Deanna Kimberly Burrell's Blog: The Red Cup Adventures
February 11, 2021
Celebrating SIB's Breakfast Club's 2021 Game Changers - The Pandemic Class
Celebrating African American Business Leaders, Innovators and Game Changers with Sibyl Holloway of SIB'S Breakfast Club
SIB’S Breakfast Club was founded in 2008 by Sibyl Holloway to encourage support of African American business and enterprise through both social and nonsocial networking. The breakfast club started informally as a way for Sibyl to connect with friends and support Black owned businesses. Breakfast is Sibyl’s favorite meal of the day and she realized that there were so many restaurants that could not afford marketing so she started inviting a group of 20 of her friends to a monthly “breakfast” outing which rotated to support different restaurants. Friends asked if they could bring other friends and Sibyl decided to make a formal “SIB’s Breakfast Club” with a website and social media marketing to maximum her goal of recycling the Black dollar.
Another feature of SIB’S Breakfast Club is the annual Game Changers program. Through her years of networking and community building, Sibyl has met so many amazing entrepreneurs and she decided to showcase a new group every year with a Game Changers photo. The photo above was taken to honor The SIB's Breakfast Club 2021 African American Business Leaders, Innovators and Game Changers. The individuals pictured are men and women who have made a marked difference in their respective business, organization and community. We salute them!
On February 2nd, 2021, this photo was taken at the Notel Private Co-Working Space in the South Suburbs to honor SIB'S Breakfast Club's 8th Annual African-American Business Leaders, Innovators and Game Changers. The individuals pictured are men and women who have made a marked difference in their respective business, organization and community. We salute them! SIB'S Breakfast Club's 2021 Game Changers - The Pandemic Class!!!
Honorees:
Nyela Malone - LCPC
Alton Bell II - Bell Tax Accountants
Alderman Stephanie D. Coleman - 16th Ward
Attorney Chris Slaughter - Boarded Up Chicago
Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller
Entertainment and Corporate Event Director Juan Teague
Publicist Catrice Armstrong
Dr. Marlon Everett
Restauranteur, Author, Investment Banker Gavin R. Jackson
Mathematician, Trader, Author, Real estate Investor LaMailede Machell Moore
Marketing Specialist, Entrepreneur, Founder of SIB'S Breakfast Club Sibyl M Holloway
Real Estate Investor and Rehab Professional Charles McKever
Robi Smith - R.B. Pest Solutions
Roshaun Bowens - B3 Psychology Life
Commercial Real Estate Investor Cory Parham
Niecele Raya - BellaNiecele Boutique
President Kimberly Hollingsworth - Olive-Harvey College
Photo credit: Forty Photography
You can find out more about Sib’s Breakfast Club events, businesses, or request an event at your business by clicking here to go to the website page or facebook page.
SIB’S Breakfast Club was founded in 2008 by Sibyl Holloway to encourage support of African American business and enterprise through both social and nonsocial networking. The breakfast club started informally as a way for Sibyl to connect with friends and support Black owned businesses. Breakfast is Sibyl’s favorite meal of the day and she realized that there were so many restaurants that could not afford marketing so she started inviting a group of 20 of her friends to a monthly “breakfast” outing which rotated to support different restaurants. Friends asked if they could bring other friends and Sibyl decided to make a formal “SIB’s Breakfast Club” with a website and social media marketing to maximum her goal of recycling the Black dollar.
Another feature of SIB’S Breakfast Club is the annual Game Changers program. Through her years of networking and community building, Sibyl has met so many amazing entrepreneurs and she decided to showcase a new group every year with a Game Changers photo. The photo above was taken to honor The SIB's Breakfast Club 2021 African American Business Leaders, Innovators and Game Changers. The individuals pictured are men and women who have made a marked difference in their respective business, organization and community. We salute them!
On February 2nd, 2021, this photo was taken at the Notel Private Co-Working Space in the South Suburbs to honor SIB'S Breakfast Club's 8th Annual African-American Business Leaders, Innovators and Game Changers. The individuals pictured are men and women who have made a marked difference in their respective business, organization and community. We salute them! SIB'S Breakfast Club's 2021 Game Changers - The Pandemic Class!!!Honorees:
Nyela Malone - LCPC
Alton Bell II - Bell Tax Accountants
Alderman Stephanie D. Coleman - 16th Ward
Attorney Chris Slaughter - Boarded Up Chicago
Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller
Entertainment and Corporate Event Director Juan Teague
Publicist Catrice Armstrong
Dr. Marlon Everett
Restauranteur, Author, Investment Banker Gavin R. Jackson
Mathematician, Trader, Author, Real estate Investor LaMailede Machell Moore
Marketing Specialist, Entrepreneur, Founder of SIB'S Breakfast Club Sibyl M Holloway
Real Estate Investor and Rehab Professional Charles McKever
Robi Smith - R.B. Pest Solutions
Roshaun Bowens - B3 Psychology Life
Commercial Real Estate Investor Cory Parham
Niecele Raya - BellaNiecele Boutique
President Kimberly Hollingsworth - Olive-Harvey College
Photo credit: Forty Photography
You can find out more about Sib’s Breakfast Club events, businesses, or request an event at your business by clicking here to go to the website page or facebook page.
If you enjoy the Red Cup Adventures blog, please support author Deanna Burrell by purchasing her first book...the inspirational guide Voted Most Creative. The paperback and ebook are available by clicking here.
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February 9, 2021
Beasley and Whitney Young CPS Alums #Sho' Up with Assistance for Shomari Dailey's Cancer Treatment
Believe it or Not...but when I was bussed to elementary school at Beasley Academic Center on 5255 S. State Street in the 1980's, I was a quiet, shy, and awkward nerd. My first childhood home was on 80th and Constance and my sister and I were very sheltered. Since we didn't go to the neighborhood school Horace Mann on 80th and Jeffrey with the kids who lived around us, we didn't know any of them. My sister and I are only 20 months apart so we played with each other.
Going to Beasley was one of the major defining elements of my life. In the 1980's across the street from the Robert Taylor Homes Projects, Beasley was the crown jewel in the Chicago Public School magnet system. Beasley had the best teachers, best equipment (it had a swimming pool), best college prep curriculum, and the basketball team was phenomenal (shout out to Coach Green).
It was uber competitive and very hard to secure a seat. I've heard the CPS magnet school system is a beast now. But imagine in the 80's when there were very few magnet schools and very few magnet school seats. It was the Hunger Games on crack.
My parents were lower middle class when my mom was trying to get us into Beasley. She didn't have any juice. The seats at Beasley were filled mostly with Chicago's Black middle and upper class. (Alderman Dorothy Tilman had to fight like hell to secure a percentage of seats for the neighborhood kids. Imagine living in Robert Taylor homes with the best school in the city across the street and you aren't allowed to attend. That was Black elitism and classism personified.) The Beasley parents were Jack-And-Jill, sorority/fraternity, Cosby-esqe mom is a lawyer/dad is a doctor. They could afford to send their kids to private or Catholic school, but the magnet program was created so they could and would keep their kids in CPS. My mom graduated from U of I Circle campus and she had a good government job. My dad didn't go to college and he was a #UnionStrong truck driver. My mom is a hustler and she got her girls seats in Beasley which offered the best education in the city of Chicago for FREE.99.
Going to Beasley and seeing how the Black middle and upper class lived, spoke, thought, and commanded the world shaped me into the woman I am today. Going to Beasley and having some of the most amazing teachers and administrators pour their expectations for greatness into us set the tone for how I was go out and succeed against whatever odds and obstacles were presented. Going to Beasley and meeting kids my age who were fearless, smart, and dynamic gave me a blueprint for who I wanted to grow up to be. And king among these kids was Shomari D. Dailey, ESQ.
