the appropriate attire for our conference. So, I phoned Marvin, and told him my dilemma. He said, “Don’t worry; I’m only 10 minutes away. I’m wearing jeans. It’s fine.” Now, in my experience, it’s very unprofessional to show up as the interviewer in a pair of jogging pants, tee shirt, and Nikes, but Marvin didn’t seem to mind even though I was somewhat conflicted. I bounced out of the car, walked inside the recreational center, and waited briefly, while still feeling yucky and a bit uneasy. Marvin appeared from around one of the walls, and saluted me with a smile as well as a gracious hug. He welcomed me back into his conference room, and of course, I gave him a fleeting once over. He sported denims just as he said, and a blue-banded sweater, with an accentuating North Face bubble-vest. Whelp, the long and the short of it is that my fashion hysteria diminished immediately… Wilson was sensible and yet painstaking in conversation. He might have been wearing relaxed duds, but he was very much so articulate, and clearly a calculated executive who didn’t just bounce from a pigeonhole.
ter busses. You know, this is back in the 80’s. He connected with all the churches, pretty much from Raleigh to the eastern Seaboard, between Virginia and Atlanta. He had two 55-passenger buses. He was making the connections, taking them back and forth and things like that. It was called “Blue Boys Service.” I really learned a lot from him. I learned a lot from a lot of people. I’d be sweeping the bus and picking up stuff. It really made me accountable and taught me about business and about customer service. This was before the military. People knew what we did. We were very active in the community, helping many people. That’s what happened, and that’s why there was a disconnect. I had to go into the military. I disconnected because of things that was going on internally with the family. I mean, it was good but we all have our own issues as well. As I said, my parents were doing very well. My mother was a Registered Nurse at the VA and my father was well established –retired with “Food Town,” and that’s when they went to “Food Lion with shares.” I was definitely stained by being around my stepfather. He was an enterprising person and fearless when it came to stepping out on faith with a business. He barely had a high school education. He was a hard worker. He was just fearless. So, being around that and when I was in the 11th grade, I remember I was sitting at the table just like I am now, and my dad was talking with “George Shin, from the first “Charlotte Hornets basketball team, and cutting a deal. I remember my dad saying, “Hey, this is my track record. This is what I do. These are pictures of my busses. I remember her had a little manila folder when he was talking to George Shinn, and what he did was implemented a contract to pick the team up from the airport. It was small at that time, but huge. He was the actual driver for the bus, and people thought it wasn’t even his bus. My dad was very hands-on. That blew me away. It blew me away. I was very proud of him. Although I went the military route when I got back here and saw the mindset with North Carolina and the working/ career sets. I think what got me into the experience the way I am now—I never experienced CIAA when it was in Raleigh but I did get a whiff when it first came here, and I at that time, I had just started my travel agency, “Wilson Secret Tickets.”
Marvin was raised in Salisbury, NC. He attended Salisbury High School, and from there, he entered into the military. Marvin’s mother was married to his stepfather; he hadn’t met his biological father yet, and had to deal with the disheartening task of tracking him down. He needed his signature so that he could enter into the military, so he wound up in the military..the Navy, and completed 6 successful years. Of course this was a stunning experience for Marvin to kill, and see death at such a young age; the images he remembers is something that would haunt an average man/ woman in his or her dreams. “It was a cultural shock and broad awareness of how the world really is,” says Marvin. When Marvin left the army he was retroactive and went into the Veterans Affair for 5-years. He worked at the hospital in Salisbury and transferred to the outpatient clinic in Charlotte, NC. Marvin, still deeply entrenched in the army, assisted fellow comrades with eligibility for medical care. “I wanted to do that. My first big hit in Charlotte is when Obama came into office. I didn’t use my father at the time. I used I wanted to help them get established”, chimes another company and took 6 big buses up to DC for Marvin. that. I started my own travel agency at that time or what I thought it would be. I just started connecting Incomparable beginnings: Growing up as a kid, I people. Wilson Secret Travel was buses, cruises, everything. The interesting part about that is when I was around a lot of things because of my stepfahad the disconnection and then went from VA, to ther. When he retired from Food Lion, he had this passion of wanting to be in the travel businesses at entrepreneurship. the time. So, what he did was subcontracted char-
