Copper
Life Obstacles 4U
January - March
| ISSUE no 8
An amazing woman who paved the path for so many. Do you know Copper Cunningham? It's time you do, Copper set the platform for models and actors. pg 8
EMORY MARSHALL JR. P 16
SPIRIT FILLED ANGELIC PRAISE DANCERS P 12
Pg. 33
COVER
BOLA WAHMMY Pg. 20
ALI-LEE AMIR Pg. 30
TOCORA RYALS Pg.3
See What's inside Amazing Outcomes
VANNESSA JONES P 34
ENHANCING HANDS Pg. 11
Life Obstacles 4U Magazine 2021
KIM SNYDER Pg.26
COPPER CUNNINGHAM Pg. 8
FRANSIS OKOLO SICKLE CELL CRISIS Pg.22
TOCORA RYALS
PRINCE VALENTINO Pg. 18
D E T E R M I N A T I O N P A Y S O F F ToCora Ryals (featured above) was born and raised in Hopkinsville Kentucky. She is a military wife and a mother of two beautiful children. Here is her story of hardship turned into inspiration. ToCora Ryals was motivated to get started on her journey , and made the changes that she knew she could . For years she stated she had always been an avid gym attendee with the desire to improve her spiritual and physical health as well as her body composition. For years she did not see the results that she wanted. Approximately two years agoI she was faced with a decision point. That point was either to continue down this path with unsatisfactory results or she could identify those things that was preventing her from achieving her own goals and attack it. During her self-reflection she realized that she had to no longer punish herself for health problems, poor habits, and disappointments ToCora stop feeling sorry for herself and GOT AFTER IT. ToCora further stated that she was ready to dig deep and let go of past hurt, that she was ready to stop making up excuses. " God keeps me going every day and every day I am reminded of James 2:26" “for as the body without the spirit is dead,so faith without works is dead." In her own words , "I was always that woman on IG looking at other fitness gurus, wishing that my body looked like theirs, and trying to figure out how I could get like them. It was deeper than that, and it went a lot deeper within me. Did I really have that self love for myself? I would ask myself daily. I had to accept these things about myself. I suffered from being an emotional eater, depression, and anxiety". The turning point of my life was in November 2018 is when a lady suggested that I try The Heat What is this Challenge? So I researched it, brought it to my Husband’s attention.
Tocora Ryals
Before her life change. Still beautiful!
ToCora
Life Obstacles Team
In December 2018,ToCora purchased a program called the Heat Challenge created by Darrell Patterson out of Atlanta . At first she was scared and nervous. Of Course! She had already considered herself as a failure, and thought she wouldn’t complete this program as she had did before. January 7th rolled around and it was time for the games to begin. “Oh this will be easy, I’ve been working out over 10 plus years. Watch me get bored and quit,". she stated. Let’s just say, Cora hasn’t quit. She is now going on her 10th Heat Challenge. She even has to give herself credit when and where it’s due. The Heat Challengere lit that fire underneath her feet. "I’ve always been a Strong Woman, but somewhere along the way. Cora lost herself, and allowed her circumstances to become her. I tell people I was not built to break, are her words of strength. I no longer allow my mistake to make me.. I couldn’t allow my past to interfere with who God is allowing me to become. I used to ask God. Why is it so easy to fall but so hard to get back up? Why is it so easy to break something, but so hard to put the pieces back together? God made me Surrender it all to Him, and He didn’t want me to hold anything back. Lay it at his feet and cast all my cares upon him, and don’t pick them back up. You asked again what motivated me to get started? I had to overcome a lot of obstacles. The first was to overcome comparing myself to the next woman, that I thought was so much more beautiful than herself. She has a loving Husband and a praying Husband who told her every chance he got how beautiful she is. This challenge was what she needed . This challenge made her strive to do more. Know that it is you who will get you to where you want to go, no one else.She welcomes everyone to join the challenge and owner Darrell Patterson is ready for you to start your own journey in the heat challenge: Visit: heatxtreme.com
