Bad-ass Bloggers (BaBs): Meet Te-Erika of My Savvy Sisters

It's been awhile since I've featured someone in my Bad-Ass Bloggers series, and I truly think that this remarkable woman is WELL worth the wait!! As publisher of MySavvySisters, Te-Erika is using her blog to motivate and uplift all who visit the site!

Te-Erika, for those unfamiliar with My Savvy Sisters, what do you want people to understand about the blog?

MySavvySisters.Com provides the resources, information and inspiration women need to survive and thrive in life. We profile the most amazing female entrepreneurs we can find and offer content that helps women understand their inner powers. We post news that is relevant to women and editorials that empower women to take action. We also offer survival give-aways that help women pay their rent, buy groceries, gas and other household items. Our blog is the type of place you visit when you need an attitude adjustment because you are feeling overwhelmed by life.

We also offer services like free mentoring, free emotional crisis counseling and we offer a platform for women to promote their individual causes. MySavvySisters.Com is for every woman who desires to stand up and move forward in life.

Last spring, you voluntarily became homeless and chronicled your experience rebuilding your life in your blog (which was covered extensively by The Huffington Post). What would you say was the most powerful life lesson you learned from your experience?

The most powerful life lesson I learned through The Rebuild Your Life Project was that- nothing is permanent. While we are in the midst of our struggle it may seem like we are stuck but we are not. No ending is permanent, no sad occurrence is permanent, no negative state of mind is permanent, unless you want it to be. My time as a homeless woman ended because I desperately wanted it to and I was willing to do the work necessary to make it happen. That is all it takes for any woman to change her situation, she has to have the desire and she has to make the decision to do it. After she does that, the windows of heaven open up and doors fly open to make room for her desire to come to pass.

I cannot imagine what it was like living on the streets for several months. Was there a moment where you felt tremendously low and found yourself lacking the strength to pull yourself up?

The majority of my time homeless was depressing. I put too much on myself by setting out to organize a job fair for homeless women and raise money for a rental assistance grant, not to mention making creative videos to post on youtube and reporting and researching on survival strategies for the homeless lifestyle- all while I was homeless myself. But I always do that, I can't seem to do anything in a small way, that's just how I am.

I will say that those moments of doubt and insecurity and frustration led me to produce a stunning series of videos posted on my youtube channel that speak to rising above the negative mind state that plagues women. Every time I experienced depression or spoke to someone who was hopeless, I immediately turned my brain on to figure out how to climb out of that horrible mental state and I made a video to teach other women the same thing.

Your experiences being homeless was the launching point for the Rebuild Your Life Project, which is an amazing empowerment outreach established to help women. Can you talk a bit about the project,and what it does?

My experience being homeless allowed me to teach women specific, detailed strategies to overcome an extreme loss. My hope is that by watching my videos, any woman who is settling for a less than lackluster lifestyle will be free to move forward knowing that I have just provided the keys to rise above any loss. By watching me lose and rise again, I hope that women will never fear failure again because they know that no matter what comes after taking a risk for their dream lifestyle they can and will rebuild their lives.

How do you hope the project will grow and help improve the lives of women all over?

The Rebuild Your Life Project is backed by my non profit, My Savvy Sisters, Inc. We strive to become the leading resource for the empowerment of women by offering them the financial assistance they need to transition to their next phase in life through rental assistance grants, emergency relocation assistance grants, scholarships and micro loans for women.

I am also moving forward with a jobs initiative to help Americans by asking big businesses to partner with The Rebuild Your Life Project to offer hiring events across the country to help ease the pressure of unemployment. Denny's Restaurants has already partnered with The Rebuild Your Project by organizing a hiring day where they offered a one day session of open interviews to South Florida residents for 14 corporate owed stores. I hope this catches on and other big businesses decide to show their corporate social responsibility by giving back to the communities that have helped them become successful.