Once I “deaded” that and I did the buses up to DC, it was a pivotal point in my life. I was going through some things and I had to make logical decisions. I also came to the realization that my job was monogamous. It was boring. Things started making sense to me and I started building up with this inspiration. I had an epiphany, “This is not me”. I’ve been through a lot in my lifetime, being in other countries and seeing people get killed, “Why not came in my mind? What are you afraid of?” At that point when I found my spiritual connection, I was at the VA and I was watching Oprah. Oprah had these people on the panel, and they were talking about, “The Secret”. “That’s where “Wilson Secret Tickets” came from. I’ve been challenged with that for years. I claimed it, and that’s where the name of my business came from. Wilson Secret Travels is now Wilsons Secret Entertainment group, it comes from the book the “Secret”. I came home and watched the movie, the fearlessness, and law of attraction. That was that turn. Like I said, me and my biological father didn’t really connect until I got older. My dad being closer to a Muslim faith, and my mom being closer to a Southern Bell, and my family’s beliefs, it was just a big melting pot of beliefs. I sort of got a core of beliefs and being outside of religion and getting into spirituality, period. That really gave me the salt of the mindset to start thinking outside the box. That influenced me to go into my entrepreneur mindset. I left all that behind and gave my two week notice. I walked out on faith and the first place I went to was my spiritual center and met like-minded people. All the black people at that time were 90% entrepreneur. I put it all on the line and said, “Here, this is where I’m at.” It wasn’t financial backing; it was the connection, and meeting people of authority that could put you in the right places. From that, I started doing my first real contract with Wilson Secret Travel with Chirl Girl from 101.9, and started working with a grant writer, and I began doing stuff for churches again because she was writing grants for fund raisers, so that we could do trips and fun stuff. That got me into travel, and a little bit of events. I touched it. I was just finding my way and keeping food on the table. I learned a lot about non-profits. I learned how to assess profit statuses, get people 501- 3C’s, and stuff like that. I opened up an office on 301 9TH St under the Levine. I shared that office with the grant writer.
I saw a black business move in, and that was Wayne from EZ-TIXX, I met with them and they offered me a job. I started working with them for a while. I worked with them for about 2-years. We had challenges and different mindsets. I wanted to hold onto my travel company and still do what I needed to do as the salesman because I was now traveling around the country making deals. I learned all about the ticketing sector, and then I learned about the traveling sector. After the CIAA 2010, you know we had put in an agreement and I had brought in an influx of people to the company, I thought it was just time for me to go. I felt that my worth was a bit more than what was going on with them and I started “Wilson Secret Tickets”. I got challenged. I didn’t know it was a lot of accountability that I needed to have. I didn’t know where I needed to start. I just knew that I was good with ticketing, and definitely with the people that I had met all over the country and they still wanted to do business with me. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go with “Live Nation,” or someone else. So, I did a little independent work with “TicketMaster” and “LiveNation” for a while. It was politics as usual and “Wilson Secret Tickets” just sat home with me. I was living at 5th and popular, the condos on 5th street. That was my office. I did Wilson Secret Tickets in December 2011,cause you know that CIAA opens up in February. I did 50% of the shows at CIAA that year. The long walk alone: For the most part, up until about 9 months ago, I started bringing on a team that can assist me that has some type of experience in certain areas. They know where I’m going, they can just handle it. With all those contacts at the same time, I was still doing non-profit, and still doing travel, as well as tickets and I didn’t have any staff. You know, I had to learn and wear all those hats and go with it. I wore those hats and wasn’t taken advantage of. It’s tough love without feeling victimized. The thing that was so challenging to me, and the stuff that I was always hearing was, “Marvin, you’re doing too much.” I never understood that. “If I’m here and I’m trying to feed my kids, kids, kids, kids, that’s the tenacity that I’m bringing to the table, until God shows up and I’m able to have a team. Then I can push my awareness, and experience into a business model, and I don’t have to work for it; it works for me and that’s what I’m going to do.
