Cece In The City

Category: blogs

  • Interview with Author Elle Spencer

    Interview with Elle Spencer

    By: Where It Begins

     

    Quote from Elle Spencer

    “One of my best experiences happened in 2015 when I signed an official marriage certificate.”

    Q. Tell us more of who Elle Spencer is?

    A. I come from a large, close-knit family. We lived near the Rocky Mountains so my siblings and I spent our youth skiing, snowmobiling, and sledding down whatever hill we could find. It was a great place to grow up, but I prefer a warmer climate now which is a good thing since I live in California. I’ve had all kinds of jobs-massage therapist, frame builder- but nothing that was ever a passion until the writing came along. Now, I’m a full-time writer of lesbian romance. Still hard to believe that’s my job.

    Q. Tell us about the book 30 Dates in 30 Days?

    A. 30 Dates in 30 Days is my third full-length novel. It’s an irreverent humorous (I hope) look at dating when you’re trying to find “The One.” The main character is Veronica, an overworked attorney who’s trying to make partner and be married by the time she’s thirty-five. She’s about to achieve her professional goals, but her love life is pretty much non-existent. Her assistant Bea intervenes and sets Veronica up on blind dates that she’s chosen for her through a dating app. Since Veronica wants to be efficient about everything in her life, Bea suggests 30 dates in 30 days. Of course, chaos ensues because how could that ever go well? I think it’s a fun read, but I’m biased.

    Q. What are some of your other hobbies?

    A. I love to travel. I love to read. I love a good Netflix binge. Since my wife and I bought a home last year, most of my spare time is spent on home improvement projects. Browsing in Home Depot is my new hobby, or lowes, or Ikea. You get the picture.

    Q. What advice can you give to other authors?

    A. If you think you have a compelling story to tell, then get it out there. I think that’s especially important where voices are underrepresented. So, in my case, that’s LGBTQ, but the same is true for people of color and people of different socio-economic or cultural backgrounds. It’s so important that we all get our stories out there whether it’s romances, suspense thrillers, mysteries or any other genre. The more the better.

    Follow me @ellespencerwrites and www.ElleSpencerBooks.com

    To see full article go to https://issuu.com/cecewibnet/docs/wib_magz_may_2020_06_

  • Interview with Clay James

    Interview with Clay James

    By: Where It Begins

     

    Quote from Clay James

    “My mom and grandma inspire me. I’ve seen them both pull off miracles having little to no resources.”

    Q. Tell us who Clay James the Hip-Hop artist is?

    A. I was born in Atlanta and raised in Savannah Ga. I moved from Atlanta when I was a baby then came back here around 2004. Been here ever since. My career started on the campus of Georgia State University while I was enrolled there. I’m a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated and was pretty known “Popular” on campus so one of my older frats bruhs Imari Curtis suggested I should rap. So, I tried it out and I started getting a buzz.

    Q. What or who inspired you?

    A. My mom and grandma inspire me. I’ve seen them both pull off miracles having little to no resources. When I was little, I remember my mom having like 3 jobs at one point. I feel like that’s where I get my grind from. My grandma was one of my first supporters of my music dream. Since she passed away, my mom has taken up the slack in that department.

    Q. How was your experience working and being mentored by Big Boi from Outkast?

    A. Big Boi is a solid dude. He’s a nonsense type of dude too. It’s always dope when I think about how close we got because he never took anyone from back home (Savannah, GA) under his wing before. I was the first and only so far. I learned a lot of jewels from him just being around and talking that I hold near me today. I give him the credit for discovering me. I had a buzz before I met him, but once he co signed me it took me to another level. People took me way more seriously.

    Q. What is one of your best experiences or accomplishments?

    A. Getting signed by Snoop and going on tour with him. I’ve never told anybody this before, but I wasn’t really a snoop fan as a kid. I was a Tupac fan when it came to Death Row Records. I always looked at Snoop as a super-duper star and I liked some of his music. To go from watching Snoop every day on TV to being with him learning the game every day was kind of surreal. I don’t respect how it ended and him and his team know why, but I definitely appreciate what he did for me in the time we were together.

    Follow me @clayjames

    To see Full article go to https://issuu.com/cecewibnet/docs/wib_magz_may_2020_06_

    To see full article go to
    https://issuu.com/cecewibnet/docs/wib_magz_may_2020_06_

  • Assume Goodwill

    Assume Goodwill

    Most people are genuinely kindhearted and considerate. Always assume goodwill. When you allow your default to be positive intention, you will quickly notice that your perspective shifts to one of more positivity overall.

  • Interview with Yonas

    To see full article go to
    https://issuu.com/cecewibnet/docs/wib_magz_may_2020_06_

    Interview with Yonas

    By: Where It Begins

     

    Quote from Yonas

    “My music is representative of my journey but also the journey of the people around me.”

    “I’ve been blessed with fans that use my music as an outlet for their own struggles and triumphs.”

    Q. Tell us more about who Yonas the Hip-Hop artist is?

    A. Yonas the Hip-Hop artist is the same as Yonas the man, Yonas the father, and more. I try to lead my life and my business with authenticity. The man on the stage is the same man you meet at the bar, in the grocery store, and on the street. My music is representative of my journey but also the journey of the people around me. I’ve been blessed with fans that use my music as an outlet for their own struggles and triumphs. The good and the bad, that’s what we’re here for.

    Q. What or Who influenced you to get into music?

    A. My mother. After my Pops passed away, I was looking for an outlet to take out all of my frustrations and anger. My mom pushed me to pick up a violin and channel that in music. The rest was history!

