Up & Coming Trendsetters Menu
- The Power Of Radiance
- Niajae, is stage sensation
- Tocarra Hamilton, R&B Singer and Songwriter
- Aisha Abeni Alexis Brown
- Mia & Megan – A Talented Duo
- Ilene Miriam’s baked goods make life Sugary Sweet
- A RARE BREED
- 360 Degrees in the Light
- Fighting for Your Dream!
- New Flava Doo Whop
- My Star From Above
- 14 year old Morehouse College Sophomore Stephen R. Stafford
Up & Coming Trendsetters (10)
The Power Of Radiance
Radiance is a group of upcoming artists who have committed their time and energy to singing and creating positive music. The group is comprised of six girls whose ages range from 7-9. Their names are Nia, Nals, Netani, Kerri, Kylie, and Karma. Radiance’s goal is to sing encouraging and motivating music, which gives young people hope and a sense of belonging. Their song “Mean Girls” was developed to tell the story of what it feels like to be bullied and expressing oneself in overcoming the challenges associated with being bullied. All of the girls have admitted to being bullied at least once; which creates a special connection with the song. The expectation is that all young people who hear “Mean Girls” will be impacted and encouraged to be part of the solution rather than the problem.
Children can be cruel without knowing it; however should be aware of their actions at all times, as such behaviors can lead to others hurting themselves. The song “Mean Girls” will allow young people to think twice before making another person feel negatively about him or herself. Radiance plans on attacking this issue as well as many other issues that affect a young persons world. Music is a great way to get a message across to the public and serves as an excellent vehicle for communication. The music industry is populated today with so many negative messages; Radiance wants to provide a positive and trendy image for young people to follow. Children face real issues early on; therefore they must have real role models that they can relate to.
Ilene Miriam’s baked goods make life Sugary Sweet
By Carol Courtney Anglin
Ilene Miriam Pastry Studio, located in Harlem, New York, is the place where a variety of homemade, edible art is created in the form of custom cakes, cookies and confections. Also offered are the most exquisite dessert tables and cupcake bars ever seen. I sat down with the owner and senior pastry designer, Tiffany Freeland, who explained to me how Ilene Miriam’s products are custom made with fresh, quality ingredients. “We bake goods that are fresh with no preservatives. Our motto is: If you do not see it, describe it, and we’ll create it.”
The first thing I noticed was the attention to detail and how polished the designs were. What inspired the pink and leopard skin logo? “Leopard stands out and grabs your attention, similar to my cake designs. It is also easy to recognize. So when you see the leopard and hot pink, you know it is Ilene Miriam,” she explained. Tiffany’s flare for style comes from her background as a student of the Fashion Institute of Technology and as a stylist for such notables as Groovey Lew and Rosario Dawson. Her passion for sweets came from her grandmother. “My business is named after my grandmother, Ilene Miriam Warren. Everyone loved her cakes.”
Tiffany mostly baked for her friends and family but then something exciting happened, “In 2009, I made some Chanel inspired cupcakes and posted them on Facebook. The response was overwhelming! I realized at that point that I had a good thing going.” The following year she increased her staff and brought on a partner, Lauren Beaumon. “Lauren handles the business side of Ilene Miriam which includes marketing, managing orders, scheduling and event coordinating.”
Today Irene Miriam Pastry Studio boasts of a clientele that includes celebrities such as Nicki Minaj; Lil Jon; model, Jesus Cruz; and NFL players, Dwight Freeney and Bryant Johnson. “What sets us apart from the rest is that our products taste as good as they look. We combine old recipes with fresh, innovative designs. We specialize in baking but at the same time, we concentrate on building relationships.”
Tiffany attributes her career success to family and persistence. “Since the business is new I have to devote a lot of time, so family support is important. Entrepreneurship is full of obstacles. You have to have thick skin and determination. Quitting is not an option.”
