Connecticut up and coming personality Claudette  Rothman has had many exciting careers.  She has been in fashion, real estate and technology industries, and is now in the publishing industry.  Claudette’s latest endeavor is as co-author of the book Greenwich Secrets with Gerald L. Jones.  The book is about sex and murder in tony Greenwich, Connecticut.  USmile Magazine interviewed this busy rising star to discuss her latest projects.

USM:  Tell us about your background:

Claudette:  I was born in St Vincent and the Grenadines and migrated to the US in 1970. As a young girl, I always dreamed of becoming a fashion designer so it was no surprise to my family and friends when I enrolled in FIT to study design.

After graduation, I began my career working in the fashion industry for many different designers and was kind of living the dream.

USM:  Why did you leave the fashion industry?

Claudette:  I didn’t really have the opportunity to do the things I wanted to do so I developed a love hate relationship with the fashion industry.   After being in the fashion industry for a number of years, I decided to take a break from the industry.

USM:  What was your next endeavor?

Claudette:  I decided to follow my husband into technology industry.  At that time the technology industry was growing rapidly so I took full advantage of it.  Once the industry stopped growing, it was my queue to exit because it was not exciting to me anymore.

USM:  What did you do next?

Claudette:  I wanted to do something that was fulfilling and rewarding.  I focused all of my time and attention on taking care of my niece and nephew.  I wanted to make sure that they received a good education so I got involved with the PTA at their school and the local community in Greenwich. Read the full story »

Maxine Tulloch is finally living her lifelong dream of hosting her own talk show.   As executive producer of The Maxine Tulloch Show, Ms. Tulloch interviews business professionals, entertainers and various personalities within the Caribbean and American communities.  USmile Magazine caught up with Ms. Tulloch to talk about her show and what she hopes to accomplish in the near future.

USM: Can you tell us why you feel you are living your dream?

MT:  I always wanted to be a broadcast journalist since I was in high school.  My mom thought that I should go into the nursing field.  She wanted me to have a stable career. I think she was concerned because there weren’t any blacks on TV at the time so she felt I wouldn’t be successful as a journalist. Read the full story »

Keisha has been singing, dancing and performing since she was a kid.  She began singing in church at the tender age of nine and has never looked back.  Her love for of music, rhythms and dance has led her to create her own style of Jam Rock Soul music, which has created a huge buzz in the entertainment industry.  USmile Magazine caught up with this busy entertainer to talk about her upcoming projects.

USM:  You recently lost your father and brother how has that affected you personally?

KM:  My father’s passing hit me pretty hard because I hadn’t seen him in quite a while before he passed. My brother’s passing is still extremely painful for m, we were close like twins.  I will mourn his loss for the rest of my life. The reason I am able to get through it all is because of my strong faith in God.  I know God  will help me through this challenge.

USM:  Will you every write about this experience?

KM:  I need to be in a place where my mind is clear in order to tell my story. Read the full story »

Ms. Stevens has been playing the violin since she was three, thus, the violin has always been a lifestyle for her.   Ms. Stevens is an exceptional artist whose music will touch your soul and bring joy, peace and happiness to anyone who listens to it.  Ms. Stevens’s music is an absolute treat to listen to.  Her music crosses different genres from gospel, jazz to contemporary styles.

We interviewed this phenomenal violinist to learn more about her music and currents projects. Read the full story »

“What God intended for you go far beyond anything you can imagine.” Oprah Winfrey

I was in no way ready to date after I got my divorce, but that didn’t stop
me.  As I was trying to find myself, I continued to search for me through
other people.

One evening, I sat staring across the table into the face of someone I
barely knew, all I really wanted to do was to see my reflection even if it was
in the silverware on the table.  I wanted something to at least validate who
I was.  I had been hurt and deceived so much, that I was starting to doubt myself.

For three years, I had spent the majority of my time trying to make my
marriage work all by myself.  I didn’t realize that during the process I had
lost who I was.  Since I was not comfortable with myself, it was impossible
for me to be comfortable with someone else.  Many of my early relationships
lasted for a week or two. If I was lucky, they might last a month. Read the full story »

Princess Bola Adelani is an Entrepreneur, Women’s Advocate, Inspirational Speaker and Philanthropist. This real life Princess has been inspiring audiences to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams for many years.

USmile Magazine interviewed Princess Bola Adelani to discuss her passion for helping others and her upcoming Total Woman Conference.

USM:  Why did you leave the legal industry to become a motivational and inspirational speaker?

PBA: I discovered my passion and felt called to motivate and empower people to reach their dreams and full potential.