Business first: I have a daughter. I didn’t have a personal life and I wasn’t dating. I would go to family gatherings and they would ask, when are you going to get married, and I would say, “I’m married to this business and that was my phrase for about 2-years.” I had a nice home on the lake, but I got into the mental energy that I wanted to be downtown, the lake wasn’t me anymore. I wasn’t in a relationship, that wasn’t me anymore. I wanted to get downtown where the movers and shakers were. I had to become Charlotte. I had to feel it. I had to be in here because people downtown; whatever mindset that you are in to succeed as an entrepreneur downtown, you need some type of vibration going on that’s going to connect with people on a positive level. It pushes you to really think big. Coming downtown and giving away that lifestyle. Coming down here and getting a one bedroom condo, and opening an office, I had to switch the whole thing up. Having the spirituality and the people around me from the non-profit sector and my spiritual center, they all pushed me. We aren’t in competition: My mom and dad got a divorce. With that being said, he struck a chord because he was the guy that I always admired, and I always wanted to be like him in sort of a way. When the separation between him and my mother happened, that’s when I went into “Wilson Secret Travel.” I tried to have communication with him, but in his mind, he believed that I was trying to have some type of get back. Me, and him have talked since then but I felt that I had to do it. He challenged me. Basically he told me, “That’s not gonna happen.” So, that’s sort of the type of stuff you take on, motivation. So not having that base of a family around me to say, go this away, or go that away. I’m going to take it a step back to the most humbling time for me as an entrepreneur when I started “Wilson Secret Travel, I was living in my house out by Brad Street Commons Way, and I didn’t know how to market or who to market to. I didn’t even know what my demographics were. I would park my car in the neighborhoods and walk around placing my business cards in everyone’s mailbox. It was a very humbling moment. I got quite a few calls letting me know to never do that again. That’s why I am the way I am. I’m not hard on a lot of people I’m mentoring or my peers, but it’s just not anything that you can really tell me about the business, ambition, and desire. As long you have that, the universe will sing your song. I have been laughed at, doors have been slammed in my face, and I’ve been pointed at. With that being said, do what you need to do.
I am my business: I’m branding now because I feel that I need to really reveal who I really am. It needs to be branded in such a way that people knows what really comes behind “Secret Entertainment Group,” and for me to have the connections, the people that I know, and the things that I can pull off at any given time. It’s because of my willingness to be different. The what: Wilson Secret Tickets is the first black ticketing company to do the ticketing event in a TicketMaster building. I’ve done cruises. I took Chirl Girl and her family to the Hoodie Awards. And I’m just saying this; “I’ve booked more hotels than anybody in Charlotte solely, ever since CIAA has been here.” I brought major headliners like “P Diddy” here. Every year, I book over 200 rooms. In 2014, I did 5000 sales for the “NPC Body Building Competition” at the Charlotte Convention Center. When I say that I have a ticketing business, I do events and concerts; when I say that people think I’m a promoter. Because I’ve been on the different radios like Power 98, people identify me as the “Black Ticket Master.” It’s a lot more complex than that. Wilson Secret Tickets does social media marketing. It’s a social marketing company. What makes me different than “Eventbrite” is that I use my database to set you up an account, and not only am I allowing use of my system to sale tickets, I’m promoting your events to 80,000 people in my database. I’m promoting your event as well to help you sale tickets. We do marketing, concierge, jets, and then at the end of the day, I do venue allocations. I’ve taken some classes although I’m not accredited, and learned a lot about commercial real-estate. A lot of people don’t know that location has a lot to do with ticketing when it comes to facilities and venues. I have a good relationship with Levine. I’ve always been able to connect with them when I needed things. My company is pretty much a one stop shop. I’m adding media into the office now. I just brought on BJ Murphy, formally of WGIV. We are bringing on media aspect like Secret TV. Non-profits: I’m planning on using my non-profit organization, “Wisdom Foundation.” Wisdom Foundation is an establishment that connects to other non-profit foundations. It facilitates seminars for other nonprofits and the mission statement is basically giving challenged adults and teenagers self-awareness, gang prevention, and bullying. It’s just like a “Motivational Mecca.”
