Divatude Spotlight on Kita B.

Hello Divas!!! I'm excited to bring you all a follow-up from a diva first introduced to DWP earlier this summer.  When we last spoke with Kita, she was preparing to for the online debut of Kokoa Magazine.  Since it's debut, the magazine has been seen by approximately 20,000 people!!!! What an accomplishment in 4 short months! Many thanks to Kita for taking the time to chat with us again and discuss how she's embracing her Divatude in 2013 and beyond!

When you hear DIVATUDE what immediately comes to mind?

When I think of Divatude the first thing that comes to mind is strong willed. Someone who knows where they are in life and/or know where they are going. An attitude that has confidence in it.

How do you embrace the aspects of DIVATUDE in your personal and professional life (being driven, inspiring, victorious and called-to-action)?

I have it with my magazine because I like things done a certain way. People call it something else but I call it know what direction I want to go in and being driven by something that I feel is needed. It has taken me a long time to get to the point where if I have to do it alone I will because no one can represent YOUR dream but yourself.

You blog over at Saywhatuwanna.com - where you pretty much give it to us straight, no chaser and keep your readers laughing with your perspective on everything from politics to marriage and friendship. Are you that outspoken face-to-face? Have you always been that way?

Lol, yes I have always been that way. Face to face interaction with people has cost me some friends and acquaintances but I believe in telling it like it is especially if I am asked my opinion. I don’t sugarcoat it just because others may. I always tell people it’s just my opinion take it or leave it because when I give it to you straight I like to come from a different angle of thinking and I am fair. I have always been that way ever since a child I use to be a bit more outspoken when I was younger as I have gotten older I have learned to curb it ……some.  Most people who know me would say I give my honest opinion straight on and if you don’t want to know the truth don’t ask me.

Kokoa Magazine is your newest venture. Can you tell us a little about it and the inspiration behind it?

I was in the line at Wal-Mart one day and I saw some young girls probably around 12 or 13 pick up a magazine and say I want to be like Beyoncé or I want to be like Rihanna or Lady Gaga. I thought to myself why can’t our young girls pick up a magazine and read about people like themselves. I want my kids to look up to people like them whom they can relate too.  Some celebrities do come from backgrounds like us but there are many regular people who get their story told. No one asks them how they helped a man on the street, or how they donated clothes to needy children, or how they feed a family of 4 on 75 dollars a week. I want adults who struggle from paycheck to paycheck to read about themselves and relate. I want to inspire people that although we sometimes don’t know how we are going to put food on the table we can read about someone who does and become inspired to dream big. I tell people to think of this magazine like it’s essence but for regular folks no one rich and famous will be in this magazine.

What was your biggest accomplishment in 2012?

Starting Kokoa Magazine I was sitting on the idea for over a year but was afraid to start because I knew that a lot of work would be needed to done as far as PR, Social Media, Design, etc. I just put in my head one day that I needed to start it because nothing will be accomplished if I don’t at least start.

What's your focus for 2013 - both personally and professionally?

My focus is to start bringing in some money with Kokoa in some type of form via advertisement so that I can start getting more klout. I also want to hire someone to do social media for me so it will take some of the work off of me. If I can’t do both I would like to accomplish at least 1 thing.  I want to get Kokoa spread around a bit more and get the word out. 

 Thank you again, Kita, for taking the time to chat and share with the Divas With A Purpose community! Your drive and determination are truly inspiring and we wish you success in all your endeavors! 

Helping another person with the resources, time and talent that you've been blessed with is an an awesome feeling. We all know someone who fits this description, including ourselves! 

If you or someone you know is an example of a driven, inspiring, victorious and/or action-based woman, please click here for more information on how to be spotlighted as part of the

Love's Memory - Review and Interview

Hi Divas! Love's Memory by Shannon Peterson debuted today. It’s an inspirational novel about a woman who has an accident that causes her to lose her memory and forget her family.

I've only communicated with Shannon via email, but her kind and warm spirit were evident from our first communication. Many thanks to her for taking the time to answer a few questions for the DWP Community! Her take on embracing DIVATUDE really inspired me!

When you hear the word DIVATUDE what immediately comes to mind?

