Scooter Smiff…He’s on His Rise to the Top!

If there’s one thing I harbor a slight regret for, it’s waiting so long to follow my dreams. One piece of advice I would offer is to start young and dream big. With this in mind, it’s no coincidence that I wanted to snag a moment of Scooter Smiff’s time…such a young talent with a world of promise. Born Jermaine Smith, in Baltimore, MD, Scooter Smiff brings a lot to the table. He can dance, rap and act and his talents have been noticed by some big name industry moguls. At the age of 5 he wowed the crowd with his performance on Showtime at the Apollo, showcasing his dancing and rapping abilities to the world. Continuing on his success train, he played the role of “Daniel” on Season 3 of the hit show, Lost and joined Tom Arnold in the film, Gardens of the Night.

One of his biggest opportunities came when, super star, Chris Brown brought Scooter Smiff along to perform on the Grammy’s with him. He was signed to Brown’s independent label, CBE Records, having the opportunity to work along side one of the people he looked up to. Scooter Smiff landed it big time when he toured with Chris Brown during his “Up Close and Personal Tour” and was featured in videos such as Wall to Wall and Kiss Kiss. Now 16 and no longer signed to CBE Records, he has released a solo mixtape, First Period, with collaborations such as Mario and Wale. How does he process his success? Is he still able to enjoy being a teenager? What was it like working with Chris Brown? Scooter Smiff answers all of the above and more; take a look at what he has to say about his success thus far!

1. You’re an amazing dancer, rapper, actor; if you had to choose, which would be your ultimate career choice?

I always say that I’m a dancer first and foremost. Thats how I started and thats what I really love to do but I think my ultimate career choice would be acting. I’ve acted in the past and its something that I would love to get better at.

2. You performed with Chris Brown at the Grammy’s, how were you able to digest such a monumental moment in your career?

I was so young but it was still crazy. We did the Grammy’s, Oprah, The Today Show, & Good Morning America, which was my favorite. I am really grateful for that time I had with Chris because I saw so much.

3. How is your business relationship with CB, present day?

It’s good, Chris is like my big bro. I’m so happy to see everything going great for him now because he’s a big inspiration for me.

4. What was your motivation/inspiration for “First Period”?

My determination to get back into the game and show everybody what I was capable of. That kept me focused and inspired to get in the studio and work.

5. If you had to pick your favorite track from the mixtape, which one would it be?

That’s a hard one. If I had to chose though I would say it would be a tie between “Could Be” & “Stop It”.

“Could Be” Ft Mario

http://soundcloud.com/scootersmiff/06-could-be-feat-mario-prod-by

“Stop It” Ft. Lil Twist

http://soundcloud.com/scootersmiff/11-stop-it-ft-lil-twist-prod

6. How do you balance the success of your career and still being able to enjoy your teenage years?

My team makes sure I still get to be a teen and do regular teenage things while working and on the road. I keep a really good balance between the two.

7. How is your “sound” different from other rappers, i.e. what makes you unique?

I think my voice and flow are very unique. Also I don’t curse or talk about anything out of my age range in my raps.

8. What advice can you offer other young artists on their journey to the top?

I would say just to stay focused and get yourself out there. If I would have never done that talent contest at the Apollo I wouldn’t be where I am now.

9. What’s one fun/quirky thing about you that your fans may not know already?

Haha I love to eat cookie dough. Before I get into the studio to record or write I gotta have Nestle Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough!

He’s down to earth with so much more to accomplish and he’s already experienced more than most artists in the beginning stages of their careers. If there’s one thing Scooter Smiff has shown the Dreamworld, it’s that you can dream as big as you want to…the sky is the limit. Let his story be the reason why you put goals into action!

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Have You Heard of Alison Carney? The Dreamgirl Has!