Her husband supported her in her new journey and said :"Maybe you should try it Cora!" She said :"Yeah! Maybe". She closed the site down and walked away from it. She said she wasn’t to enthused about the program because she has always started programs and never finished them, so what made this program any different she thought. Tocora knew something had to change and it all started with her but ,she had to allow God to take control.Hebrew 13:5, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he had said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
Time does change but good deeds never change. Copper is the most humble woman you can meet. She lives life to the fullest and is well respected. She was making movies and paving a path for black people in 1976. She was the supermodel and a woman of class during such a hard era and she is still standing today! Copper born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, receiving her Bachelor degree in Speech, from Southern Illinois University, in Carbondale, Illinois. Copper won Miss Bronze Chicago, while she was a sophomore. Winning the beauty contest, renewed her interest in modeling. Having modeled in fashion shows during her pre-teen and teen years. During a trip to Spain, she was asked to model in a fashion show and that cemented her resolve to go to New York for a career in modeling and acting. Her first national commercial was ” Sears Pantyhose”. Having a successful acting modeling and acting career in the early seventies and eighties, was challenging for black women and men, because of discrimination, racism and stereotypes. Not only did she survive but she thrived, against significant obstacles. Modeling, she had covers of “Essence” and “Savvy” magazine along with hundreds of print ads, many being a first using black models, for example “Newport Cigarettes”, “Gillette Supermax”, etc Copper did hundreds of television commercials and radio voice-overs, including: “Burger King” “Afrosheen”, “Dark & Lovely”, “Revlon”, “Singer”, “McDonalds” etc. After taking Photo Journalism at Columbia University’s School of Journalism, studying with John Shearer, world renowned photo journalist. Diving into celebrity photography, being represented by Retna LTD, an international photography agency. Her published photographs and articles have appeared in dozens of magazines and periodicals. Her first play, “Time Makes Everything a Memory”, was first encouraged to be written, by Sherry Bronfman, the late Dianne Kirsksey Floyd and the late Garland Diving into celebrity photography, being represented by Retna LTD, an international photography agency. Her published photographs and articles have appeared in dozens of magazines and periodicals. Her first play, “Time Makes Everything a Memory”, was first encouraged to be written, by Sherry Bronfman, the late Dianne Kirsksey Floyd and the late Garland Thompson, founder and director of the Frank Silvera Writer’s Workshop. Her play was first read at the workshop in 1976. With playwright Marcus Hemphill being the dramaturge. The play was selected to be part of the Dramathon 1985, at the Quaigh Theatre at the former Diplomat Hotel. Because of the acclaim and success of the Dramathon, her play was invited back for an acclaimed run at the theater, receiving a good revue in “Backstage”, starring Arthur French Jr., Willie Carpenter, Alva Chinn, Dianne Kirksey, Copper Cunningham and Benny Russell on sax. Copper has made a great difference in the lives of others and after a successful careers in the arts, Copper wanted to give back Copper started by working with special needs children, she then decided to earned her master’s degree in special education, specializing in learning disabilities. Copper begin teaching in the New York City Department of Education for 24 years. Even today she is still noted and making appearance. send comments to: lifeobstacles4umag@ gmail.com Copper as a youth.
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COPPER CUNNINGHAM
Blocking out negative energy can help you grow!
We are so glad to learn that people still have a kind heart. These two neighbors reside in Lynhurst Ohio. The neighbor on the right was in her yard raking thousands of leaves with her mother. When the neighbor on the left side came out and gave an enhancing hand. She brought full force. These two are featured with the full force leaf blowing machines as together they cleaned up the entire yard. Kudo's to those who give. Send article to: lifeobstacles4umag@gmail .com
copper cunningham featured in hair ads
Enhancing Hands
info@website.com
Louisville Kentucky
Spirit Filled Angelic Praise Dancers
magazine
These Ladies Light up the room with their amazing worship!