When I hear the word Divatude the word that immediately comes to mind is confidence--Phil 1:6 Being assured of this very thing, that He which began this good work in you will bring it to pass. Because He has confidence in us--He knows what He's put in us, He knows what we are capable of--we can have confidence in ourselves. We can walk with our heads held high.We can have a bounce in our step and a smile on our face. We can approach any situation with poise and assurance. He's with us! We are daughters of the King! 

How do you embrace DIVATUDE in your daily walk?

I'm a believer in Job 22:28. "Decree a thing and it shall come to pass."  I've learned that if I want every day to count, if I want any  joy, peace, contentment, strength, etc in my life- this is the way to get it. The enemy stalks around like a roaring lion---and sometimes all we can hear are his roars! "you've failed again" "you're not smart enough" "you can't do that" "no one likes you" etc....But one word from God's mouth and he shuts up. I wake up in the morning and immediately start decreeing "I'm blessed!"  "I'm smart!" "I'm loved!" etc it's a great way to begin your day!

What inspires your DIVATUDE? 

I listen to great preachers and teachers regularly. I have a great prayer time with the Lord daily. I walk through my house praising Him, thanking Him, talking to Him. And I also try to be still and listen and let Him speak to me. He loves to do that. He has wonderful things to say to us if we give Him the chance. I have people in my life that I regularly share with and pray with. I'm also trying to get in the habit of reaching out to people in servitude. Serving increases joy and I can never get enough joy in my life! lol

 
To celebrate the launch of Love's Memory, we're all invited to a VIRTUAL PARTY at Shannon's website! Love's Memory has been called "soul-stirring"; "an inspiring story"; "compelling, enthralling"; "wonderfully suspenseful" and "a true page turner".

Head over to the party and see all the free party favors, prizes, and tips from wonderful writers all joining efforts to support the launch of Love's Memory!

See you there, Divas! 

Book Review ~ Use What You Know: A Business Idea Guide for Moms

I was very excited to review the e-book Use What You Know: A Business Idea Guide for Moms by Joyce Brewer for various reasons:

~one of my long-term goals is to work for myself
~I currently have business ideas in mind and any help with implementing them is appreciated
~ I believe in using the knowledge and practices of those that are where I’d like to be to get to learn how to get there myself

The book gives you information and insight on using the skills and knowledge you currently have and making them work and be profitable for you. I appreciated that it included interviews and insight from women who’d gone from working for others to being their own boss.  The resounding theme among them all was wanting to spend more time at home with their families and being in control of their work schedules.  I liked the acknowledgement that just because you work from home you’re not working less or easier.

The Divatude Challenge 2013

I started Divas With A Purpose a little over 4 years ago with absolutely no idea what I was getting into.  As I've grown and changed, the direction and flow of the blog has done the same.  One thing that has remained constant, however, is the focus on motivating, inspiring and empowering one another.

I would like to introduce to you all The Divatude Challenge 2013!

For 2013, I will be taking that focus to another level and would like your help.  I'm looking for 10 divas to commit to sharing their growth and focus for the upcoming year.  We'll touch bases with you once a quarter to see how you're embracing the DIVATUDE in your daily walk.  If you're interested in participating, you can sign up here and I will be contacting you very soon with additional information.

Want to share your story and passion but unable to commit to the entire year? No worries, at all! I'm looking for divas to share their motivation and inspiration and will be spotlighting at least one person per week.  Some of us are still working to get there, many of us have overcome trials and tribulations, but we all embody DIVATUDE - being driven, inspiring, victorious and called to action - in some shape, form or fashion.  Let's focus on building one another up this year.

Happy New Year to you all! I'm excited about the wonderful things planned for the upcoming year. Here's to another year of growing together and moving upwards and onwards!

If you're interested in participating in The Divatude Challenge or the weekly spotlight - please complete the form found here

DWP Challenge: Week 2

Week 2 of the DWP Challenge kicks off tomorrow!!!

Our focus is going to be active listening - something that is difficult for many, including myself! The goal is to spend the day listening more than speaking. True listening where you are taking in what others are saying and not just waiting for an opportunity to have your say. We'll recap here on the blog and over on Facebook to see how it went. Good luck!