For more information on Ilene Miriam Pastry Studio, visit online at http://www.ilenemiriam.com.
Aisha Abeni Alexis Brown
Bright, Ambitious and Determined
Aisha Abeni Alexis Brown is a bright, ambitious and determined young lady from Atlanta, Georgia. One day you may be looking at her on the big screen or lying on her office couch seeking counseling. You may be asking how is this possible? Well, what you don’t know is that this young lady is an up and coming aspiring actress who is currently a first year biology student with ambitions of becoming the next female “Dr. Phil”.
At the early age of seven, Aisha began entertaining an audience through acting. She played the main role of “Kate” in a small class play called, “The War between the Kate’s,” written by her Alliance Theater coach. She continued in school and local theater plays. She moved on to extra film roles in T.V. shows such as, The District” and “The Guardian”.
This 5’8 beauty has also strutted her long legs across the catwalk. Modeling is not her first love but she does not hesitate when asked to show off her modeling skills. This teenager rocked the runway with the opening and closing featured prom dresses in a local fashion show called, “Rock Your Prom,” sponsored by JCPenney and Seventeen Magazine at the age of sixteen.
We asked this honor student how she juggles such a busy life and continues to keep a high grade point average in college. She states, “Focus, motivation and faith is what keeps me grounded. You have to envision what you want to accomplish and hold it in your head until it manifests into reality.”
Aisha recently landed a day performer role in an upcoming film, starring James Hector and Wood Harris called “Just Another Day.”
This ambitious teenager is determined to become a trendsetter and role model for other young ladies who are not placing limitations on their dreams. Aisha believes the sky is the limit when you are focused on what you want and you look to God for guidance.
Be on the lookout for this young trendsetter in the box office and/or the doctor’s office.
IT IS HER TIME TO SHINE NIAJAE
With the proper alignment of star power, talent, beauty and skills comes the birth of a 
star. Personalities labeled "Star" include icons like Diana Ross, Beyonce and Lady Gaga. The next starlet to wear the title, undoubtedly, is stage sensation, Niajae – as it is indeed her time to shine. A Bronx, New York native Niajae, has been singing since childhood. From Saturday mornings around the house, to church services and talent shows, her young voice was no stranger to those that met her acquaintance.
Reinforced with formal training in the jazz, ballet, hip-hop, modern and tap dance disciplines, Niajae, was sure that she was well equipped with everything she needed to pursue a career in entertainment. And at the age of 18, while still growing as an artist and fighting to overcome obstacles in her career path, Niajae moved to one of the music capitals of the world, Atlanta, Georgia to join the ranks of TLC, Monica and Pink. New to the city, Niajae used her personal foundation of determination, focus, ambition, loyalty and creativity to assist her in knocking down doors, paving the way and establishing effective and rewarding relationships. These values also led to the opening of her, own dance studio, Backstage Dance Studio.
Operating as an entrepreneur by day and as "the next big thing" by night became Niajae's mode of survival. She poured her hard work, tears and triumphs into artistry and music, crafting an amazingly individual sight and sound fusion that would evoke happiness in the Pop culture that has yet to be seen or heard. When asked about her musical influences and aesthetics Niajae, states, "I have so many individual influences that I can't even begin to name them, however, I'm most inspired by the union of happiness and excitement in life. My aesthetic is happy. My music is meant to evoke pleasant moments and memories in the midst of the realities of life. We deserve to dance, laugh and, celebrate. That's my truth and my message. I just set it to fun and energetic music!"
With her signature pink accented hair, brightly colored nails and unparalleled fashion savvy, Niajae is ready to break barriers. "I've always been told what I can and cannot do musically, but music is the best form of self-expression. It also fuels my drive when I am told that Pop music only fits a certain type of person. Luckily, I am confident that I AM that kind of person! I am rock, hip hop, techno, dance and pop coming through one speaker."