In our Class of 90 Yearbook, Shomari Dailey was voted Most Intelligent, Most Talented, Most Popular, Most Talkative, Most Athletic, and he had perfect attendance for all 8 years at Beasley. (The only superlative I won in my class was Teacher's Pet; told you I was a nerd. I really wanted to win Prettiest Hair, but Velicia Woods won and she deserved it.) Shomari and Damon Patton were the first people I ever met who loved to play devil's advocate of taking a contrary point of view which they completely didn't believe in just to spark a lively debate. Shomari had the ultimate gift of gab...IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL! Like all the girls, I had the biggest crush on Shomari Dailey and he didn't know I existed. I think it was in 7th grade that Shomari got in trouble for talking too much with Jade Boone and Cory Johnson in Social Studies so the teacher moved him to sit right in front of her which happened to be right next to
me. I thought I would die. At first, my heart would race so fast and I couldn't stop blushing sitting next to him. Since Shomari spoke to and joked with everyone, eventually it became normal to have conversations with Shomari Dailey. He would cheat off my daily current event quizzes and borrow my school supplies. I was and still am that girl...the biggest nerd, but from my peers and time at Beasley I learned to hold my own and command any room and audience I please. But as a nerdy, awkward 7th grader, Mr. Popularity Shomari D. Dailey knowing who I was and chatting causally with me everyday in Social Studies...That was pretty cool. Shomari has a way of making anyone feel special and cool by association. He's literally THE MAN! THAT DUDE! MR. BLACK AMERICA!
Shomari D. Dailey and I are apart of a wonderful and exclusive club that I call CPS Royalty. We graduated from Beasley class of 90 and then Whitney Young class of 94. A few days ago, I got invited to a private Facebook group to #ShoUP for Shomari.
In April 2016, Shomari was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer - a rare disease and even rarer disease for African American men. Although the initial cancer diagnosis was of the bone (meaning that the cancer spread from the breast area to Shomari’s bones), there was the possibility that the organs could be impacted. Given this finding, hormonal cancer treatment began immediately, along with bone treatment. Over time, the cancer has continued to spread, resulting in the current state, where the cancer has metastasized to Shomari’s brain and liver.
Although this is the diagnosis, we believe and serve a God that works miracles. We humbly ask that our family, friends, Christian brothers and sisters, supporters, cancer survivors, and those that know the power of God’s healing hand, stand in agreement with us for Shomari’s deliverance.
Please prayerfully consider making a donation to Shomari’s fund to help with his Western and holistic cancer treatments. No gift is too great or small. Please share this page and information with anyone that would be interested in supporting this cause, God’s speed!
We are currently half way to the fundraising goal of $100,000. Shomari is a loving son, brother, husband, father, Beasley Bee, Whitney Young Dolphin, U of I Undergrad and Law School Fighting Illini, and a dynamic attorney. Please donate if you can, put my friend on your prayer list, and share this fundraising message.
To donate to the #ShoUp GoFundMe please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/shoup
FYI for Whitney Young Class of 94 alum...please consider giving $94 but of course any amount is wonderful and helpful. #WY94Ever
As of Tuesday Morning 2/9, the #ShoUp: Assistance with Shomari Dailey's Cancer Treatment GoFundMe Fundraiser has raised $52,461 out of the $100,000 goal.
We would like to reach the $100,000 goal by this Sunday, February 14th (Valentine's Day) so Shomari's family can have one less thing to worry about and we know that the Chicago, Beasley, Whitney Young, and U of I networks can get this done.
So let's open our hearts and our wallets and get those donations in. We are having a virtual prayer vigil on Sunday to let our Prayer Warriors work their magic in divine order and collective consciousness. Click here to join the Facebook event for Sunday Morning.
We would love to get media coverage to help spread the word. Please contact Christi With An Eye PR for any media inquiries or scheduling at 312.451.3796 or ChristiWithAnEye@aol.com. Thank you so much for your prayers and faith! #ShoUP
JUNE 1990
Dear Beasley Graduates of 1990:
Graduation at Beasley brings a great deal of pride and happiness to the administration and staff because of the confidence we have in your future.
We expect you to be successful in the journey of life. We know that you will continue to provide us with many happy moments in the future.
We thank you now and in advance for making us proud of you.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Ollie L. McLemore (MOM)
Interim Principal
Or as Shomari wrote in our yearbooks, Good Luck in Your Future Endeavors. #TheMan #ShoUP #CPSRoyalty #BlackLivesMatter
Going to Beasley was one of the major defining elements of my life. In the 1980's across the street from the Robert Taylor Homes Projects, Beasley was the crown jewel in the Chicago Public School magnet system. Beasley had the best teachers, best equipment (it had a swimming pool), best college prep curriculum, and the basketball team was phenomenal (shout out to Coach Green).
It was uber competitive and very hard to secure a seat. I've heard the CPS magnet school system is a beast now. But imagine in the 80's when there were very few magnet schools and very few magnet school seats. It was the Hunger Games on crack.My parents were lower middle class when my mom was trying to get us into Beasley. She didn't have any juice. The seats at Beasley were filled mostly with Chicago's Black middle and upper class. (Alderman Dorothy Tilman had to fight like hell to secure a percentage of seats for the neighborhood kids. Imagine living in Robert Taylor homes with the best school in the city across the street and you aren't allowed to attend. That was Black elitism and classism personified.) The Beasley parents were Jack-And-Jill, sorority/fraternity, Cosby-esqe mom is a lawyer/dad is a doctor. They could afford to send their kids to private or Catholic school, but the magnet program was created so they could and would keep their kids in CPS. My mom graduated from U of I Circle campus and she had a good government job. My dad didn't go to college and he was a #UnionStrong truck driver. My mom is a hustler and she got her girls seats in Beasley which offered the best education in the city of Chicago for FREE.99.
Going to Beasley and seeing how the Black middle and upper class lived, spoke, thought, and commanded the world shaped me into the woman I am today. Going to Beasley and having some of the most amazing teachers and administrators pour their expectations for greatness into us set the tone for how I was go out and succeed against whatever odds and obstacles were presented. Going to Beasley and meeting kids my age who were fearless, smart, and dynamic gave me a blueprint for who I wanted to grow up to be. And king among these kids was Shomari D. Dailey, ESQ.
In our Class of 90 Yearbook, Shomari Dailey was voted Most Intelligent, Most Talented, Most Popular, Most Talkative, Most Athletic, and he had perfect attendance for all 8 years at Beasley. (The only superlative I won in my class was Teacher's Pet; told you I was a nerd. I really wanted to win Prettiest Hair, but Velicia Woods won and she deserved it.) Shomari and Damon Patton were the first people I ever met who loved to play devil's advocate of taking a contrary point of view which they completely didn't believe in just to spark a lively debate. Shomari had the ultimate gift of gab...IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL! Like all the girls, I had the biggest crush on Shomari Dailey and he didn't know I existed. I think it was in 7th grade that Shomari got in trouble for talking too much with Jade Boone and Cory Johnson in Social Studies so the teacher moved him to sit right in front of her which happened to be right next to
me. I thought I would die. At first, my heart would race so fast and I couldn't stop blushing sitting next to him. Since Shomari spoke to and joked with everyone, eventually it became normal to have conversations with Shomari Dailey. He would cheat off my daily current event quizzes and borrow my school supplies. I was and still am that girl...the biggest nerd, but from my peers and time at Beasley I learned to hold my own and command any room and audience I please. But as a nerdy, awkward 7th grader, Mr. Popularity Shomari D. Dailey knowing who I was and chatting causally with me everyday in Social Studies...That was pretty cool. Shomari has a way of making anyone feel special and cool by association. He's literally THE MAN! THAT DUDE! MR. BLACK AMERICA!Shomari D. Dailey and I are apart of a wonderful and exclusive club that I call CPS Royalty. We graduated from Beasley class of 90 and then Whitney Young class of 94. A few days ago, I got invited to a private Facebook group to #ShoUP for Shomari.
