Let Today Be The First Day You..... Werk!!!

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Great Tuesday morning guys!!! Today is a new day and fashion is in the air in Albany, Ga!! How can a woman be so creative, own a business, and put on the best fashion week all in the same slamming body?!! I'll tell you who in just a minute. I wanted to share with you how being humble can help open other doors for you. I don't label myself as a fashionista, but I will say for me to be the plus size bombshell that I am (lol) I do have a little style thanks to my stylist Melanie Dunbar and others. I was asked by an up and coming designer to whom I consider a kindred spirit, a sister, and I admire her spirit and her ambition; to participate in her upcoming event in our city: Albany Fashion Week. Of course I said yes! With this honor I knew would come hard work, dedication, and a will to push through yet another challenge, but she ensured us that as much as she would push us; she would be right there rooting us on. I have watched this young woman blossom into her own and in that time I've celebrated who she is as an artist, business woman, and person and on Sept 12-15 she will make yet another milestone in her career. I've shared her with you guys before and today she is my feature.

Her name is Charlie Hill aka (Chuck B.), a native of Pittsburgh PA, has been a resident of Atlanta, GA since 1997. At the age of 27, she is the co-owner of That Old College Vintage Boutique located in Atlanta, Ga. She is also a college graduate with a BA degree in Psychology and an inspiring philanthropist giving back to her community through artistic design. As an alumni of Albany State University, Charlie continues to lend their student activities advisor board a helping hand with their annual Rip the Runway Fashion show. The fashion show allowed Charlie to work on a large scale meeting new walks of life. In 2007, Charlie created her own entertainment business known as Chuck B. Moore Creations.  Chuck B. Moore Creations is known for hosting events, interior decorating, designing clothes, and modeling.

Charlie is a strong advocate and supporter of Breast Cancer Awareness with losing her mom to breast cancer when she was only six years old and her father being a conqueror of lung cancer.  Shes continually inspired by her surroundings to give back for a noble cause knowing she will reap the benefits in days to come.  With Chuck B. Moore Creations expanding it to new dimensions while following her life quote of “the race is not giving to the swift nor to the strong but to he who endures until the end”. Even with all that she has gone through to watch this diva extraordinaire at work is something of untold artistry in motion. She is so humble and yet determined to capture the essence of greatness in each one of us. Beauty is more than what we see on the exterior and confidence is just as big and bold as you make it. I'm learning that there is power in your presence and if you can feel someone's presence without them saying a word then that is only half of what makes you the treasure you are. I am so thankful to even be considered, but even more delighted that I get to watch her vision come to life for all of Albany, Ga to see! Her being willing to share the stage with other designers, makeup artist, and talent is a small glimpse of the character of this booming beauty.

Nothing comes to a dreamer but dreams, and it is very evident that Miss Chuck B. is truly living her dreams out loud. So in the spirit of everything fashion we salute you Charlie Hill and wish you continued success. From me and all of the beauties you have deemed runway worthy we say to you WERK!!!! Happy fashion week! Be fearless in whatever you do, and put your stamp on it like only you can! Remember to always make a trail in life that no one can erase; but few can travel. For more info about Albany Fashion Week and to purchase tickets please visit: www.albanyfashionweek.com 


Signing off,
Your Favorite Authors, Author/Plus size model for Albany Fashion Week
Heather Johnson

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Let Today Be The First Day You... Have an open mind!!

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John P. Kee Brought Me Out

Good morning guys! I had to share this with you all and if you will allow me to be transparent for just a moment I will. I was on facebook and saw a post by a young man whom I know and it simply said this: A bitch is going be a bitch, and a hoe is going be a hoe#AintNoWayAroundIt!