Respecting individuality and commitment, Niajae dreams about touring with major acts including The Black Eyed Peas and her idol, Britney Spears. With the help of industry veterans Jan Smith (vocal) and KiKi Ealey (choreography), the Niajae experience has been finely crafted. Listening to tracks including the edgy "Give it to You", and "Play the Game" will pique your interest, while the lead single, "No Limit" will make you a believer. Sexy, bubbly, perky and fun – the industry’s next "sweetheart" promises not to disappoint. "I'm an entertainer, simply. I respect music and handle the privilege of presenting my talent very carefully." Confident and collective, daring yet dainty, Niajae is next. Turn up the volume and open your heart, the future of amazement is here.
By Ava Simone Collier
Basically I felt like my life was dark for a lot of years,” says LaKeisha Davis, “My oldest child’s father put me through all kinds of stuff. Once I was able to break away from that, I was able to see the light at the end of the tunnel.” Before her break, LaKeisha was beaten and mentally abused by her boyfriend on a regular basis. This cycle of abuse ultimately led her to a suicide attempt. “I was eight months pregnant. He dragged me up and down the stairs by my hair. I fought to get away and to save my unborn baby’s life. I knew I had to get away.” However, LaKeisha’s idea of getting away came in the form of a suicide attempt later. “I felt like I didn’t have any alternative. I overdosed on a bunch of pills after putting my kids to bed. I took all the pills that I could and became really light headed and began to cry as I waited to pass out and die.” Luckily, her boyfriend’s sister found her and called the ambulance to rescue her. “I realized that she was calling for help for me but I didn’t want it so I went and locked myself inside a bedroom.” LaKeisha states that despite her efforts to end her life, the ambulance attendants kicked the door in and began to perform rescue efforts. “At the hospital, they pumped my stomach and wanted to admit me to the psyche ward. I didn’t want that and they made me promise to get counseling. But I didn’t. I wasn’t happy that my daughter’s aunt tried to save me by calling for help. I felt like her brother didn’t care about me, why should she?
LaKeisha says her cycle of dysfunction continued to escalate. Instead of seeking counseling, she began to “act out” her anger onto others, which landed her in prison after she attempted to murder some women that she’d had some issues with. “I was getting into it with some females. I was pushed to the point where I wanted to kill them but I didn’t. I cut three girls up and was on the run for two months. Police caught up with me and I was sentenced to 24 years. I only served 18 months.” LaKeisha explained that she knew she couldn’t leave prison the same way she came in. She knew a change for the better was desperately needed in order to reclaim her life and make it better. “I got into classes that helped me be a better person once I was released.” Twelve years since her release from prison has seen Lakeisha evolve into a wife, a loving and caring mother and an author. She explained that she met her current husband through a friend. Although she admits that her marriage is good, she shared that in the beginning, she had to constantly remind herself that her husband was nothing like her abusive boyfriend. “My husband is the light. In the beginning, I basically compared him to my former boyfriend. I wasn’t used to a good man and I was always trying to find something negative in him. I would hit him to try to get him to hit me back.” She admits that her cousin made her realize that she now had a good man who loved her and that she would have to stop her behavior or run the risk of losing him.” LaKeisha shares a laughs and says, “I don’t hit him anymore. That has stopped. He’s a good man and I know that."
She admits that her children had been psychologically affected by her life and were having problems in school during that time. Now, however, she says that their lives are back on track as well. “My children are doing well now. It had my kids messed up in the head. I wasn’t getting the love I wanted and I didn’t show them the love they needed.
J. Chris Ford
Born into poverty in Akron, Ohio, J. Chris Ford was propelled by a dream to change the world through science and business. From the energy of his dream, Chris overcame many challenges to win over a half of a million dollars (>$500,000) in scholarships and fellowships to pursue his education. Fighting for Your Dream!
Chris, soon-to-be Dr. Ford, will graduate from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering in 2011.
