Notes from Nikki
Cover Story
Style
Beauty
Spirit
Fit
IN EACH WEEKLY ISSUE
Model Muse
Community
Lounge
Memphis Edition
WEEKLY ISSUE
O N L I N E M A G A Z I N E
NOTES FROM NIKKI
"The Color Purple"
STYLE
"Style Central (Runway/Strut)"
"I think it pisses God off when we walk past the color purple in a field and don't notice it." -Shug Avery
As I closed my eyes to make that ceremonial birthday wish, surrounded by friends and family, I bowed my head before the candle on my Bananas Foster Birthday Cheesecake, and thought I may not be the size I want, have the things I want, achieve the success I want or have even overcome all my current obstacles and reached the perfection I strive for but I'm here, it's another year and I'm here.
I open my eyes and my stomach sank. As I blew out the candles, Shug's words resonated in my head and I realized my error. I was so focused on what I didn't’ have I wasn't thanking God for what I do have. I know I pissed Him off. Purple fields all around me and acted like I didn’t notice it. I have so much to be thankful for! Sometimes we focus to much on the have nots instead of the haves.
I looked up and saw all the beautiful people who shape my world, the wealth of warm wishes from FB, the talented staff this magazine is blessed with, the privilege to witness the lives and dreams of Memphis women, the honor to report it, and the gift of life, laughter and love and a fabulous wardrobe and new apartment to live it in. PURPLE!
When I started this magazine I didn't worry about what I didn't have: the money, the connections, all the answers. I just woke up everyday and used what God had given and realized it was more than enough to do what He's called me to do. I encourage you Diva, to celebrate the Color Purple in your life. I'm sorry GOD...im a Purple Powered Diva and I thank you SOOO much!
" I feel like a Diva when I walk through the door. They have the clothes, the colors, and the look I like." Sarah, a recent shopper confessed. "I'm always rooftop ready when I leave."
I saw it for myself. It's a high end fashion fiends dream right in the city of Memphis. The style is casual, comfortable elegance, and the shoes...ooh diva the shoes!
The purses are not to be outdone by fancy footwear however, and they get my vote. from small cute clutches, to that big beautiful bag of your dreams, it's here on Main Street waiting for you to come get it.
Owner Marian Richardson says, "I just wanted to provide items that were easy to wear yet made a statement. We are about effortless style"
Make an effort to go to this store and you'll come out a star, no stylist necessary.
Runway/Strut
524 South Main Street
901-522-9722
M-Sa 10am 6pm
Sun Noon-5pm
SPIRIT
"Baggage Check"
by
LoTarsha Lee
CEO, Divine Diva Designs
Before we fly we must release the unnecessary baggage; family, friends, and even the inner person who is holding on to their past mistakes, fears, sins, or relationships. A question that is often asked when speaking to woman is how? Now that I have given my life to God now what; which direction do I take? Where do I start? How do I begin? I tried to change it didn’t work so what now?
Well ladies, it is several ways to do this process. Many say follow Habakkuk 2:2, “Write the vision and make it plain.” I would suggest that and also visualize yourself at the end where God has shown you in your dreams, goals, and conversations or in His word.
- What are your expectations of yourself?
- What does God expect of you?
- Have you tapped into your purpose yet?
- Have you found out what your gift and talents are?
- Are you allowing your gifts to be activated,
- Have you researched way to utilize your talents for the glorification of God?
- How often are we reading and meditating on the word?
- Have you developed a prayer constant/consistent prayer life?
What type of people are we surrounding ourselves with: are they positive or negative? Why would God allow you to experience the friendship or relationship with this person? What am I learning from being around them? There is a lesson in every encounter whether good or bad?
Do the people around lives display a relationship with our Father? We must watch imperfect people daily and learn from your mistakes and theirs as well.
Eryka Badu said it best in her song Bag lady…“Bag lady you gone hurt your back, Dragging all them bags like that, I guess nobody ever told you, All you must hold on to..is you.
I encourage each of you my sisters to look within yourselves and begin to love the woman within who is screaming for success in every area. You may look in the mirror and not like what you see one day but work towards the Diva you are called to be by God. Tell yourself daily I am a DIVA on the rise nationwide….Determined Intelligent Vibrant Ambitious Sister
MODEL MUSE
"Downtown Divas"
Creative Director
Danielle "Dani" Taylor, So Pyh Entertainment
Models
Ebony Lurry
Endia Williams
Endia WilliamsDi'Anna Stokes Tamela Patton
Tamela PattonPhotography
LeeStylez of So Pyh Photography
Clothing
Suzie Rose, Spring Street, My Michelle, Juniors Rule Gap, LEI, OP, Walnut Bridge, Petite Sophisticate
Shoes
Carlos Santana, BCBG, Fabulosity Idol, Diva,
XAppeal, Fioni
Accessories
Diva Closet, Diva By Design Online Magazine
Hair & Makeup
Danielle "Dani" Taylor, Style Editor
Location
Courtyard Marriot Downtown Memphis
Downtown MemphisMain Street TrolleyCity Hall Pavillion
City Hall PavillionSponsored By
Manifest Marketing & Media
BIZ
"Net Asset"
by
Niki-Smith Brown
CEO, Nu Age Netwkring & Nu Age News
Biz Editor
BEAUTY
"Beautiful Brows "
What makes your music so unique and eclectic?