She can sing, she can write, she’s a fashion designer…what doesn’t she do? Who is SHE? That’s Alison Carney that I speak of and she’s a D.C. treasure that you may have heard of! Her music is infused with inspirations from her surroundings and life experiences, leaving her listeners with perked ears and a sense of truth in their souls. If you take the time to listen to Alison’s music, you will understand just what I’m referring to…you won’t be able to box it in or pin it down to one particular genre, but go ahead and try (trust me, you won’t want to)!

Alison performs annually for the DC Dilla Tribute and Can a Sister Rock a Mic and has toured internationally, spreading her love of music around the globe. She will be blessing Park Nightclub, in D.C. on February 24th for those that want an up close and personal taste of what she has to offer! I was able to reach out and get a deeper insight as to what makes Alison Carney so special; take a look at what she had to say:

I know your music is unique (as you want it to be), but do you think it falls into any particular genre, if one had to classify it?

I don’t think my music falls into one genre…but the most recent stuff is electro-pop-soul for sure!

You believe that music makes the world go ’round, how do you intend to spread that ideology throughout the industry?

I’m not gonna go on a crusade, but I believe music, much like everything in life should be organic!!! It should be natural, not contrived. If more people accepted that, the movement/ideology would spread on its own!

What do you think is your God-given purpose in life?

To touch people emotionally with every melody, harmony and lyric.

What advice would you offer up-and-coming music artists, fashionistas, designers, etc…?

Love what you do…and do what you love! You have to find constant enjoyment in your art in order for it to stay true and authentic.

At what point can you reflect on your journey and think to yourself, “I made it”?

That’s a tough one…I don’t necessarily believe in “making it”…I believe we are constantly working for our own next level of greatness and I love it!!!

What is one funny/quirky thing about you that most wouldn’t know?

I like to eat in bed…All the time. Food tastes better in my bed lol!

This small glimpse is enough for me to know that Alison Carney is destined for greatness because she isn’t afraid to dream and go against the grain. Check her out live or listen to this authentic butterfly right here:

alisonWonderland by Alison Carney

Also check out her EP:

The EP by Alison Carney

Enjoy this breath of fresh air in the Dreamworld!

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Sharing is Caring…A Mini Treat Inside!

Being a fairly new blogger is a scary thing! Will people pay attention to me? Do they like what I’m saying? What will the world think? To put your thoughts and beliefs out there for everyone to see requires a certain level of confidence and not really caring what others think. Sure, you want people to read your posts, but when it’s all said and done…I write because I want to! Of course, I hope that others can find inspiration in my posts and interviews, but my desire for a higher purpose far exceeds a want of popularity!

With that said, what better way to learn about this secret society than to seek the advice of those who are doing it and doing it well? I reached out to a successful blogger on Twitter (a couple of weeks ago) and she was kind enough to do a mini Twitter-view with me! Here are the questions I asked and the info that The Jasmine Brand offered up:

1. How long did it take for you to break onto the blogging scene?

@thejasminebrand: It will be two years this summer. I became serious about blogging about a year ago.

2. What advice can you offer new bloggers, i.e. gaining more followers? Gaining visibility?

@thejasminebrand: 1. Be consistent. 2. Be interested in what you cover. 3. Market yourself in non-traditional ways. 4. Be creative.

3. How are you so successful at getting celebrity support/interviews?

@thejasminebrand: When I first started, I would have to damn near beg for interviews. @KennyBurns gave me my first one as a favor because he was friends with my publicist and it’s still not easy. Like any industry, you have to prove yourself and keep at it. I’ve been blessed, lucky, etc. and I just work hard at it and it’s worked thus far and I’m my authentic, corny self.

4. Is there room for non-controversial blogs such as mine?

@thejasminebrand: I wouldn’t call your site “non-controversial” LOL, but yes there is room. You just have to determine who your audience is.

5. What is the first thing you notice when you visit a website/blog for the first time?

@thejasminebrand: The first thing I notice is lay-out then grammar and writing.

