Happy Friday! Welcome back to our "Women Beauty Purpose & Empowerment" Blog! This week we caught up with prolific author, Selena Haskins and she granted us an exclusive interview. Enjoy and feel free to share!
Bio
Selena Haskins is a native Washingtonian who enjoys music, reading, spirituality, and spending quality time with her family. Selena's secret passion is playing video games. That's right, Selena is a gamer! Besides writing, she loves watching an intense game of NBA Basketball. You can find her in front of the TV cheering for her Boston Celtics!
A River Moves Forward
Synopsis: Connie Morris grows up in Chicago’s Cabrini Green projects, and suffers abuse from her father. When tragedy strikes the family, Connie is virtually the last survivor, and ends up homeless until an unexpected hobby leads to fortune and fame. At the peak of her career, someone from her past tries to destroy everything she has worked hard for. Connie could possibly lose it all, including herself. On the other side of Chicago is Dean Wilson, a cocky police officer whose marriage ends tragically. Soon he meets Connie and the two fall in love, but when they learn their paths have crossed before, it sends them on an emotional ride that could prove to be too much. What happened in their past could possibly ruin their future or make their love strong enough to forgive and move forward.
Interview with Selena Haskins
1. What is the best and worst decision you've ever made?
The best decision I ever made was to publish my book. The worst decision I ever made was waiting so long to do it.
2. What was your dream job as a kid and why? My dream job as a kid was to become an actor. It seemed like a lot of fun to pretend to be somebody else.
3. You have written a beautiful book, A River Moves Forward. Tell us about the significance of the title and what it is about. Thank you. A River Moves Forward was a title I came up with because no matter what happens in life, like a river, it will always move forward. So for us as humans, in order to take that journey forward in our lives, we have to learn from our mistakes, be forgiving and move on.
4. What do you think is the most significant barrier for women in 2013? Every wall can be climbed with the proper tools. Whether we are women or men, whatever obstacles are thrown our way, we can overcome them with the right tools, the right resources, knowledge, wisdom, and a good system.
5. What woman inspires you and why? My mother inspires me because she is not a quitter. The blood, sweat and tears, she never gives up on her goals. The inspiration I get from her is just keep trying and never quit.
6. What will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you?
The biggest challenge for women coming up in the generation behind me will be understanding and appreciating their self-worth. It is important to understand the kind of messages we say about ourselves based on how we dress, talk, and carry ourselves. When we look at reality shows and all we see is women fighting over men and degrading each other and themselves. We need to put out more positive messages that will help our young women to become “ladies.” This is the only way they will be respected in our society.
Linda Edgecombe, CSP, HoF is an award winning Celebrity Humorist Speaker, Trainer and Consultant. Her footprint is seen and experienced around the world. Her mission is to get people Fired up and Ready to Shift or Get off the Pot! Her "non-BS" approach is refreshing, engaging and relevant. She is a bestselling author and her promise is to help her audiences to create powerful shifts, become more accountable and build on momentum. Change has never been this sexy! She energizes every room as she leads people to loosen up, lighten the load and laugh. Her audiences are motivated and show how they can shift their perspectives on life, and work themselves. She has been featured in the Wall Street Journal as an expert in "Shifting Perspectives". Currently, she is filming her reality show “Reset TV”, where she gives advice to busy families and out of control work teams. Her message is as welcomed as a deep belly laugh and as profound as an honest look in the mirror.
Interview with Linda Edgecombe
1: Tell us a little about who Linda Edgecombe is and what is your vision/mission: I always joke and say that Linda Edgecombe is a mother of 2 and a wife of one. I love to laugh and I love to make people laugh. I am a deep thinker who lives a big life full of good family, friends, food and laughter. Throw in a good glass of red wine and that's a good day. My biggest mission is to get people to create new stories in their lives. It's those of us in the end with the best stories that win. I have been speaking and writing for the past 23 years. And even though I am not as keen as I used to be to get on another flight, I just love being on stage. What can i say, I am a leo and on stage is my "happy place" Just give me that mic.