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I want people to understand that you’re not just this meat-suit walking around. No matter how you can put it in there, you connect people for certain reasons, and if you use it with a business head and your intentions are right, you can put yourself in some good situations. It just like this book says, “You are pretty much a transmitter.” Some people will understand it and some won’t. It’s from a metaphysics standpoint. Learn the value in the business: Charlotte is a working class banking city. I think that its old school and they are really realizing black buying power. They are starting to see that they are going to need to connect with me eventually and it’s starting to make sense. The doors and the gates are beginning to open. I’m a member of the CRVA, the people that bring the CIAA, and I’m the only black brother on the committee through the whole city of Charlotte. The only way that you’re going to be able to get that low hanging fruit and be in the right situation is that you have to be on those boards. I’m on five boards, “Wisdom Foundation.” “CRVA,” “HTA,” “The Science of Minds,” and I’m a “Mason.” I also have a degree in business administration. It takes thousands and thousands of dollars a year to be on those boards. You keep it thriving with connections and information. It’s an information society. It saves you time, and money. If you have the right template with that information, it makes your business a lot stronger. You have to service them in a way that it’s almost a consultation. I do more consulting in my business than anything else. I’m a consultant for a lot of the biggest committees here. The city comes to me with a lot of questions because I’m on a lot of boards. The radio stations have found the value in the secret entertainment group. I have many connections with probably the richest promoters in the country, or maybe the world. Each time they are shopping their events, they call me. The radio station offered me a media agent percentage. It’s more than inside and just talking about it. People want exposure, and they want accounts. When I did “Cheryl Underwood” and “Lavell Crawford,” it was a big show. CBS and 103.3 were both fighting with who was going to get it. So, I worked in a way that they both got a piece. Legacies: I live of today, but I’m always thinking of tomorrow. What I’m doing is something that I have to teach the people because it’s no school for that. How many brothers are there when you think of ticket masters? When you think ticketing, you’re thinking scalpers or a brother on the corner saying, “Hey man. I got this ticket!” I’m a corporate entity that runs a couple of hundred thousand through their account each year based on people buying tickets through them, and cutting peoples checks. I have to be accountable. I
have to be a trustworthy man. I want people to know that I’m a friendly person, and if people want to get that right direction, or if they are in a confused state, they need to come see me if it’s about business, or if they go in a certain direction, I’m here to help. Entrepreneurs are here to solve problems, really. Even though the sign of times, people judge people by color, I judge them by character and I’m starting to get it. Just like Steve Harvey said, “I’m getting it.” I don’t want to be known as the guy that did the big shows. I want to be known as the spiritual guy that turned it into a service that he could communicate with people, helped people, and influenced people to think big. That’s what I want to leave. The now: Right now, there is a transition going on with Marvin and I want to get more into information-based events. That’s where “The Wisdom Foundation” came from, and CIAA that’s going on right now. I’m starting to see the CIAA and say, “Hey, I got all this going on. What I’m willing to do for you since I have all these events is give a percentage back to the CIAA. I want to be more of a promoter now. I want to reflect on the other side of the entertainment and still win by being a giver.” I’m going to show people how to maximize their potential. I stay humble and I am learning to express myself in a certain way. I think a book is in me, and motivational speaking is in me. This year, I’ll be touring with the radio personalities to different colleges, “Meta-Marvin,” that’s me. I’m going to use my non-profit to go into the prisons and speak to the guys that are incarcerated, as well as at risk kids, and anyone else that needs a second chance. I have a great relationship with the guy that owns NASCAR, the land and the facilities. That’s the reason I’m going to bring some festivals to route 29. The Funk Fest is going to be there next year. I won’t be doing it, but I’ll be the preferred ticketing system that’s going to be there. That’s my point in saying, “I’m still going to be ahead of the game, and people are still going to see me. I’m here to help, but you won’t be able to get around me. I’ve positioned myself to become a necessity. I don’t take anything personal and I keep my head above what’s going on. When people see it, I see it in a different way. People will be people. I’m not into fame or what everyone else is into. There is an artist by the name of “Q, that’s coming here this week. They are taking him to the club, when I brought him here; I took him to the school so that he could tell kids at North Lake Mall to stay out of the gangs. He’s a rapper, but he’s human and he’s telling you not to do these things. That’s my influence into the entertainment industry.
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- URBANITY -
The Art of
Theo Pencil Theopencil is a young talented Ghanaian Artist born on the 5th day of May, 1993 and lives in Accra, Ghana. With no formal education in art works, his work has been viewed across the world with amazement and wonder. The realism of his drawing has captivated many people. His real name is Theophilus Boateng Kwaku Sarpong but was given the name Theopencil by his friends because of the magic he performs with just a pencil. He discovered his talent as an artist at the age of eight when he used to draw cartoons just for fun. Theopencil advanced as a hyper realistic pencil artist at the early ages of seventeen. Theopencil’s area of specialization in the arts industry is mostly works on human figures. He is good in color works but most of his master pieces are in pencil which inspires him a lot.
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At the age of twenty one, Theopencil has made a lot of realistic pencil portraits of some famous personalities including Kofi Annan- Former United Nations Secretary General, Nelson Mandela- Former South African President, Nicki Minaj- A popular American Music Artist, Jerry John Rawlings and John Agyekum Kufuor- Former Presidents of the Republic of Ghana, Jacky Appiah-A popular Ghanaian Actress, Nana Akufo Addo- 2012 Presidential Candidate for the New Patriotic Party, Barack Obama-President of the United State of America, John Dramani Mahama-President of the Republic of Ghana and many others. Theopencil is found of listening to music whenever he is working on his art works which serves as a source of inspiration to him
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BLOCK The Writers’
"Every ex is like a dealer serving my favorite brand of drug. They know what I like & how I like it and each is all too willing to give me what I want! It may seem free, the parting of legs, but it comes with a heavy price to pay… In your hands I’m a mess. My body screams for sex. And you are all too willing to oblige. My knees your body pry. As you thrust into that sacred part of me. This desire, this need, this addiction is obviously stronger than I’ll ever be!" Freedomink365.com
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Literary Treasures-
Kisha Green
With three books under her belt & currently working on her 4th, Author Lakia Nichole continues to embark on this literary journey with gratefulness. She still considers herself relatively new to this highly competitive business, but dubs her works as "page turners". Lakia's novels are a certain breed of literary material with an "out of this world" imagination that she incorporates in her storylines. Let’s see who Lakia is and what she is bringing to the literary industry. KG: When did you decide to write professionally? LN: I decided to write professionally in 2010. 2011 is when I published my first novel "Hidden Confessions" under my publishing company "New Breed Publishing". I have gained so much positive feedback about that book. My readers pressured me at gunpoint into dropping a sequel…LOL.I did, in fact. I plan to re-release both "Hidden Confessions” and the sequel "Unveiled" in 2015. KG: Did you ever consider hiring an literary agent and shopping your manuscript to a major publisher, why or why not? LN: I did in the beginning. Hiring a literary agent had entered my mind again not that long ago. After doing research on the roles and responsibilities of a literary agent, I've decided that I should just continue doing what I'm doing and keep the money that an agent would charge me in MY pockets. I decided to take the self-publisher route & start my own company for a few reasons. 1. The inner boss in me would not allow it. 2. Doing things on my own terms and on my own time is important to me. That's something I wouldn't be able to do while bound by contractual agreement with a major publishing house. 3. Although a major publishing house could open many doors for an author, I believe that I can utilize my own strengths in achieving the same thing for myself and for my authors. All it takes is patience, persistence, and dedication. A major publishing house was once a small publishing house! *wink*
KG: What is one word to best describe your writing style? LN: Intriguing and crazy. Some folks question my mental stability...LOL. I'm not crazy, though. I just write crazy. When I work on a chapter, my intentions are to have my readers’ jaws drop. That’s it and that's all! KG: What advice would you give an aspiring author? LN: Just write! Worry about all the technical and business stuff later. Also, don't let rejection discourage you. Some folks aren't looking for certain genres or writing, and that's okay, for every "no", there is a "yes" not that far behind. KG: What is the name of your publishing company and what does it mean? LN: New Breed Publishing is the name. New Breed's definition is to develop new or improved; to originate. That's what my books represent & my mission as a publisher is to put together a roster of talented authors whose writing styles are similar or better than mine. KG: What is your biggest obstacle being a self-published author? LN: Doing everything myself. KG: What do you want readers to get from your books? LN: Entertaining and thought-provoking stories; Stories that affect you and stories that are memorable. "The Coldest Winter Ever" does that for me. Every time I write, I think about that book and how it made me feel. I want my readers to get that same feeling when they read my books. KG: Where do you see yourself in five years? LN: Traveling and meeting readers in every city, no longer working as someone's employee & doing what I truly love for a living. For more on Lakia, visit her sites belowwww.lakianichole.com www.newbreedpublishing.com
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http://www.divabooksinconline.com
Style and Fashion
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Serious Scents!
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INTERNS!
Are you
have a flair for
, or have your pulse on the latest info?? Then this may be for you!! Journalists (Intern) Explore the ins and outs of working on the editorial staff of a positive generated, lifestyle, entertainment and fashion magazine. During the internship, editorial interns will gain valuable experience working with senior journalists and the Editor in Chief on specific subject matter, businesses, and more. As they learn what is required to produce a publication that reaches not only the Charlotte area, but across the country via print and digital presence. Ideal candidates will be knowledgeable in use of the English language, working in Word, Powerpoint and other software specific to the trade. Excellent writing, spelling and communication skills are required. Please submit resumes and inquires for internships at urbantymes@hotmail.com
Carey W. Digsby Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
Photographer (Intern) The use of a camera is akin to an artist with a brush. Urban Tymes is looking for an emerging artist that revels in various settings, from runway, to artist photo shoots, to editorial layouts. As an intern in the photography department you’ll work closely with journalists to help tell the story with your camera, and interact with exciting people on assignment at on location photo shoots. Ideal candidates must own digital SLR equipment and have a good understanding of digital photography and lighting. Candidate must submit digital portfolio samples.
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When we first heard the music of this artist, it was truly a breath of fresh air. Her beauty is only shadowed by her incredible devotion to her community and her positive spirit. The Columbus Georgia native tells us she is Inspired by iconic artists such as Beyonce, and Brandy, but the way things are going, she could steadily rise to that plateau too!