I was born in DC But I have lived all over. Because me parents are in the military we moved a lot so I gravitated toward the things I love everywhere I went…fashion and music! My style is eclectic because of the influence of all the wonderful places I have lived and the experiences in life…good and bad, that shape you and make you stronger.
How has Memphis shaped your music?
I fell in love with hip hop long ago in my life, but I came to really appreciate it here in the city of Memphis. I have lived here 10 years and am blessed to be in a place with both spiritual and musical roots. From blues, to gospel, to hip hop it has inspired some of my latest work.
You write a lot of your music…what inspires your lyrics?
I appreciate the edge and "in your face" energy of the underground hip hop scene. I wanted to bring that kind of music as the voice of the next generation but with an inspirational message. I am a songwriter, like many in my family. My lyrics are always inspirational, sometimes comical, and very thought provoking. That's my goal…to make you think.
Your style is so couture, one of a kind! How did it come to be?
A lot of artists have a "look." I am just being myself. My fashion sense is as unique as my music. I mean, I just dare to wear what I feel, how I feel. I have edgy rocker style, infused with creativity and no boundaries. It is very personal and comes from within. I design my look and it is authentically me. I am not trying to be anything, especially not like anybody else. I am proud to be uniquely me!
Who do you listen to, I mean what's in your ipod right now?
You could find me listening to a broad range of things. That’s how I stay motivated and inspired to never ascribe to one box of music. I listen to reggae, rock, blues, soul, jazz, opera. Gospel. I don't place limits on myself. Grab my ipod and you'll fin artists like Lincoln Park, Creed, Tina Turner, Nas, India Arie, John Legend, Whitney, 8ball and MJG. I dig all of them for different reasons.
Any words on being a trendsetter?
You know, I found my voice at 13, when I began writing and I couldn't believe how good I was. Many people have told me that I won't make it and all the things I can't do. But I live by this inner mantra, "FACE THE FEAR". I believe I'm destined to do this. I believe I'm building a new genre…it's fun, bold, and filled with TRUTH. So I just got out and did it anyway. That's what being a trendsetter is all about. You can't wait for the people to catch on, just pray they catch up!
COVER STORY
"The Song of Siren"
by Nikki Diva, editor-in-chief
FIT
"Five for Fitness"
by
Isaac L.E. Lias
CEO, Vybrant Lyfe Wellness
Five meals a day sounds like the answer for a body builder or someone trying to gain more weight, but it is actually the key to weight loss. Five small meals can train your metabolism to burn like the torch of the Olympic games.
Start with a fiber rich breakfast, snack on fruits, nuts, a meat and veggie for lunch and a light salad for dinner. Contrary to how you were raised, lunch should be the heartiest meal of the day, providing you with the time and evening schedule to burn it off.
Eating to little food in a day makes your body store fat in an attempt to use it as an energy source. Eating too much at one sitting overwhelms your metabolism and slows it down as it feverishly tries to break down all that food. Eat just enough to fuel your body and imagine your inner gas tank is small, burn it up with physical activity, then fill it with healthy foods often. This will get your metabolism in tip top shape.
Busy Divas should invest in purse size containers to have healthy food options for these five pit stops throughout the day. Your purse may feel like the grocers, but your body will feel like a goddess.
Click any pic to view the image gallery
The perfect eyebrow starts above the inside corner of your eye (over the tear duct), and ends at the outside corner, above your eyelashes. Eyebrows should have an arch: the arch happens over the iris, the colored part of your eye.
Many women pluck their eyebrows with tweezers. Some wax them, but wax is tricky because it’s hard to get an accurate shape. And some go to a hair removal salon to try "threading." Although threading is newly popular in the United States, it is a centuries-old technique of hair removal practiced in India.
Finally, keeping your brows neat can be done with special eyebrow gel, or you can use a little hair gel to smooth them and keep them shapely.
Check out this great little product from Anastasia of Beverly Hills. You can find it at Sephora.
The Kit now features Cooling Eye Brightener, a delicate cream-serum hybrid that helps to cool, tone, soften, and de-puff around the eye area, especially after tweezing. It also features the Mini Lash Lifting Mascara along with the original brow items, Brow Powder Duo, Stencils, Precision Tweezers, Clear Brow Gel, Matte Camille Highlighter, and a DVD and Instruction Guide. Use these professional tools to shape a pair of gorgeous arches that highlight your face beautifully, or to maintain your salon brow at home.
COMMUNITY
"FAAMU Real Estate Investment University"
"As business owners, we are taking a chance on the road to being rich…Real Estate puts you on the road to wealth!" We are asking people to reconsider their map to the American Dream and endeavor to take the journey with us." remarks CEO Bryan Harris of FAAMU, A Real Estate Investment University. They are teaching the urban community how to gain financial independence and millionaire mogul status through proven techniques.