6. O.K. last question…what are your blogger pet peeves, i.e. typos, grammar, etc.

@thejasminebrand: My pet peeves are typos (and I’m 100% guilty of this), seeing the same content on EVERY site, that sort of thing…But it really doesn’t matter what I think because there’s an audience for EVERYONE. There’s enough room for all of us 2.

It was a quick Q&A, but if there’s one thing I always do it’s ask questions! I have no shame in reaching out to others, but most importantly, I love to share information! I don’t feel like I have to hold onto information because there’s competition out there. Teamwork makes the dream work!

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DANITHEDREAMGIRL Received an Award!!!

This recognition and thanks is long overdue, but outside of blogging I have to pay the bills by working (lol) so time isn’t always on my side 🙂 So, onto the good news! I am the recipient of the Versatile Blogger Award, which recognizes blogs that do something different and exciting! In order to receive this award, you MUST be nominated or awarded by another blog site. I had the honor of being presented this award by another lovely blogger who is Shipwrecked on Fabulous Island Here it is:

This is what she had to say about me and my site:

Dani of DANITHEDREAMGIRL documents her journey to find her purpose and helps tell the stories of others along the way. I call her features The Dream Catchers because she exposes everyday people who are chasing (and determined to catch) their dreams. Subscribe to her blog via email for the latest and greatest in MOTIVATION!

To that, I say “THANK YOU VERY MUCH!” It’s nice to be recognized for the work that I do and the stories that I tell! So the rules state that I must share 7 facts about myself…here goes nothing:

1. I love to LOVE! I love hard! Once I’m comfortable with a person, my heart will surely open up to them. That’s the reason for me having such wonderful relationships in my life (just ask my close friends).

2. I’m very GIVING! If I have it, you got it. I will give you the last few dollars in my pocket if you needed it more than me.

3. I dream of a BIG wedding, but will more than likely elope just to save the money! lol

4. I love DOGS…they are so much cooler than cats!

5. I’m a Daddy’s girl! If you talk about my dad, there will be problems.

6. I like partying with my brother more than anyone else.

7. My TRUE lifelong passion that I never actually followed was to be a DANCER! I must find a way to fit that into my life somehow.

THERE YOU HAVE IT! Was that good? OK, now I have to pass this along to other bloggers! Can I give it back to the person that gave it back to me??? I wish I could, because I really want to…F it! I’m giving it back to her! Take a look at who I picked for this award!

1. She is the craftiest, most fabulous, amazing mother, friend so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that she is Shipwrecked on Fabulous Island. If you need recipes, event planning tips, crafting samples/step by step descriptions, etc…you better act like you know and click on her link!

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2. I totally adore Necole Bitchie, which is why she is my next honoree! I love her story! She went from nothing, to being one of the BEST bloggers out there. She received an award from Soul Train for being the #1 Soul Site. She doesn’t even know it, but she is one of my biggest, if not the biggest, blogging inspiration! You can make a living out of just writing and posting! She has a huge celebrity following, but seems very down to earth. She has celeb status, but remains humble…if that’s not versatile I don’t know what is!

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3. My next lovely recipient is the creator of The Jasmine Brand. She is not only good at what she does, but she is totally down to earth! She took the time to have a Twitter Q&A with me to offer advice and guidance on how to be successful in the blogging world! She gave insight on how SHE made it and for that, I will always be grateful. She can chum it up with the big names within the industry and still chum it up with people like me who are on the come-up!

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4. Next up! Oh yeah…she’s getting smacked with a DOUBLE award since she has already received it once! If you love shoes, you will love Shoeacidal Hotline. She is able to get exclusive interviews with our favorite stars who rock the best shoes! If you’re feeling a bit SHOEACIDAL, call her hotline!

The list isn’t long, but it’s packed with power! Check them out 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to visit Danithedreamgirl and share in my excitement!

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Dysfunctional Friends…A Film You Need to Support!