In April 2016, Shomari was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer - a rare disease and even rarer disease for African American men. Although the initial cancer diagnosis was of the bone (meaning that the cancer spread from the breast area to Shomari’s bones), there was the possibility that the organs could be impacted. Given this finding, hormonal cancer treatment began immediately, along with bone treatment. Over time, the cancer has continued to spread, resulting in the current state, where the cancer has metastasized to Shomari’s brain and liver.
Although this is the diagnosis, we believe and serve a God that works miracles. We humbly ask that our family, friends, Christian brothers and sisters, supporters, cancer survivors, and those that know the power of God’s healing hand, stand in agreement with us for Shomari’s deliverance.
Please prayerfully consider making a donation to Shomari’s fund to help with his Western and holistic cancer treatments. No gift is too great or small. Please share this page and information with anyone that would be interested in supporting this cause, God’s speed!
We are currently half way to the fundraising goal of $100,000. Shomari is a loving son, brother, husband, father, Beasley Bee, Whitney Young Dolphin, U of I Undergrad and Law School Fighting Illini, and a dynamic attorney. Please donate if you can, put my friend on your prayer list, and share this fundraising message.
To donate to the #ShoUp GoFundMe please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/shoup
FYI for Whitney Young Class of 94 alum...please consider giving $94 but of course any amount is wonderful and helpful. #WY94Ever
As of Tuesday Morning 2/9, the #ShoUp: Assistance with Shomari Dailey's Cancer Treatment GoFundMe Fundraiser has raised $52,461 out of the $100,000 goal.
We would like to reach the $100,000 goal by this Sunday, February 14th (Valentine's Day) so Shomari's family can have one less thing to worry about and we know that the Chicago, Beasley, Whitney Young, and U of I networks can get this done.
So let's open our hearts and our wallets and get those donations in. We are having a virtual prayer vigil on Sunday to let our Prayer Warriors work their magic in divine order and collective consciousness. Click here to join the Facebook event for Sunday Morning.
We would love to get media coverage to help spread the word. Please contact Christi With An Eye PR for any media inquiries or scheduling at 312.451.3796 or ChristiWithAnEye@aol.com. Thank you so much for your prayers and faith! #ShoUP
JUNE 1990Dear Beasley Graduates of 1990:
Graduation at Beasley brings a great deal of pride and happiness to the administration and staff because of the confidence we have in your future.
We expect you to be successful in the journey of life. We know that you will continue to provide us with many happy moments in the future.
We thank you now and in advance for making us proud of you.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Ollie L. McLemore (MOM)
Interim Principal
Or as Shomari wrote in our yearbooks, Good Luck in Your Future Endeavors. #TheMan #ShoUP #CPSRoyalty #BlackLivesMatter
If you enjoy the Red Cup Adventures blog, please support author Deanna Burrell by purchasing her first book...the inspirational guide Voted Most Creative. The paperback and ebook are available by clicking here.
If you want new Red Cup Adventures blogs delivered hot, fresh, and directly to your email box, type your email address below and click the "create subscription" button to sign-up for my blog alerts. The list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time. Thanks! And Please...LIKE, SHARE & COMMENT!
December 21, 2020
Winter Pest Control Tip for Your Business from 2nd Generation Exterminator Robiar Smith, CEO of R.B. Pest Solutions (Part 2)
R.B. Pest Solutions specializes in providing effective and reliable pest control solutions for residential and commercial properties. During this winter season, Robiar Smith, CEO of R.B. Pest Solutions, shared with me what business owners should be doing during the winter months on top of operating in the covid pandemic. She said, “As the seasons change in this unique time of COVID it is important for business owners to be very aware of the uptick in pest activity especially if your business space is temporarily closed. Rodents, roaches and flies represent a large influx of this activity. If not addressed immediately they can cause serious harm to your business.”
Question: Restaurants have felt the brunt of the pandemic head on. How is the Covid Pandemic and the business shutdowns impacting the rodent population?
Answer: With the restaurants closed, there are significantly fewer food sources so they are much more aggressive and desperate. You do not want to leave a rodent problem in your business untreated if you are closed because they will multiply quickly. Anything or any area which is undisturbed will be options for where rodents can thrive. Not only Rodents, but also roaches and flies find these spaces ideal. Low foot traffic has provided the pest refuge with limited interruption and restaurant owners should have measures in place to deal with an infestation.
Business environments that store food, have standing water, beverages, and garbage disposal close to premises are areas that attract the highest levels of activity. Along with the nauseous the threat of infection and disease if high when not addressed properly. According to the National Pest Management Association, Cockroaches are known to spread 33 kinds of bacteria, including E. coli and Salmonella species, six types of parasitic worms, and seven kinds of human pathogens.
Contact R.B. Pest Solutions if your business needs extermination, Inspections, Preventative measures and/or Monitoring.
Question: Robiar, your story is pretty incredible. Tell me more about how you came to be in the pest control business.
Answer: When my mother was pregnant with me, she and my father were a young couple and my mom wanted to make sure he stayed on the straight and narrow and had a way to provide for the family. They lived in Bronzeville and one day my mother walked into Aberdeen Pest Control which was in the neighborhood. It was run by a married couple, Curt and Dorothy. My mom walked in and asked if they had any jobs available. They said yes and my mom sent my dad down there to work. Fast forward to today, my father has trained hundreds of exterminators and he is well known in the city of chicago.
My work history includes being a professor of technology, teaching business courses, entrepreneurship, professional development, and IT. One day I had an epiphany and decided to take all I knew and had been teaching to start my own business and since my father is so knowledgeable in pest control, I knew that where I should create my business. My father passed all his knowledge to me and he planted a seed of excellence in me. Pest Control is not just about money for me. This is about my father’s legacy. R.B. Pest Solutions has contracts with the city of Chicago and we are licensed through with the Environment Protection Agency.
I now have a seat at the table and through me, my father also has a seat at the table. He provides that extra care and service to provide the best experience. We have married his 4 decades of old school customer service, experience, and knowledge and added my new school efficiencies and technology. We are an amazing Father Daughter Team. Everyone calls him Pops and he trains all my new hires.
I’m often amazed that I went from teaching business to having this amazing Black Owned Business. I went from an idea to fruition. Our retail store is in Chatham and the store is truly there to hire from the community and to educate the community. Our staff is 100% from the community and very diverse. We offer competitive pay, bonuses and benefits. Pest control is essential and we are here to be a solution for and in our community. We currently have a staff of 25 and will be hiring four more people.
The letter "B" in the name R.B. Pest Solutions is in honor of my father, Michael Benton. Since my parents, Michael and Dolores, didn't have any sons, it is important for me to carry on my father's legacy with this company. His work ethic and business strategies will not go in vain. Generations to come will know about the man who taught me so much! He's the best teacher a woman could ask for. My mother introduced her husband to extermination. In return, he showed his daughter, a little black girl from the south side of Chicago, the true meaning of entrepreneurship. I learned to create my own lane and live my dreams while fulfilling my other responsibilities.
R.B. Pest Solutions is a locally owned business. For more information, visit the website https://rbpestsolutions.com or call 312-217-9605. The retail store is located at 8243 S. Cottage Grove.
Click here to read Part 1 of this interview for Winter Pest Control Tips for your home.