USM:  You have been given the name the queen of networking, why do you think it is important to network and connect with other people?

PBA:  I believe that everyone is interdependent on each other.  No one can achieve success or a dream by themselves.  We all need someone to open the door and provide us with the opportunity to achieve our dream.

I think that people are the most valuable asset we have and it is important for us to know how to network with the right people to achieve our goals.

USM:  You have a business called Royal Proclamations, what is your vision/mission for the business?

PBA:  My mission is to equip businesses and professionals with the knowledge, skill and power that will motivate them to achieve their dreams and realize their potential.  My goal is to assist businesses and professionals to excel in work and life by putting them through a series of on-line, person-to-person and on air programs.  The series is called Inspired Success, which is a three week program on channel 5 WHC-TV. The Total Woman Conference is an extension of the Inspired Success series that I offer to my clients.

USM:  There are many women conferences held every year; can you explain to us what is different about the Total Woman Conference?

PBA:  As someone who motivates and inspires people, I began to search for a conference that would inspire me in all areas of my life but couldn’t find a conference that would address all of my needs.  The conferences that I stumbled upon either focused on business or health.  I felt the need to create a conference that would C.A.R.E for women in all aspects of their lives.

In other words, the conference would Celebrate the uniqueness of womanhood, Applauded our contributions to society, Refresh and Rejuvenate us spiritually and Equip us with dynamic seminars from inspirational speakers that will inspire and empower us.

USM:  What will women gain by attending the Total Woman Conference, what is unique about the conference?

PBA:  Well our theme for this year’s conference is Step Up, Step Out, Step In – It’s Time to Live the Dream.  I would like women to gain encouragement, knowledge and resources to help them conquer their fears and pursue their passions in life.

USM:  Tell us about a few of the keynote speakers that will be at the conference.

PBA:  The conference will have several keynote speakers from diverse backgrounds and experiences such as, Denise Nappier and Lesley Mills.  It was important for me to select everyday working women who face the same challenges as the attendees and have been able to overcome their challenges.  I believe the attendees would be able to relate to these women on a personal level.

Denise Nappier is the first African-American woman elected to serve as a State Treasurer in the United States and the first African-American woman elected to a statewide office in Connecticut and the only woman to be elected Treasurer in state history.

Lesley Mills is also an amazing business owner of Griswold Special Care that provides live-in health care services.  She has been in a male-dominated business of hospital reimbursements for over seventeen years. Ms. Mills uses her sense of humor to educate audiences on how to start a business from a one person company with a vision into a substantial company.  She will outline what need to be in place in order to grow a business, such as market dynamics, personal attributes and the type of people you need to surround yourself with.  Ms. Mills will explain the pitfalls and challenges of building a business.  Most importantly, she will talk about why you need to have passion for the product or services you are offering.

USM:  What would you like to see happen after the conference?

PBA:  I would like to see women building connections and strategic relationships with each.  I am hoping that the attendees would be motivated and re-energized to begin the work on the areas of their lives that they need to work on and become more visible.

USM:  Why did you start the Watered Garden Ministries?

PBA:  I wanted to work with women in the inner city to empower and motivate them.  I decided to do an outreach program ministry through my church.

USM:  How did you become involved in philanthropic and humanitarian work?

PBA:  I also felt the need to reach out to  homeless women and children in shelters so I decided to work with them through my church.

USM:  What other experience will the women be involved with?

PBA:  We will be having many testimonials, networking, lunch and Spa treatments.  It will be a fun and exciting day.

USM:  What other programs do you produce?

PBA:  I produce an on air TV program called Inspired Success with WHC-TV Cable Channel 5.  Viewers are provided with the power and inspiration for Total Success.  This information is also available on the internet; you can view it at www.royalproclamation.com. In addition, I have a newsletter that everyone can subscribe to on at royal proclamation.

USmile Magazine

Michelle Arthurton has been a champion for reggae music and artists for over 15 years.  Her passion and love for the music has led her to start E2 Recordings, Inc, which has several subsidiaries: E2 Studios, E2 Recordings, E2 Bookings, E2 Onair Radio and Le 2 Music Publishing.  As the only female on the board of the Caribbean American Cultural Caucus, she is committed to the development of the entertainment industry across the Caribbean and other regions.

USmile Magazine caught up with Ms. Arthurton to talk about E2 Recordings, Inc and how she has managed to remain on top in a male dominated industry.

USM:  Why did you start E2 Recordings, Inc?