To learn more about The Rebuild Your Life Project visit www.therebuildyourlifeproject.org

To learn how to stand up in the face of ANY situation visit www.mysavvysisters.com

Bad-ass Bloggers (BaBs): Meet the Pookalitas of Pooka Pure & Simple

One of the goodies in my Chic and Kinky Naturals Night Out gift bag was a sample of Pooka Pure & Simple's Shea n Olive Hair Butter, which my I have worn OUT since receiving it (The smell is intoxicating and my hair loved this stuff!!!).

I saw this as synchronicity at its finest because I have recently had the opportunity to learn more about the brand, and the wonderful women behind its jars (affectionately known as the Pookalitas) from Dawn Fitch, founder and creator of Pooka Pure & Simple.

Dawn, the story about how Pooka Pure & Simple came to creation is a fascinating one, truly the makings of a movie: After becoming ill and receiving no sound diagnosis from doctors, you began to explore holistic therapies, including aromatherapy and discovered a love of their healing properties. Many people fail to consider alternative therapies when they’re ill… what inspired you to consider outside avenues?

Well getting no sound diagnosis from the Drs. I really had no direction to go in. Since I couldn’t pinpoint the exact problem, it was hard to look for a diagnosis, so I figured I’d make an overall life change. Changing my nutrition and living a more holistic lifestyle I knew would benefit me no matter what the problem was.

I am a sucker for sisterhood, and I love the fact that Pooka Pure & Simple is a collaborative effort between you and three of your closest and dearest friends, aka “The Pookalitas”, and with them you manage every aspect of Pooka from sales, to marketing and to finance. Would you say you were blessed to be surrounded by such talented women, or has the creation of the company been a catalyst for them to realize they had these talents?

Oh definitely BLESSED, LOL! The funny thing is when we started the business we each had the exact talents that we needed. Tricia had a degree in finance, Donna in communcations. April in communications/marketing and mine was in Graphic Design. When GOD works it out, HE works it out perfectly!

People can learn more about you and the Pookalitas by visiting your blog, aptly named, The Pookalitas at http://pookalitas.blogspot.com/ . I’ll tell you, The Braxtons have NOTHING on your soul sister circle (Can we get them a reality show, please??!?)!! Can you tell us a little bit about each of the Pookalitas and your favorite quality they possess?

First off, GREAT QUESTIONS, LOL!! You’re good at what you do! Well we’re each in different phases of life, so most women can connect with at least one of us.

I’m single and searchin, LOL!! All of the other 3 pookalitas got married 5 years ago within in 2 months of each other!! Donna is still married and loving it, deciding on how and if she will extend her family, Tricia is the mom to a 2 year old and dealing with all that comes with that, Aprils husband unfortunately passed away only 6 months after they were married from a heart attack and she is now raising 2 boys.

My sisters are amazing women and a favorite quality would be Donna Dependable, she always there for you, Tricia Tenacious, shes loyal and never gives up and April Awe Inspiring, after all she’s been through, shes a great mom and friend to all!

Dawn, as a Pookalita you are not exempt from this question. What is a favorite quality you possess?

hmmmm........I have a good sense of humor and I love to laugh and make other people laugh!

Let’s get to the nitty gritty and the topic I am sure many of my readers will want to know about: Pooka Pure & Simple’s Products. As someone who is definitely in love with scents I’m curious about the story behind each collection and their signature scents. What type of person do you envision liking each collection?

Caliente Man: Well we say this one is for the Hot Fellas, but the ladies who love musk also love this one too!!
Citrus Basil: Clean and Fresh! This one we call the anti-fruity! It’s soapy clean.
Coconut Crunch: This one is for the island lovers, a very soft coconut breeze!
Foot Fetish: This one should be mandatory for all, LOL! For the ladies and the gents, everything you need for smooth, fresh smellin’ toes!
Guava: This is one of our tops scents! Very fruity, we have to remind people not to drink it!
Honey Almond: A fan favorite! A smooth almond scent, the honey just adds a light, sweet note to this blend.
Papaya: Soft and sultry...Although this is Papaya it has a hint of gardenia in it, not too sweet.
Pomegranate: We never thought anything could give Guava a run for its money but this scent does. A delicious, sweet, pomegranate!
Vanilla Sand: We call this one Vanilla on the Beach! Not the ordinary vanilla this one has a spicy kick to it! This is for our earthy, zen folks.