So, after reading his post ans scrolling down to see the views of others I was a little overwhelmed to see how others felt and thought. Maybe because I am conscious that everyone has a past and that no one is squeaky clean when it comes to this thing we call life and I responded with the following:

Now you all know that I don't say anything unless I have something to say. So, let me do this in the most respectful way I possibly know how. If I hurt anyones feelings I apologize now, but I couldn't continue reading anymore. I'm sitting here in tears after reading the post and everyone gave their point of view; some I empathize with and some I may not totally agree with, but they are your opinions and you are entitled to them. I know a lot of times we speak and say things out of being hurt or out of our flesh and anger. I however am coming to you all strictly from my heart and I pray you all can receive this. On the subject of being a hoe, operating like a hoe, and not being capable of turning a hoe into a housewife.... I was the woman who had hoe tendencies and the lifestyle to suit. And because I am a full grown woman I can be real and transparent in sharing my story with you all. Anyone who knows me personsonally and others I make no secrets about who I was or who I am. I owned who I was for the simple fact that there were so many factors that played into why I decided to do the things I did. I was molested by family members not once but twice growing up and never told a soul until I wrote and published my book.

I was also in an abusive relationship physically and emotionally broken down to believe I was no one unless I was with them and I won't say I regret any of it because it all made me who I am today. I searched for love and acted out and did all of these things; jumping from man to man because I was screaming out for attention. I don't know about you ladies but I had a mother that was detached from me and I can honestly say never hugged me, showed me affection, or told me she loved me. So, when you talk about women being hoes you have to dig a little deeper into that thing. My life was not always peaches and cream but the last time I checked when God decided to forgive me, what man had to say about who I used to be didn't matter a bit. I am changed and I am not who I used to be because I decided to change.

 Not to get all biblical on you all but the word says; "Who the sun sets free is truly free indeed" So why would I sit around worrying about what a man may think about me when God has forgiven me? There is an old saying that says; "They say you can't make a hoe a housewife", but how can some woman's son become a man when he's been a dog all his life.... If that man is capable of changing then we both can change. Weather you want to make it a double standard or not they are both the same. A sin is a sin, no one sin is greater than the other. So, forgive me if I don't agree with how you all feel about it; I know who I am and I thank God for revealing to me that I am more than what "They say" I don't live for people and when I leave here it won't be because I allowed people to continue to keep me in my past.

 I am truly an open book and respect everyone I come in contact with but, if you based who you loved on the life they live or lived then you truly have a lot of growing up to do. Nobody is perfect and no one has all of the answers but I do know this don't count someone out because of the path they took in life. See most people won't tell you the truth about those skeletons in their closet, but just because they won't; doesn't mean they don't have them. So be careful who you deem worthy to be apart of your life or for you to give the time of day to. I'm sure everyone has a story and that if you told that story and If people truly knew it all they wouldn't be able to deal with it.

I said all of that to say this, everything happens for a reason. The post brought many to comment on how they felt. I for one am glad he posted it, however it might have looked to others I saw beyond that and realized thats what we are all here for. We all have a past is mainly what I was saying in my response. My comment wasn't geared towards anyone directly, but the masses of comments that ensued after he posted it brought my mind to reflection.  Sometimes we forget how what we say or how we react to something may affect others or what storm(s) others are going through. That post may have very well helped someone rethink life the way they know it, but what it did for me was remind me of how God saved me from me and for that I say thank you! There should be no apologies made for where you have been in life. Me telling some of my story wasn't to explain myself it was to maybe help someone else who may be confused or feel as if they are who others say they are and not know that you can be happy, live, and move forward without regret because life happens to everyone. It's not how you go through it's how you come out...

Have a great Thursday!!!

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Let Today Be The First Day.... You do you!

 The Artist Tank

Hello guys!!! I know you are wondering why you are looking at this picture of Tank. Well, I decided to update you all on why I haven't checked in and he just happens to be one of the reasons I've been away. In my efforts to strive to expand my business, the lover of music that I am lead me to have a summer music festival in my city. This event was something I never knew would take off the way it did and I'm glad that I did it! Okay so here is how doing something local can get you tapped into something national.