Question: Restaurants have felt the brunt of the pandemic head on. How is the Covid Pandemic and the business shutdowns impacting the rodent population?
Answer: With the restaurants closed, there are significantly fewer food sources so they are much more aggressive and desperate. You do not want to leave a rodent problem in your business untreated if you are closed because they will multiply quickly. Anything or any area which is undisturbed will be options for where rodents can thrive. Not only Rodents, but also roaches and flies find these spaces ideal. Low foot traffic has provided the pest refuge with limited interruption and restaurant owners should have measures in place to deal with an infestation.Business environments that store food, have standing water, beverages, and garbage disposal close to premises are areas that attract the highest levels of activity. Along with the nauseous the threat of infection and disease if high when not addressed properly. According to the National Pest Management Association, Cockroaches are known to spread 33 kinds of bacteria, including E. coli and Salmonella species, six types of parasitic worms, and seven kinds of human pathogens.
Contact R.B. Pest Solutions if your business needs extermination, Inspections, Preventative measures and/or Monitoring.
Question: Robiar, your story is pretty incredible. Tell me more about how you came to be in the pest control business.
Answer: When my mother was pregnant with me, she and my father were a young couple and my mom wanted to make sure he stayed on the straight and narrow and had a way to provide for the family. They lived in Bronzeville and one day my mother walked into Aberdeen Pest Control which was in the neighborhood. It was run by a married couple, Curt and Dorothy. My mom walked in and asked if they had any jobs available. They said yes and my mom sent my dad down there to work. Fast forward to today, my father has trained hundreds of exterminators and he is well known in the city of chicago.My work history includes being a professor of technology, teaching business courses, entrepreneurship, professional development, and IT. One day I had an epiphany and decided to take all I knew and had been teaching to start my own business and since my father is so knowledgeable in pest control, I knew that where I should create my business. My father passed all his knowledge to me and he planted a seed of excellence in me. Pest Control is not just about money for me. This is about my father’s legacy. R.B. Pest Solutions has contracts with the city of Chicago and we are licensed through with the Environment Protection Agency.
I now have a seat at the table and through me, my father also has a seat at the table. He provides that extra care and service to provide the best experience. We have married his 4 decades of old school customer service, experience, and knowledge and added my new school efficiencies and technology. We are an amazing Father Daughter Team. Everyone calls him Pops and he trains all my new hires.I’m often amazed that I went from teaching business to having this amazing Black Owned Business. I went from an idea to fruition. Our retail store is in Chatham and the store is truly there to hire from the community and to educate the community. Our staff is 100% from the community and very diverse. We offer competitive pay, bonuses and benefits. Pest control is essential and we are here to be a solution for and in our community. We currently have a staff of 25 and will be hiring four more people.
The letter "B" in the name R.B. Pest Solutions is in honor of my father, Michael Benton. Since my parents, Michael and Dolores, didn't have any sons, it is important for me to carry on my father's legacy with this company. His work ethic and business strategies will not go in vain. Generations to come will know about the man who taught me so much! He's the best teacher a woman could ask for. My mother introduced her husband to extermination. In return, he showed his daughter, a little black girl from the south side of Chicago, the true meaning of entrepreneurship. I learned to create my own lane and live my dreams while fulfilling my other responsibilities.
R.B. Pest Solutions is a locally owned business. For more information, visit the website https://rbpestsolutions.com or call 312-217-9605. The retail store is located at 8243 S. Cottage Grove.
Click here to read Part 1 of this interview for Winter Pest Control Tips for your home.
December 19, 2020
Winter Pest Control Tips for Your Home from 2nd Generation Exterminator Robiar Smith, CEO of R.B. Pest Solutions (Part 1)
Robiar Smith, a Chicago native, born and raised on the south side of Chicago was introduced to pest control at a young age by her dad. She never thought in her wildest dreams that she would be starting her own pest control company to honor her parents legacy. But here she is trailblazing in the industry of pest control. Robiar was kind enough to answer a few questions and provide some great winter pest control tips for your home.
Question: Can you describe the pest landscape in Chicago and give some insight into why Chicago was named the ‘rattiest city’ in America again this year, for the 6th year in a row?
Answer: Chicago has a great transportation system which helps the rodents move around and provides them with food and shelter. Also, there is a lot of new development and construction which disturbs their nesting ground and hiding spots which brings them out in the open. Rats and mice have babies every 30 days so they reproduce quickly. Bed Bugs are also a problem in Chicago. They live all year round.
Question: What are some things people can do in their home to control pests?
Answer: You must address pest control in the long term. Again, rats and mice have babies every 30 days so you have to stay on top of any problems. In your home, start at the front door to check the entry way and walk your entire home. Look for any entry points and patch any holes you see around your doors and windows. Look for holes around your plumbing which rodents can use to travel through the walls especially if you live in a multi-unit building. Keep your food in containers and don’t leave dirty dishes out for long.
Rodents in your home will leave evidence. Look for droppings on your counters, in corners, and behind your appliances. Number one place to check and keep clean is behind the stove. Rodents in your home will more than likely be in your kitchen. They eat the crumbs behind the stove for their food source and the water pan under your refrigerator for their water source. You also want to check the utility room around the washer machine, dryer, furnace, and hot water heater. Leave traps in these areas as monitoring devices. Put down sticky traps to see what you catch.
Clean around these areas with a peppermint oil cleaner. Rodent hate the smell of peppermint. Also put a few drops of peppermint oil in a 32oz spray bottle and spray your baseboards. Anything or any area which is undisturbed will be options for where rodents can live in your home.
In addition to rodents, you have to watch out for dust mites, clover mites, bed bugs, and termites. Once they overpopulate, they become a problem. In Chicago, lots of people are using public transportation which is one of the ways bugs can follow you home. Also, lots of people are ride share drivers and/or using ride sharing for transportation. I recommend ride share drivers use 91% alcohol as a repellent/disinfectant in their car. Spray the back of your car occasionally between passengers. Keep all your coats in one closet. Occasionally spray your purse, shoes, and outwear with disinfectant.
Question: Wow, those are a lot of great tips. But what if they need to call in a professional. What services does R.B Pest Solutions offer?
Answer: We are always here to help and service the community. R.B Pest Solutions has a retail store located at 8243 S. Cottage Grove in the Chatham neighborhood where people can purchase products or get more information. Residential clients can sign up for pest control visits on a monthly or quarterly basis. R.B. Pest Solutions specializes in providing effective and reliable pest control solutions for residential and commercial properties.
At RB Pеѕt Sоlutіоnѕ, wе specialized in providing effective and reliable реѕt соntrоl ѕоlutіоnѕ in thе rеѕіdеntіаl and соmmеrсіаl рrореrtу. We take Integrated Pest Management to heart in providing both ѕhоrt and long-term pest control ѕоlutіоnѕ fоr рrореrtу оwnеrѕ. Whether the рrоblеm Ants, Bed Bugs, Centipedes, Mісе, Rаtѕ, Tеrmіtеѕ, Mоsquіtоeѕ аnd Spiders, RB Pest Solutions have an experienced реѕt соntrоl specialist whо саn hеlр.
We also еduсаtе our clients on Pеѕt Sоlutіоnѕ that аrе affordable аnd еffесtіvе; we have tесhnісіаnѕ that has been іn the іnduѕtrу fоr over 30 уеаrѕ. We get rіd of unwanted guеѕtѕ fоr good.
At RB Pеѕt Solutions, wе dоn't rеѕt until we get rid of your Pеѕt.
Question: Why choose R.B Pest Solutions?
Answer: R.B Solutions is a local based company in Chicago, IL. We are leaders in providing the highest quality extermination for residential and commercial properties. Our technicians educate your tenants and customers while providing long lasting solutions to your unwanted guests!