FAAMU stands for Forty Acres and a Mule University. They use innovate promotions like House Giveaways to draw attention to their cause and promote how real and simple it can be to become a real estate mogul. Their new campus, located at 2725 S. Mendenhall Suite 16 is a testament as to what can happen when the blessing of God meet up with wisdom.
"That's what I wanted," says Harris, "I wanted the wealth of wisdom like Solomon of the Bible. That's what I prayed for. Now I am able to bless the community with that gift. I am trying to take Memphis back in a positive way and put this city back in the hands of the people…literally, through real estate. When you own something, you take better care of it.
Join Harris and FAAMU in discovering a path to financial freedom. Visit www.faamurealestateschool.com
Nikki Diva
Editor in Chief
thedivabydesign.nicole@gmail.com
Lounge
"Risque Cafe"
Hey divas, if you're looking to relax and take a load off after work or perhaps somewhere to hangout with your girls might I suggest 'The Risque Cafe'.
I took a visit this establishment where diva C. Jay Risque is a co-owner. The Risque Cafe recently opened this May but the Diva reminded me, "that the cafe originally started 3 yrs ago as a marketing and promotions company. It was an online outlet for women to voice their opinions in
addition to promoting events that feature an intimate yet fun setting." She now has a venue to expand her events.
Her spot is a haven for soul music hosting concert experiences that rival The House of Blues and yes, the dance floor is open!
Lets support our fellow diva in her latest endeavor... See you Friday for free wings and martinis for 3 dollars from 6-8PM...
by
Sheena Clark
Lounge Editor
" I live by this inner mantra, "FACE THE FEAR". I believe I'm destined to do this. I believe I'm building a new genre…it's fun, bold, and filled with TRUTH. "
Siren the Rocker
Anastasia of Beverly Hills
Thank you for taking the time to read this online issue!
Check back next Monday for a new issue.
Until then check out some of our web exclusives or last week's issue!
Diva by Design Online Magazine is an online publication. Our issues are published weekly by Manifest Marketing & Media. All Rights Reserved. New issues are released every Monday. Deadline for article and ad submission is every Friday by noon.
Please submit letters to the editor to divabydesign@yahoo.com. For questions or concerns regarding the weekly issue, web exclusives, or our women's initiative please call 901-399-0893.
Notes from Nikki
"The Color Purple"
Nicole Jackson
Style
"Style Central"
Danielle "Dani" Taylor
Beauty
"Beautiful Brows"
Carren McNeal
Spirit
"Baggage Check"
LoTarsha Lee
Biz
"Net Assets"
Niki-Smith Brown
Biz
DivaVision Online TV
Confessions of a Diva Blog
Diva Daily Blog
Photo Gallery
Diva Datebook
DivaZone Podcasts
Links We Love
Fit
"Five For Fitness"
Isaac L.E. Lias
Community
"FAAMU"
Nicole Jackson
Model Muse
"Downtown Divas"
So Pyh Photography
Lounge
"Risque Cafe"
Sheena Clark
IN THIS ISSUE...
Cover Story "Song of Siren"
featuring Siren International Rocker
Founder of Rock Hop
DIVA BY DESIGN ONLINE MAGAZINE
Nikki Diva, Editor in Chief
Shoots on Sundays
Dowtown Memphis,
Courtyard Marriott
by
Danielle "Dani' Taylor
Style Editor
CEO, So Fyh Entertainment
discovered by
Carren McNeal
Beauty Editor
CEO, About Face Artistry
from
www.freebeautytips.org
These quotes were taken from recent attendees of "A Christian Networking Affair" hosted by Niki Smith Brown and Nu Age Networking. Network with Nikki this Thursday August 19th at Zodiac 6pm. Get more info at www.nuage.net
LuDora Cooper
Prime Realty & Investments
" My profressional networks are invaluable"
"What is your greatest asset as a Business Owner?"
Jennene Nesbit
Precious Moments by NiNi
" Marketing. I found most success by hitting the pavement and going door to door"
Michael Adrian Davis
Radio Personality, 95.7 FM
"Faith and Belief. I have hope and I never give up. I know tomorrow will be greater. "
LaQuita Jones
After Hours Lingerie
" The ability to caterto a large diverse market of women"
Samantha Rajapaske
The Legal Network
"I am my most valuable resource. I connect our community to the legal help they need."
Dr. Marrio Thomas
General Practicioner Dentist
" Radio. It's a great way to get your voice out there. I'm on KWAM 990"
Felicia Bean
Station 1942
" Our wealth of employees are invaluable to us"
These shots were taken for our Shoots on Sundays MEP (Model Exposure Program). It is the goal of Diva By Design Online to present positive images of diverse women.
Todd Harris
Crye Leike Realty Management
" Elder business people who mentor me"
by
Nicole Jackson
Editor in Chief, Diva By Design Online
Notes from Nikki
Cover Story
Style
Beauty
Spirit
Fit
IN EACH WEEKLY ISSUE
Model Muse
Community
Lounge
Biz
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WHAT'S HOT NOW
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
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SHOOTS ON
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Email: thedivabydesign@yahoo.com
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