Also, I'm currently soliciting volunteers to be a part of The Divatude Chronicles that will kick off on January 1st.  Do you have a story to share? Are you driven, inspired, victorious, and/or called-to-action? Are you still working on getting all your stuff together but still pushing forward despite the obstacles? Did you persevere despite challenges and setbacks and can now say "I did that"? I'd love to share your story and help motivate and inspire others. Please email me at divaswithpurpose@gmail.com if you'd like to participate.

Here's a recap of the first 7 challenges:

Challenge 1: Write Personal Mission Statement

Challenge 2: Rather than criticize, coach. Motivate with positive feedback and influence.
 
Challenge 3: Do something nice for someone else - leave a soda money by the vending machine, pay for someone's coffee, let that extra car turn during your morning or afternoon commute, etc
 
Challenge 4: Focus on the positive all day. No negative thoughts. (Warning - often when you make a conscious effort to be positive, it will seem as though anything and everything that can go wrong will - keep smiling and stay positive through it all).
 
Challenge 5: Connect with at least 4 other people and commit to motivating and inspiring one another for the next 5 days. It doesn't have to be anything ornate - just a simple motivating text, email, Facebook post, etc.
 
Challenge 6: Have a selfish moment. Do something for yourself.
 
Challenge 7: Share lessons from your successes and failures with someone that can benefit from it.

DWP Spotlight: Kita B.

I'd like to introduce you all to Kita Bryant - wife, mother, blogger at Say What U Wanna, and, now adding, magazine editor to list of many hats with the debut of KoKoa Magazine on August 1st.

What is your passion and how do you use that passion to better your family and community?  

 Why do you do what you do?

My passion is writing and I love helping people get information. I have always wanted to use my writing and my sense of humor to talk about subjects that real people who live like me want to talk about. I am tired of celebrities being the only things our kids see.  I want to focus on people who do extraordinary things without having money or klout to do it. I do this because I want to focus on real people doing real things. 

Who/what inspires you?

My upbringing and my mom inspired me. I never had a lot of money and my mom never made more than $40,000 a year but she owned her own home, never had a car note and dressed me in nice clothes as a child. She knew how to do big things with very little. In today’s economy people need that because if you know better you will do better.

DWP Tuesday: Scattered Musings

Happy Tuesday Divas :)

I hope you're all having a fantastic week and adjusting marvelously to the time change. I totally didn't think about how it would affect the little diva's sleeping pattern...she's been staying up until close to 11:30 the past couple of nights when we're normally in bed and asleep by 10! Definitely some adjusting to be done on our parts.


This week's Diva With A Purpose is another member of the Divas With A Purpose Blogging Circle. Debbie is happily married, mother to 5 and grandmother to 3.  She blogs over at Scattered Musings of a Creative Mind - where she shares her personal thoughts, life experiences and various craft and writing projects.  As with many bloggers, blogging is often a way to keep some level of sanity amongst the daily craziness of life as a wife, mom, grandmom and all around diva :)

DWP Tuesday: 7 Kids and Counting

  Happy Tuesday Divas!!! This week's Diva With A Purpose is another member of the Divas With A Purpose Blogging Circle.  Tiffany is a wife and mommy to seven...yes, seven - 6 girls and 1 boy. I'm inspired by the passion that Tiffany has for her family and faith.  Tiffany and her husband, Jamie, recently celebrated their 10th anniversary!!!  You can read their story here...very inspiring to this diva who's coming up on 6 years in August!
What is the inspiration behind your blog, 7 Kids and Counting?It is kind of a spoof off the Duggars show, because when I am out in public with my children, people ask if I am trying out for a t.v. show.  Rude yes, so I wanted to poke fun at it all.
What is your passion? Why do you do what you do?My passion is my God, my family and midwifery. I try to put my love for everyone around me in whatever I do. I want the best for them and I always put forth everything in all I do. I love to help in whatever way I can, especially when it comes to kids or birth-related things.I love cloth diapers and nursing my babies, I am all about spreading the Word to make people more aware. Homeschooling, is, also, a passion of mine.

DWP Tuesday: New Beginnings

Hello Divas! Happy Tuesday! I hope you're having a fantastic week so far!