What if you were rich and larger than life…you died unexpectedly…all of your closest friends came to your funeral…and you left each of them a piece of your estate? Furthermore, what if the only way your friends could cash in on their piece of the pie was for them to grant you your one last wish? Want to see how a story like this ends? You and me both! This is the plot of Corey Grant’s new independent film, Dysfunctional Friends.

Hailing from Illinois, Corey graduated from Howard University in Washington, D.C. receiving his Master’s in Film. Shortly after graduating he relocated to Hollywood to immerse himself in the hub of the entertainment world. He has a couple of films under his belt, Hip Hop Task Force and Hip Hop Task Force vol 2, but his new project offers something different. He explains, “This is the first film where I had an all-star cast, had to worry about overtime and union permits…it was also the first movie I’ve done which was strictly character driven so it was a very unique experience.” For such a big project, I was more than curious to know how he was able to gather his all-star cast. He held nothing back in letting me know the magical formula:

The lead producer, Datari, reached out to his friends and they reached out to their friends. I already knew Tatyana Ali and Wesley Jonathan, Essence Atkins and Christian Keyes from another project I had in development that they were attached to, along with Meagan Good. Plus our Casting Director, Phaedra Harris, reached out and it all came together…

It seems like the perfect story thus far, but his journey to getting this film backed by a major studio was nearly impossible. Dysfunctional Friends is an independent film, meaning that every ticket sale counts! The film was released in select theaters in NY and LA, so if you want it to come to your city, you must demand it! I asked Corey how the DMV can show support to ensure the film gets released right here in D.C.and here’s what he had to say:

Spread the links to the trailer online, blast it on Twitter [and Facebook], demand it and show up the opening weekend. The reason we have self distributed this movie is because all the major studios didn’t want to put the promotional money behind it because they believe our audience is unreliable unless it’s Tyler Perry. I love and respect what Tyler is doing, but it also hurts us because studios only want to put money behind formulas. To them, Tyler is the formula. [Nothing] else has enough value for them to gamble promotional dollars on. That’s our audience’s fault for not supporting other quality films and only we can correct that. Dysfunctional Friends is a different kind of movie and people are responding to it. Prove the studios wrong and go see this movie and if you like it, tell a friend.

To come back to D.C. with his new project would add another notch under his belt, being as though his story somewhat began here. Corey lets me know, “Oh, it’s going to be major coming back to the DMV. My time at Howard was what inspired me to write the script.” His Director of Photography, Richard Vialet, has the honor of being a Howard alum as well. He adds, “This is where we both started so you can imagine how excited we are!”

If you’re an aspiring writer or simply want to break into the film industry, Corey offers some advice:

You have to learn the craft. If you don’t respect the craft you won’t be able to make quality products. Also if you are trying to get in it for the money, DON’T. It takes a while to start making money and it’s a hard business filled with ups and downs. You have to love it to stick it out. Be persistent and don’t give up. Also, at some point you have to make that trip to Los Angeles. This is where the industry is and there is no way around it if you want this as a career and not a hobby. Believe in yourself when no one else does. I’m proof that it can happen because nobody let me in the game. I had to make the industry take notice of me and then the doors opened. Confidence, Persistence, Patience, Integrity, and Talent is what it takes. If you have that you can’t lose.

As if he hasn’t given great insight to his world already, he ends our interview on an amazing note. When asked what he thinks his God-given purpose in life is he said, “To touch people and spread love. I love people and positive energy and I feel that if I exude that in my work and life, I have fulfilled my purpose.” Despite the doors that may have closed on him, another big one certainly opened up. Dysfunctional Friends seems like it will not only be the next big independent film to keep your eye on, but it just might give any Tyler Perry film a run for its money. Support, support support!

