Always PHREA: Year in Review

If I could describe 2013 in one word, I would say it was purposeful! I realized going into the year that this would be monumental, but it was just the beginning. I had four main goals this year: 1) expand my blog, 2) build my network, 3) switch careers and 4) find a church. I can truly say I was able to experience each of those goals this year! 

Always PHREA is my breath of fresh air! 

I love where my blog is and where it is going. On May 29, I went on a quest to begin interviewing young leaders or individuals who are making a difference in the lives of others. The PHREAdom Leaders took off with my soror Jessica Ross, who is a multiple sclerosis survivor. I wasn’t sure what to expect from my readers, but I knew that because of my work and belief in giving back I needed to feature individuals who shared a common value. Needless to say, I finished this year with 10 PHREAdom Leaders! I truly have to thank those leaders who gave me the opportunity to share their story. They were: Ross, Shantelle Igiozee, Ashley Nash, Alton J. Murray, John Harris III, Curtis Walls, Brittany Yates, Ashley Gonzalez, Daniel D. and Austin Smith.

Last year, I blogged 8 times. However, this year I blogged 22 times!! I wanted to expand my blog to offer more, and I was able to do just that! I’m really excited to see where Always PHREA and I go next year! I’m continuing to discover the endless possibilities and Bee PHREA!

Network makes the Dream Work

I can honestly say that I’ve always been a relatively shy woman. I didn’t socialize much with people outside of my normal circle. However, I considered it a challenge to build my network. I was very apprehensive, but I knew it was necessary. I started attending different events on my own. I joined two groups (the #GOALDiggers Project and Bloggers Like Me) on Facebook, which has definitely helped me to grow as a writer, blogger and businesswoman. Next year, I want to network more and meet new people.

One Door Closes

In September, I received word that my company was closing the Charlotte office. I could say that I was upset, but I really wasn’t. I was trying to find a way to leave there, but I am such a loyal worker that I didn’t know how to do so. Isn’t it funny how God works? He knew the only way I would leave to find something better for me is by forcing me out. I spent 60 days job searching and went on six different job interviews. I was determined to not be jobless when I left there, and I wasn’t. I received my job offer the day before my last day at my old job. I am so thankful because I found a career. I love every bit of this new opportunity. It’s truly a perfect combination of Crystal – the server, the writer and the educator.

Spiritual Feeding

There’s something about a spiritual feeding that just does your body good! I’ve been in Charlotte for the almost four years now, and I can finally say that I’ve found a church that fits me perfectly.

I was searching for purpose this year, and I believe I’ve found it in different ways. I can’t wait for 2014 to arrive so that I can make more moves because the best is yet to come. #BeePHREA

<3 Starkey

PHREAdom Leader: Austin Smith, Founder of Nitsua Creations

In six days, Austin Smith will wrap up his undergraduate career and walk across the stage to receive his bachelor's degree in Digital Information Design with a concentration in Digital Commerce. This moment almost didn't happen. Smith said he was focused on the wrong things his freshman year at Winthrop University and his grades suffered.
“It was a wake up call,” Smith said.
He contemplated enlisting in the military instead of returning back to complete his college degree. However, after consulting with his parents, he thought it was worth another shot to try another year with a different attitude and perspective.
Smith changed his major from graphic design to fit the new market of digital information and changed his entire mindset. This was his second chance so he treated his sophomore year as if it was his freshman year all over again, he said. The Lexington, S.C. native used his past situations and circumstances to push forward towards his goals and future.
The Leader & Mentor
As a young leader, he became actively involved in different student organizations including The Gentlemen’s League which is a male service oriented group where he served as a re-charter member, NAACP, Student Alumni Council and student improv Skin Deep.
“In order to be a leader, you also have to be a follower,” the past vice president of The Gentlemen’s League said.
Smith was influenced by Winthrop University alumni Kambrell Garvin and Ted Jones.
“Kambrell Garvin was a big influence in my life,” he said. “He taught me that people are always watching.”
Ted Jones, graduated last year, but he encouraged Smith to get involved.
This made it easy for Smith to mentor young members of The Gentlemen's League and York County youth at Ebenezer Academy. The 22-year-old said he thought outside the box when he mentored young individuals.
“I asked them to set five goals,” Smith said in both life and education because “college ends quick and reality hits you.”
Nitsua, the mindset of a king
Smith always had an interest in graphic design since high school. He wasn't quite sure how he would be able to continue utilizing those skills after changing his major. The program focus on a combination of media, social media and internet marketing, he explained. He finished a capstone course with The Hive in Rock Hill where he and his other classmates created Web sites for local organizations and developed experience using search engine optimization and Google ad words. 
However, he realized there were other ways to use his gift from God. He started serving as the co-chair then later the chair of the public relations committee for The Gentlemen's League where he designed the organization's new logo, t-shirts and promotional materials. His graphic experience led to more opportunities for him to expand his skills into a freelance graphic designer. This year, he created Nitsua Creations which specialize in developing the creative needs of clients through logos, t-shirt designs, flyers and other promotional items within the Winthrop University community and surrounding areas.
Nitsua is Austin spelled backwards because he wanted to put a twist on his Twitter, Instagram and ultimately his brand, he said.
"You find something different by making it and creating it (to be) your own," the designer continued.
The logo is a crown because he believes that he has the mindset of a king, but not in an "If I rule the world" Curtis Blow type of way. It's about creating a standard.
"You have to set yourself to a standard," Smith said. 