Dawn, you had me at Vanilla Sand... that scents sounds like it's right up my alley! You can expect an order from me soon (My hair really wants some more that that Shea n Olive Hair Butter).

Did any of those scents call out to you? Be sure to visit Pooka Pure & Simple online at http://www.pookapureandsimple.com. You can also expect an official review from me in the upcoming weeks, in the meantime, check out Chai from BacktoCurly.com's experiences using Shea n Olive Hair Butter.

Be sure to visit The Pookalitas at:

http://pookalitas.blogspot.com/

If you'd like to featured in a future BaBs posting, or want to suggest a BaB for me to profile, please click here to contact Miss Moon's Musings.

Bad-ass Bloggers (BaBs): Meet Cheris of Chocolate Orchid

I decided to reach out to one of my favorite Bloggers to see if she'd consent to be Bad-ass Blogger for March. I was tickled pink when she agreed, and I couldn't wait to introduce y'all because like her blog, Chocolate Orchid...she is multifaceted, unique, beautiful and DOPE!!



Cheris, your blog has the tagline, "the intersection of healthy eating, natural hair, and thoughts on life in general.". A lot of bloggers feel that not sticking to a particular box is a hindrance (I've never quite gotten that belief, between you, me and everyone who reads this!). Have you found it difficult to blog about a eclectic mix of subjects and still engage your readers?

Great questions. I've meditated on this often and continue to come up with the same answer. "I have to do me." And "me" would find that a bit constricting. Let me explain: I can remember when I first went natural, I was so gong-ho about "natural hair". It was a major topic online and in-person. Since then, I still love my hair and natural hair but I've grown weary talking about it as often.

Simply speaking, life is not just about natural hair. It's not just about healthy eating. Its about a multitude of things and balancing them, understanding and accepting them. And then living your best life with all of that.

Miss Moon, I honestly just go with what's in my spirit, put it out there and hopefully people will connect with it. And surprisingly they still do. I doubt that I will stay in a particular box. Lol.

One of my favorite features of your blog is your Monday “Good News” Affirmations. How important have affirmations been to your spiritual development?

Oh gosh. Extremely. I strongly believe that what you think and speak is a conduit of what your life will be and is. For me, the affirmations and quotes help drill in this fact. And keeps me centered & focused on thinking and speaking positive things because that's what I want out of life.

Your hair is absolutely gorgeous!!!! What are you present product staples?

Thanks Hon! Loaded question. I am currently working on using up all the products that I've purchased and quite probably will purchase some carefully picked products from new (to me) product lines to try. Oh, my present product staples?... Lol. Yes, I still can get side-tracked and sometimes caught up in pj-ism. Lol.

Leave in: MOP Organice leave-in conditioner. Love this stuff. It has never let me down.
Butters: Qhemet Biologics Burdock Root Buttercreme.
Oil/sealant: any good oil or oil mix.
Shampoo: love Jane Carter Solutions Hydrating Invigorating Shampoo.
Co-wash conditioners: Herbal Essences Totally Twisted.

The following are favorites that I always come back to in the midst of trying other things. Not sure if they qualify as staples or not. Deep conditioner: Hairveda SitriNillah Moisturizing Deep conditioner. Styling products: Darcy's Botanicals Madigascar Vanilla styling creme, Jane Carter's Twist and Lock.

Another favorite of Chocolate Orchid is your vast array of healthy recipes. I am presently working very hard to get smaller and ultimately be healthier. From smoothies to sammies everything to share with your readers are super yummy and healthy. What's a new favorite recipe of yours? What advice would you share will me and the readers of Miss Moon's Musings on how to implement more healthful foods in our lives?