*Check out the movie trailer here:

*Full Cast: Stacey Dash, Reagan Gomez-Preston, Wesley Jonathan, Persia White, Jason Weaver, Stacy Keibler, Terrell Owens, Datari Turner, Hosea Chanchez, Christian Keyes, Tatyana Ali, Vanessa Simmons, Essence Atkins, Keith Robinson, Meagan Good

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He’s a Man With More than Just “Love Games”

When you hear his name, you may not recognize it unless you are an avid Love Games fan, but he’s certainly on his way to stardom. After I saw one episode I was hooked and not because the show was the best on television, but because he grabbed my attention. That person was Matthew Goodman, a.k.a. Matt. Of course some would see his handsome look and pretty smile and think the obvious, but there was a feeling of genuine charm that couldn’t be ignored. He stood out from the others and I knew I had to get a deeper peek into what he was all about. I took a chance and requested an interview with the young man and of course, in true southern gentleman fashion, he agreed to give his fans a sneak peak into his world.

Native to Atlanta, GA Matt knew at a young age that he wanted to be in the lime light and show the world what he was made of. So far, it looks as though he is succeeding with his goal! He’s been seen in films such as, Stomp the Yard 2: Homecoming and 5 Days in the Day “A”. He was also featured as a cast member on BET’S College Hill Atlanta Season 5, as well as, BET’s 106 & Park and Spring Bling. You may have also seen him showing off his skills on Showtime at the Apollo’s Dance Competition in 2006, where he won over the crowd 3 times! Matt’s most recent camera time has been captured on Oxygen’s Love Games, where he was chosen as the winner who found love with Bad Girl’s Club voodoo vixen, Judi. He explains, “Love Games was a more intimate, personal level that people were able to view me in. I feel that it was an exposure platform for what is to come in the near future…”

Not only is he making his way through Hollywood, but he’s also making his way through Atlanta by helping out local organizations and foundations such as, the Ludacris Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club. He spends his free time helping out and giving back; something that is becoming very rare among those finding success. When asked what he wanted the first thing people thought of when they heard his name he said, “Real, Ambitious, Intellectual, Gentleman, Humble. Evenly spread across the board, these words best describe me as an ever-evolving individual.”

His answer alone is unique, therefore it seems only fitting that his career take the same mold. Matthew isn’t just interested in being on the big screen, but he also has musical aspirations that include rapping, writing, producing and performing across the globe. He is slated to release his EP by Spring 2012. My main goal is to always uncover what inspires someone to keep pushing and the things that keep Matt pursuing his music and television are simple. In his words:

The love and passion for music, as well as television and film, is what continues to drive me to pursue my career as I do. Secondly, the support and feedback that I receive from people everyday plays a huge role in where I’m currently at in my career.

With dreams of success in mind, Matt is charting his own territory in the industry, but inquisitive minds may wonder how he won’t be sucked into the world of being just an ordinary reality star. Let’s face it, it’s the new fad for young people making their rise to fame, but if you are one of the individuals left to wonder if he will fall victim, check out how he plans on NOT allowing this to happen:

I plan on making sure that reality T.V. success won’t niche me as a typical “reality T.V. star” by constantly reinventing myself and who I am as a person. You’re not the same person you were a year ago, not even a few months ago. With that being said, there is always room for growth and improvement. I have lifelong business, as well as, personal goals I’ve set for myself and being young, complacency is not an option nor an excuse.

Well, there you have it. He just may be as unique as he seems and driven to go against the norm. My interview is just a small peak into the world of someone who is clearly destined for something big, but the glimpse may inspire others to stick with their goals and attain their own success, such as Matthew Goodman. So, what is his God-given purpose in life? He tells his fans:

I feel that because I am still alive and breathing, I have not yet fulfilled my ideal God-given purpose. Nevertheless, I feel that I have a special gift in communicating with people. I’m a people person and I would love to reach different ethnicities and cultures, through music and artistic expression.

His journey is picking up speed and I can’t help but be excited for what’s to come of this young, humble, intellectual and ambitious young man’s life and career. One thing’s for sure, the right attitude goes a long way and for that alone, greatness is definitely in his future.