    Q. Tell us about your new single (OMG)?

    A. OMG is an anthem for all those who have been rocking with me from the jump. It’s me saying from now on everything we do will come with a shock factor. If you’re reading this, get ready! This is just the beginning.

    Q. How is the music in Europe different from the U.S. music?

    A. The fans are nuts in Europe. I’ve been blessed to tour all over the world, but Europe is something special. Those fans wait outside the venue before we even show up for load in and soundcheck. They have my face tattooed on their bodies. Wild to have that impact on someone’s life. Only more of a motivator keeps pushing the boundaries.

    Follow me on IG @IamYonas

    To see full article go to

  • Interview with Level 5

    Interview with Level 5

    By: Where It Begins

     

    Quote from Level 5

    “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”

    Q. Tell us about Level 5 Health & Sport Fitness?

    A. Level 5 Health & Sport Fitness we are specializing in weight loss, mini

    boot camp, strength training, sports and power training, meal nutritional planning. Teaching clients to learn their body first Mind, Body, and Spirit.

    Q. Who or what inspired you to be an athlete trainer?

    A. I was inspired by Kobe Bryant, Steve Smith & Ct Fletcher. Their work ethic is very phenomenal, just like them. I like to push my body over and beyond the limits. It’s not all about power it’s the endurance you need in life to continue to press on when things get hard not giving up Mind over body.

    Q. How do you stay fit?

    A. I stay fit by training myself everyday like I am still playing football, working on my fast twitch muscle, Sprints, 40-yard dash, 225 reps on bench press, stretching doing Yoga, Leg workouts most important, putting myself on discipline meal plan that I can do Monday through Thursday that I can stick with no short-term meal plan, it’s a lifestyle consistency is the key.

    Q. Tell us more about your boot camp?

    A. Level 5 Health & Sport Fitness Boot is high intensity training hit cardio bodyweight movements. Lots of reps building your endurance muscle strength and lungs at its best but most important we make it fit for all ages we put the workout according to your body structure.

    Q. What motivates you to train and coach people?

    A. Knowing my purpose upon this world that God gave me to be a blessing to people to have a healthier lifestyle to be around for their family and kids at its best. Become closer to God. Teaching my clients to have endurance in life because you will need it when times get tough.

    You can follow Level 5 GYM

    Follow Level5health&SportFitness

    Website: www.Level5HealthSportFitness.com

    Juice Spot: www.thejuicespot.net

    Check out full article at

  • Interview with Sade Sealey

    Interview with Sade Sealey

    By: Where It Begins

     

    Quote from Sade

    “I’ve always loved singing from a young age. My mother always said when I was a baby she’d have to walk and sing to me so I would fall asleep. She probably planted a seed there. My music teachers, God bless them, were some of the early ones as well to see that potential.”

     

    Q. How did you get into the industry?

    A. I started off in this industry as a background vocalist. Honestly if my life had gone any different even in the slightest, I probably would’ve ended up in a different lane, but college really opened up the doors for me and gave me the opportunity to cross paths with some brilliant people who helped me to get where I am now.

    Q. Who’s been an inspiration to you?

    A. Firstly my husband. I see his drive and his ambition and the sacrifices he’s taking to get where God wants him to. It’s amazing. My mother, her resilience and strength I’ve witnessed all these years has always been inspiring. These days our local artists are breaking so many boundaries. The ones I know personally, like Nathanael, Sherwin, Mekaiel, the ones that gave me a chance like Positive and Mention, and so many others I can’t help but be inspired by our own.

    Q. What advice can you give others that want to get into the industry?

    A. Be wise about every decision you make. You may slip up sometimes but even then, the decisions you make. You may slip up sometimes but even then, the decisions you make to get back up, let it be made in wisdom. Never ever stop seeking God about every move you make and don’t be discouraged. I’ve been there but then you realize it’s never smooth sailing but know the God you serve has great plans for you.

    Q. What are some of your hobbies?

    A. I won’t really call it a hobby, but I really enjoy watching HGTV and Food Network. Somehow, I’m able to clear my mind while watching. If that doesn’t work, then I’ll find a concert to watch and be inspired.

    To see full article go to

    For Full Article go to
    https://issuu.com/cecewibnet/docs/wib_magz_may_2020_06_

  • Scribble all over the page

    Scribble all over the page

    Don’t take yourself so seriously that you forget what it feels like to belly laugh so hard that you cry. Leave the bed unmade and go play. Paint, get messy. Go outside barefoot.  Sketch outside of the lines in the brightest colored pencils that you can find. Watch movies that make you happy. Get lost in a good novel. Be a bit less serious, and enjoy what you have.

  • Prioritize

    Prioritize

    If you don’t prioritize your own life, someone else will.

    Prioritize what matters most. Decide how you want to spend your life– every moment.  Kiss your children,  love your friends,  speak kindly to strangers,  hold hands with your loved ones, and go for walks. These will be the things you remember when all you have left is today.

  • Breathe

    Having the ability to breathe is what gives us life. And because breathing seems so natural for many of us, we forget the power our breath has. Take deep breaths often. When you find yourself anxious, angry, or simply deflated, try this breathing technique to bring yourself back to a place of calm

  • Watch Carefully

    Watch Carefully

    Watch your thoughts, they become words
    Watch your words, they become actions
    Watch your actions, they become habits
    Watch your habits, they become character
    Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny