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5 minutes 5 questions with, african american author, african american authors, african american book, african american books, amazon.com, interview

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… LaShawnda Jones, author of My God and Me

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JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
LaShawnda Jones, author of My God and Me: Listening, Learning and Growing on My Journey
(Jazzy Media, LLC)

My God and Me: Listening, Learning and Growing on My Journey is a collection of snap-shot narratives of my life, concentrating mostly on the years I underwent a spiritual transformation.

A few years ago, I moved to New York City from Milwaukee, WI. Alone. No family, no friends and no job. I learned without a doubt how to trust in the Lord. I did odd jobs around New York City for six months. There’s no rational-intellectual explanation of how I was able to feed and shelter myself. But I had a place to lay my head every night and not one day passed that I wasn’t well fed.

The Lord provides! My God and Me is full of illustrative stories of how He holds me, guides me, teaches me, provides for me and loves me. It not a story of lack, it’s a story of how I’m being prepared to reap a spiritual abundance!

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write My God and Me?

LaShawnda Jones: My God and Me is derived from blogs. When I started blogging in 2006, my only intent was to be entertaining. My goal was to promote my VoLux Full-Figure Calendar. My early posts were about plus size fashion, body image and self-esteem. Somewhere in that mix, my exploration of my self-esteem exposed a struggle with my self-confidence. Did my strength come from my physical connection or my spiritual connection? The deeper I dug for the root of my insecurities, the more I desired a deeper connection to my Source. I describe this struggle in detail in Self-Image is Everything, a piece in my book. Continue reading 5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… LaShawnda Jones, author of My God and Me →

5 minutes 5 questions with, african american author, african american authors, african american book, african american books, amazon.com, interview

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Krystol, author of Through Her Eyes

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JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Krystol, author of Through Her Eyes

From the moment Melanie Woodard entered the world, her life s been rough. Her early life was filled with turmoil. She was ridiculed for her dark complexion, dealt with constant drama from her family and experienced the death of a loved one at the tender age of ten that left her traumatized. Her young adult life was filled with one-sided relationships, leaving her exposed to abuse, heartache and disappointment.

Needless to say, Melanie’s guard was up toward the world and especially men and relationships. What happens when Melanie think she’s found the one man she can have settle down and kids with? Will her heart be broken again or will true love prevail? Come cry, laugh and cheer on Melanie as she shows you her life Through Her Eyes.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Through Her Eyes?

Krystol: Well, I have always enjoyed writing since I was a child. The idea to write Through Her Eyes came from some life experiences that I endured along the way from childhood to my adulthood.

What inspired me to write Through Her Eyes was my late grandmother Gloria. She always told me, “If you had something to say don’t talk about it, write about it”.

JP: Although people hate to admit it openly, people with dark skins have a harder time, in general, than their lighter-skinned counter parts. What light does Through Her Eyes shed on this issue?

Krystol: That people will accept you for your dark skin. It may not seem like it at first, but people will see you for who you are not the color you are. Through Her Eyes brings light to all of the people who were not accepted or discriminated against because they had a darker color than other people.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to Through Her Eyes getting out to the public?

Krystol: Well, I can say that the first key is God. Without him, I would not have been able to write Through Her Eyes let alone have an interview with you, Joey. Another key is to just get myself out there as much as possible. Everyday I am learning something new about this great experience with my first novel.

Through Her Eyes will speak for itself. I stand behind Through Her Eyes 100 percent. Everyone can relate to Through Her Eyes, from the average teenager to the elderly. Through Her Eyes is happy, sad, uplifting and fulfilling.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish Through Her Eyes?

Kystol: As far as my writing process, I have none. I got an idea in my head, and I just decided to do it. I trusted my instincts and thought, “If I am going to write a book, I have to do it, not just speak on it.”

You may not believe me when I say this, but it took me two weeks to start and finish Through Her Eyes! I had my mindset that I am going to accomplish a goal that I wanted to do for a very long time.

JP: What’s next for Krystol?