www.website.com
Life Obstacles 4U Magazine
Dr. Doreen Dunn-Berts Life Changer. Live life to the fullest. fullest di wishing everyone a blessed
I still can see them dancing. I was met with warmth and the most amazing personalities in young women. I can see why. Early in the day I passed a coupe who was so warm hearted. They had beautiful smiles and words that even warmed my spirit .I was truly spirit filled and I could not say a word but grip my experience of how that moment of meeting them filled my soul with joy. My mother used to say "When people are ordained to meet God has a plan to bring them together; never allow false thoughts to enter the mind." As I walked away from them I knew they were an amazing couple and bowed my head and prayed that God keep them. After all they walk with Joy who does not want to meet joy everyday. I know that God is keeping them stronger than ever. Me not knowing who they where just they were warm and inviting. I value that more than anything. It all started with a hello and them stating "Love Those Red Shoes'. and we shared words and then parted ways. A perfect example of life as I always say "You never know who you are meeting so always be nice to everyone who comes in your presence." The two people that I had met in the hall we met again in the banquet hall giving each other a warm hello. We were both attending the Indie Artist Showcase sponsored by the Rite Marketing group in Los Vegas. Even the event was most amazing. A networking event held by \ MGAG. The event started and these young ladies who were all smiles begin to give praise in their dance. Boy they lit up the room with the Holy Ghost and set the environment. I approached them after they were finished and they spoke to me with the most amazing smiles. I then asked them about writing the article you are reading now and they referred me to a gentlemen. Remember! The two I met in the hall earlier well! they were their managers and all I could do is smile. When you are a reflection of your leaders then you are already blessed with favor. Now I'm really smiling to now go over and speak to them. Arch Bishop M. Kelsey and his beautiful Wife Lady Kelsey. Arch Bishop Kelsey is the CEO of Fresh Start Recording and Entertainment. That's not why they are smiling, they are all smiles because he and his wife know the power of God and have the greatest testimony. You know in life good people are hard to find but Gods people will stand in test of all times. The Spirit Filled Angelic Praise Dancers are from Louisville Kentucky and like their leaders they are warm, inviting and greeting of all they come in contact with. They are the angels floating around the room. They are humble and value life. All I can think of is why they live so far away. I wanted to drop my grandchildren off to be in their presence. I am glad to welcome this blessed opportunity to share their walk with the world. As praise dancers our first order is to live by God. Each of us are young women, and living in today’s society we constantly have stuff being thrown at us. People telling us what to do, how to act, and how we should be living our lives. We are constantly torn between being young and free or holy and sanctified. There are times when we may slip back into worldly things, times that we may make a mistake, or times when we just want to give up. But we know that God is our reason for everything. He is our purpose of why we dance, to give him and him only the glory. We are more than just dancers, we are ministers. We minister to the people to show what we have been through. We cry, and we hurt just like they do. Its a release like no other. We allow the spirit of God to flow through us to flow as one unit. When you see us praising God and giving him thanks, know that nothing about it is fake, It’s 100% real. Our worship is for real, our tears are for real, our love for God is real. We love what we do and who we do it for. And the name Spirit Filled Angelic Praise dancers, really explains who we are. We are filled with the spirit and our movements are angelic, they tell a story all while giving God the praise and honor he is due.
By Life Obstacles Team
Emory Marshall Jr. Spoken word poet
Emory Marshall Jr is the Spoken Word Poet
Emory Marshall,Jr. spoken word poet
If you ask people to describe what a poet is, depending on who you ask, you will probably get some interesting responses. Some people will tell that it's someone who is a lover of expression and storytelling. Some people will tell you that it's someone who rhymes words that others cant. Others will tell you that it's someone who simply writes poems. While none of those answers are wrong, for Emory Marshall, Jr., an up and coming Spoken Word artist from Newark, Delaware, his answer is simple; "I just want to give people what God has given me". What has God given him you might ask; a gift and a platform. Although he has been performing Spoken Word for 3 years, his name has been reaching heights far beyond his experience, having the chance to perform in Atlanta, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, and even Washington, D.C. at the at the famed "busboys and poet event". Even in the midst of a pandemic, his platform has not stopped growing. This past year alone, he has performed at two virtual international poetry