We have two generations of certified technicians that care and provide industry standard IPM management like no other company. Our tailored approach with our genuine concern to provide you with a solution is our commitment.
If you are looking for fast, efficient, expert service from local, friendly, knowledgeable technicians, then look no further. Whatever your pest control issue, we have the experience and capabilities to manage any problem swiftly and effectively.
For more information, visit the website https://rbpestsolutions.com or call 312-217-9605. The retail store is located at 8243 S. Cottage Grove.
Question: Can you describe the pest landscape in Chicago and give some insight into why Chicago was named the ‘rattiest city’ in America again this year, for the 6th year in a row?
Answer: Chicago has a great transportation system which helps the rodents move around and provides them with food and shelter. Also, there is a lot of new development and construction which disturbs their nesting ground and hiding spots which brings them out in the open. Rats and mice have babies every 30 days so they reproduce quickly. Bed Bugs are also a problem in Chicago. They live all year round.Question: What are some things people can do in their home to control pests?
Answer: You must address pest control in the long term. Again, rats and mice have babies every 30 days so you have to stay on top of any problems. In your home, start at the front door to check the entry way and walk your entire home. Look for any entry points and patch any holes you see around your doors and windows. Look for holes around your plumbing which rodents can use to travel through the walls especially if you live in a multi-unit building. Keep your food in containers and don’t leave dirty dishes out for long.Rodents in your home will leave evidence. Look for droppings on your counters, in corners, and behind your appliances. Number one place to check and keep clean is behind the stove. Rodents in your home will more than likely be in your kitchen. They eat the crumbs behind the stove for their food source and the water pan under your refrigerator for their water source. You also want to check the utility room around the washer machine, dryer, furnace, and hot water heater. Leave traps in these areas as monitoring devices. Put down sticky traps to see what you catch.
Clean around these areas with a peppermint oil cleaner. Rodent hate the smell of peppermint. Also put a few drops of peppermint oil in a 32oz spray bottle and spray your baseboards. Anything or any area which is undisturbed will be options for where rodents can live in your home.
In addition to rodents, you have to watch out for dust mites, clover mites, bed bugs, and termites. Once they overpopulate, they become a problem. In Chicago, lots of people are using public transportation which is one of the ways bugs can follow you home. Also, lots of people are ride share drivers and/or using ride sharing for transportation. I recommend ride share drivers use 91% alcohol as a repellent/disinfectant in their car. Spray the back of your car occasionally between passengers. Keep all your coats in one closet. Occasionally spray your purse, shoes, and outwear with disinfectant.
Question: Wow, those are a lot of great tips. But what if they need to call in a professional. What services does R.B Pest Solutions offer?
Answer: We are always here to help and service the community. R.B Pest Solutions has a retail store located at 8243 S. Cottage Grove in the Chatham neighborhood where people can purchase products or get more information. Residential clients can sign up for pest control visits on a monthly or quarterly basis. R.B. Pest Solutions specializes in providing effective and reliable pest control solutions for residential and commercial properties.At RB Pеѕt Sоlutіоnѕ, wе specialized in providing effective and reliable реѕt соntrоl ѕоlutіоnѕ in thе rеѕіdеntіаl and соmmеrсіаl рrореrtу. We take Integrated Pest Management to heart in providing both ѕhоrt and long-term pest control ѕоlutіоnѕ fоr рrореrtу оwnеrѕ. Whether the рrоblеm Ants, Bed Bugs, Centipedes, Mісе, Rаtѕ, Tеrmіtеѕ, Mоsquіtоeѕ аnd Spiders, RB Pest Solutions have an experienced реѕt соntrоl specialist whо саn hеlр.
We also еduсаtе our clients on Pеѕt Sоlutіоnѕ that аrе affordable аnd еffесtіvе; we have tесhnісіаnѕ that has been іn the іnduѕtrу fоr over 30 уеаrѕ. We get rіd of unwanted guеѕtѕ fоr good.
At RB Pеѕt Solutions, wе dоn't rеѕt until we get rid of your Pеѕt.
Question: Why choose R.B Pest Solutions?
Answer: R.B Solutions is a local based company in Chicago, IL. We are leaders in providing the highest quality extermination for residential and commercial properties. Our technicians educate your tenants and customers while providing long lasting solutions to your unwanted guests!We have two generations of certified technicians that care and provide industry standard IPM management like no other company. Our tailored approach with our genuine concern to provide you with a solution is our commitment.
If you are looking for fast, efficient, expert service from local, friendly, knowledgeable technicians, then look no further. Whatever your pest control issue, we have the experience and capabilities to manage any problem swiftly and effectively.
For more information, visit the website https://rbpestsolutions.com or call 312-217-9605. The retail store is located at 8243 S. Cottage Grove.
December 9, 2020
Someone You Should Know: Bobby Burke of BLAQE EVERYDAY clothing
Originally, Athleisure was a fashion trend featuring clothing designed for athletic activities. It has become hybrid clothing that is not just worn during athletic activities but also in other settings, such as the workplace, at school, or at other casual occasions. The trend towards Athleisure clothing isn’t new. As people seek to match their clothes to fit their lifestyle, it makes sense to wear clothing that lets us move from one activity to another while staying comfortable and looking good at the same time.
For clothing designers and companies, Athleisure is also big business and many African-Americans are carving out their piece of this lucrative pie. Actress Kate Hudson has Fabletics which has partnered with former Destiny’s Child singer Kelly Rowland on a limited-edition collection. Beyonce’s Ivy Park is a stand alone franchise but she has also collaborated with Adidas as a creative partner. And in 2016, Rihanna presented her Fenty X Puma collection in her first New York’s Fashion Week show with the legendary Anna Wintour seated in the celebrity-studded front row. In the midst of this current pandemic which has a large majority of the population working from home, even more people are leaving their suits and formal work wear hanging in their closets and instead are looking for comfy clothing options. I was really happy to learn that there is a Black-owned Athleisure clothing line right here in Chicago and am excited to feature Bobby Burke, owner of BLAQE EVERYDAY as a Red Cup Adventure Someone You Should Know.
Bobby Burke launched BLAQE Everyday in October 2019 with a unique rain jacket. The BLAQE Everyday collection has expanded to include crewneck sweatshirts, hoodies, shorts, T-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, and of course the signature rain jacket. The brand motto is Love. Fashion, Charity. Bobby had taken his LOVE of Being Black and unique FASHION acumen to create a business that highlights giving back, community, and CHARITY. BLAQE Everyday is more than just clothes, it's a Civilized Lifestyle.
Bobby Burke was born and raised in Chicago. He was raised in the Robert Taylor homes as the middle child. His stern, single mom raised 3 kids as she worked two jobs. His family lived in Robert Taylor when the housing project functioned as a protective, family community which was before it was overrun with crime, gangs, and drugs. Growing up in Robert Taylor gave Bobby a good foundation. Even as a child, Bobby was very creative and he was always helping others. Though he dropped out of high school in his junior year, his faith, determination, and perseverance kept him from going down a bad path. For over 20 years, Bobby has worked as a marketing and sales professional for a major business database company.
Bobby describes himself as a cautious, analytical overthinker who loves to motivate and mentor. One of his greatest assets is having an amazing group of Black male friends who hold each other accountable and encourage each other to be high achievers. Bobby is also an active member of the Chicago chapter of 100 Black Men. So after 20 years of corporate success coupled with no-nonsense teachings from his mother and the support of his impressive peer group, Bobby decided it was time to launch his own sustainable fashion company with a non profit component.