Krystol: This is it for Through Her Eyes, but I am going to continue to write. I am currently working on my second novel. Through Her Eyes has taught me a lot about myself, and I have learned that obstacles can be overcome because I overcame mine.

http://www.throughhereyes.vpweb.com
http://www.myspace.com/krystold06
krissy03@comcast.net

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5 minutes 5 questions with

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Polo AKA The Fur King and Fallon Seaborn, Designer vs. Stylist

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Ladies first. Ms. Fallon Seaborn, what is your “stylist philosophy”?

Fallon Seaborn: I live by my philosophies and sayings, but the one that really stays with me is: ” Never be afraid to go left if left is really your right!” A lot of people think being different or leading your own path is crazy.

I have my own style, and I do my own thing in life. When people see me, they have so many different opinions on how I should be.  I think that hinders people. They never evolving into ones true self.

When I wardrobe style my clients, I allow them to bring to life what they imagined and add my flavor to the equation.

Now, Polo. What is your philosophy on the “art of fashion design”?

Polo: Fashion is what you make it, Joey. It’s like art. You have to imagine what you want and bring it to life.

Ms. Seaborn, what are some budget-friendly styling tips a person can use when they are coming up with something on their own?

FS: Don’t be afraid to shop on sale, consignment, thrift stores and at outlets. You will probably never be able to guess everything I have on or how much I paid for it. That’s because I love clothing! You should never go by the name; go on how you feel.

Some of the best looks are when the heart and effort is put into the fashion aspect of what they are wearing as opposed to a person just buying something for the sake of having a designer name. I shop all over for my clients. I rarely ever buy everything for my clients in one store. I like to see what’s out there.

There are so many up-and-coming designers that are majorly hot. But people are sticking to what they are accustomed to. I venture out because Louis Vuitton was once a new designer. You never know when you will find a diamond in the rough.

Polo, what is your view on fashion as a business? How has fashion become a business for you?

Polo: It was just a hobby at first. I was spending more and more on the clothes I was buying. I was like, “Whoa, I can do the same thing and go into business for myself!” And that’s exactly what I did!

Ms. Seaborn, what are some of your favorite brands? And why?

FS: Wow! Great question, Joey! I love so many. For my personal style, I’m a jean and purse fanatic. I love Escada, Versace, Joe’s, Moci and DCuts for my denim.

My favorite purse designers would be Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Fendi and Hermes. I’ve never owned a Hermes bag yet, but trust you me I’m working on it. I love these designers because of there cuts and designs.

I personally wear all the jeans by the designers I just named, and they have stood the test of time. Their designs are always hot and the fit is incredible for a mast majority of people.

My picks on the bags have been tested over time. I’m always carrying a lot of stuff, and I need to have a very durable bag I need space, but still be fly.

Polo, what is some good advice for up-and-coming fashion designers?

Stay focused. Stay at least 10 steps ahead of the game as well as the people that you are around. Keep you mind right, your time right and your grind right and you will be fine.

Ms. Seaborn, where do you get your inspiration from when coming up with new and exciting ideas?

FS: I’m loving the questions, Joey! I pull inspiration from all types of places: my friends, people, magazines, music and myself. I’m constantly trying to improve and be better then I was 5 minutes ago.

I know some really creative people, and theykeep me on my toes and make me feel comfortable to know that it’s ok to be different.

Polo, what is most challenging about work now?

Polo: Making the customer happy. It’s hard work, but I do a good job at it. I love seeing the customer walking out with that smile on there face its a beautiful feeling.

Ms. Seaborn. If you could pick one person to style you for a photo shoot, with no involvement on your part, who would that person be? And why?

FS: For women, I would have to pick two people and for men one person. I love June Ambrose and Brea Stinson. They are really talented, and I love there style.

The man I would choose would be none other than my manager himself, Polo AKA The Fur King. Polo knows my edgy side.

It’s funny because I think it’s hard for a person to dress me because I’m a moody dresser. I can literally be over a look in two minutes! It’s annoying sometimes! FYI: I never make it to the club until it’s time to close.

Polo, how has you birthplace influenced your designs?

Polo: I was born in the Bronx where the people are fresh, but I was raised in Teaneck, NJ, where people are the best. Considering I’m only 10 minutes from Harlem AKA The Mecca, the influence was easy. My style is like no other, so it made it that more easier.

857.417.2033
http://www.myspace.com/thefurking
http://www.maggbeatz.com/privatecollection
http://www.maggbeatz.com/stylist

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