The founder of the company is uncertain its future because he doesn't want to speak too far ahead. However, Smith believes that God gave him the gift of graphic design, therefore, he plans to keep pushing until it stops.
"I'm going to keep my foot on the pedal," he said. 
Smith would like to explore different branches of Nitsua Creations to include music and photography which are all centered around a philanthropy.
Passion found through failures
The failures or unfortunate circumstances fuels Smith to keep moving. He believes in the cliche` expression that everything happens for a reason. Smith use those situations as fuel to succeed in life. 
As a high school basketball player, Smith learned that "it takes those failures to succeed," he shared. He was cut from the team his junior year of high school and broke his foot that same year, however, he made the team his senior year. 
Overall, Smith believes he is a truly passionate person. 
"It's not always through your words, but your actions as well," he said.
Hope to fulfill purpose
In life, the future alumnus hopes to reach his full potential and be successful at it. He also hope to fulfill his purpose and provide service to others.
He realized that everything he's received, it is through the support of others, Smith said.
Most importantly, he hopes to take care of his family - the one he will build in the future as well as his parents and brother who is currently a sophomore in high school.

"Respect yourself"
Smith's parents, who have been married for 27 years, taught him and his little brother to say yes sir and yes ma'am as a form of respect, but he doesn't see it in the younger generation. He believes that sense of respect is lost. 
Respect as a whole is huge, he said. "You always hear respect others, but you must also respect yourself."
They both tie together, he continued. 
In order to gain respect, one must create and set standards, Smith said.
Empowered through service
Smith is empowered by the ability to serve and mentor other individuals. 
"I am empowered by knowing I can help people," he said. "And knowing the impact is felt."
Ambitious for happiness
"I just want to be happy," Smith said. His happiness lies through developing his career, creating a family and impacting lives.  
After graduation, he would like to find a job that he loves going to everyday. He would like to focus on the social media, internet marketing, and e-commerce side. He doesn't want to be complacent when it comes to his career path because he understand there are seasons. Smith said that you have to keep pushing forward through those moments. He currently wants to continue residing in the Rock Hill/Charlotte area, and plans to give it his all. 
The family-oriented young man is ambitious about building his family with a complimentary person. 
"It's important to remember who I'm doing it for - my family," he said.
In everything Smith does, he wants it to be full of impact. This is evident through his brand Nitsua Creations, his civic work and his humility as a man. 

Find Austin Smith

Web Site: http://nitsuacreations.bigcartel.com/

Facebook: Austin G. Smith

Instagram: NitsuaCreations

Twitter: NitsuaCreations

Tis the Season to Give

Source

November and December are my favorite months of the year besides March. While others may enjoy these months for the variety of food, family gatherings, gift wrapping and holiday shopping, I enjoy the opportunity to give. You often hear it’s better to give than it is to receive, and I believe this is true. There’s something about the power of giving that just makes me feel like I made a difference in the lives of others afterwards.