If you want to learn more about Matthew, visit his website: http://www.matthewdgoodman.com/

You can also check out this clip of the Love Games Season 3 Finale: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3ZBXSbRpu8

As always, another story of hard work and dedication proves to have a pay off. This is just another sign that there are plenty of dreams to be had in the Dreamgirl’s world!

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Some Will Stay Forever, but NOT Everyone Made it to 2012 with Me!

To my followers, I say “THANK YOU” for supporting me and taking the time to read such great stories of inspiration! I’ve gotten many emails and comments from those that were truly helped and inspired after reading about some amazing people and their journeys through life. I have some additional interviews that I will be disclosing within the next month or so; stay tuned!

With that said, I think it’s a good idea to clear the air and make a personal statement with this being a new year and all. I’ve welcomed 2012 with open arms; 2011 was filled with so many events, ups and downs, trials, epiphanies, changes, etc. It was a busy year, to say the least. However, in all the lessons that I took away from the past year, there are two that shine through (not all friendships last forever and family means everything) and I’m sure others will be able to relate. I took time to slim down my circle of friends, evaluated who I’ve been letting into my life and it was certainly time for a change. Although, I’m a FIRM believer that everyone comes into your life for a reason, it is also true that not everyone is meant to stay. It wasn’t all DEEP though; I took some much-needed time to be with the people who mean the most and I did things that made ME happy like, take a trip to Miami for my brother’s birthday…

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Went to see Jay and Kanye’s Watch the Throne Tour…

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Went to L.A. for the first time…

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I had some amazing experiences, but of course as luck would have it, it wasn’t all fun and games for me. Friendships were tested! Some of my friendships ended, some of them started, but the ones that stand out the most are those that just disappeared. I had a “friend” get engaged and will be married soon; I guess that invitation got lost in the mail (FYI, never drop your girls for any man…that’s Rule #1)! After 11 years of friendship, she broke the mighty, mighty Rule #1. I had another “friend” become so selfish and unappreciative of my time and truly thought that the world revolved around her drinking schedule…that relationship is no longer an issue for me. Both situations were with two different people, but had the same outcome and I have no issues with either one being gone. Of course time and attention were invested and sacrifices were made on both ends, but when the expiration date approaches I don’t fight it. I don’t look back and I certainly don’t lose sleep over fixing something that will forever be broken. Sorry folks, no pics of the two ladies referenced above…I’m not that cold-hearted.

The moral of my story is, no matter how positive you may try to be in life, no matter how inspired you are by someone’s success, or how you try to maintain mind control, nothing will prepare any of us for the unexpected things that happen in life. One of the unexpected things that life may bring is having to say “good-bye” to those that you thought had your best interest at heart. I’d rather deal with the pain of turning away, than suffer a lifetime of toxic relationships…that will certainly end up killing me in the long run. Instead, I chose to rid my life of the bad and celebrate the good! I brought in the new year with a bang, with friends and friends of friends!

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Living life the happy way is the first step to moving in the right direction! The Dreamgirl can’t dream if she surrounds herself with nightmares! Keep on dreaming!

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Is My Friend Always Going to be Shipwrecked on Fabulous Island?!?!

It’s a new year everyone…WELCOME, 2012! With only a few more entries to go, I am continuing my series on inspirational surroundings and next up is….(drum roll please) the most successful multi-tasker that I know. She can light a fire under anyone’s butt and motivate them to DO SOMETHING! If you are struggling with finding a purpose in life, getting started on a goal (big or small) or simply need some encouraging words to help you step out on faith, this woman is who you want to read about! She’s an everyday, down to earth, kind-hearted being that just about anyone can relate to.

I could write and entire novel each month and there still wouldn’t be enough pages to describe the talent, passion, creativity, drive and integrity of someone who I’m honored to not only call my friend, but one of the coolest craft-masters out there! That’s right, she goes by the name, Tabby, and is able to juggle being a mom, wife, event planner, blogger (http://shipwreckedonfabulousisland.blogspot.com) crafter, teacher, and still goes to work at her “9-5”. She is co-founder of Embellished Affairs (www.embellishedaffairs.com); an amazing event planning company that specializes in making any and every event FABULOUS beyond belief. If you’ve experienced an event that Tabby has had her hand in, you will always recognize her signature work and love it!

