Faith, Ambition & Film His Life Changer "The MICHAEL FOSTER Experience"
Filmmaker Michael Foster “The Michael Foster Experience” Urban Freedom Magazine Photoshoot
The film-maker whose mother had him at the age of 15 began his entrepreneurship journey from college sighting music as his first love. Michael was faced with lots of challenges while in college and decided to take charge of his own life and dreams
The renowned actor, filmmaker & fashion writer, whose mother is going for her masters currently, described his hardest battle as learning. He went along his life alone trying to make progress and revealed that having to handle all things himself brought about his current drive to rely on self even when accepting support from others.
His quest to fund himself was a total victory, having worked full time with an insurance company and as a bathroom attendant during weekends; Michael made more money as a bathroom attendant despite peer pressure.
The popular film-maker revealed how different brands asked him to be an influencer so that their brands can be implemented into his blogs since he had cultivated a social media and blogging presence, describing it as a point of meeting with his blessing. So much so his goal he imagined two years ago was to take his brand to the next level being a part of GQ Magazine. I was sincerely excited for him when he revealed he accomplished his goal before at the closing of 2016! Along with building further fashion and business opportunities with his circle of entrepreneurial friends called the “Inner Elite”.
When questioned about how he manages his business and family, he revealed that his mentor taught him how to balance both business and love before his marriage.
He continued by appraising the fact that he married his best friend, whom he knew since he was 13. Michael further revealed how supportive she is, which ultimately clears the air on any option of choosing between love and business.
The film-maker who sees clear communication of schedule and making important dates as a priority as his strength of balance, says it takes a lot of work.
The actor while giving advice to other entrepreneurs warns that:
Losing the reason for following one’s dream can cause discouragement”
Thereby encouraging us to remain creative; and to always keep going irrespective of trying moments that may test one’s faith. The fashion writer tells fans to anticipate what will be a permanent fixture showing Gentlemen’s styling with Urban Freedom magazine in the year 2017. Also he will be releasing his new movie which will show actual depictions of his life. Along with all his new adventures GQ Magazine that we will be following as well!
Inner Elite, LLC
TheMichaelFosterExperience.com
Facebook: The Michael Foster Experience
Instagram: @TheMichaelFoster
Effortless Grace, Style & Branding Expert: Dayna Bolden
Q&A: Laura Williams
Article & Interview: Louise Wheeler
Black women in our generation have been working hard to create a platform where they can be inspiring, uplifting, and encouraging to others.
Dayna Bolden defines the word inspiring with the confidence she exudes in her effortless style with managing her work-life balance while building her brand. Originally from Cincinnati Ohio, Dayna relocated to Baltimore with a dream and a strong pursuit of her passion after graduating from college.
From mother to wife, to corporate America to pursuing fashion endeavors, Dayna has found a way to balance the obstacles of life and face any adversities by pressing forward in her goals and ambitions. While she embraces her natural beauty and style, she encourages all women from different backgrounds to embrace their natural beauty. Her humbling personality, fierce style, encouraging words, and radiant beauty continues to inspire women all over the world.
As Dayna zeroed in on her goal with creating her blog, she teamed up with her best friend to create a brand with the goal to make a difference and make her presence known. Dayna wanted motivate women that you could do anything you put your mind to. Her eye for style and naturalista techniques propelled her blog to becoming successful to date. As she humbly remains to be in awe of her success, her strong following on social media continues to grow along with many doors opening for her brand.
Urban Freedom Magazine Cover Photoshoot: Dayna Bolden & Style Contributor Louise Wheeler II
While maintaining a full-time job, keeping family values in mind, and building her brand, Dayna emphasizes that time management has been key in helping her find balance with her home life and her business. She continues to work hard at networking and introducing her brand to the unfamiliar, while strongly encouraging any aspiring bloggers to do the same.
“Stay true to who you are and your vision. Don’t be distracted by what everyone else is doing.”
While keeping this affirmation in mind, Dayna still continues to reaffirm her goals daily. Still working to inspiring women around her, Dayna hopes to encourage her beautiful baby girl to never give up and put her mind to anything she wants to be in life. The words “I can’t” doesn’t exist in her vocabulary, and she motivates women to live life to the fullest.
“If God is in her, she will not fail.”
– Dayna Bolden
Dayna closes out our conversation with some feedback on women being confident in their own skin- “Being comfortable in your own skin is what helps with confidence, you only have one life to live, so do whatever makes you happy and put your mind to it. You only have one life to live.”
