GGT SPOTLIGHTS...

Yes, it has been a while. February actually... But we heart the concept of highlighting the accomplishments and shouting-out our girlfriends. 'Boo-hiss' on us. So here we go!

This time we’re featuring Sabrina Thompson, owner of BeanPye and a moving force behind Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network (WEEN).

We chatted it up with the Chica and here is what she had to say…

GGT: Are you living your dreams?

Hmmmm, to many people’s surprise I’m not quite there yet. I have a great business. I love my career and I’m where I’m suppose to be now; however, I have so many more aspirations that I would like to accomplish in my career regarding education, media, activism and the arts. Also on a personal note, I’d love to start a family sooner than later.

GGT: Are your career goals in line with your personal goals?

Most definitely. I couldn’t separate the two. My life must have boundless energy, social service and laughter. My company, educational career, nonprofit ventures personal life all include a mixture of those elements and I don’t see it changing anytime soon….why should it have to?

GGT: Has there been an event or person that has greatly influenced you to be the person you are today?
PEOPLE--Aside from God, My parents and brother are the driving forces in my life that supply me with infinite encouragement and brutal honesty.

EVENT(S)—It’s more of a journey and not an event, but the fact that I competitively ran track from the age of 7-22 is major in my life. In that time span, I’ve had amazing successes and some dark, life altering moments…all of which molded my character, introduced me to great work ethic and made me a master at multi-tasking. This journey alone showed me that “SHE-WOMAN” lives in every woman!

GGT: Five years ago, did you envision yourself being where you are today? If not what's different?

Oh no! Five years ago I was 24 and I had no clue I’d be a high school teacher with a fun jewelry company and also co-running a nonprofit. I was in the world of TV not thinking about the 3 other careers that God graciously directedf me to be a part of. I am helping to change people’s lives on a micro and macro level and I’m simply a vessel doing God’s work. Most nights, I go to sleep and wake up every morning with genuine feeling of joy in my heart.

GGT: What advice can you give to other rising star girlfriends?

It’s real simple. Do what makes your heart smile, and the money will come later. There are plenty of folks on Wall Street ready to slit their wrist simply because they are in a field that “looks” good but it may not be what they are called by the Most High to do. Be still, listen to your heart and then immediately start your journey with no hesitation!

GGT: What are some key beauty tips you live by?

Oh boy, ya’ll are asking me, the former Tomboy of NC, about beauty tips? J I just started wearing mascara a year ago and I LOVE IT! If left up to me, I’d wear a ball cap, flip flops and low rise fatigues everyday! I make sure I keep my abs tight with nightly abs exercises. Also, I keep my hair long, healthy and shiny but using very little heat and NO products on it at all aside from shampoo/conditioner. I always wash my face with water only in an upward motion…gotta keep the lines away as long as possible! I exfoliate my lips by using a Vaseline and Dixie sugar mixture. It works WONDERS!

GGT: Name some good books you’ve read.
DaVinci Code
Angels & Demons
favorite books are “the Autobiography of Malcolm X” and “100 Years of Solitude”

About BeanPye...

beanpYe is a funk-inspired apparel company that specializes in custom-designed blazers for men and women. Her company creates distinctive, hand-crafted jewelry for women. The vision is to create a medium that reflects the collector's inner spirit and celebrates their uniqueness. Every garment and accessory is bold and defiant, yet versatile enough to compliment your existing wardrobe. Whether you are rocking beanpYe with vintage jeans or current couture, you are guaranteed to make a distinct and powerful statement.

For more information on BeanPye and to pick up some of Sabrina's hot fashions, visit: www.beanpye.com

For more info on WEEN and to join the movement, check out www.weenonline.org

Until next time…

Be Seen at the Top!

RULE THE GODDESS WITHIN

Girlfriend Chanda Rule says she can remember singing “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” to her church audience at the age of two. At age six she was taking piano lessons. Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago and often being the only black student in her social activities caused Chanda to find solace in the church. She attended Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago and was a member of the Youth Choirs. Although she was showered with affirmations of “you should sing” and “you are talented,” Chanda professes she never wanted to sing professionally. “Singing was more of a fantasy for me because I came from a very academic family,” stated Chanda. After graduating Cum Laude from Howard University Chanda moved to New York City to pursue a career in Publishing. After two years in corporate America, Chanda found herself longing for more. One day while riding the train to work and burdened by the load of her unfulfilling job (Oh gosh, like we all do at some point in time. Some of you know how it can be!); Chanda heard a still and calm voice say to her “you should be singing.” About a year later, Chanda left her job and opportunities immediately began to present themselves. Chanda began singing background for vocalists in New York and was cast in renowned musical theatre productions of Hair in Europe and New Jersey’s Hudson Shakespeare Company.