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UT: Your modeling career occurred via being at a shoot with your brother. What was your first thought when you were asked? First thought only...lol! TM: "Oh my God. I'm scared. Everybody is watching. " UT: Well there was definitely reason to watch! So tell us, how important is it to you to share some of your personal experiences in your music? TM: It's extremely important. I believe you have to make music from your heart to be able to connect with your listeners and ultimately the music you create. UT: Last year you dropped your single “Favorite Song” and it received great reviews. This year you have... TM: This year, I will be releasing my debut album. I'm really excited about the music I've created and what I am going to create. I have been in the studio working hard. I've been able to experiment with new sounds and step out of my comfort zone so I'm really looking forward to being able to share everything. UT: What would you consider most challenging, your musical career, or your work as a heavily sought after model? TM: Definitely my music career. I believe it takes a little more inner substance to be able to vocally create music and then have to share it with the world. It can be very mentally challenging at times.
UT: You made a statement that everything tells a story…if you and another artist could write a magnificent story through music, who would it be? TM: I would love to work with India Arie. I love her music. The way she paints a picture through her music is amazing to me. UT: Ok so the list of accomplishments is long and impressive to say the least: Vh1’s Single Ladies, Fast and Furious 7, a HBO pilot show, mentorship, modeling, what else is there in store for Taelor Moore? TM: I'm looking forward to making new genuine heart-felt music and sharing it with the world. I'm definitely aiming to do more editorial work this year and my goal is to participate in New York Fashion Week this year. UT: Thank you Taelor for allowing our readers and us to learn so much more about a dynamic artist such as yourself! TM: Thank you, Urban Tymes for the exposure! Follow Taelor Moore at: http://taelormoore.com/ Label Contact Armoni Records, LLC 1313 12th Avenue Columbus, GA 31901 Phone: (701) 610-2072 E-mail: info@armonirecords.com WEB URL: www.armonirecords.com
Media Relations Allure Media Entertainment 244 5th Avenue 2nd Floor New York, NY 10001 Phone: 1(888) 242-9331 E-mail: publicity@armonirecords.com WEB URL: www.musicpublicist.net
UT: It is truly impressive that even with your busy schedule; you still devote time to visit various high schools and talk to the young women there about self-esteem. Tell us more. TM: I realize that God has given me an amazing platform through the gift of modeling and music to help inspire and encourage our youth. I remember Booking, Events, Modeling being younger and not having the confidence that I K&I Entertainment Phone: (706) 761-1447 needed and feeling lost, so it is a blessing to be able E-mail: kientertainment@gmail.com to help those who are in the same position as I once was.
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Unexpected Blessings
Photos by : Corinne Victoria Photography
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Okay, so my first question is, “Have you heard about the “EMPIRE” television series, premiering on FOX TV? ‘ Better yet, have you watched it? ‘Yes? No?” No worries, I’ll just enlighten you with my short rundown of one of the most SUCCESSFUL shows that spun since ABC’s “Scandal,” “Greys Anatomy,” and “How to Get Away with Murder.” When Lee Daniels, and Danny Strong created the EMPIRE sitcom, it was with a plethora of soap operas in mind, including Daniels own upbringing as a homosexual. EMPIRE is a modernized production about, power, manipulation, control, Hip-Hop & R&B, status, brother against brother, as well as the biggest sin of them all… the love of money. This is the only sitcom that has a 90% African American cast, even though it is considered a multicultural program. The fact remains that the EMPIRE viewer ship has propelled from its predecessor programs in a matter of a weeks. Its first pilot episode clocked in with millions of viewers and still counting a month later. That is a very impressive feat, and why wouldn’t it be? Look at the cast! You have Taraji P. Henson, Terrance Howard, Malik Yoba, Gabby Sidibie, and a slew of new headliners, in addition to fresh prominent actors weekly. Even the newbies in the field are getting the opportunity to display their endowments. Director and Executive producer, Lee Daniels, isn’t being stingy with the star studded acts. Daniels granted everyone a slice of the “EMPIRE” pie, from renowned hip-artist, independent artist, performers, ghostwriters, aspiring entertainers, and actors around the world; and speaking of actors, we had the absolute pleasure of highlighting, “Richard Gallion”. Richard will appear in several episodes of Empire this month as the ruthless, “Hawk”. Hawk is working with rival record label, “Creedmoor.” Hawk is the no nonsense person hired to shake things up for “Lucious Lyons”. I wonder who will back down from the tough-guy, Hawk. In my opinion, they couldn’t have selected a more talented character for the part. Not only has Gallion seized a recurring role on the show, but also you might remember his appearances on “Transformers: Age of Extension,” “Black Coffee,” “Chicago PD,” “Sirens,” “Black Butterfly,” “The Good Life,” and “L’ Amour Perdu. Gallion is a writer, actor, and director. He began his acting career under the clever principal director, John Ruffin in the televised production, “Love Me or Leave Me,” alongside Shirley Murdock, Clifton Powell, Carl Payne, Elise Neal, and Terri Vaughn. After that refreshing experience, he began writing more passionately and ably. This allowed him to create projects such as “Living