A 2003 graduate of Morehouse College/Georgia Institute of Technology Dual Degree program (B.S. Math/Mechanical Engineering), Chris has had work experiences at NASA, CIA, and the Departments of Energy and Defense.
During past ten years, Chris has sought to inspire youth and the youthful at heart to ‘fight for their dreams’ through motivational speaking, mentoring, writing, and community service.
Always a servant at heart, Chris has served as the lead Sunday school teacher for teenagers and assistant youth pastor at the Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral in Atlanta, Georgia.
Chris is also a budding entrepreneur as he is the founder of NuPotential Energy, Inc. and A & A Resources, LLC. NuPotential Energy is a developing business venture based upon Chris’ Ph.D. research on optimizing green energy systems. A & A Resources is a joint venture with Chris’ mother that manages personal care homes who serve the developmentally disabled. In all Chris’ pursuits, his number one desire is to see potential energy, whether in a human being or hydro-carbon, be transformed into useful energy in an efficient and effective manner for the glory of God. Chris, soon-to-be Dr. Ford, will graduate from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering in 2011.
A 2003 graduate of Morehouse College/Georgia Institute of Technology Dual Degree program (B.S. Math/Mechanical Engineering), Chris has had work experiences at NASA, CIA, and the Departments of Energy and Defense.
During past ten years, Chris has sought to inspire youth and the youthful at heart to ‘fight for their dreams’ through motivational speaking, mentoring, writing, and community service.
Always a servant at heart, Chris has served as the lead Sunday school teacher for teenagers and assistant youth pastor at the Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral in Atlanta, Georgia.
Chris is also a budding entrepreneur as he is the founder of NuPotential Energy, Inc. and A & A Resources, LLC. NuPotential Energy is a developing business venture based upon Chris’ Ph.D. research on optimizing green energy systems. A & A Resources is a joint venture with Chris’ mother that manages personal care homes who serve the developmentally disabled. In all Chris’ pursuits, his number one desire is to see potential energy, whether in a human being or hydro-carbon, be transformed into useful energy in an efficient and effective manner for the glory of God.
Alicia Joy Scarborough
Alicia Joy Scarborough is a rare breed, a hybrid thinker straddling the fence as an MBA strategist and relationship broker with an artistic, creative flare as a songwriter and television/film entrepreneur. By fusing her creative knack within the entertainment industry with past Fortune 500 advertisement and brand management experience, she provides a unique perspective to help clients realize, actualize and then maximize their brand’s vision within the parameters of any given project.
Born April 27, 1983 in Columbia, South Carolina, Scarborough is the middle child and only girl of two brothers. Raised in Atlanta, Georgia and having graduated from Westlake High School in 2001, Alicia was courted by The College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio where she acquired full academic funding, mainly from the prestigious Clarence Beecher Allen scholarship. The selection criterion was based on outstanding intellectual achievement, extra-curricular involvement & leadership, and personal merit.
Majoring in Communication Studies, Scarborough was also the recipient of The College of Wooster’s highest leadership honor, The Campus Council Leadership Award, acknowledging talented and gifted seniors who have offered consistent dedication to education, service and leadership. In addition to holding several student organization leadership positions, Scarborough still found time to participate in her first love: the arts. She starred in theatre productions, co-wrote a play and solidified her love for music and media via her participation both in front of and behind the scenes of musical, drama and dance productions.
Upon graduating in May 2005, Alicia transitioned into human resources at Emory University. Shortly thereafter, in 2006 Scarborough founded H.A.N.D.S. Linked (which stands for Help. Aspire. Networking. Development. Success.) where she annually returns to her alma mater to host workshops, symposiums and networking events geared to inspire both students and alumni to pursue their dreams. Next, she became a Client Associate with employer brand consultant, Bernard Hodes Group. Having the privilege to manage the employer brand of Fortune 500 companies like Bank of America, Lowes and Duke University, Scarborough fused her client and agency experience and transitioned into the media industry in 2008 as a human resources agent with the southeast’s most prestigious public broadcasting entity, Georgia Public Broadcasting.