Definitely my new fav is my Avocado Port Sammich. It's basically mashed up avocado used as a spread on top of a slice of sprouted bread like, Ezekiel brand. Next comes the baby spinach. Then I top that with some portabello mushrooms, red onions, bell peppers(red/green) that's been sauteed in Olive oil with 2 to 3 cloves of garlic. What can I say? I love garlic. I usually finish it with some Sun Fire salt. Himalyan Pink salt is another favorite of mine, but I believe Sea salt may be just as fine.



As far as implementing more healthy foods, I think the best thing to do is to add and gradually take away. Maybe start by adding salads, fruits and/or green smoothies. Be open to experiment with veggie or vegan dishes. Then take away or reduce the not-so-good, like coffee, cigarettes, pizza, chips or any other processed foods.

By the way, I'm not a full-fledged vegetarian or vegan. I practice being a vegan but I'm definitely not 100%. At this present moment, I can't foresee me ever becoming 100% but you never know. And I do remain open to the idea. What I do do is, mostly eat a vegan, non-processed diet. If I do have some processed food, I don't beat myself up about it. I accept it and move on. And yes, I do still enjoy lamb and a few other meats every once in a while. But I always buy grassfed, humanely treated, minimally processed, no hormones, antibiotics or other added crap. And am super-elated when I find a restaurant who does the same.

I do believe that you have to listen to your body and do and take note of what makes "your" body feel its absolute best. We are all individuals, uniquely crafted by God. I would never expect anyone or everyone to be exactly the same as me and would never want that.

Didn't I tell you Cheris was AWESOME!?!?!?

Be sure to visit Cheris at:

http://chocolateorchid.blogspot.com/

If you'd like to featured in a future BaBs posting, or want to suggest a BaB for me to profile, please click here to contact Miss Moon's Musings.

Bad-ass Bloggers (BaBs): Meet Michelle of Photography by Michelle Etwaroo

Michelle and I are former schoolmates from good ole P.S. 135 in Brooklyn who have reconnected through the medium that is FaceBook. It's been a blast catching up on her life through her amazing blog, Photography by Michelle Etwaroo.  Imagine my joy to discover that she is a Bad-ass Blogger on top of everything! I just knew that I had to feature her as the first BaBs for 2011!!



Michelle, you've had your amazing photography blog for about two years now. I've noticed that many photographers use a blog to showcase their art to a broader community. Was this the motivation for this blog?

Totally! I respect many of my peers and today's industry leaders. What do they all have in common? A blog(site). Most blog platforms are free and allow photographers, designers, etc. to display work, make announcements to subscribers, and communicate with clients. And let's not forget about Facebook! I have my blog feed into my Facebook notes, which is another way to stay connected to people. When I go on a group shoot I can tag my partners, clients/subjects, venues/fan pages; Subsequently, they can share it on their walls...it's just a wonderful thing to have a blog these days. It's like free advertisement [considering you are updating it regularly].

I love so many of your photographs for different reasons: a couple silhouetted by a tropical sunset, a community rally, and a sultry, seductive photo for a very special (and lucky!) man. You capture all of these very different images with the same passion and focus. What most often goes on in your mind when taking these pictures?

Really, every time i go out, I am trying to outdo my last photo shoot, I am my own worst critic. I also try to capture and focus on elements of the frame most would overlook, i.e.: the lashes on a little girl or the hands of an elated grandmother while she stuffs a pinata at her grandson's 1st birthday. I consider myself a "detail" photographer. Anyone can take a front and center frame of someone. I try to up the ante by giving the client another dimension.




While in the moment, do you see the mechanics of how to orchestrate the picture ("Move your head to the left.." etc.), do you see THE (with a capital T*H*E) photo in the moment and say "Yes!" or it sometimes a combination of both?

