Let Today Be The First Day........... You Become PHAT!!!!

So, I know some of you are like... ABOUT TIME!!! (lol) Well, as always my absence wasn't intentional. I have been doing so much soul searching, working, staying focused and now the time has come for me to get back into the swing of things. So, sit back relax and enjoy the first installment for 2014....

 Let Today BE The First Day.........

YOU BECOME PHAT!!!!

          I had the pleasure of attending The P.H.A.T. Girl Fresh Presents: LifeStyled Event in Atlanta, Georgia last weekend. If you have never witness greatness unfold, you saw it first-hand here.

Photography By: Kushions Photography

Maui Bigelow (Founder & Creator; picture to the left) put her blood, sweat, tears, mascara, foundation, concealer, and werk, werk, werk into this grand occasion and those of us in attendance were not disappointed one bit!! It was a night full of love, inspiration, encouragement, and empowerment.

     
          The night began with us being greeted and interviewed by the fabulous red carpet host Red carpet Nikki P.; who in all of her fabulousness geared us up for the evening. She was a burst of energy and showed true love for her fellow bloggers to whom I shared the red carpet with ( PhatSkinny Chick & Simply Halaveshia) as we all spoke about our personal tags and posed for photos before entering the building. If you didn't know this night would be one to remember, you knew now!


           Getting into the building, checked off of the guest list, and escorted and seated in our VIP booth (courtesy of Maui Bigelow) had me antsy with anticipation of the start of this event. The event itself was held at the beautiful Harlem Nights Ultra Lounge situated in Downtown Atlanta. Amidst the hues of blue, reds, and pink lighting in this packed out room; you could sense how many of these people were here to simply rally for The P.H.A.T. Girl Fresh Brand. I could see Ms. Bigelow walking through the room being every woman and ensuring that everyone was comfortable; I said a little prayer that it all would work out and be just what it was supposed to be.


             Everyone in their respective places and we were set to enjoy the show. Our host Comedian Staria Roberts came out and instantly grabbed us with her down to earth, side cracking humor. She gave us just enough funny without it getting away from what and who we were there for. The music started and scene by scene we were wowed out of our seats by the confidence of those who took over the runway. You saw different representations of which we as women are all shapes, sizes, and ethnicities to boot! By the looks of everything you could tell Maui had a plan and it was now being executed to the fullest!! I don't think that any of us were in store for what we were partaking in, but we didn't mind it; not one bit!!


             Not forgetting why we all were there and keeping the theme of her vision and why she has gotten to where she has; Maui had honorees presented with their own special awards in between the designer’s showcases. The honorees and presenters were as follows: Shondia Mcfadden Sabari (BOLD and Breastless) presented by: Naeem Roberts, Ms. Bo Talley presented by La Krisha Baker, Melinda Santiago Presented by: Kristen Bookman, Ms. Nikkee Mack Presented by: Keosha Bell and Mr. MELLO Andrews Presented by: Nikki P. After listening to all of these great people and their thanks and humbleness for their even being considered; it was obvious that what Maui had done tonight was bigger than just fashion!

             Ms. P.H.A.T. (Passionate, Happy, Appreciative, & True) Girl Fresh was changing lives and I was so privileged to be in attendance. You had to leave more inspired and encouraged to stand up and be greater in whatever area or walk of life you embodied. This event was proof that there is absolutely NO FAILURE IN GOD!!! If this was a documentary it would simply be titled.... The Day In The Life of P.H.A.T. GIRL Fresh: THE MOVEMENT. Because, people clearly got it and the energy in the room oozed out and you saw smiles, excitement, laughter, tears, and did I forget to mention LOVE!!! There is so much more that I could say, but if you haven't gotten the hint that you should know who Maui Bigelow and her brand are... YOU BETTER!! 

Photo Credit: Tam D Photography

Photo Credit: Tam D Photography

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Let Today Be The First Day..... You are grateful!

This is my mom, "The Breast Cancer Survivor" going on 16yrs... To think "They" said she wouldn't make it to see the year after they diagnosed her.... #But God!!

I told you all I would be featuring her story of triumph and I am pleased to say today is the day! These are her words and who better to tell their story than the one who has gone through it all. I encourage you to tell a friend, share this story, or even remember those that we have lost and that are battling this disease known as Breast Cancer. I proudly introduce my mother Wanda Pace Myers to you all...

Hello, my name is Wanda Pace Myers; in May of 1996 I was instructed by my doctor to get a mammogram because I had reached that great age of 40. Matter of fact I was half way to 41.  When I got the mammogram I was called by my doctor to come in and see him.  When I went in he wanted to do a biopsy on the lump he had seen on the film of my left breast.After doing the biopsy it was determined that I only had calcification's probably resulting from milk drying in my milk ducts from giving birth to my children.