Her creativity is believed to be a genetic trait that both her mother and father can take credit for. Behind her father’s cold exterior, “he disguises his amazing artistic talent…” and her mother has always been “the crafty mom involved in everything from the Youth Ministry at church to the neighborhood mom.” In her words, “if my creativity isn’t genetic it was definitely nurtured by BOTH of my parental units!” She’s gotten the best of both worlds and she’s become a “calculated perfectionist who keeps it fun and sparkly.” She defines creativity as:

…Allowing one’s internal cheerleader to embrace one’s internal weirdo…it is often a self-celebration for doing something out of “the norm.” Sometimes you have to listen for the whispering voice in your head that says, “you can do this”…like Nemo, just keep swimming to see it through.

If you need a place to visit to learn her tips, step by step instructions and everything fabulosity, take a look at her site shipwreckedonfabulousisland.blogspot.com. It is her “personal online sanctuary where [she] can be as nerdy, eccentric, dramatic and moody as [she] wants. It’s [her] place to revel in all things pretty, crafty, family and fabulous.” Is there anything that she doesn’t do? HMMMM, probably not!

Tabby gets an idea and runs with it; her hands are like a surgeon’s on fabulous crack (yes, I said crack)! I got the opportunity to attend her daughter’s 5 year old Minnie Mouse theme Birthday party and it was BOW-rrific!

Hand-made bows on headbands as party favors!

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A Bow-Bar! Every little girl’s fantasy…they were there for the taking!

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She adds something special to all of her events and again, her fabulous touch can always be seen and felt!

Amazing display of the reception cards!

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“Tasty” and beautiful candy shop for a kid’s event!

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Added elegance to hand fans!

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Indian wedding…they do it all!

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Zion’s 4th Birthday Candy Bar (I know, I put 2 candy bars on display, but I love candy…)!

Tabby and her business partner, Sheena, successfully came up with a business model that worked for them after realizing that they “were the event planner for their respective circle of friends, family members and clients.” They identified their target audience (everyone) and “stepped out on faith to execute successful events one detail at a time.” A key in gaining traction was their decision to “undercut market rates to build [their] reputation.” They worked “twice as hard to prove themselves” and smartly left lasting impressions on every person that they met along the way, i.e. vendors, clients, family of clients, etc. Embellished Affairs received weddingwire.com’s Brides’ Choice Award every year since its inception! For your next milestone celebration, contact Embellished Affairs at: www.embellishedaffairs.com

I wonder how she manages to juggle it all so successfully! She keeps her favorite biblical verse close to her heart 24/7:

1 COR 16:14 “Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong. And everything you do must be done with love.” I do what I love…I do family time. I do event planning. I do blogging. I do crafting. I do PTO. I do Sunday School teaching. I do singing. I do baking. I do photography. Sometimes I feel like I do it all and, one day, it might kill me. Then I remember I do it all in love and somehow I live to see another day.

To say that she is an amazing mother would be an understatement! In fact, her family IS her motivation and they are like her own personal fan club! Her husband, Brian, believes that “there is nothing she can’t do and his confidence in her pushes her to do better.” Her daughter, Zion, is so amazing and imaginative that she naturally keeps Tabby “on her toes.” One thing I love is that she lets Zion in on the fun and action of creation during their at-home craft sessions! Whether Zion is a model, the creator or simply the person that she is creating for, she’s ALWAYS included!