I believe sometimes we become so wrapped in the cosmetics of the holidays that we forget about the small values and lessons learned through giving. The act of giving can be completed so effortlessly, but it can touch a magnitude of people. For instance, last year, I volunteered as a gift wrapper for Orphans to Ambassadors during the holiday season. This Saturday afternoon, I will be volunteering to provide a hot meal to the local area individuals who are in need. I know regardless if I volunteer for an hour or two, someone’s life will be impacted by the gift of service.  

If you are looking for ways to serve or give during this season, here are a few ideas:

Adopt-A-Family

You are able to provide them with food, purchase presents, or make a monetary contribution to assist them in their needs.

Donate your Winter Wear

Do you have a jacket that you or someone you know can no longer wear? Or did you find gloves on sale for $.50 during Black Friday this year? Can you crochet? This would be a great time to donate jackets, gloves, and scarves to those who cannot afford to on their own.

Visit a Senior

According to the Senior Source, the majority of senior citizens in nursing homes never get visitors. If you are unable to visit a senior, send him or her a holiday card.

Toy Drive

The Marine Toys for Toys and similar foundations collect gifts for children from financial hardship families. You can simply purchase a new toy especially during Black Friday for less than $5 and donate towards the cause. If you want to be really charismatic, you can orchestrate a toy drive at your local church or school to collect donations for children in need. They are also always looking for volunteers to assist in the sorting and filing process.

Adopt-A-Pet

Animals need love too! There are ways for pet lovers to give to these fun creatures. You can volunteer at an animal shelter working in the kennel, donate animal food, or even adopt a pet.

The gift of giving goes a long way. If you are interested in learning more about it, check out http://www.volunteermatch.org for more opportunities. 

PHREAdom Leader: Daniel D., the Man Behind the Violin

Daniel Davis started playing the violin when he was 12-years-old. He did not like the strings instrument initially, but he took it as a class in middle school. The notable violinist didn’t fall for the four-stringed wooden musical instrument until he saw “an older gentleman play it in an exciting and interesting way,” he said.

“From that moment on I was hooked,” Davis, who goes by Daniel D., said.

Growing up in Charleston, S.C., Daniel D. repertoire of musical performances varies from Pop, Hip-Hop, R&B, Jazz and Gospel. He was featured on BET’s 106 & Park. He’s opened for the 2008 President Barack Obama Presidential Campaign, former Editor-in-Chief of Essence Magazine Susan Taylor’s celebration, and many others.

The musician has a few awards under his belt as well which began while in high school when Daniel D. received an award for a summer scholarship at the New York’s Julliard School of Music. He is also a two times Apollo Theater winner and a Charlotte Music Award recipient.

The now-24-year-old Daniel D. whose greatest influencers include Jean Luc Ponty, Noel Pointer, Regina Carter, Boney James, and others, released his first album called Play for Me in 2009. Within the next four years, he’s release another three albums – Serenade, Epic Sounds and Son Rise. His latest album was released this year.

Although currently promoting his current releases, the violinist is considering working on a new project in 2014, he said.

Daniel D. travels frequently for different events and shows throughout the United States including Baltimore, M.D. and Charlotte, N.C. In fact, this Friday, Daniel D. will be performing at the Holiday Jazz R&B Gospel Concert at the Charlotte Scottish Rite Temple in Charlotte, N.C. The event begins at 7 p.m. The tickets are $15 for general admission and $25 for VIP admission which includes an autographed copy of one of Daniel D.'s albums.

 “As a live performer, I like to give the audience an array of genres and emotions – R&B, Jazz, Inspirational even Pop,” he said. “I don’t want to give too much away, you have to come out to get the full experience.”

Daniel D. finds his passion from the emotion that his music draws out of himself and other individuals.

“I love moving audiences through my gift/
talent,” he said.

The music Daniel D. performances display some form of emotion which is easily felt by listening to the violinist uses his bow to compose a melody. This is exactly what he hopes individuals will receive from his craft.

“It can be a happy one from an upbeat record, or even a sad memory from a memorably song,” he said.

Daniel D. is empowered by his faith and Lord as well as the progression of those including him to success.