If you step out on faith you will be amazed at the things and the doors it will open. I took a chance and reached out to investors to partner with me to bring Tank into our city for an evening of great music and fun. Luckily once I presented this to them they believed in me enough to be apart of it! One thing I've learned about business is it either will make you or break you and I must say right now I'm loving the learning experience of it all. His name is David Jackson (pictured right) and he is am up and coming mogul in the making! Look out for his new artist J Chozen (pictured left) on his record label Certified Platinum Entertainment. More about J Chozen a little later. But, this was not only an opportunity for me to bring in hometown talent to give them exposure, it was a chance for me to tap into another side of my business which is event planning.

I can say that as much as I brought to the table David added even more. He taught me a lot and I will forever be thankful and grateful for him taking a chance on me. Everything worked out in our favor and we were able to successfully get Tank secured (Thanks to David) to do the show. After several phonecalls, emails, planning, and trail and errors; we had everything set for the day. Now, more about the young man pictured above R&B newcomer J Chozen. Born and raised in Albany, Ga and is what we call a beast vocally. If you don't know or haven't heard J Chozen I suggest you look him up on YouTube (promise you won't be disappointed). I called him to asked if he would come to Albany to open for Tank and he gladly said yes! So, there it was; the show was set up and ready to go. We get to the day of the show and the weather hadn't been so favorable for us, but keep in mind we had faith. So, even though it wasn't looking good God saw fit to allow it to be a great success! Not only did Tank come and give a show to remember, but he truly left his heart on the stage. I can appreciate an artist who gives the best they have wherever they are. When I met him once I picked him up from the airport he surprised me, because he was so down to earth. I'm expecting a heavily gaurded and quiet person and the first thing I get when he walks out of the airport is laughs! He was so down to earth and humble it was very refreshing. He stated "I'm here Albany! What are we doing tonight"? Rain or shine this guy was ready to give us a show and inded he did just that!

Fast forward to the night of the show and as we prepped for it David and I took turns with our local djs for the live remote to let the people know how exciting of a night we were about to have and urged them to come out to enjoy the night with us. J Chozen is in town and ready to go and now it's time to start the show. When I see anyone from home doing great things I can only applaud them. It was amazing to see J Chozen do his thing. He represented for his label, his home, and gave the ladies an indepth look into who he is. Tank was our guest, but J Chozen was definently in rare form! Now it's time for Tank to hit the stage... Let's just say the rest was history! The ladies were very pleased with everything and a few of them walked away with more than what they came for. We even had men in the audience vibing with Tank. His background singers and his dj (who by the way was amazing) were all great. It was one of those moments you hear about and wish you could have been apart of.

I can ramble on and on about this night, but one word to sum it up was.... EPIC!!! I experienced a lot of great things this day, but the most important was at the end of it all, all of the frustration, headaches (we all got and gave one another lol), and work David called and gave me the best advice anyone could ever share with me. He says that no matter what happens you should always have your partners back and best interest at hand. No Matter What! I had to learn to take it easy, lighten up a little, and not allow the hard times to break me. I truly soaked it all in and I am even more humbled by it as I type. I could go on about how this night ended, but I will just share some of the pics from the show. A big thank you to David Jackson (CEO/Certified Platinum Ent.), The Hilton Garden Inn, Downtown Albany, CPE, Big Pete Johnson, Aaron Blair (Downtown Manager), Moniue Broughton (Assistant to Downtown Manager), Chris Bailey, Martez Favis (Visionary Artisans), Reginald Sweet, Moes Southwestern Grill, Ryan Houston (WALB), Sonja Miller (Kreative Touch Management), Jimmie Fair (Urban Divinci Photographer) and every and anyone who played a part big or small in making this night a reality. So live your life and never forget... You can learn the most valuable lessons in life from those you least expect! Quick disclamer all photos are copyritten and all rights are reserved UDV Photography.

Here it is....

Photos and Interview from JHeather Enterprises/Certified Platinum Ent. Presents... Tank

For more pictures from the evening please visit http://www.behance.net/gallery/Tank-Live-In-Albany-Ga/4755975



J Chozen and IMOB CEO Wyzdum McCray




David Jackson (CEO Certified Platinum Ent.) and Mega Producer Kenjo





Your Favorite Authors, Author Heather Johnson (CEO JHeather Enterprises)



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Pieces of Me...