Without Love,” “Voice of a Child,” as well as his co-written project, “Hard Knock Life.” Gallion is the member of the “League of Chicago Theaters”. Gallion uses his resources and talent to help establish other writers, and actors on a professional platform by giving them tasteful “Broadway scripts”, acting workshops, mentorship programs, and employment for the up and coming artiste. In addition to those wonderful acclaims, he was also a model for Ebony Magazine, Jet, and Vanity Fair. Richard Gallion is quite the down to earth gent, and not to mention a very modest individual that has a profound and spiritual connection to God. I think that’s what I really liked about our interview. I appreciated the fact that he continued to reference God whereas most individuals would say “I” did it all. He gives credit to God for swinging him from the broken point of his life when he didn’t think he could do anything after grinding bones, while shattering his spirit at the same time. He played basketball at Chicago State University.” Once I realized that a broken wrist could bring all this about, I seriously had to repent because once I broke my wrist, I felt like a kid from the ghetto. All I had was basketball. You know, we thought basketball and rapping were the only ways out the hood. So, all I had to hold onto was basketball and I felt like God stripped that from me. So, when he did that, I denounced Him, and I stopped believing in Him and everything.” says Gallion. He had his future sealed… so he thought at the time. Had he not broken the bones, he would’ve never developed the passion for writing. He would not have become one the sexiest models out. Oh, come on, ladies, you know he is like, wow! Hot! He would not have landed the spot on one of the most scandalous and anticipated shows to date. He gave all credit to God and, I think because of that alone, his career will continue to sail. Was it difficult to work under John Ruffin since you had your own vision, or did you appreciate his guidance? I didn’t even have my own vision as a writer at the time. When I was working with John, I was really working as an actor and trying to learn. When you’re just an actor acting, you don’t really get paid like that. The money comes from behind the scenes. Unless you’re Denzel or Will Smith, you’re not getting any top dollars like that. Of course, I’m going to work my way up to that level.
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Actors really don’t make money like that. They are paid decent money, and make enough to just maintain. God didn’t ever want us to just maintain, and just make it. I believe in abundance. I’m serious! I believe in abundance and an overflow of blessings. I can’t just be a regular actor. That’s when I started looking into the whole business aspects of it. It was so much past hurt that I had. You know, I never forgave my father. I had so much stuff I wanted to say to him because I grew up in a single-family household, and I started to write the stuff on paper. Once I started writing on paper, it ended up becoming a production.
message change your life? That’s what was missing behind these productions. People took something that was so serious and made it entertaining, and about the money when it shouldn’t be like that. Your gift will make room for you. So if you’re using your gift in the right way, you don’t have to worry about being something you’re not, or compromising for something that’s not pleasing to you.
Tell us about your scholarships and acting forums. When did you start doing those? Chicago always recognized the negativity that’s going on. They recognized the troubled teens, the pregDo you think that growing up in a single parnant girls, and the little gang bangers on the corent household made you work harder? Do you ners, but they never recognized the ones that’s in think it played a role in your success? It did but the neighborhood doing something positive. I to each his own. I hate when people use it as an wanted to find the students that’s honor roll, the excuse like, “because my father wasn’t there, or students that’s making it, or the students that ‘because of society, that made me like this.” No. came from F’s to straight A’s, I want to honor You wanted to be like that. You had a choice. The them. If the finance is alright, I want to get them thing is, the fact that you grew up in so much something for college. I don’t care if it’s a million mess, I would’ve thought that you would’ve grown dollars, or just one dollar. Just to be able to give to be extremely successful because you’re the something back to them to let them know that I underdog. You can’t lean on an excuse. I hate appreciate and recognize their hard efforts and when people use excuses as to why they became work. The media only boast about the negative the way they became. It’s good to recognize what things because that’s how they want to put us out happen to you, but get over it and move on. I there to be anyway, but I can change that. don’t let people get away with excuses like that. Let’s talk about your legacy because you How did you land a role on EMPIRE, and how seem profound. Let’s talk about your legacy many times will we see you on the show? It and your writing. I read your mission statewas a blessing to land that role. Claire Simon is ment and I applaud you with your efforts to one of the biggest casting agencies in Chicago. bring edification to the forefront with your God has always given me favor with Claire Simon. writing, helping the youth, as well as