MA:  Reggae music has been my passion since I was a child.  It has been a dream of mine for a very long time to have my own radio station, recording studio and management company so when the opportunity presented itself, I took full advantage of it.   I feel that reggae music was going in a different direction from the core reggae sound and I wanted to produce positive music with substance and longevity. Read the full story »

Marcia Davis is the lead singer and songwriter of the Marcia Davis and Outro band.  The band is about to release its new CD and launch its first major tour in the U.S.  The Reggae Diva spoke to USmile Magazine about her new book, CD and love.

USM: When did you first start singing?

MD: I started singing as a child with my brothers.  I always knew in my heart that I wanted to be a singer. My parents enrolled me in a performing arts school when I was around nine years old because they saw how much I loved to perform.  The school taught me how to sing, dance and do theater.

UMS:  Tell us about the first play you wrote and produced?

MD:  When I was seventeen, I formed my own theater company and wrote two musical plays.  My first play was Ella, which was extremely successful.  After the success of my first play, I was inspired to pursue my passion of becoming a performance artist.

USM: When did you get your first major break into the business?

MD: In 1987, I came to America and started working at Super Power Records.  I got the opportunity to work as a backup singer for Laury Webb and that’s how I got my first major break into the business.

USM:  Do you plan to write any more plays in the future?

MD:  I am hoping to write more plays in the future.  I have a great idea for a play that incorporates everything that I do; singing, dancing and theater.  The play will be based on what goes on behind the scenes when you are putting a show together.  It will take you through all of the success and failures that come with the business.

USM:  Tell us about the 1650 campaign to stop the violence in Jamaica?

MD: The 1650 campaign was created to help stop the violence and murders in Jamaica.  Laury Webb and I came up with the idea to produce a few songs such as “Young Man” to help with the campaign.  I was deeply affected by what was going on in Jamaica because so many kids were dying senselessly that were the same age as my son.  I wanted to put out a positive message that would reach these kids make them aware of the damage and pain they were causing.

USM:  Can you explain why you record two different genres of music (Reggae and Urban/R&B)?

MD:  I have a great love for music. I see myself as an artist and performer.   My main genre of music is reggae but I also write R & B songs for other people.  I don’t like to be placed in a box or other people putting me in a box.  I am an artist, therefore I can do anything.

USM: What do you do to balance work and family?

MD:   It is extremely challenging being a woman with children in this business.  I don’t like to leave my children alone so I tend to take them with me everywhere I go.  I receive a lot of help from the people in the band, everyone pitches in to help me and I am very grateful for their support.

USM:  How did you get the name Reggae Diva?

MD:  My brother started calling me Reggae Diva and the name stuck.  Everyone else started calling me Reggae Diva shortly thereafter.  I am really not a diva; I am actually a nice person.

USM: What current projects are you working on?

MD:  I am currently working on a book called Jamamer English Girl, which is based on my life.  The book is due to be released summer.  I have also just finished writing and producing four singles, which will be releases this summer as well.

USM: Where will you be touring this summer?

MD:  I will be touring in the U.S. this summer.  We will be kicking off our tour in Northern California.

USM:   Where can your fans learn more about your tour dates and current projects?

Everyone can go to my MySpace page or go to marciadavisband.com to learn more about my tour dates, book release and new CD.

USM: Are you currently in love with anyone at this time?

MD: Well let’s just say I am in love and I am very happy. I don’t really talk about my personal life.

USM:  What else do you want your fan to know about you?

MD:  I truly feel that music can unite everyone together and heal us all.  When I am on stage, I forget about everything that’s going on in the world and my life.  I feel very free when I am on stage; it is a very spiritual experience for me.

USmilenow.com

Sylvia Dunnavant, author and photographer who wants to inspire and
motivate women and girls all over the world to live the life that God
has intended them to live.

USmile Magazine interviewed the writer/poet Ms. Dunnavant about her
upcoming projects and her passion to help other women.

USM: What inspired you to start writing?

SD: It all started as a result of my involvement in the 4-H, which is a youth organization, which helps young people to reach their fullest potential while helping them develop. It was as a result of my work with this organization that, I got the opportunity to start public speaking and to begin my love for photography.

I actually developed my desire to write around this time as well.  But it wasn’t until I heard Nikki Giovanni read her poem, “Ego Tripping“, I really became committed to be a writer.  I found that through writing I was able to capture my imagination and share my feelings. I came out with my first book poetry, “An Affair of the Heart,” when I was a senior at the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

USM: What type of poetry do you like to write about?

SD: I like to write poems that encourage and inspire people especially
women and young girls. I use people and life events as my motivation to write.

USM: What led you to publish your book “Celebrating Life: African American Women speak out about Breast Cancer”?