For the next few weeks I will be introducing you to some of the bloggers who have connected through the Divas With A Purpose Blogging Circle.  Our first blogger is no stranger to DWP.  Cabrini guest posted back in  September for Women's Friendship Month about her Two Best Friends.


Cabrini shares her experiences and thoughts at New Beginnings.

What is the inspiration behind your blog's name?A couple of years ago I was in an emotionally abusive relationship.  I finally broke free from him.  I did this with the help of counseling and prayer. In the course of going through counseling, I began to open up about a lot of demons that were eating away at my mind, body and soul. Through counseling and a lot of prayer, I began to feel better about myself. I let go of the past and began living in the present and knew I now had a future.  For me, it was a "new beginning."

What is your passion and how do you use that passion to better your family and community?  Why do you do what you do?
My passion is knowledge.  I love to learn and I love to teach others.  I tutor with a literacy program. I teach adults how to read.  

Who inspires you?
My grandparents.  I was also close with my mother's parents. My grandpa had a lot of knowledge and wisdom. He died in 2008. He was 97 years old.  I loved talking to him and getting his advice. At his age, he had been through it all. Because of them, I believe in marriage and I believe in love.

My children - I live for them and I always want to be their role models. I never want them to look up to anyone but me so I try to live my life the best way I can to make sure they are always proud of me.  I never want to disappoint them.

What 3 words do you want people to think of when they think of you?
Dedicated, compassionate, sensitive

What projects are you currently undertaking?
I am focusing on attending law school.  I am hoping to either move to Texas or the DMV area.  I would like to practice maritime law.

You can connect with Cabrini at her blog, New Beginnings, or on Twitter:

http://enhanceme2.blogspot.com

www.twitter.com/attorney2be

I'd like to thank Cabrini for her support and friendship! She's definitely an inspiration to me and encourages me through her inspirational posts, her candidness and her drive for attaining her personal goals.


If you know of someone that should be spotlighted on DWP Tuesday, please submit their information here.


If you are a blogger and would like to be considered for the DWP Blogging Circle, please read the requirements and submit your information here.


Be Blessed Divas and remember to be a blessing to others!!!
~Michelle

DWP Tuesday: Linda

Happy Tuesday Divas!!!

Today's diva with a purpose is, also, a part of my wonderful online mommy group of friends.  She is truly an inspiration to me in so many ways!

Linda resides in Central Virginia with her 2 boys (ages 5 and 2).  She's expecting baby boy #3 in May :)

Linda's passion is couponing.  She's not one of those crazy coupon ladies that you see on Extreme Couponing, but she is dedicated to what she does and it's her full-time job.  "I use this passion as [as] an opportunity to for me stay home and raise my boys." Well, when this diva puts her mind to something she goes at it 200% plus some.  Her couponing and savvy shopping habits has contributed to her being able to stay home with her boys.

Who inspires you?

My boys inspire me.  I never thought I would say this, but they inspire me to do my best, to be a better person.  They make me look at the world differently.

What words do you want people to think of when they think of you?

Reserved, fun to be around, and loyal.

You can connect with Linda at her blog, My 2 Crazy Curls, where she shares her couponing deals and steals, her do-it-yourself projects and insights on her life as a mommy.  You can read one of my favorite recent posts here.  You can, also, connect with her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/my2crazycurls) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/4evamamii)


If you know of someone who should be spotlighted on DWP Tuesday, please submit their information here.


Be blessed Divas and remember to be a blessing to others!!!
~Michelle

DWP Tuesday: Benita P.

Happy Tuesday Divas!!! I hope you're all having a fantastic week!

It's Valentine's Day - one of those holidays that lately people seem to love or hate.  Whatever your feelings are towards this specific day, my prayer is that we all focus on the special people in our lives and show them love and respect each day of the year.

Today I'm excited to introduce you to a pretty snazzy diva :) While we've never met face-to-face, I've known her for almost 4 years now (maybe longer!) and she has become a wonderful friend.  Together, our close knit of online mommy friends, have shared each other's triumphs and successes, cried together during sad times, and rallied together to support one another through personal crises.  I truly **heart** these ladies!!!