“[I am empowered] by seeing myself or others achieve and climb higher and higher on the ladder to success,” he said.

The contemporary violinist said his ambitions are to reach and touch as many lives as possible through his character and music.

“I think a lot of artists lead with the music,” Daniel D. said. “I believe it takes being personal with people, you leave a lasting mark on someone’s life that way.”

If you are interested in attending Daniel D.’s concert Friday, click here to purchase your ticket. To learn more about Daniel D., visit his Web site at http://www.danieldmusic.com.

Follow Daniel D.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DanielDMusic

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DanielDsViolin

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/ddproductions2007

Starkey's Guide to an Awesome Homecoming Weekend Experience

2011 Winthrop Homecoming

As I see my fellow Winthrop University alum post pictures from past homecomings and college experience for #TBT, I decided to share with you all my guide to an awesome homecoming weekend experience. For the most part, I will reference Winthrop University, but most universities and colleges have similar events to take part in during their homecoming as well.

 Alumni Social Media Frenzy

Utilize such trending days like #tbt to share memories of your friends and moments while in college. It will not only bring back (hopefully) great memories, but make the anticipation of homecoming weekend so much better. Hashtags are awesome! Why don't you and your friends create a hash tag specifically for ya'll homecoming experience? It creates more memories and you can view at anytime simply by typing the hashtag. The majority of us are using social media every day even if it's just viewing a timeline for updates. So why not create a hash tag of your homecoming experience? Check out Winthrop Homecoming hashtag this weekend is #wuhomecoming13.

Network

One of the main purposes of homecoming is to network and fellowship with alums. If you were involved in a student organization or group, this would be a great time to connect with those individuals especially if you are searching for job, new opportunity, or just simply to reminiscence about college life. For instance, there is a Winthrop Alumni Charity Golf Tournament taking place Saturday. They will have a meet and greet beginning at 9 a.m. hosted by Assets Inventory in support of Alzheimer's Association. This is the perfect opportunity to network and golf before the parties and tailgating begins for a good cause. Bring your business cards and get to networking!

Tailgate

I can truly say that I didn't appreciate tailgating until I graduated from college, but personally it's the best part of the homecoming weekend experience. This is no different for Historically Black Colleges and Universities or Predominately White Institutions. There are vendors, food, alumni, current students, and visitors. We play corn hole. We share a few laughs. We take tons of pictures and hashtag. We can gather around to hear the cypher featuring Winthrop's illest lyricists.

Attend a Game or Two

What's homecoming without going to the game? The homecoming queen and king are crowned during half-time. You are able to support your alma mater in a hopeful win against their opposing teams. 

Take a tour of the campus and purchase some alumni paraphernalia

Homecoming is the best time to take a tour of the campus. Take a look at the new updates and building plans in the upcoming years. This is also a great opportunity to buy some gear. The book store may have discounts during homecoming weekend for items. 

Shake a leg or two

After all of the tailgating, networking, and attending games, it's a great time to buy a nice homecoming outfit and party with your fellow alum. There are so many different parties going on during homecoming weekend beginning Friday night. You are guaranteed to have a great time especially if you party with a group of your friends from college.

Here's Winthrop University's run down of parties that I am aware of:

Friday Night

Last Train to Paris - Soiree Noir - WU All Black Affair 

Back to the Future: Winthrop University Black Alumni "Ol’ Skool" Homecoming Party which is also the official after party for the Melanie Fiona, Silk, and J-Holiday Concert

Winthrop University's Free Homecoming Party 

Saturday Night

Stamina: Winthrop University Black Alumni Finale Party

I've shared my insight to an awesome homecoming weekend. Now I want to hear from you. 

What are some must have moments for homecoming this year?

Black Girls Rock: Starkey's Top 7 Moments

Source: www.blackgirlsrockinc.com

Last night, black girls and women gathered around the television screen to watch the Black Girls Rock! which is an awards program that honors female trailblazers who have made an exceptional contribution to the lives of those in their community and beyond. This year's event featured the following honorees: Marian Wright Edelman, Queen Latifah, Mara Brock Akil, Misty Copeland, Ameena Matthews, Venus Williams, and Patti Labelle. I don't know about you all, but I was empowered and ready to shout to the mountain top "Hey, I'm a Black Girl and I Rock!" by the end of the show. You couldn't help but be moved after hearing such great speeches and performances.