The Q in BLAQE Everyday stands for Quarter. Each quarter a percentage of profits from each item sold is distributed amongst Black Owned businesses and Non-Profit Organizations which focus on the betterment of the African-American community. So far, this GiveBack component of the brand has donated to Gray Matter and ChiGivesBack. In 2021, Bobby will explore opening a BLAQE Everyday retail store in the South Loop. But right now, he is focused on sales for the 2020 holiday season. For December, he is re-releasing the widely population all-Black with white lettering BLAQE Everyday sweater and the festive Black sweater with red lettering. The last two weeks of December will also feature a 25% off holiday discount on the website. So if you want to let the world know how Black and Proud you are everyday while also Giving Back to worthwhile non-profits, do some holiday shopping on https://blaqeeveryday.com. You can also follow Bobby Burke @BlaqeEveryday on Instagram.
For clothing designers and companies, Athleisure is also big business and many African-Americans are carving out their piece of this lucrative pie. Actress Kate Hudson has Fabletics which has partnered with former Destiny’s Child singer Kelly Rowland on a limited-edition collection. Beyonce’s Ivy Park is a stand alone franchise but she has also collaborated with Adidas as a creative partner. And in 2016, Rihanna presented her Fenty X Puma collection in her first New York’s Fashion Week show with the legendary Anna Wintour seated in the celebrity-studded front row. In the midst of this current pandemic which has a large majority of the population working from home, even more people are leaving their suits and formal work wear hanging in their closets and instead are looking for comfy clothing options. I was really happy to learn that there is a Black-owned Athleisure clothing line right here in Chicago and am excited to feature Bobby Burke, owner of BLAQE EVERYDAY as a Red Cup Adventure Someone You Should Know.
Bobby Burke launched BLAQE Everyday in October 2019 with a unique rain jacket. The BLAQE Everyday collection has expanded to include crewneck sweatshirts, hoodies, shorts, T-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, and of course the signature rain jacket. The brand motto is Love. Fashion, Charity. Bobby had taken his LOVE of Being Black and unique FASHION acumen to create a business that highlights giving back, community, and CHARITY. BLAQE Everyday is more than just clothes, it's a Civilized Lifestyle.
Bobby Burke was born and raised in Chicago. He was raised in the Robert Taylor homes as the middle child. His stern, single mom raised 3 kids as she worked two jobs. His family lived in Robert Taylor when the housing project functioned as a protective, family community which was before it was overrun with crime, gangs, and drugs. Growing up in Robert Taylor gave Bobby a good foundation. Even as a child, Bobby was very creative and he was always helping others. Though he dropped out of high school in his junior year, his faith, determination, and perseverance kept him from going down a bad path. For over 20 years, Bobby has worked as a marketing and sales professional for a major business database company.
Bobby describes himself as a cautious, analytical overthinker who loves to motivate and mentor. One of his greatest assets is having an amazing group of Black male friends who hold each other accountable and encourage each other to be high achievers. Bobby is also an active member of the Chicago chapter of 100 Black Men. So after 20 years of corporate success coupled with no-nonsense teachings from his mother and the support of his impressive peer group, Bobby decided it was time to launch his own sustainable fashion company with a non profit component.
The Q in BLAQE Everyday stands for Quarter. Each quarter a percentage of profits from each item sold is distributed amongst Black Owned businesses and Non-Profit Organizations which focus on the betterment of the African-American community. So far, this GiveBack component of the brand has donated to Gray Matter and ChiGivesBack. In 2021, Bobby will explore opening a BLAQE Everyday retail store in the South Loop. But right now, he is focused on sales for the 2020 holiday season. For December, he is re-releasing the widely population all-Black with white lettering BLAQE Everyday sweater and the festive Black sweater with red lettering. The last two weeks of December will also feature a 25% off holiday discount on the website. So if you want to let the world know how Black and Proud you are everyday while also Giving Back to worthwhile non-profits, do some holiday shopping on https://blaqeeveryday.com. You can also follow Bobby Burke @BlaqeEveryday on Instagram.November 3, 2020
Someone You Should Know: The Whole World Is "#Watchin!" Tshurhad Chivas
ABOUT TSHURHAD CHIVAS: Award-winning marketeer, artist, musician, and Chicago fixture, you know you're in the right place if and when you see Tshurhad Chivas on the scene. In light of today's pivotal election and constantly escalating American unrest, he has re-surfaced musically with a social, geo-political anthem entitled #Watchin!
ABOUT THE SONG: #Watchin! is a call to action to the American people to accept accountability for OUR current situation. We must hold each and every individual and those in power accountable for their actions as it relates to social injustice, police brutality, economic disparity, lapse in education, systematic racism, and overall humanity in the United States of America. As the song states, THE WHOLE WORLD IS LITERALLY #Watchin! to see what the people of America are going to do. Will we continue to let hateful politics and leadership divide us or will we finally work together to fix the turmoil and disease in our nation? THE WHOLE WORLD IS #Watchin! and Tshurhad Chivas has been inspired by the social climate from the past, present, and future and decided to capture this moment of reflection as a musical beacon of hope.
During the current cultural and socio-economic climate in the US, the whole world is #Watchin! our politics and listening to our thought leaders. WE, the people, need to be conscious, brave, and bold enough to know that we can create positive change in this country. The song states "They're #Watchin! you and you and you". Everyone is #Watchin! to see what the next course of action is going to be. Are we going to move forward positively as a society? Are we going to allow hate, fear, and greed to drag us further into the darkness? Who is willing to help? Who is willing to risk their life for justice and equality for all?
#Watchin! seeks to ask individuals to reach into their being and decide what they're going to do to change their mindset and their heart. Are we prepared for an inevitable collapse of American society and our place in the world order as we know it? Or are we going to transition as a people out of inequality and injustice? It's only fitting that Tshurhad dropped his explosive and revolutionary song #Watchin! today. It's Tuesday, November 3rd and THE WHOLE WORLD IS #Watchin!.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN, PURCHASE AND SUPPORT: #Watchin!
https://peepstee.bandcamp.com/track/watchin?
THE DIGITAL DOWNLOAD PRICE STARTS AT $5, BUT YOU CAN PAY WHAT YOU WANT!!! Each month, 1/3 of the proceeds from this recording will go to benefit a local community organization. For the month of November, the cause is Youth Homelessness and the charity is Covenant House and The Green Light Movement. Click here to LIKE the Peep Stee Facebook event page to find out more about the November charity drive.
"You tell them choose a side and pledge allegiance
You're headed to demise, look around, we all see it
The Whole World!"
-Tshurhad Chivas of Peep Stee, #Watchin!
ABOUT THE SONG: #Watchin! is a call to action to the American people to accept accountability for OUR current situation. We must hold each and every individual and those in power accountable for their actions as it relates to social injustice, police brutality, economic disparity, lapse in education, systematic racism, and overall humanity in the United States of America. As the song states, THE WHOLE WORLD IS LITERALLY #Watchin! to see what the people of America are going to do. Will we continue to let hateful politics and leadership divide us or will we finally work together to fix the turmoil and disease in our nation? THE WHOLE WORLD IS #Watchin! and Tshurhad Chivas has been inspired by the social climate from the past, present, and future and decided to capture this moment of reflection as a musical beacon of hope.
During the current cultural and socio-economic climate in the US, the whole world is #Watchin! our politics and listening to our thought leaders. WE, the people, need to be conscious, brave, and bold enough to know that we can create positive change in this country. The song states "They're #Watchin! you and you and you". Everyone is #Watchin! to see what the next course of action is going to be. Are we going to move forward positively as a society? Are we going to allow hate, fear, and greed to drag us further into the darkness? Who is willing to help? Who is willing to risk their life for justice and equality for all?#Watchin! seeks to ask individuals to reach into their being and decide what they're going to do to change their mindset and their heart. Are we prepared for an inevitable collapse of American society and our place in the world order as we know it? Or are we going to transition as a people out of inequality and injustice? It's only fitting that Tshurhad dropped his explosive and revolutionary song #Watchin! today. It's Tuesday, November 3rd and THE WHOLE WORLD IS #Watchin!.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN, PURCHASE AND SUPPORT: #Watchin!
https://peepstee.bandcamp.com/track/watchin?