I feel like I have always had an eye for photography. And then I took up theory and photojournalism ... over 13 years ago during the film era. Literally, I took classes in a darkroom while in college. As i'm sure you can imagine, there was no room for error with film and obviously there was no "review" feature. If you screwed up a shoot, you found out as you developed your film and prints. Versus digital, if you overexpose your subject or the composition is not the best, you can see and remedy that right away. So as corny as it may sound, I feel that everyday has the potential to be an album and everyday i have my camera, something will take place where I "see" a photo about to happen. On the flip, If I am working a shoot, I try not to "pose" my subjects, that's not my type of photography. If needed, however, I'll give them a role to play and some direction to capture them effectively. Most people have never modeled so they don't know their angles or where the mark is. So I guess speak for most photogs and would have to say, BOTH!




One of your most recent blog posts highlights a massive, gorgeous vision board you created for 2011. Can you discuss your motivation for creating this vision board?

My motivation for creating the board was just a want for change, and making a conscience decision to take matters into my own hands. If you read the blog post, you'll see a number of reasons why I had to step up and re-claim my life. This past December, I shared a revelation with a friend of mine, "I am not living my own life. This person you see before you...I don't know who she is". The more I thought about it, i began to remember the last time I felt truly happy and sadly that was over 10 years ago. The irony is that in 2000, unknowingly, I made my first vision board...at the time I didn't know what a vision board was. It was just a collage I put together in an art class in college. On it I had diamonds, an SUV, a puppy, an image symbolizing travel, etc. Everything I put together came true within a year, minus the puppy, instead I got a kitten :)
A few years back, a group of women shared the vision board theory with me and I felt compelled to share it with all of you.




What's up next for the blog? What new projects will you be sharing with us in the near future?

Well, for starters i'd like to facilitate giveaways (prints mainly). I'd also like to feature more bikes and the motorcycle sub-culture (I'm a rider!) There was a huge response to the shots from the NYC Motorcycle Show at The Javits Center. A niche I hope to feature more would be, Boudoir Photography. A woman's body is a work of art and I love empowering women with photos representing their confidence and sensuality.

Be sure to visit Michelle at:

http://michellesphotos.wordpress.com/

If you'd like to featured in a future BaBs posting, or want to suggest a BaB for me to profile, please click here to contact Miss Moon's Musings.

Bad-ass Bloggers (BaBs): Meet Simone of In This Moment Blog

Simone is one of my Pirate Sistren, so I am a bit biased about how bad-ass she actually is (And I will add it to the record today that when it comes to my Pirate Sistahs being bad-ass... I am an authority!). She is also an amazing human being, one who's wisdom I have benefited from for many years. When she began In This Moment Blog I was so happy to be able to share her vision and her thoughts and I couldn't think of a better fit for this month's BaBs: Bad-ass Bloggers.



What is the significance of the title of your blog In This Moment Blog?

As long as we experience having a body, there is the opportunity for deeper, greater, expanded insight. Even if it is the SAME insight over and over again, it is always fresh, because the truth of who we are is eternally fresh and present, in this moment! That is why I named my blog and my coaching, In This Moment, because that is where insight
lives.

What can visitors not familiar with your blog expect when they visit?

Insight - I have a passion for insight! I love busting the lies that we believe about ourselves in the form of judgments, limitations, self-hatred, as well as, self-aggrandizement. Seeing through the veil of those lies is INSIGHT into the truth of who we really are. When we see who we are, or more of who we are, we are blessed, healed and grateful. These are all ingredients of happiness.



In addition to blogging with conscious, you also are an exceptional singer/songwriter and Spiritual Life Coach Extraordinaire. Is there anything new you'd love to share on either fronts?

Thank you! People have responded really positively to my song, 'Recovery'. I'm working to shoot a video for it. So stay tuned for that! Regarding spiritual life coaching, I work with spiritual people who are looking to discover what their next steps in life are. It's a joy to connect with people in that way!