SD: As a writer and photography, I wanted to put a human face on breast
cancer survivors.  I wanted to profile women who had survived the
disease and portray them in a beautiful way. As the result of this project we reached women around the world.

USM: Why did you start your foundation?

SD:  About fourteen years ago, my aunt was diagnosed with terminal
breast cancer.  The news of her illness impacted me very deeply and I
became inspired to help other women.  I wanted to show the world how
breast cancer was affecting the minority community.  My goal for the
foundation was to put a face on breast cancer in the minority
community.  For years breast cancer has had a stigma in the minority community; we
don’t like to talk about it.  Thus, we have a higher mortality rate, a
lack of information and awareness about the disease.

USM:  Tell us about your publishing company?

SD:  I started Black Pearl Publishing company to write and share
stories that will inspire and change people lives.  Thus far, I have
published seven books that have been a part of our mission.  We have
published:  ”The Love Clinic There is a Doctor in the House,” by Rev Sheron Patterson, “Abby’s Between Girlfriends: A Sharing a Marital Secrets,” “Unless Two Agree,” by Co-Pastor Susie Owen, “A Divine Difference,” by Jean Warner “Essence of Faith,” by Sarah English “The Pastor’s Pen,” by Rev J. Lee Foster, “Golden Memories to Golden Moments,” by Ann Williams (The Dallas Black Dance Theatre.)

USM:  What projects are you working on currently?

SD:  I am currently redoing my first book, “Still Celebrating Life,” because it
was so successful and people wanted to know more about the women who
survived breast cancer.  I also have another book coming out called
“Diamond Don’t Beg, What Every Woman Needs to Know.”  Both books are
expected to be out next year.

The Celebrating Life Foundation will be hosting a breast cancer awareness walk on October 2, 2010 at the Cedar Hill Recreation Center. This will be our Ninth Sister to Sister Fitness Festival. For more information, people can go to www.celebratinglife.org

USM:  How are you able to balance work and family?

SD: My son, Jaysen is 22 years old and is currently attending the University of North Texas in Denton.  My 16 year old nephew, Julian is also staying with me. I don’t look at it as a challenge, I feel it’s my call in his life to him any way that I can.  I am happy to help and mold him into the man God him intended him to be.

USM:  What advice do you have for young women who are thinking of
becoming a writer?

SD:  I always advise young women to take all the limits and boundaries off
anything they want to do.  It is God’s desire that we will walk in abundance.

USM:  Where do you see yourself in five years?

SD:  I would like the opportunity to empower and inspire women around
the world.  I would like to share the love of God with them.  My
desire is to walk in the call that is on my life.  It is my ultimate desire to help lift women
up all over the world. I am currently working with a group of powerful women that will be touring the country this summer.

To read more about Sylvia Dunnavant go to  http://www.celebratinglife.org/index.html.

USmile Magazine

As a young girl, Amy Bethea was always interested in photography and the ability to tell stories through pictures.   She began her career working as a photo researcher for book illustrations.  Amy wanted to motivate and influence children through her work so she decided to start a photo research company for the k-12 and higher education market.  Amy felt that she was impacting the minds of children through pictures.

Amy was inspired to start a full service editorial and book packaging company because of a growing demand from publishers to have a vender that could put an entire book together for print.  In January 2010, she decided to start a company called The Research Masters.  Amy used her knowledge of photo research and teamed up with other publishers, illustrators, copy editors and graphic designers to form the company.

Like most businesses in today’s economy, Amy faces many challenges in growing the business.  Thus, Amy has joined with other competitors to market her company’s products and attract new clients.  Through her hard work, The Research Masters has been able to work on many different educational text and trade books in all disciplines such as, world history, social science, languages, geography, animals and marine life.

Amy is looking to broaden her capabilities in the K-12 and higher education market with various educational tools in multi-media interactive courses, eLearning, eBook and web courses.  Amy keeps in touch with her customers through her monthly newsletter, which talks about her latest projects and any new services that she is offering.

Amy’s long-term goal is to become a publishing company and launch an on-line educational magazine for teachers who can subscribe and utilized the curriculum.  She hopes that through her magazine she will get to educate students all over the world.

As a mother, Amy sometimes finds it very challenging to balance work and family.  But finds comfort in the fact that she is always there for her kids whenever they need her.  When she is not working on her business or being a mom, Amy takes time out of her busy schedule to enjoy the arts, a bit of dancing and traveling.

Amy thinks women need to be determined and focused if they are going to succeed in business.  She encourages women to go after their dreams and never listen to the negative things people have to say.

To learn more about The Research Masters go to www.theresearchmasters.com.

USmile Magazine

www.usmilenow.com

By: C. Worrell