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I haven't written in a while, but tonight I sit full of thoughts, questions, and needing to be in a better place mentally. I sometimes wonder how you know when its time to let go and walk away from people, things, and situations that just aren't good for you. Letting go sounds easy, but can be made hard by those things you allow to keep you.

I've never wallowed in my past to keep me stuck, nor have I been ashamed of it. Something about dealing with so much in life after the book; makes it seem easier to just go back to those familiar things. Even in my feeling this way I remember how happiness was so far away from me at one time. They say; "Life is what you make it" and even in our making it there are some things we just don't get away from.


My thing is loneliness and the lack of TRUE companionship in the form of a significant other.Hence the song choice for today. I've been so consumed with ministry, myself, and my daughter that sometimes I wonder... What if I never am found by that person? What if I live a life alone? If you don't hear any other part of the song I want you to hear the line... "I'm the most beautiful girl in the world".... I have to remind myself of that because if I am not sure and confident of who I am; I would need someone to validate (compliment) me. Yes, we all have those things that we ponder on (If you can tell the truth on you) in the dead of night when there is only you, your thoughts, and God. I always motivate, encourage, and push my readers to live and sometimes I forget to just be honest with myself.

Someone may feel the same as I do, but to that person I say continue to be hopeful that the future will bring better days and more happiness than you know what to do with. I'm not a quitter, nor do I give up easily. Sometimes its good to be open so that you can be free and have piece of mind. But, whatever you do; never underestimate the place that you're  in, because life has a funny way of sneaking up on you. So, remember to love like there is no tomorrow and always believe that God has more in store for you, even in your waiting....

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International it is!!!!

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Who says Faith & Prayer doesn't work? Since the last time I checked in there has been so much going on, doors opening, opportunities coming up, and in the middle of it all here I am! I don't take anything for granted and last year this time when I wrote out my list of things to do this was on that list. Don't ever count out your dreams and goals; even if they seem like they are so far away. I'm so blessed and humbled even more and I just wanted to share this with you and also encourage you to continue to strive for what you believe in, even if you can't physically see it.

Ok, here it is..... As of 5/22/12 The First Day of The Rest of My Life: How my storms became my story went international!!!!! It is now available in Great Britain and Europe on http://www.amazon.co.uk/



Click To Purchase Book (In Europe & Great Britain)



I am convinced that everything I have gone through, every heartache, every pain, all of the tears, every let down, the lies, the betrayal, and everything we may go through in life (because we do go through these things) is always worth it in the end. I've learned that everything God does in our lives is only a set up for something bigger than we could ever imagine. Yes, he has great things in store for you and you have to know that his plan for your life doesn't include failing you. I'm learning even those who meant it for my bad were just a tool for God to get the glory in the end.

I won't hold you guys long, but I had to share my testimony to let you all know that it doesn't matter what "They" say, God has the final ruling in the matter. Ephesians 3:20 says; Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, so let God, be God and know that He's still able. Continue to do more than exist, Live!!

Your Favorite Authors, Author
Heather Johnson

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How to Live Life on Purpose!!

