Pain Into Power: A Talk With Alissa R. Jones

When Alissa was just eleven years old she was sexually abused for the first time.  The pain and hurt she felt was unimaginable.  She hated coming home and had many thoughts of suicide.  Today she is the Founder and Director of SWV, Survivors with Voices.  SWV is a non-profit foundation created in 2012 to help individuals cope with the affects of sexual abuse.

As a child Alissa's parents went through a divorce.  Her mother was not financially stable and made the decision to lease their basement.  The room was rented by a man who would eventually take advantage of her.  For months she tried to deal with the abuse alone before finally confessing to a friend and counselor.  When the news got to her mother it was obvious she was not happy Alissa shared her story.  It would be years before Alissa discovered that her mother had also been abused and was still dealing with her own issues.

Alissa spoke to AskKirbyCarroll.com about how SWV has greatly and positively changed her life.  She has written two books that talk about her story.  One is a novel, the other is a workbook on how to remove the anger of abuse.  Writing has been very therapeutic for her.  In fact, in order to truly forgive her mother and move forward she wrote her a letter.  She recommends  this tactic to anyone having issues with forgiveness.  Her mother has passed away, but they mended their relationship before her death.

April is National Sexual Abuse Awareness month.  SWV has composed a campaign called "Survived and Revived."  The campaign will consist of self defense classes, webinars, testimonies and more.

Event Info

 There are chapters in numerous cities including Orlando, Cleveland, and Houston.   We can help their efforts by participating in the campaign and purchasing the books and merchandise on http://www.survivorswithvoices.com/ .

You never know what people are going through or where they've been.  I admire individuals who transform their pain into power to help others.  How can you use your story to help someone else? Sometimes simply being an ear to listen speaks volumes.

Alissa advises anyone who has been abused to speak to someone you trust and reach out to the foundation. 

Stay In Touch With Alissa at the plugs below.

Twitter: SWVFoundation 
FB: Survivors With Voices


---AKC 
@askKirbyCarroll/@askNowShow  

Event Recap: Fashion at the Mansion 2

Sunday, March 29, 2015 I attended The G Concept's Fashion at the Mansion 2 in Mitchellville, Maryland.  The event was held at the beautiful Newton White Mansion and featured Ola Raphaeal and 6 other local designers.  Fashions were very diverse from urban street wear to exquisite gowns.

During breaks there were performances, networking, and vendors.  A portion of all ticket proceeds went to support the United Way of the National Capital Area.


 The United Way provides relief of social issues affecting the community and works to solve the root of those issues. Their focus lies in education, financial stability, and health.  

Check out Fashion at the Mansion 2 photos provided by A3 Entertainment here. 

For more information about upcoming events follow our social media sites and subscribe to askKirbyCarroll.com.  

IG: @AskNowShow
@askKirbyCarroll (personal page) 

FB: AskKirbyCarroll.net 

-- AKC 

Meet Miquelle

Miquelle West has loved fashion for as long as she could remember.  Today that passion has led to amazing opportunities.  She's worked under her mentor Patricia Fields and styled for some of the biggest names in entertainment including Beyoncé and Madonna.  Take a look at our conversation here. 

By Kirby Carroll Wright
I Am JMARiiE Staff Writer
Kirby@iamjmariie.com

Celebrating Women's Month With the SuperGorge Society

On Sunday, March 22, 2015 I attended SuperGorge Society's Women's Month Brunch, at Opera Lounge in Washington D.C.  It was such an inspiring and exciting event.  The creators of SuperGorge Society, Loreal Danee and Ashley Silva, provided delicious food, drinks, vendors, and entertainment provided by WKYS's DJ Quick Silva.

Photo Cred: the District Insider 

 However, what really captivated me was the panel that followed.  It consisted of RnB Diva of LA's BRAVE, WKYS's Angie Ang, Love and Hip Hop's Ashley T. Moore, Celebrity Makeup Artist Danielle Lewis, and Singer and Song Writer Sevyn Streeter.    

Even with all the talent and strong personalities on stage; the event still felt like a comfortable girl talk session.  Self image, heart-break, family, and financial struggles were all  topics the women discussed.  Each of the ladies explained how they faced adversity and trials in their career before reaching their individual levels of success.  Sevyn touched on the fact that she had been in two groups which fell through prior to becoming a solo artist.  She also spoke on how difficult it is to be a brown-skinned girl in the music industry.  I've always admired her writing and vocal talent and it's so cool to see her finally getting the shine she deserves. 

 Brave discussed how originally she despised reality television before joining the cast of RnB Divas LA.  But, after praying and talking to God she decided to try and change that negative stereotype.  Angie Ang discussed the power of work-ethic and never accepting less than you deserve.  She is one of the best radio personalities in the Washington DC area, and it was interesting to hear how humble her beginnings were, from interning to even turning down a similar position. Ashley Moore was quite the character and kept making everyone laugh!  She explained how important it is to control your image and brand.  She was not very happy with her portrayal on Love and Hip Hop.  But, from that platform she's gotten a bigger audience and made quite a name for herself.  Finally, Danielle emphasized the negative power in comparing yourself to others and how much that is hurting us as women.  I mean, how true is that? Don't we all look at Instagram sometime and think "maybe I'm not doing good enough?"  Women must learn to embrace their own inner and outer beauty. 