slams, has performed at a televised media events ,The Rite Marketing Showcase in Las Vegas. Emory won first place in the Wilmington, De. library where he states "loved their library". poetry contest, and has able to use his gift of words to uplift his community during one of the most trying years that this world has ever seen. Emory states he is "just grateful to be alive during this time". Even though things around you are going crazy in the world, you have to remember who is in control. That something I've learn from my family. His father is Emory Marshall Sr., a song writer, marketing genius, and was a leader of a gospel music group that was known as "Emory Marshall and the Perfected and Praise Chorale", where his mother, Bonita Marshall (who also happens to be a poet), sung in. Meanwhile his older sister, LaMyra Marshall, is a praise and worship singer who traveled alongside legendary pastor "Kenneth E. Hagin, Jr." during his crusades in 2019. Emory first poem, was written when he was about 10 and it was about Easter. he says. "Now I want God to use my poetry to resurrect people's hope. Like I said before, it's not me, it;s what God has given me". Life Obstacles Team
Prince Valentino Artist
Prince Valentino & Wife Flora Curtis
Prince Valentino
by author
Prince Valentino is a Gospel Recording Artist and he has written over two hundred songs. Prince is a husband, father, pastor, and an author. He has traveled throughout the United States ministering the Word of God and Gospel Music. Prince Valentino has a heart to win souls for God. Prince Valentino is the Pastor of The Upper Room Worship Center. His wife Flora Curtis ministers with him at The Upper Room Worship Center. He lives a holy life and he leads by example. He is filled with the Holy Ghost and sold out to God. He has been ministering the Word of God and Gospel Music for over thirty years. Prince Valentino has appeared on Dr. Bobby Jones Presents. He is an Executive Board Member of MGAG. Prince Valentino and his wife Flora Curtis have a TV Channel on Roku Streaming Channels named “World Events and Bible Prophecy Channel”. Prince Valentino and Flora Curtis also host a TV Broadcast “Prophetic Time-Line” on the Now Network on Fridays at 3:30 p.m. central standard time. He is an Author of his book named “Snatched From Death” How God Saved His Life Thirteen Times. Prince Valentino studied Theology and graduated from five different Bible Colleges including Rhema Bible College of Tulsa, founded by Kenneth Hagin Sr. Pics: Prince Valentino Featured performing
life Obstacles 4u magazine
Truly destined to do great things. Bola Wahmmy is a upcoming and rising Artist. She is so caring and helpful. One would never know of her talent because she always praying and wishing to see others succeed. The love of her life are her two daughters Tristan & Tianna Arnold she sends a shout out to them "Mommy Loves You!. Not only praying but she is such a helper to so many stars. She has helped a lot of them with their concerts as a back stage helper and has no problem with being a leader when needed and stepping back to back seat. Her most great asset is to humble yourself and of coarse always put God first. She got up on the stage and she rocked the stage with her personality and her great will. Her rap flowed out of her mouth and the good part you can understand every word she is saying. She has no hesitation. The crowed cheered her on as she flowed out the words. Bola writes her own music for she writes how she feels. She knows that people are going through hard times and just need to know that life can still be good. She states "People have to realize that blessings never stop flowing". Bola appreciates that her children support her in her work. She gives special thanks to her parents and her sister. Her hairstylist name is Belen and her clothing designer Kevin Hagen who loves dressing people up. Before Kevin came and saved her life she used to visit Nyla Rose Boutique. She gives great kudo's to G-Mone of A-G-2-A-KE Courtesy of Ghetto Magic Music & Entertainment. She then reaches out and gives her postal family a round of applause for always cheering her on. They know who they are. Yes! she has a job. Speaking of post people she works at the post office in her hometown. She recently had a scare. Held at gunpoint while working the counter. Believe me she said she called on Jesus the angels and the disciples because we never know how one is or what they are thinking. It all worked out but the tragedy can leave anyone paranoid. At the time of this incident she was carrying for her father who was ill and dying. It seemed like everything was trying to hit her at once but she still knew her faith would carry her and keep her. During this time she still went to her day-to-day job and maintained her smile not letting anyone of her customers knows she was going through any crisis. She has lessons for life. "Never take out your obstacles on another person for they are your obstacles and God will see you through each one"; To learn more about Bola and her next event. Send email to Lifeobstacles4umag@gmail.com
Life Obstacles, Team
Bola Wahmmy, Actress & Artist
BOLA
BOLA WAHMMY IN ACTION Designer: Kevin Hagen
WAHMMY
Fransis Okolo Lagos, Nigeria
According to the CDC 100,000 Americans suffer from Sickle cell diesease..