Her voice began to take her through the jazz scene in New York and she performed as the lead vocalist with Victor Jones and sung along side internationally acclaimed musicians such as Mino Cinelu, Papo Vasquez and John Benitez.

She began opening for artists such as Regina Bell & The Whispers, India.Arie, Angela Bofill, and Amel Larrieux. She has also performed at various jazz and music festivals and clubs such as Birdland, Le-Club Moscow, Hard Rock Café, and the Jazz Standard.
After writing and producing her first CD LikeWater in 2005 she introduced her music to the airwaves with a live radio concert on New York's WBAI for International Women's Day.

Chanda independently released LikeWater, and her second album I Too Speak of a River through her production company LikeWaterMusicPublishing (BMI).

Over her 8-year career Chanda has traveled throughout the US and internationally in Amsterdam, Berlin, Germany and Russia. Speaking of her purpose as an artist Chanda says, "There is something about rhythm and melody that can always find a smile, throw a head back with laughter, or even cause tears…it transcends language and breaks through cultural and racial barriers.”

We caught up with the girlfriend for a GGT Spotlight, and here is what she had to say…


GGT: What makes a good girlfriend?
Chanda: Being accepting and as nonjudgmental as possible.Being a great listener, having a great sense of humor,having a rich spiritual life, and a willingness toshare herself and her life, goals, fears, and joyswith her friends

GGT: Are you a good friend to your girlfriends?
Chanda: I try my best to be

GGT: What inspires you?
Chanda: Music and personal stories about life and overcoming challenges

GGT: Name some books you've recently read
Chanda: Just finished Gloria Naylor's "Linden Hills" for a second time, in the middle of Superwomen & Goddesses by Akua Auset, and am also chilling out to Harry Potter III!

GGT: Do you have words of wisdom to impart on rising star girlfriends?
Chanda: Yes. Trust the goddess within.

GGT: What is your guilty pleasure
Chanda: Hmmmm... Day spas and movies with hot popcorn!

For more information on Chanda Rule and to hear her music, visit: www.likewatermusic.com. I especially like River and Even Me.

If you are in the New York area, you can see her LIVE at

March 9 @ 5pm
Jazz at St. Peter’s Church

March 10 @ 9:30pm
Zinc Bar

March 14 @ 7pm
Sacred Fridays at Sacred Center
*This event provides an opportunity for attendees to have deep inner spiritual cultivation through chants, music, sacred text readings and silence. With Rev. John Foran and Minister Andrew Harriott

Until next time...

Be Seen at the Top!

xoxo,
Bettina

STOP SURVIVING AND START LIVING!

Hey Girlies,

Now you know that I'm all about Getting it Straight in 2008 (btw, did y'all vote yesterday?). Our girlfriend Sil Lai Abrams, relationship expert and author of the new book, No More Drama: Nine Simple Steps to Transforming a Breakdown into a Breakthrough, has been nominated for the "Pink List" with the Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network (WEEN). Her book is awesome! I don't just support anyone. Especially when I'm putting my 22cents worth in.

Thanks to her book's profound message and her daily, focused efforts to enlighten women with the promise of empowerment through personal happiness, Sil Lai has allowed women to grasp the true nature of themselves. She does this through her self-developed SEPIA Process (Self Empowerment Principles In Action). I'm not going to go through them all, but Chile... her book really gets gritty. She is extremely upfront and honest about her personal situations and how she overcame them. This is NOT your average self-help book. At all! In addition, her book has given her a podium to address domestic violence, substance abuse, and depression - issues that women everywhere face on a regular basis. Practice the first principle of TRUTH, because I think we ALL know someone (if it isn't us) that has been through some craziness or had various degrees of mental illness or just issues...not only those dealing with men. But hey, they do make you want to cut someone every now and then.

Please take the time to vote for Sil Lai on WEEN's website for the "Pink List." The voting polls close at TONIGHT at midnight. I know the turn-around is quick, but a fellow rising-star girlfriend could use your support!

The WEEN website site is: www.weenonline.org/home.html

To find out more information on Sil Lai , the SEPIA process and her book NO MORE DRAMA, visit: http://www.sepiaprocess.com/. The book is available at Barnes and Noble. If it isn't there, then ask for it and they can order it for you. It will soon be available at Borders, too.