THE DIGITAL DOWNLOAD PRICE STARTS AT $5, BUT YOU CAN PAY WHAT YOU WANT!!! Each month, 1/3 of the proceeds from this recording will go to benefit a local community organization. For the month of November, the cause is Youth Homelessness and the charity is Covenant House and The Green Light Movement. Click here to LIKE the Peep Stee Facebook event page to find out more about the November charity drive.
"You tell them choose a side and pledge allegiance
You're headed to demise, look around, we all see it
The Whole World!"
-Tshurhad Chivas of Peep Stee, #Watchin!
If you enjoy the Red Cup Adventures blog, please click the Facebook Like Button at the top and support author Deanna Burrell by purchasing her first book...the inspirational guide Voted Most Creative. The $13 paperback and $5 ebook are available by clicking here.
If you want new Red Cup Adventures blogs delivered hot, fresh, and directly to your email box, type your email address below and click the "create subscription" button to sign-up for my blog alerts. The list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time. Thanks! And Please...LIKE, SHARE & COMMENT!
October 9, 2020
Someone You Should Know: Artist BRYANTLamont presents the SOFAseries
ART MAKES THE SPACE
ART MAKES THE SPACE
ART MAKES THE SPACE
With studios in Chicago, Nashville, and London, Artist BRYANTLamont of ARTepidemic wants to see ARTeverywhere..........
Since every acquisition of an ARTepidemic piece includes a complementary installation, he has traveled around the globe to personally transport and install his art work.
Currently presenting his SOFASeries, BRYANT says art makes THE space...art makes YOUR space...art DEFINES your space. Within your LIVINGspace, there is normally a Sofa. Why not bring your respective living space to life with one of his amazing SOFAseries original art paintings?
BRYANTLamont is a WORLD RENOWNED
ARTIST, COLLECTOR, GALLERIST, and ACTIVIST
Mediums: Oil, Acrylic, Pastels, Dye, Pencil, Encaustic, Chalk, Crayon, Canvas, Hardboard as instruments.
ARTistic Vision: To create a visual narrative.
The narrative, Abstract - Figurative.
ARTistic Goals: Document my cultural identity.
Past - Present - Future.
Social - Political - Cultural.
ARTistic Mantra: My view of the world, the world’s view of me. I create this narrative to document...A rich history! A living struggle! A free future! For all HUMANITY.
IT's ALL LOVE, BABY.............
BRYANT encourages Black people to not only hang art work in their spaces, but to also realize art is a worthy asset that can be acquired for long-term investment opportunities. Jay-Z said it best in The Story of O.J...
"Financial freedom my only hope
Fuck livin' rich and dyin' broke
I bought some artwork for one million
Two years later, that shit worth two million
Few years later, that shit worth eight million
I can't wait to give this shit to my children
Y'all think it's bougie, I'm like, it's fine
But I'm tryin' to give you a million dollars worth of game for nine ninety-nine"
For acquisition pricing and information on private showings, call or text 773.706.9039. Click here to visit the website.
Follow BRYANTLamont on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ARTpimp1966/
If you enjoy the Red Cup Adventures blog, please click the Facebook Like Button at the top and support author Deanna Burrell by purchasing her first book...the inspirational guide Voted Most Creative. The $13 paperback and $5 ebook are available by clicking here.
If you want new Red Cup Adventures blogs delivered hot, fresh, and directly to your email box, type your email address below and click the "create subscription" button to sign-up for my blog alerts. The list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time. Thanks! And Please...LIKE, SHARE & COMMENT!
Artist BRYANTLamont presents the SOFAseries
ART MAKES THE SPACE
ART MAKES THE SPACE
ART MAKES THE SPACE
With studios in Chicago, Nashville, and London, Artist BRYANTLamont of ARTepidemic wants to see ARTeverywhere..........
Since every acquisition of an ARTepidemic piece includes a complementary installation, he has traveled around the globe to personally transport and install his art work.
Currently presenting his SOFASeries, BRYANT says art makes THE space...art makes YOUR space...art DEFINES your space. Within your LIVINGspace, there is normally a Sofa. Why not bring your respective living space to life with one of his amazing SOFAseries original art paintings?
BRYANTLamont is a WORLD RENOWNED
ARTIST, COLLECTOR, GALLERIST, and ACTIVIST
Mediums: Oil, Acrylic, Pastels, Dye, Pencil, Encaustic, Chalk, Crayon, Canvas, Hardboard as instruments.
ARTistic Vision: To create a visual narrative.
The narrative, Abstract - Figurative.
ARTistic Goals: Document my cultural identity.
Past - Present - Future.
Social - Political - Cultural.
ARTistic Mantra: My view of the world, the world’s view of me. I create this narrative to document...A rich history! A living struggle! A free future! For all HUMANITY.
IT's ALL LOVE, BABY.............
BRYANT encourages Black people to not only hang art work in their spaces, but to also realize art is a worthy asset that can be acquired for long-term investment opportunities. Jay-Z said it best in The Story of O.J...
"Financial freedom my only hope
Fuck livin' rich and dyin' broke
I bought some artwork for one million
Two years later, that shit worth two million
Few years later, that shit worth eight million
I can't wait to give this shit to my children
Y'all think it's bougie, I'm like, it's fine
But I'm tryin' to give you a million dollars worth of game for nine ninety-nine"
For acquisition pricing and information on private showings, call or text 773.706.9039. Click here to visit the website.
Follow BRYANTLamont on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ARTpimp1966/
Someone You Should Know: Dr. Goldwyn B. Foggie AKA Dr. Goldie
Dr. Goldwyn B. Foggie, also known as Dr. Goldie, is a board certified Obesity Medicine Specialist and OB/GYN. She founded Illinois Wellness and Weight Loss Centers to promote health and wellness through the prevention and treatment of overweight and obesity. Her desire to transform lives grew after she lost both her parents to obesity-related illnesses. The best advice she lives by and gives to her patients is Do Something Every Day That Brings You One Step Closer To Your Goals.
Illinois Wellness & Weight Loss Centers promotes weight loss and healthy lifestyles through weight loss programs, on line courses, health fairs, workshops, body contouring and speaking engagements. They transform lives through nutrition, exercise, behavioral modification, and physician supervised medical therapy in their office and online health coaching. Click here to visit their interactive facebook page for patient testimonies, delicious low-fat recipes, healthy tips, and more. Call the Evergreen Park office at 872.702.4254 or click here for the website to schedule a weight loss consultation or body sculpting appointment.
Health is true wealth and Dr. Goldie has a full line of all-natural herbal supplements that assist with a variety of ailments including weight loss and boosting the immune system. She developed her line because "nature has given us all the tools we need to nourish and restore our health. We carefully select each of our ingredients for their effectiveness and potency, providing a safe and natural way to take back your health." Dr. Goldie's Supplements line includes a Complete Multivitamin, OXY Burn, Colon Sweep, Emergency Immune Support with Elderberry & Vitamin C, Vitamin K2 D3. Visit IWWLC.COM to purchase your Dr. Goldie's Supplements today.
To book Dr. Goldie for your next health fair, church function or corporate event contact illinoiswellness@gmail.com.