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Well, it's been some time since I last posted a blog entry and as usual the circumstances for which I have been absent have been truly out of my control and in Gods hands! If I told you all how incredibly favored I've been since we last chatted you would be amazed. All I can say is God is Good and I know him to do just what he said he would do. Life has happened to all of us and sometimes life gets the best of us, but today I am convinced that if it didn't happen how could we talk about where we used to be and how we survived those things that came to break or kill us? I made a conscious decision to live on purpose! Yes Living on purpose doesn't allow any room for any nay sayers, nor does it give way to fear or doubt. After the success of the benefit I had to get busy doing work in ministry. I can say that (and being honest when I say this) it becomes a bit much being a leader and there is so much expected of you. We go through so much on a day to day and sometimes we as leaders get drained, but in those times I'm learning that's when I pour out my heart to God and allow him to fill me, renew me, and replenish me to carry out the work. So many doors have opened for me in a short period of time, but somehow I have a feeling that it's all for me! Standing and waiting both require something. God has his own ways of testing us to see is we have learned and gained more wisdom. Thank God for even considering me for these blessings. So, here's what you do when you are ready to Live on Purpose! 1. Once you made your mind up about what direction life would go for you, stay consistent to that. 2. Get you a strong support system, Stay prayerful. 3. No matter how many people doubt you, say that you can't do it, and those that don't believe in you, and expected you to fail; continue to press forward. 4. Don't Look Back. 5. Lastly, keep God at the forefront of it all!!! I often say this; "The failure isn't in the attempt you made to reach your dreams, but in not doing anything at all to move towards them". Life is for living, so I'm living at all cost with Him in the lead. I've missed you guys so much, but I have had to be focused on business and that little love of mine named "Jaida". I pray that each of you have continued to be the blessings that you are and I will be checking in more often. Stay true to yourself and be happy.

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Let Today be The First Day: You Give Back!!!

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Great Friday to you all!!! I am looking forward to the weekend and I pray you have at least one thing that you will do different to bring some excitement into your life. Well today I want to talk a little bit about the event that is coming up soon in my hometown of Albany, Ga. This benefit is very near and dear to me and I pray it will be a success and help others. One of my biggest supporters; Halaveshia Hall gave me a boost this morning, so the Friday Free For All Jam you are rocking to is courtesy of her!

The event that I am speaking of is The 1st Annual "S.H.E." Thing Benefit Weekend. This benefit is to raise funds and awareness for both Cancer and MS (multiple sclerosis). I am so thrilled about this benefit because of the out pour of positive feedback and support from the city, businesses, and residence here in Albany. The benefit will be a two day event that includes; inspirational speaking, an auction to give back, dinner, benefit concert, vendors, informational booths, testimonials, and great family fun! It's better to allow God to lead you, versus you stepping out on your own; because when he is in control all you have to do is follow the directions he gives you. Proverbs 12:13
says; Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. This benefit is the blueprint to plant those seeds of hope.

The first night of the event will be the benefit auction/dinner where there will be guest speakers (2), dinner, and a live auction. This event is formal (black tie). All of the proceeds from this auction will be split between the two organizations; The American Cancer Society and The National MS Society. I have lived part of this personally by watching my mother battle breast cancer. She is a survivor and is proof that this disease doesn't always win. she will be one of the guest speakers for Cancer and the other guest speaker is Mrs. Colette Jenkins who will speak about Ms as a person who is living with the disease. I always wanted to do something to give back, just never knew what to do. I later found out about a childhood friend who had been diagnosed with MS (multiple sclerosis) and was led to finally take action.

The 1st Annual “"S.H.E"” Thing! Benefit Auction/Dinner and Family Fun Day of Awareness to raise funds and bring awareness to both Cancer and MS (Multiple Sclerosis). Outside of raising funds to help with a cure/educate others about these diseases, we want to shed a light on those who may not know the affects these diseases have on those in our community. Because there are those who may be living with the diseases or know someone that is directly affected by these diseases. It's A "S.H.E." Thing wants to be a beacon of hope for those persons or families dealing with these illnesses and by "Sharing Hope and Life Changing Experiences" we will leave a lasting impression for years to come.We will enjoy raffles, a live auction, and dinner on this night.

The second day and climax of the benefit will be a benefit concert that will be held in Downtown Albany. This event will be our Family Fun-day of Awareness and is free-to-the public and will consist of some of the best bands and acts from our city. This day will have vendors, food, informational booths, and testimonials through out the day. There may be a few surprises in store for those attending as well! Let Today be The First Day you give back! Find something you are passionate about and find a way to make a difference. The smallest act can make a world of difference!

I get so emotional when I think about those who have helped out with this event, the sponsors, vendors, and volunteers who chose to be apart of this monumental occasion. For more details, e-ticket purchase, donations, and even to sign our guestbook; visit the event website here: www.wix.com/itsa_shething/benefit

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