2: What inspired you to become a Motivational/Professional Speaker?
In my last job, I was required to go and give 10 -15 minute presentations for the organization I worked for. I have always had an irreverent sense of humor and I have a "low give a shit" factor (you probably can't print that. ) So I like going to the edge. I like mixing the pot a bit. People sit up and take notice when it's not the same old porridge they are used to. One day, someone called me out of the blue and asked if I could speak at their convention, so I scrambled to figure out how to fill an hour and literally from there, the phone started to ring. I knew fairly quickly that the funnier I was, the more bookings I got. And here I am 23 years later.
3: You have been called the "Re-Set Expert For Crazy Times". What are the main issues people generally come to you about and what advice do you recommend?
Most of my clients are looking for a good ole kick in the butt for themselves and their staff. They know that my delivery is a no BS approach surrounded by lots of laughter and energy. Everything I or anyone could ever say to any audience out there, has ALREADY been said. I just try and say it in a way that resonates differently. I like it when people say I am a breath of fresh air. or, can we take you home, or even better: " I haven't laughed like that in a long time" My recommendation is when we are more accountable for our life outside of work, it changes how we see and experience our work. So,,, take it back. (your life that is)
4: Confidence is everything. How do you find the confidence to move masses of people to have faith in themselves?
Courage and confidence does not come to anyone before they go to do or try something new. It comes after they have done it. It comes after they have walked through it. When I started, I could not hold a piece of paper because I was shaking so much. Just walk into whatever it is you want to try. And take the word 'hover' out of your vocabulary. The entire planet hovers. MOVE on something, anything!
5: You have been privileged to travel across the globe as a Speaker and Entrepreneur. What are 6 lessons of success you would pass on to other women around the world?
We (women) are all the same. Although we are different, we are predictable. I do charity work in Nepal and out in the smallest villages, with no TV or other media, these women, still fix their hair when we take photos.
Drop the guilt and shame. I have suffered from depression 3 times in my adult life and yes even motivational speakers have to work on their mental health. Let me say it again, you are not crazy.
Move your body for at least 30 minutes 5 days a week. I don't care how, just get more oxygen in your blood system 5 days a week.
Find your own funny faster. Laugh more, it alone can change your life. It pulls people together and builds bridges. Figure out what makes you laugh and get on it.
Stop wasting energy on what size you are, now coming from experience I figure I have spent 50% of my time and energy worrying on my size. when people I speak to and work with and cook for, Don't even remotely see me that way
Nurture your friendships and girlfriends especially. I have this saying that is on my office wall. "We gather our friends because they will always support our case, but our best friends will tell us when we are no longer cute after we've had too much wine"
It's cliche but the truth is we can do anything we put our mind to. Go and set one goal this year that simply scares the hell out of you.
Currently Linda Edgecombe is filming her own Reality Show where she gives advice to people from relationships to business. Want to see Linda Edgecombe in action? Check out her videos and subscribe to her Youtube Channel
Hope you can join Linda Edgecombe for her October 18-20th, 2013 Gears and Gals Weekend at Sparkling Hills Resort and Spa! Click here to find out more and register.
Tina Brown has always thought of herself as being a little different from most people in terms of the way her mind works. While it's true that she's an educated, professional, black woman, who has an AWESOME relationship with the LORD; she still struggles with truly understanding WHO she really is, beyond the labels that others have given her.
Through the journey of authorship, she is beginning to appreciate her life experiences and recognize how it has shaped the many levels of her personality.
But of course, in her own words: "I am still a work in progress!" Currently, Tina Brown lives in Stroudsburg, PA with her daughter. She is a Human Factors Engineer by day, and an Author by night. Her first book, A Life Not My Own, is the story of her childhood and young adult life. There's love, loss, loneliness, triumph and more within the pages. When you read her book, YOU will to feel as if you are just having a chat with the author. She said: "I want YOU to feel what I describe in the book. I want YOU to know that ALL things are possible with perseverance and God's help! My next story is created from conversations that my grandma and I have had over the years. So far, I like how the characters and the storyline are unfolding".