Therefore, I decided to share with you all my top 7 moments from the Black Girls Rock, and hopefully it will move you just the same.

7) The "Girlfriends" reunion. I was definitely singing the theme song while they appeared on stage to honor Mara Brock Akil.

6) Kelly Rowland and her two special guests. Rowland brought in Sevyn Streeter and Eve! I hope Eve is ready for a comeback. That was dope! I'm sure I wasn't the only person who was looking for Michelle Williams and Beyonce' to appear on stage. I just knew they were the special guests. Great teaser BET! Great teaser!

5) During Ameena Matthews’s speech, she shared a reflection where she told her daughter that they would be Black Girls Rock one year. Her daughter nodded her head with tears streaming from her eyes. Matthews said that she's the Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman of today while fighting for freedom in the streets of Chicago.

4) Misty Copeland, the 3rd black soloist in the American Ballet Theatre, was honored. She said, "Black girls do rock....Black girls can be ballerinas." I also loved her opening to Patti LaBelle's selection "You are my Friend."

3) Mrs. Marian Wright Edelman is history, period. She started the Children's Defense Fund and a civil rights activist. She was a member of the freedom riders. She sought for equality. I cherished it when she said, "Don't let anyone else define you."

2) Mara Brock Akil accepting her award. She said, "Even if no one else sees you, I see you." "We are worth protecting. We are worth loving. We must continue to rock," Akil continued.

1) Beverly Bond's speech where she said, "We must lift as we climb." Everything we as black woman do is a part of a platform which can make a difference in the lives of the young black girls. Bond told us to rebuild our village and create a healthy sisterhood.

What moments made you want to get up and do something after watching Black Girls Rock? If you missed it, check here to find out the details. 

#31DaystoPHREAdom: The Aftermath

My soror Hydeia Broadbent and I

On October 1, I set a personal challenge to blog daily for the entire month. I can officially call this the month of trials and patience. I knew going into this challenge that there were potential factors that could prevent the completion of the mission. However, I told myself that I was going to do it. I wasn't going to allow those stipulations to get in my way. If anything I had to prove it to myself that I could write a post for 31 days straight. I saw other bloggers do it without creating a challenge so I thought this would be simple. I was so wrong. 

 

Before the challenge began, I started drafting ideas and setting them in my blog planner calendar. I knew who would be featured for this month's PHREAdom Leaders and any general blog posts. I wrote three of the seven days. I just started the challenged, and was already behind by the first week. I needed to do better. After all this challenge was about me, Crystal. 

Lambda Kappa chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.
from Winthrop University and I at the Avon Walk in Charlotte

As a result, I definitely didn’t blog daily, but I did accomplish so much more. I managed to compose eight blog posts including a very special PHREAdom Leaders feature with my friend and survivor Ashley Gonzalez. I stepped outside the box to create new content for my blog posts like the Pinterest Wedding and the short posts about teamwork and friendships. For the second time in a row, I volunteered at the Avon Walk in Charlotte where I met and interacted with some great women and families who were either supporters, survivors, or currently receiving treatment for breast cancer. The highlight of the month was having lunch with my soror, Hydeia Broadbent. She was in Columbia, S.C. for the South Carolina HIV/AIDS Conference. It was great chatting and bonding with her especially since I interviewed her for The Aurora, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority's Inc.'s bi-yearly magazine.

I learned three valuable lessons. The first one was life will throw you curve balls, but the way you hit it will determine the result. I set out with a purpose and challenge for myself, but those curve balls went full speed. I hit some strikes, fouls, but I'm still in the game. The second lesson was to look at every situation and find the good in it. I could take being laid off in 16 days as a negative situation, however, I'm not. I see the opportunities are slowing aligning. The very last lesson is quite simple -- be realistic. I wasn't realistic about my challenge. I'm joining a new challenge that starts today with Britni Danielle called the Black Friday Challenge where I spend the next 30 days accomplishing a goal. My goal is to realistically blog more (at least once a week) and stick to it.