Living with Sickle Cell. Ongoing crisis
Fransis Okolo shares his life story on living with Sickle Cell. Men also suffer from this deadly disease. It's June 19th 2020 World Sickle Cell Day. A day that reminds me that I've to fight a good fight of survivor as a warrior for the rest of my life. I was diagnosed with Sickle Cell diseases genotype HbSS at six months of age according to my mother. I am 37 yrs and Sickle Cell has been part of my life. Growing up as a kid was like passing through the eye of a needle due to excruciating pains caused by Sickle Cell disease. I was hospitalized severally for weeks, months, missed most parts of my school sessions, I felt so bad when I couldn't play major out door games that I truly loved, just to have fun like my peer groups did. I was being isolated by my class teachers, always saying he's a sickle, he can't do this or that, his Father has told The headmistress that he must not do that. I try to convince my friends whenever it's time for games that I'm very fit and I do not fall into the stereotypical type, but some remind me of my skinny body and yellow eyes. My parents made sure i took all my medications daily. Due to the quest of putting an end to this invisible pain, my body was an experimental Lab for any drugs/herbs that could be of help to survive my health condition even though my parents have been apprised that people living with sickle cell disorder dies before age 18. I started giving myself injection and setting up my I.V fluid in my high school days. My first year as a freshman at the university wasn't easy cause I spent my first semester at the hospital due to pneumonia and resumed a week to my exams. The second semester started and few weeks later, leg ulcer came which I had to struggle with till my second year. It healed but reoccurred in 2007 in my final year, and the struggle continued until I graduated. Prior to my university days, I had already studied my body very well to know some things to avoid and things I must do things like hydrating myself, eating healthy to build my red blood cells, treat malaria often, know when it's time to rest, to avoid the invisible foe called sickle cell crisis from attacking my body, to the extent I had no roommate, but whenever my classmates calls my family that I'm sick, they reply by saying as long as he hasn't called us the crisis is not that serious. Which was true. I was determined and striving had not to allow sickle cell to stop me from achieving my goals of becoming independent financially, which started well after graduating, but I have sickle cell, and it affects everything. It’s not simply a blood disorder but It has a consequential impact on everything. As if the physical pain it causes weren't enough, Leg Ulcer reoccurred again and got worse on the 13th of May 2014 which was a day after my birthday. It affected my energy and even my mobility, cause I bled for three days and was referred to a university teaching hospital, my pcv was 10% left on getting there. That was the first time I was transfused since 1995. Even though I haven’t had crisis for a decade Sickle Cell diseases was really a heavy burden to carry around all the time. After so many research on my own to help improve my health, I was introduced to Tamika Moseley a herbalist in Seattle,Washington State by my elder sister despite the fact that I was in Africa, Lagos Nigeria precisely. Tamika introduced me to Healing Blends products which i started using supplements like EvenFlo,Zinc, liquid chlorophyll, Virid, Malcare etc. She gave other regimen to use and also use for my leg Ulcer. My leg Ulcer was so obstinate to heal and I was obliged to use a wheelchair cause it affected my walking and this affected my mood emotionally, physically and mentally which led to depression that almost cost me my life. Yes, you heard that right. Depression is real. I took a courageous bold steps in fighting back when I realized that I was saved by "God's Grace" which simply means I've a purpose to fulfill here on earth and I need to impact lives the best way I can cause many have believed in me in the past. This led me back into my deep research in holistic health on how to manage Sickle Cell diseases with natural herbs and that brought me more closer to Tamika who shared her wealth of knowledge more to me that I've also used together with my past experience to impact others too. I’m glad to say that I haven’t experienced sickle cell bone pain crisis for over 14yrs now, I’m only battling with a chronic leg ulcer till date cause I’ve been medically advised to seek an urgent medical attention abroad but I haven’t been able to do that cause managing Sickle Cell diseases has drained me financially. As Sickle Cell warriors we don't need sympathy but empathy. Like I've always said to my fellow sickle cell warriors, we just need to do the right things our body needs and avoid what will triggers crisis. Sometimes we endure the most difficult circumstances because we are being embossed into becoming better, more resilient, more understanding , and more caring people. It may be difficult while we go through it, but the end result once we have made it through is always for our betterment. Remember Being a sickle cell is not a death sentence if only we do the right things our body needs cause “We've Sickle Cell but Sickle Cell don't have us” I'm Francis J Okolo from Lagos,Nigeria and this is my Sickle Cell story. He has taught us to learn to live your best life in spite of all things. Want to support Fransis in his journey? Hashtag the following. #SickleCellWarrior... #SickleCellSurvivor... #SickleCellAdvocate... #ItWillEndInPraise.. Did you know that Sickle cell disease (SCD) affect millions throughout the world most common aong those whose ancestors came from sub-Saharan Africa in the Western Hemisphere (South America, the Caribbean, and Central America); It is also stated that Sickle Cell trait are less likely to have severe forms of malaria. information obtained from the CDC is it true well share your story. Send email to lifeobstacles4umag@gmail.com To support his mission please send email to lifeobstacles4umag@gmail.com You will receive a return email with information. The purpose is for our team to keep a record of everyone wanting to show support.