Benita is a single mom to 4 daughters - one whom has autism.  Her children truly are her passion!  She's a full-time student, a part-time worker, and a full-time mom.  Benita, as most mother's do, has made countless sacrifices for her children because she's all they have and she has to provide for them the best way she knows how.  (And, I believe she's doing a fantastic job!!!)

What inspires Benita?
"There are a LOT of people that inspire me to do better but I think the main thing that pushes me forward is the way my childhood was. I want SO much more for my children than I even dreamed of being able to have. My childhood wasn't all bad. I did have fun and I was allowed to be a kid, but there were MANY, MANY, MANY hard times that fell upon our household. I want with every ounce of my being to avoid that cycle with my children."

DWP Tuesday: C. Renee'

Happy Tuesday Divas!!! I hope everyone is having a wonderful week so far. I'd like to wish today's Diva With A Purpose a happy belated birthday (it was yesterday). She is definitely a force to be reckoned with - multi-talented and definitely a go-getter!  Many thanks to her for being agreeing to be this week's Diva With A Purpose.  In her words...Mrs. C. Renee' Mangum

Name:

My name is Chenola Reneé Mangum, but professionally known as C. Reneé. I am from Detroit, Michigan, but currently residing in Phoenix, Arizona, with my husband of 4 years and 5 year old son. I am the Marketing and Promotions Director as well as the Senior Writer and Editor for MacTunes Radio & Magazine station and publication for independent artists.

C. Renee' and world-renowned poet Janette...ikz (pronounced Genetics)

What is your passion and how do you use that passion to better your family and community?  Why do you do what you do?

My ultimate passion is music. It's what I love; it's what drives me; it motivates, moves and inspires me. I am also very passionate about writing and helping people become success stories. I know that in helping others, I am ultimately helping myself spiritually and financially, as well as helping my family financially. I use my passions in life by helping artists and entertainers reach higher levels of success. I write about them, listen to them, and, in some cases, introduce the world to them and their music. I also use my platform in the music world to talk about things that matter to me and to my community. This is what I do through MacTunes Radio & Magazine. I do what I do because I love everything about it and I want to help build an empire for my family to be proud of.

DWP Tuesday: Yours Truly, Michelle

Happy Tuesday Divas :)  I hope everyone is rockin' and rollin' today!!! Today's Diva With A Purpose is absolutely fantastic. I cannot say enough wonderful things about her.  She's none other than....ME :)

Seriously, I was going through my lists and realized that I'd never taken the time to really answer the questions that I pose to women each week. Divas With A Purpose is like my 5th child and I truly appreciate everyone that takes the time to stop by each day to share and grow with each other.

Be Blessed Divas and, remember, to be a blessing to others!!!
~Michelle

DWP Tuesday: Sherika V. Washington

Today's post is written by one of my favorite people and an all-around divalicious woman :) I'm so blessed to have her in my life.  She is the type of friend that will give it to you real, but it will be said with love and be completely genuine.  (I definitely need the realness from time-to-time!).  She's been my rock during some rough patches and is someone that I look up to as a wife and mother (she recently celebrated her 18th wedding anniversary!!!). I hope you are blessed by her words and her purpose!

My name is Sherika V. Washington and I am stepping into my destiny! My passion has always been writing. I would always say, “I want to be able to provide for my family with my writing.” I didn’t know how that was going to happen but the door was opened and I am now contributing editor for an amazing magazine geared toward women in South Carolina’s African American community. The publication is IMARA Woman magazine and I am blessed to be a part of it.


At this stage in my life I believe my relationship with God is my inspiration. Anytime I feel like giving up on my dream I remember that God is able and that nothing is impossible with Him. So, I have to keep going and keep believing.  


Three words that I want to be associated with are:   Determined; Positive; Transparent

The first “big” step I made toward my destiny was publishing a collection of my poems. The effort was huge because it included poems from my pretty and not so pretty young adult years. While, I wasn’t able to promote “Speak Life” efficiently my faith was catapulted. After all, the book has been published and is available at AMAZON.COM. (Check it out!! The support is long overdue.)