the She is always speaking up for me to come and scholarships. Do you think your scripts are purposeful versus something catchy to watch, audition there. Through Claire Simon, I’ve landed or drama filled? Do you theorize that television the role with “Chicago PD” and “EMPIRE.” It was lacks the elements and principals that you are just a blessing, man. I had a character by the implementing in your own projects? Absolute- name of “Hawk.” He is more than likely going to be a recurring character on a lot of different epily! It’s like music. Music has an effect on people sodes, especially if they continue to battle with that makes you be a certain way, whether it EMPIRE and “Creedmor’s” record label. I am touches your life good or bad. If you really pay more of the “Suge Night” to “Creedmor.” Yep, I attention to R&B music, that music makes you want to have babies. Let’s be real. Hip Hop music gotta get gangsta. I gotta listen to some “Little Wayne.” I’m just playing. makes you want to be a thug and gang bang. Gospel music makes you want to have a In your opinion, what sets the “EMPIRE series connection to God. Then you realize that art has an influence on people. My whole thing is, I don’t higher than any other sitcom? EMPIRE definitely has the highest ratings. want to just put something out there to entertain people. Yes, some people may need some entertainment or laughter, but at the same time, what’s the message behind the entertainment? Can this
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I would say that it was a business and whoever marketed EMPIRE was a marketing genius. The marketing has definitely made a lot of noise, and then the way they hyped it up. You know, everyone loves Terrance Howard. I don’t know what 50 Cent was talking about because his idea wasn’t stolen from “POWER.” “Hustle & Flow” happened way before “POWER.” From watching “Hustle & Flow,” it got my attention to see Terrance Howard and Taraji P. Henson working again. I used to love Taraji in “Baby Boy”. The show is so star studded. Man, they gave out 20,000 to Chicago artist and local artist, whether behind the scenes or in front of the camera. A lot of people got jobs. That itself was the noisemaker. How is the mixture with everyone onset? Honestly, you don’t get a chance to see everyone. I have yet to see Terrance Howard onset. We have film days. My scenes weren’t with Terrance Howard, it was with Taraji, and a few of the other guys. Terrance was probably eating cereal, sitting back, and watching TV somewhere. You don’t get a chance to see everyone at one time. What other projects can we see you working on? I’m also on “Sirens.” That show is on USA28. I have a role on that. I was cast for a few other movies. We’ll probably be shooting that in March. I’m doing another one of my shows called “Voice of A Child.” I’m not sure of which month because I got selected to tour internationally with “John Ruffin.” We’re going to be doing that sometime in June. What advice can you give someone else that’s going through the injuries and probably won’t get that 2nd chance again? For one, and not just the ones going through the injuries, this is for the ones that are not injured that are just not making it. Don’t give up if you don’t make it in that one thing that you had to draft for cause you never know what God has in store for you. Just open your heart to receive what that is. Be obedient and follow that path. It may be greater, and it might just save your life cause I can honestly say, If I would have made it to the NBA, I would not have a relationship with God, right now.
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The Fig Tree Restaurant Just minutes from Uptown Charlotte in the Historic Elizabeth neighborhood, The Fig Tree Restaurant is located in a beautifully restored 1913 Bungalow. Offering seasonal cuisine with influences from Italy and France, an award winning and affordable wine list and outstanding service. Whether you are looking for a romantic fireside dinner, a fun evening of dining al fresco or a private room for your group, The Fig Tree has it all! 1601 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204 (704) 332-3322 · Mon - Thurs 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM Fri 5:30 PM - 11:00 PM Sat 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM Sun 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Rooster’s Wood Fired Kitchen’s menu is rooted in superior products and cooked with rustic, European technique. Through an established network of small farmers, fish mongers and other local artisans we bring a pastoral, simple and honest approach to the southern food renaissance. Early each morning the Chef at each restaurant builds the fire for our hickory wood fired ovens and grills that we use to give our vegetables, fish and spit roasted meats their distinct flavor. At Rooster’s we celebrate the seasonal and handcraft as much as possible in house. From butchering our own animals to our bread we bake every morning at The King’s Bakery from locally milled organic flour, careful attention is put into each and every dish
and each and every ingredient. The wine program at Roosters takes its inspiration from our menu: It is European at its core but is full of other influences, from California to North Carolina and all over the world. Great care goes into choosing wines that will both compliment our food and offer our guests the unique experience of some of our exclusive allocations and rare vintages. Address: 150 N College St, Charlotte, NC 28202 Phone: (704) 370-7667 Address: 6601 Morrison Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28211 Phone: (704) 366-8688
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