In September of that same year, 1996, I was taking a shower and as always checking out my body as best as I could.  Never thinking I would feel anything.  I looked down as I got into the shower and saw what I thought was bruising.  I touched it and felt pain and a lump.  My first thought was that it can’t be cancer because “they” say cancer isn’t painful, it doesn’t cause bruising and you can’t see the lump only a difference in the feel.  My cancer went against all of those textbook symptoms.  That’s why it pays for you to know your body and if it doesn’t feel right to you don’t stop until you get the answer that satisfies you.

I don’t allow myself to even think of what might have happened if I wasn’t as persistent as I was with finding out what I thought was the truth about this thing that had invaded my body. I got out of the shower and went in to show my husband and said “do you think this is cancer?”  No, it could be anything. Don’t worry about it were the words he used to reassure me.  I didn’t want to, but it remained in the back of my mind. 

I called the doctor that had handled the first procedure, but he was out of town.  I then called my medical doctor and he told me, just as I couldn’t feel and tell anything, he couldn’t feel and tell anything but he would order a mammogram for me. I got the mammogram and was told by him that nothing showed up and it was probably just something from clogged ducts or something similar.  I accepted that and continued to feel each day.

When the surgeon got back in town, I called him and he called in a prescription for antibiotics and told me to take those and by the time I finished taking them if it was infection, it would have cleared up by then. It didn’t, so I kept worrying him and he finally had me come into the office to have a needle biopsy.  He felt that it wouldn’t be anything, but we were going to be safe and put my mind at ease.  He called me the next day and asked me to come into the office.  My question to him was “is it cancer?”  He said I don’t think so it could just be abnormal cells.

I went in for the procedure.  He removed the tissue and the lymph nodes that surrounded it.  He had it tested while I was still in recovery and was waiting at my bedside when I woke up to tell me the news.  It was news he said neither of us wanted to hear, that it was in fact cancer.  He told me my options and I, having already made my peace with what I wanted to do, decided to have a radical mastectomy of my right breast.

I had to go through seven months of chemotherapy and extensive checkups as the months went on.  Why all of this to tell my story that could have been told in a few lines?  Well we all have a history and this cancer had a history with my body before it was discovered and dealt with.  What the cancer didn’t expect was to have a relationship with a person as stubborn as I am and someone that had other things going for them in their lives as well as having the desire to continue to live and raise my children by the grace of God.

I had and still have a lot of things going for me and I never will forget any of them:

1.      I was an still am a Christian and I believed and still believe in a higher power and

  went to Him in prayer (I still am a praying woman).                         

2.      I had great doctors that had my best interest in mind.

3.      I had and continue to have a great husband that supported me in whatever decision

   I made and didn’t marry me for the parts on my body.

4.      I had and continue to have a great family that stood by me through it all.

5.      I had and still have all my friends that were there every step of the way.

With all of this and my belief and faith in God, I can say today that I am a 16 year breast cancer survivor.

You need to keep a positive attitude, get rid of all the negative people in your life and keep those true friends around that when they ask “how you are doing” or” how your day is going” they stop and take the time to really listen to you and don’t have to say a word, just be there for you no matter the day or the hour. Now, my cancer happened 16 years ago and I am still here.  Can you imagine the advances they have made in medicine and treatment of this disease as well as coming closer to a cure for this and other types of cancers? Find out whatever it is you need to know about this disease and what you can do on your end to make sure you are a survivor. I believe deep in my heart that as we think and feel, it has a place in the outcome of whatever we are going through.  I never thought I wouldn’t survive this disease.

Now on the brighter side of things, I had heard that going through chemotherapy treatments for cancer you would lose weight and lose your hair.  Your hair would come back as if it was baby fine and curly. I’ve always believed that there is some good in everything, and I was looking forward to losing these extra pounds and having that beautiful head of hair that I only would have to wash and brush.  Not so, I didn’t lose any weight and I still have the hair I have to do more than wash and go. My doctor said I was the first patient he had treated that never lost the weight or the hair.  But I am thankful to God that in all of this I didn’t lose my life and most of all my faith and trust in Him.

Before the cancer, I loved sweet potatoes.  After the cancer I didn’t want to see another sweet potato.  My father had read somewhere that the ingredients in the sweet potato would help fight the cancer and every day I got home he had my sister at my house with sweet potatoes cooked in every way he knew how.  I had candied yams, sweet potato soufflé, potato pies, potato bread, mashed sweet potatoes, fried sweet potatoes, baked sweet potatoes, if he could dream it and cook it, I had it.  I love my dad, but I was so glad when he stopped sending all those sweet potatoes to me, by my sister.

What my mom would like to leave with you all is simply this: "Keep your head up; remain close to God, your family, and your true friends".

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

Press Play & Read



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!!

Press Play & Read!!!

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...

PRESS PLAY & READ!!!!

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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