L I F E O B S T A C L E S 4 U M A G A Z I N E
CAMERON WOODS
Fransis Okolo continue
Cleveland Ohio
In Life, we all have a path to take. It's vital to realize what your path is. It's about living within purpose and taking a risk. Walking by Faith and not by site is our purpose. I am Cameron Woods, aspiring to inspire the world one step at a time. Learn more about Cameron Woods, Actor/Model in our April 2021 Issue of Men who inspire.
Kim Snyder Minister/City Advocate/Hug Lady
Cleveland Riot 2020
header
Visit with Mark Chapman at Wende Prison located in New York
Kim Snyder has been involved in ministry for over 18 years. She has helped many people walk into new levels of freedom and peace in their lives. One of the ways Kim facilitates these times of freedom and healing is through what she calls a Freedom Weekend. She has a strong passion to see people that have been traumatized, sexually, physically or mentally abused, those with mental and emotional illnesses, those with behavioral or learning problems, and addictions find healing for their souls. Kim also travels internationally as a dynamic speaker and inspirational leader. In 2016 Kim began to have a strong desire to support and assist the police in Cleveland. Because of the ambushes on police throughout the country, Kim felt led to promote and bless all the Cleveland police the week before the RNC in July. She ministered throughout the RNC to both law enforcement and protestors while wearing a “Free Hugs” t-shirt and was used greatly to bring peace to angry people. During the Milwaukee and Charlotte riots, South LA, and New York City protests in 2016, Kim found herself right in the middle of everything and hugging people, bringing hope, defusing angry environments and encouraging the police. Kim also ministered in Charlottesville, Virginia during the race protest in August 2017. She has picked up the nickname “Hug Lady”. God has given her a heart and platform to speak about racial reconciliation and building bridges between the community and police. She facilitates forums and round table discussion. Kim is involved in the lead poisoning issue with CLASH, ending the death penalty, police/community forums. She is a member of CLASH, Urban League, Black on Black Crime and is a liaison for them and the police, Community Engagement Committee with Cleveland police, Project Thrive which is a church initiative to help community members that have been traumatized. Kim is on fire for city transformation. She has developed working relationships with politicians/community leaders/community activists/police and has been cultivating relationships with churches, and citizens in Cleveland to build bridges to transform the city Kim Snyder is Transforming lives and cities one hug at a time! “We need four hugs a day for survival. We need eight hugs a day for maintenance. We need twelve hugs a day for growth.”
Kim snyder is the hug lady
What comes to mind when you read the following positive notes: send respond to lifeobstacles4umag@gmail.com
www.lifeobstacles4umag.info
praise dancer age 16
Ali-Lee Mir
Ali-Lee Mir St Louis
Ali-Lee Mir Born at 25 wks. 3 days and weighed 1lb 3ozs. She was born as a twin but her twin did not make it. Here is what she has to say. I came out fighting for my life the minute I entered the world. .In fact, I was not breathing I was told. The NICU doctors were getting ready to call the time of death. A nurse suddenly got a shallow breath of life that popped out of me! Nothing but God and his complete presence was in the room now, let’s face it, there was so many prayers going up at that moment. He had to hear my mom’s cries. The doctors gave me 48 hrs. to live but God had a whole other plan written out for me. God knew I was to share my gift of life with others through ministry of dance and being an artist. I have a gift of memory when it came to dance routines and songs. I could learn a full dance routine in a few hours and perform it successfully. At this time in my life I was knee deep in teaching my church’s (Prospect Hill Missionary Baptist, presiding Pastor Darian Jones) praise team along with my mother. Yes, my mom was the praise team coach. I could not get away from her, she was everywhere I went or needed to go. She and I would choreograph the dances for the senior and baby team. Teaching taught me patience. Nevertheless, at the same time it made me more confident in my own abilities. I still wanted to try majorette though. However, my mother would not let me stop praise ministering, she saw the gift I had, she saw the people and the effect I had on them and myself when I danced. She always said and still says, “God comes first above all else”, Submitted: Life Obstacles Team
By: Life Obstacles Team
Congratulations! Mr. & Mrs Lewis November 26, 2020 Detroit MI
www.soapsbyus.com "Experience The Difference."