While at GPB Scarborough launched her songwriting career and began pursuing a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Georgia’s, Terry College of Business, which she will complete in December 2010. Since then, Scarborough has worked as a television and film consultant, including roles as the Membership Director of The Black Women Film Network and Operations Manager of the newly launch BronzeLens Film Festival, showcasing Atlanta as the new mecca of film for people of color.
Scarborough’s latest entrepreneurial venture as President and CEO of StrataVision Management and Consulting, LLC, will allow her to use creative strategy to maximize and propel others’ visions, be it in business or entertainment. One of Scarborough’s main goals is for StrataVision to infuse the entertainment industry with inspirational and Godly messages via her representation of faith based artists, speakers and entertainment entities while ultimately managing her own portfolio as a songwriter, television producer and speaker.
Scarborough currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia, and is a member of Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral in Austell, Georgia where she serves on the leadership team of the Singles Ministry.
By Terron Duncan
Ty’Vion “TV” Harris, came into this world like a breath of fresh air. He is the third son in a musical dynasty. As a toddler, he quickly took notice to the sound of music and instantly imitated what he was hearing by beat boxing. It was then that his mother, Vonda Harris, knew she was raising a star. He attended The Summit Academy in Ohio for the gifted during first and second grades. Ty’Vion has created a new way of hearing and vibing with music by keeping his music clean and strictly positive.
At eight years old, he has established himself as a role model for children his age. “TV” is an actor, model and rapper and has built up an impressive resume that many are inspired to follow. Since arriving in Atlanta, leaving Ohio behind, Ty’Vion has worked with various producers such as Lex Dirty, Fritz Track Killers, and Mega Beats. Ty’Vion has performed in various cities including Cleveland, Columbus, and Atlanta, where he took the show at the Sweet Auburn Fest and was the overall winner at the Urban Development Talent Show.
He was also asked to do a live radio talk show! And to continue his journey, he did a fundraiser for patients living with cancer, performed at the Hosea Feed the Hungry Foundation. “TV” also performed in Memphis, Tennessee at the largest record store in Memphis, WOW! He was picked out of five hundred kids to advertise the back to school collection from Dillard’s. TV never lacks when it comes to putting on a show. “TV’s” star power doesn’t end with just music. He has completed a children’s sitcom named, “Follow the Rules,” where he played the role of Jaden. He is currently rehearsing for a play entitled, “Just Another Girl,” which will debut this Spring in Atlanta, Ga.
With a major role in the sitcom, he was inspired to pursue more acting roles. He did an advertisement for Little Tikes and is also a member of Big Heds.com, which is a program that helps to teach children about morals and values in life. It is also designed to develop young entrepreneurs. These are some of the qualities that will definitely put him ahead of the crowd. Besides his career, he also enjoys playing basketball, football, drawing and playing video games (and very good at playing them). His teachers throughout the years have spoken highly on how bright and well mannered he is. While balancing his career and school, he still manages to keep an A-B average in school.
By Ava Simone Collier
Mia and Megan are 15 years old twins and they have been training and performing for approximately nine years. Their training started in their hometown of Houston, Texas at a local Magnet Music School. They chose to play the violin at a very young age. The twins both won the award for most Outstanding Student in their first semester of playing in the Orchestra. This was the first time this award had been presented to two siblings.