Emotion and power was strong in the room.  There was even a running joke about "not crying." What stuck out the most to me, was the discussion on work ethic.  That can't be taken away from you.  Whether you're skinny, fat, light, dark, ugly, pretty, or an alien it belongs to you!  No one can take away your passion and drive.  All of these women are very successful, attractive, and genuinely happy.  So I asked myself, "what do these diverse women have in common?"  Then I realized they all mentioned God, hard work, and loved ones.  With those things, I really do believe we can all reach our individual goals. 

I really love seeing women, especially women of color, working together and uplifting each other as a unit.  Let's make sure we support more of the SuperGorge Society's events.  Also check out the plugs below.  I'm actually really hype about Sevyn and BRAVE's album! Sidebar, did ya'll hear the EP's? I was really vibing!  Ok, I'm done, check the plugs and pics below. :) 

SuperGorge Society (creators of event and hosts):

@IamSuperGorge 

@LorealDanee 

@ashleybrittney 

Event's PR Company:

@MontagePR

Panelists:

@Sevyn 

@goangie

@bmorebrave

@dlewisbeauty 

@ashleytmoore 

Cutest Couple Award: Ashley SIlva and Husband DJ Quick SIlva

BRAVE and Myself 

Angie Ang and Myself 

--AKC

<33 

@askKirbyCarroll

@askNowShow #AskNowShow 

Take the Challenge with Mielle Organics

I recently made the choice to chop off my permed hair and joined the number of countless other women who have made the decision to embrace their natural hair. Last week IAM JMARiiE spoke with Monique Rodriguez, CEO of Mielle Organics. We spoke about entrepreneurship, her decision to go natural, and the power of using organic ingredients.

Monique has always had a passion for beauty. However, the decision to become an entrepreneur is rather new. A while ago Monique went thru a major life altering experience. “I remember thinking I could have died not living my dreams,” she says. After that encounter she promised to dedicate herself to her goals while putting all trust in God’s hands. “In order to be an entrepreneur you must keep God first, and always write down your plan” she says.

In the past it seemed that so many women were opposed to wearing their natural hair. But today, many women are embracing their true texture. Monique attributed this to the fact that they are becoming more conscious and aware of the state of their hair.

There are so many products that promote hair health and growth. What makes Mielle Organics different is the ingredients used in the products. Many of her competitors use ingredients that are linked to cancer and eczema. Monique’s background in science and healthcare make her equipped to create beautiful and healthy hair. She recommended we use her avocado hair milk as a daily moisturizer. She also recommends protective styles such as twists, braids, and even scarfs to maintain styles, especially if you’re active.

Mielle Organics has had great reviews on Instagram and Youtube. The vision of Mielle Organics is to educate, excite, and empower women. The products are available in- store in North Carolina, Maryland, Florida, and Chicago and online at www.miellleorganics.com. 

@MielleOrganics will be sending me products soon and I'd love to #takethechallenge with you guys! In order to qualify to win you must be following the new web-series @askNowShow on Instagram and @MielleOrganics.  More information will be available soon! rmation will come later. 

-- AKC

Carson Byrd Speaks on the Ask Now Show

What news is important to you? Where do you get information that is relevant to you?  Is it your local television station?  Perhaps you use an app on your phone, or maybe you're old school and still read the newspaper.  Whatever the method,  our generation needs to be aware of the issues and decisions that affect us and the world surrounding us.

On this segment of the Ask Now Show, I spoke with a friend and colleague named Carson Byrd.  We discussed how to be more aware of current events and issues impacting our generation.  In order to take over the world we must first understand it.  

Take a listen to our conversation as we speak about ways to become more informed, the power of the masses, and Carson's powerful brand Just Know I'm Workin.

You will like this one I promise!

-- AKC 

Sahara Speaks on Role Models & the Power of Mentorship

Everyone has that person who has drastically helped them develop into the person they are.  Whether the contribution was career related, educational, or personal there is someone who is essential to their development.

Mentorship is so necessary in today's society.  I am thankful for my mentors who have kept me grounded and taught me the power of hard work.  Some of these people I speak to every day while others I've never met.  But it is good to have a tangible and intangible person whose story inspires you and encourages you to reach your full potential.

With the craziness of today, this is really needed for the youth.  I spoke to the talented and beautiful Sahara on this segment of the Ask Now Show.  Sahara is a sixteen year old Youtube phenomenon that has grown in popularity.  This is due in large part to her bubbly personality and amazing song covers.

We spoke about the power of mentorship, the importance of role models, and what's next for her career.

I challenge you to actively seek out someone whose story inspires you.  I also challenge you to be a mentor to someone else.  You are never too old or young!

-- AKC