VANNESSA WITH mOM & sISTER
Vanessa Jones So Vanessa Salon owner Owner
gsLife Obstacles 4U Magazine
Meet Vannessa of So Vannessa Salon. She is more than beauty she is a hair stylist that gives full beauty. From her hair styling chair to making sure her elderly clients still look good in their daily journey. She takes time out of her busy schedule to even pick them up. Beyond hair styling she looks out for them by making sure their household needs are met. She's the stylist you want to meet. She is more than hair. She is So Vannessa which is the name of her amazing salon. Vannessa is a graduate of Shaw High School located in East Cleveland Ohio and "Yes" this Cardinal is turning heads with her amazing work. Where here to talk about her start and what motivated her to become that salon that so many need in their lives. Here is what Vanessa has to say. to our writer. Vannessa spent summers in Akron with her cousins and her Aunt Anne, who was a hair stylist. Vanessa stated I always, even as a little girl, thought she was sharp. She was confident in her craft, and her presence exuded an essence that I admired even as a shy little girl. I would watch her with her customers creating the magic, and every time the experience would leave me in awe. I wondered if I could actually do what she did- make people pretty and happy when they looked in the mirror after the “magic” happened. It was there in Akron that the dream of being a hairdresser settled in my heart, and I knew that if I could be even half of the professional that Aunt Anne was, I would be a success. I ventured out of my comfort zone, and at the tender, shy age of ten I began doing hair on my front porch. My friends and neighbors were bold enough to let me practice on them, and I was so excited at the thought that I could actually make “magic” happen at such a young age. “You stand up. Don’t let people sit in between your legs,” my mother would advise me. It didn’t make sense to me then, but I obeyed, and I understand now, as a woman, what she meant. My mother and my sister were my favorites to practice on because even if I messed up, their hair would grow back quickly and no love would be lost. They were eager to help me sharpen my skills, and to this day they are still my biggest supporters. My entire family, from friends and neighbors who are close enough to be considered family to my three brothers, saw seeds of greatness in me and supported me in any way they could every time they could. Every opportunity I had to do someone’s hair helped my confidence to grow enough to commit myself to the dream of pursuing a career as a cosmetologist. In the eleventh grade my school offered the students an opportunity to take Cosmetology as a vocational class. I had waited for two years to be able to be a part of it. It was a class of 26 students who were ready to change the world- nervous but ready. Shirley Collins, my cosmetology teacher, was another huge inspiration on my journey. I soaked up everything she said like a sponge. Our first year was spent on learning, then our senior year we ventured into competitions and traveling. It was amazing! Although I was the shy one of the bunch, I still took the opportunities to practice, learn, grow and take advantage of these moments that would shape my life. Every student in my class passed the test, and on June 1st 1981 when my brother brought my license to my only job that I held outside of doing hair, I quit that very moment and began a career that has lasted 39 years, which began at Vogue’s House of Beauty. Lerlean, the owner at that time, had saved me a seat at her shop until I graduated, and it was there, under the mentorship of Lerlean, Berniece and Ethel that I learned diligence and an exceptional work ethic that I know has helped me to maintain my status in my profession. Ethel once told me, after pulling me to the back of the shop, “You can cry back here, but get out there and do!" what you are supposed to do!” I listened. I learned. I grew. I became better than I ever thought I could be. In between appointments, I would do everything, from arching eyebrows to pedicures and manicures. I would do anything I could to solidify my place and my confidence in what I had been called to do as a little girl on the front porch of my mama’s house. I was able to build my client base because I was the youngest one there, and they let me service all of the walk-in customers and all of the children, who affectionately called me “Auntie Van”. I gleaned so much from these three women who were like family to me. We gave parties for our clients where we would cook for them, and we made “magic” happen together. I am who I am now because of my experiences with them, and for that I am more grateful than words can ever express. Now as a master licensed cosmetologist and owner of So Vannessa salon and Vannessa’s Gems, my Independent Paparazzi business, my clientele includes generations of families, as well as models from across the country. I have been on television, in the Who’s Who of Cleveland magazine and been married to the love of my life, Gary, for 20 years, but nothing makes me more proud than offering transportation to the elderly to get them to the salon safely and offering makeovers to battered women, free of charge. Making magic is more than “doing hair”; it is doing hair with heart. Because of my journey in beauty and self-confidence, my vision is to mentor young children to help them achieve their own sense of self-confidence to make their own “magic” happen. “You can do anything- ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING ,” is what her father and mother would tell her, and looking back over my life, I see that they were right. My mother, the strongest woman I know, and my sister, my inspiration (featured above) and biggest cheerleaders, started me on this journey, and making them proud has been my biggest achievement yet. Written by Clotea Mack, MEd.
VaNnessa Jones is so vanNessa
So VanNessa
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