Illinois Wellness & Weight Loss Centers promotes weight loss and healthy lifestyles through weight loss programs, on line courses, health fairs, workshops, body contouring and speaking engagements. They transform lives through nutrition, exercise, behavioral modification, and physician supervised medical therapy in their office and online health coaching. Click here to visit their interactive facebook page for patient testimonies, delicious low-fat recipes, healthy tips, and more. Call the Evergreen Park office at 872.702.4254 or click here for the website to schedule a weight loss consultation or body sculpting appointment.
Health is true wealth and Dr. Goldie has a full line of all-natural herbal supplements that assist with a variety of ailments including weight loss and boosting the immune system. She developed her line because "nature has given us all the tools we need to nourish and restore our health. We carefully select each of our ingredients for their effectiveness and potency, providing a safe and natural way to take back your health." Dr. Goldie's Supplements line includes a Complete Multivitamin, OXY Burn, Colon Sweep, Emergency Immune Support with Elderberry & Vitamin C, Vitamin K2 D3. Visit IWWLC.COM to purchase your Dr. Goldie's Supplements today.
To book Dr. Goldie for your next health fair, church function or corporate event contact illinoiswellness@gmail.com.
October 1, 2020
From Chicago Teen Mom to Atlanta PR Expert: Manisha Holiday's New Book is Victorious
Manisha Holiday grew up on the SouthSide of Chicago. She was raised by a single mother and was only 15 years old when she had her first baby. The biggest challenges for her were providing for her child, juggling school, and growing up too soon. “I wanted to make my mom proud, so I did what I had to do,” says Manisha.
Having a newborn is life-changing for any parent, but being a single mom with a newborn is nerve-wrecking and exhausting. The hardest part of that phase of single motherhood was learning to do ALL of it alone and managing the emotions along the way.
"I read all the books, went to all my doctor appointments, prepared the hospital bag, and created a birth plan by myself, for the most part. I wanted my baby’s father there for the entire birth but it didn’t work out that way.
During labor I felt excitement and disappointment, anticipation and frustration, along with joy and pain. My baby was beautiful. The birth should have been a moment to be celebrated but it was overshadowed by deflated hopes."
Despite starting a family at such an early age and being a single mom, Manisha finished school and went on to build a life for her three children.
"One promise I made to myself being a teenage mother was to never give up on myself or my children. I had to be a woman before my time, I learned a lot of things along the way. I made a lot of sacrifices and I couldn’t let my family and most of all my mother down who was also a single parent at the time. There were hardship and lot's of sacrifices, but I provided a good life to my children. In August of 2014, my oldest daughter moved into the college dorm at Northern Illinois University and decided I wanted to start a new life. I gave up everything. I boarded a Greyhound bus with two suitcases and my son who was eight at the time headed for Atlanta, Georgia. My middle child stayed in Chicago with her father to finish her last year of high school. It was time for me to walk in my purpose and put all the horror stories of my life and past behind me. I was ready to give my children everything I wanted as a child and more. The only way for me to do that was to step out in faith, trust my gifts and talent, and use things that I was good at and loved to do. I put it all into creating my own business."
And the gamble paid off for Manisha. Both of her daughters (a social service professional and a makeup artist) are successful women, and she’s raising her 14-year-old son to be an amazing young man. On top of that, Manisha runs her own public relations firm, The Holiday Firm. Founded in 2015, The Holiday Firm is an award-winning strategic, integrated communications and public relations firm, headquartered in Atlanta, GA, with offices in California and Illinois. Manisha has worked with many entertainers, entrepreneurs, and women in business in Atlanta, Georgia. including Syleena Johnson, Sister Circle, TV One and Lisa Nicole Cloud, “Married to Medicine” Bravo TV while public relations director at ADlanta Magazine. The firm connects brands, messages, and people through data-driven insights, cross-channel communications, and a brilliant customer experience. Find out more by visiting https://theholidayfirm.com. Manisha also is a co-owner of a hemp farm in Georgia and is a co-author of the book "The Protector, The Provider, My Husband, My King... I,ll Wait!"
At 40, Manisha wants to tell her story and share it with others in her new book: Victorious: A Journey to 40. In the book, she details how does a girl who started life with the short end of the stick grow into a woman who is filled with favor? How does a victim of abuse and trauma turn the hopeless situation into victory. Journey with me through the hills and valleys (mostly valleys) of life to discover how the trajectory of my life changed when I changed three things. You will be able to change your life and life story too!
Having a newborn is life-changing for any parent, but being a single mom with a newborn is nerve-wrecking and exhausting. The hardest part of that phase of single motherhood was learning to do ALL of it alone and managing the emotions along the way.
"I read all the books, went to all my doctor appointments, prepared the hospital bag, and created a birth plan by myself, for the most part. I wanted my baby’s father there for the entire birth but it didn’t work out that way.
During labor I felt excitement and disappointment, anticipation and frustration, along with joy and pain. My baby was beautiful. The birth should have been a moment to be celebrated but it was overshadowed by deflated hopes."
Despite starting a family at such an early age and being a single mom, Manisha finished school and went on to build a life for her three children.
"One promise I made to myself being a teenage mother was to never give up on myself or my children. I had to be a woman before my time, I learned a lot of things along the way. I made a lot of sacrifices and I couldn’t let my family and most of all my mother down who was also a single parent at the time. There were hardship and lot's of sacrifices, but I provided a good life to my children. In August of 2014, my oldest daughter moved into the college dorm at Northern Illinois University and decided I wanted to start a new life. I gave up everything. I boarded a Greyhound bus with two suitcases and my son who was eight at the time headed for Atlanta, Georgia. My middle child stayed in Chicago with her father to finish her last year of high school. It was time for me to walk in my purpose and put all the horror stories of my life and past behind me. I was ready to give my children everything I wanted as a child and more. The only way for me to do that was to step out in faith, trust my gifts and talent, and use things that I was good at and loved to do. I put it all into creating my own business."
And the gamble paid off for Manisha. Both of her daughters (a social service professional and a makeup artist) are successful women, and she’s raising her 14-year-old son to be an amazing young man. On top of that, Manisha runs her own public relations firm, The Holiday Firm. Founded in 2015, The Holiday Firm is an award-winning strategic, integrated communications and public relations firm, headquartered in Atlanta, GA, with offices in California and Illinois. Manisha has worked with many entertainers, entrepreneurs, and women in business in Atlanta, Georgia. including Syleena Johnson, Sister Circle, TV One and Lisa Nicole Cloud, “Married to Medicine” Bravo TV while public relations director at ADlanta Magazine. The firm connects brands, messages, and people through data-driven insights, cross-channel communications, and a brilliant customer experience. Find out more by visiting https://theholidayfirm.com. Manisha also is a co-owner of a hemp farm in Georgia and is a co-author of the book "The Protector, The Provider, My Husband, My King... I,ll Wait!"
How you became a single mom does not matter;
it's what you do with the experience that does.
At 40, Manisha wants to tell her story and share it with others in her new book: Victorious: A Journey to 40. In the book, she details how does a girl who started life with the short end of the stick grow into a woman who is filled with favor? How does a victim of abuse and trauma turn the hopeless situation into victory. Journey with me through the hills and valleys (mostly valleys) of life to discover how the trajectory of my life changed when I changed three things. You will be able to change your life and life story too!
The journey to 40 wasn't paved in gold but it is filled with golden nuggets that took Manisha from victimhood to living a victorious life! Get inspired. Get uplifted. Get ready to change your story too. Pre-Order Victorious: A Journey to 40 on her website by clicking here!
The Red Cup Adventures
Welcome to the Red Cup Adventures. You're probably wondering "Why the Red Cup Adventures"? Because they are the universal symbols of fun. They’re ambassadors of good times and the perfect decorative h
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