My most recent endeavor is Worthy Words by Sherika, a writing service that I am offering. When I say I love to write that means anything. From business related letters/forms to plays and skits, I want to write.  So many people dread writing anything and often miss opportunities because they choose not to write or don’t do a good job. I want to step in and remove that dread. I provide this service to senior citizens for free. 


In the future, I will be writing and distributing inspirational booklets and holding lectures that accompany the booklet material.

“I’m walking all up and through my destiny and I’m not turning back!”

More information is available at http://www.worthywordsbysherika.webs.com/

If you know of someone that should be spotlighted on DWP Tuesday, please submit their information to divaswithpurpose@gmail.com


Be Blessed Divas and remember to be a blessing to others!
~Michelle

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DWP Tuesday

Thank you all so much for the response from last week!!! I've got a few divas lined up - but I wanted to post this again for my new followers (and procrastinators...LOL)...I'm still working on balancing family, work, blogging and my many other hats after returning from maternity leave (how long can I use that as an excuse, I wonder???)

Take a moment to catch up with our previous Divas With Purpose and have a superb Tuesday!!!

 WHO: Any DIVA who is Driven, Inspiring, Victorious and called to Action

  

WHAT: A weekly spotlight of one divalicious woman

WHERE: Right here on Divas With Purpose

WHY: Because we can all learn, grow and be motivated by one another. You never know when your paths may cross and you'll be able to help one another.

WHEN: Every Tuesday a different DIVA will be spotlighted

HOW: You - yes, you...LOL...if you know of someone or are someone who has the DIVAtude then reach out to me at divaswithpurpose@gmail.com for more information

DWP Tuesday: Calling All Divas

WHO:  Any DIVA who is Driven, Inspiring, Victorious and called to Action

WHAT:  A weekly spotlight of one divalicious woman

WHERE:  Right here on Divas With Purpose

WHY: Because we can all learn, grow and be motivated by one another.  You never know when your paths may cross and you'll be able to help one another.

WHEN:  Every Tuesday a different DIVA will be spotlighted

HOW:  You - yes, you...LOL...if you know of someone or are someone who has the DIVAtude then reach out to me at divaswithpurpose@gmail.com for more information

DWP Tuesday: Sealed with A KISS

Happy Tuesday Divas!!! I'm super excited to introduce you to our first Diva With A Purpose for 2012 - Neka Hobbs. Neka is such a fun-loving, purpose-driven and positive person. I'm so glad she's a part of my circle of friends and fellow bloggers!


Family: Neka is a mommy to two wonderful kiddos - 7 year old Chelia and 7 month old Ashton - and in a committed relationship with a great guy.


Passion:  Neka's passions are women and children.  She has worked as a youth worker - assisting families in low income housing developments.  She tutored youth after school, introduced them to things outside of their communities, assisted with resume' writing, school and family support.  Her mother was a single parent for many years after her first marriage ended.  Neka watched her go through the ups and downs of raising her and her three brothers.  Her mom instilled in her children that they were capable of doing anything they put their minds to.  While they aren't perfect (and who is???) they're all still surviving and thriving!


Neka's passion for kids and families has led her to her position as a Work-at-Home Mom and business owner.  KISS - Kid Inspired Sitter Services - based in Georgia is her baby and they're growing.  While working everyday, helping other people's children, she realized that her family was somewhat on the back burner.  KISS allows her to give to her kids and others kids, as well.  The majority of her services are provided to single mothers and Neka networks with them and helps them out in any way she can.  When Neka first moved to Georgia with her daughter, she did not have any family or friends close by.  She's able to relate and assist the single mother with no support system.  Her home has become a second home to many of her clients and their children.  She's seeing the words that a pastor from her home town come to fruition daily as he home becomes a shelter for women and children.

Motivation:  Neka does what she because she's her children's first and primary teacher.  She needs to be available to them (and her other KISS babies).  It can be a tiresome position but it is one that she's dedicated her time, home and, most importantly, her heart to.  Losing, quitting, giving up has never been an option, so she keeps pressing forward.  She wants her children to always feel if nothing or no one else, they have Mommy.  A mommy who is not afraid to discipline, take things away or give time outs because she LOVES them just that much.