The tagline for your site is "Discover Peace & Love Within". Can you share with us any tips on how to be open to such discoveries?


Yes. Peace and Love is who we are in every moment. Be willing to find out how you have convinced yourself that you are other than, or separate from Peace and Love in any way. Be honest with yourself. Then, once you discover this false identity, be willing to let it go. Letting go can be quite a challenge. So the key is your willingness!

What has given you immense joy lately?

Wow - immense joy! I listened to the song, 'Optimistic' by Sounds of Blackness of full blast over and over last night. It made me SO happy!! Brilliant song.

Be sure to check out Simone at:

http://inthismomentcoaching.wordpress.com/

If you'd like to featured in a future BaBs posting, or want to suggest a BaB for me to profile, please click here to contact Miss Moon's Musings.

Bad-ass Bloggers (BaBs): Meet Jamillah of Jay the Bohemian Diva

I've known Jamillah for many, many years, and have been extraordinarily proud to be a follower of her blog, Jay the Bohemian Diva. I knew immediately that my next BaBs would HAVE to be her, and I am tickled pink that she consented!!



The tag-line for your blog, Jay The Bohemian Diva is "Love, Life & Girly Girl Things", can you give me an example of the type of posts one would find in your blog?

Well what you will not find is celebrity gossip blog...there is enough of that...and I am not about that. My blog is a progressing blog that does not have a central focus like a fashion blog or a movie blog. On my blog you will find a variety of things pertaining to my life as I rediscover my passions and challenging myself to step out of the box. You will find some of my poems, my musical tastes, an update on my health, opinions on certain subjects as well as my reviews on wigs, cosmetics and some fashion.

You've been writing your blog for almost a year now. What is the most surprising aspect of blogging for you? What do you find the most challenging?

The most for me is that people are actually reading it LOL. Seriously, every time I read back on my blogs I am surprised by the progress I am making as a person. It is very therapeutic...getting to know me again and introducing parts of myself to the outside world...it feels pretty nice, especially when people respond positively and constructively. The most challenging is being consistent. I try to post as much as I can without driving myself crazy...I just have to remember that I do not have a deadline so I pace myself...

You are a "Wiggy" and I've really enjoyed reading your posts and absorbing your enthusiasm via your "Wig-tastic" blogs. A lot of folks still have negative attitudes about wigs, unfortunately. What advice would you have for someone who is interested in incorporating wigs into their look?

I am actually a "Part Time Wiggy"...I love my short natural hair and rock it often. I would recommend Youtube...I say that because that is where I learned to be confident in wigs. There are alot of tutorials and reviews on wigs that will make a "wig-ginner" feel comfortable. When you have the self confidence with your wig you can pull it off. I was very surprised (delightfully) with the positive responses I received when i wore my wigs to work, especially when people did not recognized me at first. The art of wearing wigs is about trial and error. some you get and some you don't. Just have fun with it...wigs are fun!!!



In addition to sharing your Wig-tastic journey with you, I've also loved indulging in your "Girly Girl Time" posts. Are there any recent hauls we can look forward to you posting about?

For now there will be more "Wish List" posts when it comes to future potential hauls. The "Girly Girl Time" posts will feature the makeup I already have and asking your opinion on how it looks on me. I have a new post called "Face Off" where I will talk about my search for the perfect facial routine.

What's in store for readers of Jay the Bohemian Diva? What can we look forward to in the upcoming months?

In the upcoming months there will be more wigs, more makeup, and more event features. I will also have a cooking segment where I post recipes I have tried and succeeded in cooking. New posts will include a "Shout Out" segment where I give props to people places and things..."The 6 week project" segment will be my reviews on certain things I will try for 6 weeks (stepping outside the box). Look out for my personal style, my health update, pictures and much more...

Be sure to visit Jay at:

http://thebohemiandiva.blogspot.com

If you'd like to featured in a future BaBs posting, or want to suggest a BaB for me to profile, please click here to contact Miss Moon's Musings.