Her memoirs take readers on the journey of her troubled childhood and exciting young adult life.
When you read this extremely poignant book, expect to be touched as the words jump off the pages.
The book is available in eBook or paperback format through all the standard sites (Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble and many more).
Her website offers autographed items, upcoming events, book swag and more!
Interview With Tina Brown:
1: Tell us a little about who Tina Brown is and what is your vision/mission:
I am Mom, FT worker, PT writer and Christian. I've always envisioned myself as a Helper. Doesn't matter what's involved. I feel most at peace when I know that I've done the best I can at helping others. I hope that my book will allow me to reach the many people who are struggling in so many different ways. I want to provide words of encouragement, but more importantly, real (no joke) tools that can be used to over-come the obstacles they face...
2: What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
There's just no getting around that fact that we need money to live. For most of us, that means working for someone else. That's OK, but at times, it can be emotionally and mentally exhausting. I like the idea of doing my own thing, even if its only on a part-time basis to supplement my FT position, (which I love).
3: What advice would you give to women leaders who have gone into business or would like to, but do not know how to take the first step?
First, develop a realistic plan for achieving your goals, envision yourself achieving those goals, and surround yourself with positive people. Too often we allow the naysayers to destroy our dreams. Know that all things are possible IF you're willing to work hard and NEVER get up.
4: What advice would you give to women who are trying to "connect" with their true purpose in life? Be quiet and listen! I believe that we are all here for a purpose. Sometimes our purpose is so far from what we believe possible, we struggle to accept it. Just know that if you are truly called, there's no running away. There's someone out there, maybe even lots of people out there, waiting for you to do the work that so many before you have prepared the way. Hence, the title of my book, A Life Not My Own.
5: What are 5 final things you need women to remember?
We can do all these through Christ who strengthens us.
Nothing is impossible if you will just hold on
You are never alone
Find strength in your struggle.
God willing, tomorrow is coming, so ya might as well be prepared for it.
Janine Hyatt is the Director/Massage Therapist of J's Namaste Therapy of which she is the sole proprietor. She is also a retail distributor for Amway (visit her store -Neeni's2Go). Janine started this business officially on December 7, 2012. She decided to bring forth a service that would not just be designed for the physical structure of a human being, but also to develop an awareness of the importance of ones mind, body and soul. Currently a Preschool Educator/Tutor, she completed her Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Bachelors in Secondary Education with a focus in Religious Studies at Shortwood Teachers' College.
Through her mantra "Center Thyself", she always saw the great need to incorporate yoga techniques into her way of life, so as to cope with the daily challenges faced. After some deep thought and evaluation of her purpose in doing massages, she discovered that the word "Namaste", would be the ideal name for her business.
Hindi (Sanskrit) 'Namaste' means the act of one's devotion and recognition towards another person, displaying gratitude and acknowledgement through the connection of energy. The inspiration came from her mother who suffers from Rheumatoid Arthritis. Whenever she would have "flair ups", Janine would be the one to extend her healing hands to aid in the relief of her mother's pain.
Rest, Relaxation and Rejuvenation are the main objectives of J's Namaste Therapy, and as such the products and services will be in its natural state or as close to it,making the experience as real and as therapeutic to clients. She has coupled the two businesses, since they both fall under Health, Beauty and Wellness.
She offers services such as: Deluxe Foot Rub/Scrub, Swedish Massages, Aromatherapy, Body Scrub, and Hot Stone Treatment. Due to the increasing demand for her services, she will be creating specialised packages which will become available soon.
Her Tagline for J's Namaste Therapy is : "Therapy in its purest form" and her tagline for Neeni's2Go is: The Road To Good Health
Contact info :
Tel: 1 (876) 439-1640 /1 (876) 331-9980
Stop by Janine Hyatt's Facebook Page for more information: J's Namaste Therapy
To view the products Janine uses in her business, check out her retail store on Amway here: Neeni's2Go