They pursued an avenue for more education in music/strings training. They found a great tutor and mentor at Texas Southern University, under the direction of Anne Lundy. The twins continue their training with Prof. Lundy at TSU each summer. Due to circumstances beyond their control, the twins relocated to Louisiana. Now attending high school, the girls would love to finish school at home at the HSPVA in Houston, Texas to pursue a music scholarship. The twins’ musical range is classical, gospel, R&B and Jazz; this includes music theory, composition, improvisation and
University under the direction of Dr. Michael Buckles. The twins have won awards for honorable mention from the McNeese State University Youth Orchestra. Since that time, the twins have decided to pursue another avenue of tutoring/training and they now attend the LCB Academy under the direction of Mrs. J. English and Dr. Buckles. Mia and Megan have also had the pleasure of performing on stage with Mr. Michael Ward (famous jazz violinist) and Mr. Kyle Turner. The twins have also performed at the Strand in Shreveport, Louisiana with the School of Music in the Yazzy (Youth Celebrating Jazz) 2009 Concert - Showtime at the Apollo.
Mia and Megan have been on stage with such greats as Mr. Dorsey Summerfield and Mr. Devin Phillips. They have performed in the production of the musical Oklahoma. They have also had the opportunity to be featured in a Christmas production with their high school choir under the direction of Mr. C. Miller. The twins had their first CD produced at age 14. They recorded under the name of Harmony and the CD was entitled Just a Groove.
To find out more about these talented teens please email: Sashakey@aol.com
By Ava Simone Collier
What comes to mind when you think of Doo Whop? For me, it would be the sounds of such legendary 50’s groups as The Drifters, The Flamingos, The Coasters and The Moonglows. Of course, I’m not old enough to remember them personally, but I’ve heard! These sultry balladeers harmonized and serenaded us on some of the best love songs of their time. I also think of the street corner crooners who huddled together and gave us impromptu renditions of some of these hits. Although they were not famous, they sang with passion. Doo Whop lives on today and can be found in the fresh voices of a new group called the DooWhopBoiz.
The DooWhopBoiz consist of four young men from the Decatur/Ellenwood area in Georgia who are bringing back the old sound of Doo Whop with a contemporary flavor. Donel J. Harris (Jae Love), Rodrique Roberts (Drique), Christian J. Reynolds (Bread) and Desi Raines (Desi) make up the Boiz. Their manager is Donel B. Harris, who is also Jae Love’s father. “The Boiz have been together for about 2 years and met at school. They recently headlined a gospel musical called A Gift of Love at the Realto Center, along with Ruby Dee.” Donel states that the Boiz wrote and recorded the music for the Atlanta Falcons, “We Are Atlanta.” This theme song will be played at all home games for the Falcons. “We specialize in accapello, but we can add music to it. We don’t shy away from anything.”
Donel, along with his partner, Eric Foxworth, is the CEO of Fox Entertainment. Together with Donel’s brother, Burundihi Harris and P.R. specialist, Stephanie Brown, he says they manage and coordinate the DooWhopBoiz, juggling events and schedules. “The Boyz qualified for the 76th anniversary of the Apollo. We auditioned and will be there on March, 3, 2010. We may be doing another play and are shopping for record deals, any opportunities to make money and get the Boyz out there. We do not restrict ourselves to a label to sign with. Fox Entertainment is looking for corporate sponsors and joint ventures.” Donel says that they envision global level exposure as well. “The DooWhopBoiz are being compared to Take 6, Jodeci and Boys to Men. These Boyz can sing! We want the best for them.”
The two lead singers are Jae Love and Desi. However, Donel says that all the boyz are capable of singing lead. “None of them are tone deaf, everyone knows their lane. They all know the chorus and scales.” The DooWhopBoiz were recently featured in Source Magazine. They were also invited to the National Black Caucus where they performed the National Anthem. They also have a musical tribute to First Lady, Michelle Obama, which can be viewed on You Tube. To find out more about the DooWhopBoiz, please go to www.DooWhopBoiz.com. “The cool thing is that if we go to a venue and there are no microphones, we can still entertain you,” says Donel.
“The music will sometimes mess up, but the Boyz can still sing. They can entertain you with or without music. They don’t miss a beat. Doo Whop is the origin and essence of what they do. You’d better be able sing if you carry the name of Doo Whop!”