She, also, does it for the many moms she works with.  She's been where they are and wanted to give up many days but she didn't.  She makes herself available to them because she survived her wilderness (stepping out on faith and relocating) and am now walking in her destiny and purpose.  She had to be removed from what was comfortable to a place where she could learn more about and find herself.


Inspiration:  Hands down, no hesitation, her mother - Mrs. Innetter Hobbs-White. Barely 18 and out of high school, she gave birth to Neka.  Her mom could have opted for an abortion or adoption but she didn't.  She loved and cared for Neka and her brothers.  There were times when they didn't know where there next meal was coming from, but she worked two jobs so her children could have nice things when possible - every Friday was Family Night.  Because of her love for and relationship with God, it has taught Neka to love and honor Him the same way.  Her mom is Neka's biggest cheerleader and for that she's forever grateful!!! Much love to her Netta Girl :)


Neka in 3 Words:  Dedicated, Smart, Caring


Current Projects / Future Plans:  Currently, Neka is working on editing and publishing her first motivational book for women and girls.  It's a journal of her journey.  Inspirational words, encouragement, poems and short stores all written by Neka over a two year transitional period.  During the holidays, KISS and her local hair salon (In The Now Hair Studios) collected non-perishable items and made Christmas cards to distribute to a local Senior Living Facilities and The Mary Hall Freedom House (a local women's shelter that helps women who are in drug recovery obtain jobs, get back legal custody of their children, re-enter the workforce and obtain independent living.  Taking KISS to the next level his biggest goal - by the grace of God she's determined to make KISS a household name.


Connect With Neka:
Her Blog - Neka T. Speaks
Twitter - @Nekat_lovelymom
Facebook - Kid Inspired Sitter Services


I'd like to thank Neka for all her support to Divas With A Purpose. She is truly an awesome woman to be around - her positivity and passion for her work is very contagious! I truly believe she will be a success because she has the drive, motivation and faith!


If you know of someone that should be spotlighted on DWP Tuesday, please email their information to divaswithpurpose@gmail.com


Be Blessed Divas and remember to be a blessing to others!
Happy Tuesday :-)

DWP - Tamra Simmons

I've been fortunate to "know" today's Diva With A Purpose through her Facebook posts which are ALWAYS uplifting and positive. She has a beautiful spirit, tons of energy, a wonderful sense of humor and the drive and determination to be successful in all she does.

I'd like you all to meet Mrs. Tamra Thomas Simmons

Family: I have a husband, Josh Simmons, daughter Kamia (age 10), and son Josiah  (8 months).

Passion:  My passion is to increase awareness to others in the form of being a motivator, innovator and leader. I volunteer with several different organizations: The Nashville Rescue Mission, Mother's Against Drunk Driving, CASA (Child Appointed Special Advocate) and domestic violence shelters. Helping others in any form or fashion is how I give back to the community - whether its through prayer, finding the next best bargain deal, or helping others' businesses get up off the ground. I love to serve!

Motivation:  I do what I do because I want my children to see that in life it's not always about them but it's about others. In order for them to know this I must show them through my actions. I can't just tell them how to be when they grow up, but I will and do instill in them the importance of family and the importance of others.

Inspiration:  Who inspires me is my mother. Even though she is no longer with me, I think of her daily and often wonder if there's something I can do to make her proud. Being without your mother most of your life produces challenges, but instead of feeling sorry for myself I grew closer to God. Through her death God  introduced me to strength. My grandparents, also, inspire me because they pushed me to where I am today and for that I'm grateful.

3 words I want people to think of me are: Determined, Strong, Loving

Current Projects / Future Plans:  I am currently expanding my Social Media Marketing company named All About Marketing, LLC. Right now, I am working with a company to produce/promote a Christian apparel line and, also, in the process of signing upcoming gospel artists to assist with their marketing. Another upcoming project is working as a freelance writer for Gospel360online.com.

Connect With Her

www.Facebook.com/blessednotspoiled

 www.Twitter.com/SocialButterfly

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If you know of someone that should be spotlighted on DWP Tuesday, please email their information to divaswithpurpose@gmail.com

Be Blessed Divas and remember to be a blessing to others!!! Happy Tuesday :)