OH, she will also be featured in the premiere issue of YBF's E-zine which is slated to come out this Friday. Check her out!

Until next time... always be a contender (fight for your right rather than just surviving life's woes from day-to-day) and always...

Be Seen at the Top!

xoxo
~Bettina L. Lee

FABULOUS FASHIONS FOR THE EVERYDAY GIRL

In 2005, the vision of young collage artist and denim designer Tuesdai Noelle, of Designs by Tuesdai, emerged from urban hardship in the city of Detroit. Having been homeless and unemployment 18 months earlier, this urban princess delved into her creativity. In the kitchen, seated at an old wooden table, inspiration met opportunity and Tuesdai, a true "diamond in the rough," began shining brighter than ever before. With determination and rhinestone in hand, she drew her unique handcrafted designs on pre-washed recycled jeans. In that moment, Designs by Tuesdai became more than a collection of decorative denim. It became an outreach for the "everyday" girl to feel fabulous.

Tuesdai has a special place in her heart for those who desire to look the part of high fashion but simply cannot afford it. For this reason, she wanted to give the "everyday" girl an extraordinary opportunity, by allowing her to mail in used jeans and have them re-designed by Tuesdai--and that's precisely what she did! She has certainly had her share of challenges and setbacks, while climbing the fashion industry ladder, yet she continues to make great strides. Tuesdai Noelle is a truly remarkable lady, a rising star in fashion, and a designer for the "everyday" girl.

We asked the Chica some questions, here is what she had to say...

GGT: Are your career goals in line with your personal goals?
TN: All of my life goals and ambitions are closely intertwine. Vision, purpose, and creativity is what I’m all about when I’m in the public eye or behind closed doors. I can’t imagine that I’d ever have a career goal that clashed with my personal ideals.

GGT: Five years ago, did you envision yourself being where you are today? If not what's different?
TN: No, I thought I would probably end up being an audio technician or a store clerk. I think what change all that is when I began to go back to my roots… I rediscovered my love for art and truly recognized the potential that I possessed, and from there it was all uphill.

GGT: What advice can you give to other rising star girlfriends?
TN: Position yourself on a creative path that will someday give you the notoriety that you not only long for, but are willing to work for.

GGT: Name some good books you’ve read.
TN: I’ll be honest with you, I hate reading books… Most books I start and never finish, or read bits and pieces without taking much from it at all. But I finally picked up a book that was empowering and life-changing: Bitch Mentality by La Veeta Ivory. I highly recommend this book for those who love to read or those who find reading far too time-consuming. This is one book that you will find rich and insightful. A must read, that will help you overcome every self-defeating behavior pattern.

To have your jeans bedazzled or for more information, visit DesignsbyTuesdai.com

Until next time...

Be Seen at the Top!

GIRLFRIENDS GET-TOGETHER SPOTLIGHTS...

This month’s GGT spotlight is on Elle Denise, Chief Visionary Officer of Elle Sharp PR & Planning. I first met her on MySpace! Who knew! And she isn’t even crazy! LOL. Chile, you know how people change when they're online; they have different personas. Elle is down-to-earth and a great lady. She, along with SavvySocialite, collaborated with Girlfriends Get-Together on the first Washington D.C. Girlfriends Get-Together event. It was a blast! Since then we have kept in touch with the rising-star girlfriend.

Her company:
Elle Sharp PR & Planning

What she offers:
Public Relations, Event Planning, Marketing, Desktop Publishing, Virtual Assistant/Administrative tasks, and she even sells The Body Shop @ Home products.

We asked the DC/MD/NOVA based Chica a few questions, and here is what she had to say…

GGT: Are you living your dreams?
Elle: As each day passes, I find that I’m getting closer to achieving my dreams: success and happiness. Event Planning is FUN to me. It’s my passion.

GGT: Are your career goals in line with your personal goals?
Elle: Yes. They go hand-in-hand. If my personal goals are in tact, then my career goals will follow (and vice versa).

GGT: Has there been an event or person that has greatly influenced you to be the person you are today?
Elle: Various people (friends, family, clients and guests) and events have encouraged me to remain focused. It’s always nice to be an inspiration to someone. That gives me more inspiration. Overall, I enjoy working with children. They’re grateful, determined, honest and aware of the smallest details.

GGT:What advice can you give to other rising-star girlfriends?
Elle:
o Take your own advice. Don’t second-guess yourself.
o Get a mentor (or 2).
o Pursue YOUR dreams.
o Less is more.
o Take a chance.
o Think outside the box. Be original! Do the opposite of what everyone else is doing.
o Surround yourself with positive and like-minded people.
o Ignore “naysayers”: Optimism, IN! Pessimism, OUT!
o Network! Network! Network! Seek lasting connections.

GGT: Name some good books you’ve read.
Elle:
Business
o The Martha Rules: 10 Essentials for Achieving Success As You Start, Build, or Manage a Business ~ Martha Stewart
o How to Start a Home-Based Event Planning Business ~ Jill S. Morgan

Leisure
o The Five People You Meet in Heaven~Mitch Albom
o Child of God ~ Lolita Files
o PUSH ~ Sapphire
o The Warmest December ~ Benilde Little
o God Don’t Like Ugly ~ Mary Monroe

Until next time...

Be Seen at the Top!

BE GORGEOUS WHEREVER YOU ARE

Genevieve Santos is the Founder and Executive Director of Gorgeous on the Go, a mobile beauty and skincare company. She has been a makeup artist and skincare consultant for three years. Now, while this is a short time in the beauty industry, Genevieve’s success is firmly backed by her strong business savvy skill set. At the tender age of 22, this Girlfriend already has six years of entrepreneurial experience, non-profit development, and graphic design under her belt. At the age of 18, Genevieve started her first business—a line of custom designed photo albums. It proved to be very successful.

In this new entrepreneurial vein with Gorgeous on the Go, Genevieve has worked with quite a few clients such as: fashion house Harriet’s Alter Ego, CoverGirl Queen Collection, and the Harlem Bridal Expo. Understanding that makeup artists need to showcase their talent and generate work, Gorgeous on the Go takes pride in providing them such opportunities and experience by hiring them on consulting a basis. Gorgeous also forms partnerships with companies related to fashion, entrepreneurship and beauty thus furthering company exposure.

I think this is a wonderful idea. Genevieve allow ordinary women to have perks and live the fabulous life like a say… Kimora Lee Simmons {who btw has a Kimora Barbie due out this Holiday!}. Well, not quite, but you can have your makeup artist come to you and be on the go. You know how Girlfriends are. We keep it moving.

Gorgeous on the Go offers the following services:
· Makeup application for special occasions, photo shoots, and fashion shows
· Skin analysis consultation for individuals and group events
· Special packages for weddings, proms, sweet 16s, and other groups.

Check out their mini Ambush Makeover. It is very cute.




Until next time… be Gorgeous and…

Be Seen at the Top!

WHO DOESN'T LOVE A GOOD HANDBAG?

I know I do. We first met Zulema last year at one of the overrated Shecky's event (yeah, I said it). She stood out. Her spunk and badass handbags had women clamoring over themselves as if they were at a Barney's basement sale. I knew she was something special. Below is her bio. Read on Girl, read on...

Zulema N. George, the creative designer behind Anavaa Kisasa LLC was born in Kingstown, St. Vincent. Anavaa Kisasa, a fashion accessory line specializing in women's handbags,was founded in 2004 when this Brooklyn native became tired of purchasing handbags that she knew he could create herself. "Adding my sense of style to an array of the finest leathers, I started creating funky, versatile bags that any woman would love. My handbags are custom made and personally handcrafted. I use leathers in a variety of colors adding a touch of personality to each handbag with a special detail." She replied when asked about her line.

Zulema always had a flair for fashion and knew what looked good, but she didn’t become interested in being a designer until 1995 when she returned to New York after attending Howard University to take a job in the fashion/retail industry. This sparked her interest in clothing and accessory design. Though her collegiate degrees are in the sciences, Zulema's true passion is design. Her current studies, at the renowned Fashion Institute of Technology, in New York City, has only heightened her interests and fueled her creativity and desire to share her vision with the world. She has a unique eye for fashion and a knack for making everything that she touches beautiful.

Visit her online at:
http://www.imagebyak.com/
www.myspace.com/anavaakisasa


Until next time...

Be Seen at the Top!

FORMER HONEY MAG EDITOR WRITES BOOK!

Our Girlfriend Amy DuBois Barnett, has a book coming out this fall. Amy was the Editor-in-Chief of Honey magazine before moving over to Teen People as the Managing Editor. She's now at Harper's Bazaar. We love to support so here is the scoop on the book, compliment of publicist, Nancy Hirsch. Can't wait until the book drops! Email us and we'll put you on the mailing list for her book tour.
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GET YOURS!
THE GIRLFRIENDS’ GUIDE TO HAVING EVERYTHING
YOU EVER DREAMED OF AND MORE
By Amy DuBois Barnett

"Do you worry about what it means to be successful and happy? Are you looking for the confidence and faith to live your dreams? I hope to inspire you to discover your true passions, to let go of any fear you have, and to make every single day of your life count!"


In GET YOURS! THE GIRLFRIENDS’ GUIDE TO HAVING EVERYTHING
YOU EVER DREAMED OF AND MORE, Amy DuBois Barnett, the Deputy Editor in Chief of Harper’s Bazaar, shows you how to achieve your wildest dreams…today, this year and for the rest of your life! With humor and honesty, Amy shares her own story of transformation from insecure people-pleaser to strong, independent woman. She reveals the personal philosophy that allowed her to look and feel fabulous, find love and achieve history-making professional success.

Amy’s book also features an impressive list of exclusive interviews, including Gayle King, Venus Williams, Sanaa Lathan, Mo’Nique, Gabrielle Union, Hill Harper, Sarah Jones, Kelly Rowland, Mellody Hobson, Kelis and India.Arie.

Weaving together intimate anecdotes, exclusive celebrity interviews, thought-provoking quizzes, and brilliant-but-basic tips, tricks and tools, Amy gives you the insight and encouragement to:

• Identify and pursue your true passions.
• Let go of any negativity that’s holding you back.
• Find the man of your dreams—and build a lasting relationship.
• Achieve your professional goals and accumulate real wealth.
• Get the body you’ve always wanted.
• Develop your personal style and nurture your creative talents.
• Form unbreakable bonds with your family, your friends and your higher power.
• Enjoy life and make every day count!

GET YOURS is a powerful guide that gives all women the tools they need to discover their passion, create their purpose and live and adventurous and fulfilling lives.

About the Author
An award-winning journalist, fiction writer and television commentator, AMY DuBOIS BARNETT is currently the Deputy Editor in Chief of Harper’s Bazaar. As the former Managing Editor of Teen People, Amy became the first African-American woman in the country to head a major mainstream magazine. Before that, she was the Editor-in-Chief and driving force behind Honey magazine. Amy has also been a weekly pop-culture commentator on CNN’s American Morning, a regular panelist on NPR’s News and Notes and has been featured on numerous national television shows including The Today Show, Good Morning America and The Early Show. She continues to make frequent television and radio appearances as an expert on social issues, pop culture and professional development. In addition, she is an active board member of Girls Inc. of New York, and a motivational speaker at educational and professional organizations across the country. Amy received her B.A. from Brown University and an M.F.A. in creative writing from Columbia University.

For more information or to schedule an interview with the author, please contact the Nancy Hirsch Group at 212-967-3805

Until next time...

Be Seen at the Top!

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WORKING THE ROOM

This past Thursday was the launch of our newest endeavour, The Collective. Like Girlfriends Get-Together gatherings, The Collective is designed to break-up cliques and get people talking to one another; not your average ‘networking’ event. Plus they are for the guys and dolls. Gbenga Akinnagbe (Chris Partlow, The Wire) hosted and all had a good time, despite the threat of torrential downpours.

In attendance was Girlfriend/Get 'Em Girl author, Shakara Bridges. The painfully shy Shakara re-introduced herself (we originally went up to her outside the Smirnoff event while a tad bit tipsy *read June 22nd entry). Naturally we helped her work the room and soon enough turned her loose as she dazzled everyone with her delicious cuisine. Now, the food at Ginger is delish indeed, but they don’t have Red Velvet Cake. The Official Get 'Em Girl's Guide to Unlocking the Power of Cuisine is not new subject matter and by now we expect you to know about it. But we always like to support and shout-out a hard working and money earning Girlfriend. Shakara and her co-authors are truly that. She gave us a copy of the lovely cookbook but showed it around the room first. Once the event wrapped and I got a few minutes, we eagerly thumbed through it… I swear drool was leaking out my mouth. Chile, as high resolution as those pictures were, I could have eaten the pages. If you don’t know about the handbook/cookbook, we advise you to check them out. Even if we weren’t given a copy, I’d buy it for the office! Shoot, that might be just what my Chicas are getting for the holidays.


By the end of the night, everyone was vying for the Tinalee Media copy of the book. Guys, girls, kitchen staff. Ha! This goes to show you that no matter how shy you are or what little fear you may have, step out there and work the room, Honey. You never know what you may find, or who may find you. Shakara came there with a purpose. She stepped outside her comfort level and worked that dag-on room.


Until next time, Get 'Em Girl AND…

Be Seen at the Top!



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