If you think she does it all, you’re right! Women who want to be much more than just a wife or mom, but rather an independent and strong female who can also keep God and her family at the center of everything can relate to her! I could go on for days, but instead I leave you with something that motivates me, but comes from Tabby’s mind. What’s her God-given purpose on earth? Check it out:

I take every day as an opportunity to have a new God-given purpose…I know my ultimate purpose is to bring others to Him through influential service. I would, however, be remiss if I didn’t speak to my passion to redefine the importance of family in our society…My immediate reward is the happiness of my family but my heart is warmed when I read notes of encouragement and inspiration from mothers and fathers everyday…They make my hot glue burns all worth it!

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From His Pen to Our Ears! Donnell Shawn Butler

Continuing my series on amazing stories of success, perseverance and the ultimate search of life’s purpose, here’s a glimpse into the world of Donnell Shawn Butler. At first glance you may not recognize his name, but within the music industry this young talent is a force to be reckoned with. He is blessed with the ability to sing better than many popular (high paid) crooners, write tracks for platinum-selling artists, produce and play keyboard!

He first fell in love with music at the innocent age of 5. Who might have been his first attention grabber? Stevie? Marvin? Nope. The Gap Band, singing “I’m in Love” on the radio! If you’ve ever heard him sing, you’d think he spent top dollars on the best vocal coach, but he managed to teach himself. In his own words, “I was whack at first then kept singing all day.” His ability to write songs began in much the same way as he explains, “I just sat down and wrote a song. Not a lot of thought to it.” How did he become so good at creating masterpieces? He believes, “Practice makes a successful anything.” Despite his raw, self-taught, skills Donnell’s journey hasn’t always been the easiest; it took sacrifice and walking out on faith…oh and of course, being told “no.”

If you were wondering whether or not Donnell faced rejection along the way, his insight is simple, “HAHA…rejection is the name of the game. I’ve been told “no” almost my whole life.” He also had to discover that his hometown wasn’t the best place to fully birth his talents. Although Philly is where his passion sparked, L.A. was the fuel to his flame. The opportunity to leave the City of Brotherly Love and relocate to the City of Angels was the start of his new beginning, but it meant leaving his family behind in order to gain exposure and mold his future. The risk has certainly been worth the reward and Donnell is making his new area code work for him in every way. When asked what it was about L.A. that had him pack his bags quick, fast and in a hurry he says:

Los Angeles is where the artists are and where people are really networking hard. The atmosphere is entertainment. [My] transition wasn’t very hard at all…it was very natural because I’m in my environment. The studio. Everyone here is networking and willing to work with each other…no one is keeping secrets or staying in a clique.

Have Mr. Butler’s years in Philly and leap into “Smog City” paid off at all? You be the judge. He’s written music for Craig David, Timbo, Letoya Luckett, Boyz 2 Men, Kevin Rudolf, Jesse McCartney, BlackStreet, Day26, Bridget Kelly, Lil Wayne and most recently Mary J. Blige (“Irreversible” off of her latest album, My Life II…The Journey Continues (Act I)). Even with all of his success, he still isn’t 100% sure of his God-given purpose, but knows that he is meant to inspire others at the very least. Donnell has learned that, “You have to be present in whatever you do. Go places and meet people and force your way into the door. Continue to write and write and write…something will give.” For his fellow, future young stars, he leaves them with this additional bit of advice:

Make sure it’s what you want. Make sure you can compete…Practice. Practice. Evolve. Take criticism always and get better. Be happy and grateful for anything you get. Be a nice person!…Nice and friendly get you a LONG way over talent. Non-stop work is the secret weapon. Stay up and do one extra thing and that could be the thing that takes you to the next level.

In the midst of his many blessings, Donnell has the rare ability to remain humble and grounded; something that seems to be missing from many stars today. His journey can inspire just about anybody that reads this and that’s what makes this whole thing called life very magical. Anybody can learn from their environment and the people around them; however, it’s up to each person to pay attention! Sometimes elevating to the next level requires taking a risk that may or may not work out in your favor, but lucky for Donnell Shawn Butler, his risks are paying off in every way imaginable…will yours?

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