Dayna has big plans in the future for her brand. She has hopes to continue to inspire women with beauty, style, and grace with the expansion of her brand. It was truly our pleasure to be in her presence during our cover photo shoot.
Contact:
IG: @ itsdaynadane
GQ for Cancer: Bernard Fogg “The Fight for His Life turned into the Foundation of his Business”
By: Mercedez McIntyre
As I sat across from Bernar Fog at my dining room table I was instantly able to recognize an amazing amount of peace n joy. Inquisitive about the man that can battle what most people fear yet with an air of humble confidence. The GQ for Cancer Founder, Bernard Fogg is extremely thankful for staying on top of his health saying it has motivated him to continue to do so, as well as motivate other men in the process. Bernard who was officially diagnosed with cancer on December 5, 2014 having visited four different specialists was officially diagnosed cancer free as of July 13th, 2015. Born in Baltimore, MD, Bernard enjoyed a glistering career in public relations as he prepared to start his own personal PR before the inception of the ailment that changed the course of his life.
The 29 year old who has a go-getter mentality believes that life and opportunities are endless having gone through the process of treatment which enabled him learn a lot about himself as a man. Bernard describes masculinity not just on the basis of strength but seeking to be healthy so as to be there for one’s family.
The ability to maintain a positive attitude towards issues played a key role to Bernard staying on top of his health having drawn strength from his mother; his role model whose encouraging words to always think first before getting emotional cannot be overemphasized. The music lover main goal is his inner peace which his life truly relies on it and he feels so good on the experience gained to combat every other battle life may throw at him. He founded The Gentlemen’s Quest for Cancer to address the impact of men under the age of 40 also fighting for better health with cancer and other major health issues that could possibly be prevented.
Bernard’s treatment served as a learning class for him in putting the care of oneself as a priority which is rare to find in young entrepreneurs today.
The support he get, the huge cut of processed foods and the amazing love showered on him tells how close Bernard Fogg is in closing his cancer chapter in 2017.
Upon probing if the handsome young entrepreneur was a Bachelor or not he has confirmed he is by choice. Being a true example of his foundation Bernard stated before he would add romantic engagement to his life he stands by his purpose of taking care of one's health first.
Our interview easily went into 3 hours. Sincere exchange of honesty and life's triumphs connected us automatically. There is so much more to this amazing Black man that we will be following his journey in Urban Freedom issues to come. So stay tuned and be sure to support him with the contact information below.
Contact Information:
Twitter: @gqforcancer
Facebook: GQ for Cancer (business); (personal) Bernard Fogg
Instagram: @gqforcancer (business); (personal) @gqtrilogy1
Website: www.gq4c.org ; Apparel: www.gq4c.org/shop
Email: info@gq4c.org
Taking the 1st Steps: Transitioning from being Managed to Self- Managing Your Own Business
By: Roosevelt Andlove
It feels good having money in your pocket, I’d like to believe everyone can attest to that. I started working when I was 15, not because I had to, but because I wanted to. It’s something about feeling money in your pocket that brought the allure to seek out a part time job.
The consistent, calculable checks you get are something like a godsend. You know what you’re going to make; they establish your per hour worth right out the gate, you know that as long as you show up and do a passing job you’re guaranteed money on payday. But what happens when that consistency is taken away.
Trial and error is the term. Having your own business, being young and black, there is a bit of a learning curve you have to achieve to be successful. Stepping away from the 40 hour work week is the first step. Stepping away from what someone has dictated what you are worth and how long you have to work seems like a clear cut choice for a lot of young budding artists wanting to be the next Basquiat or Mark Zuckerberg. That is, until reality sets in.
Some young entrepreneurs are blessed to have a mentor that has been where you are, and gone on to be where you want. So if you are in the position to have someone to show you the ropes, learn everything you can from them, then apply it for yourself. I’ve been able to have several mentor’s from the start of my career, and each one has the same underlying theme. Know your worth.
So remember, if you want to work for yourself, Trial and Error is key, know your worth, never stop learning, and never cheat yourself
As simple a statement, this is probably the hardest ideal to bring to fruition. It almost transcends the words and becomes a lifestyle. Just ponder that; you set your hours, your pay, your product, everything. This means total control. Praise when it goes right, and side eyed looks when it doesn’t. But this is where another key ideal comes into play. Never stop learning.
Especially for photographers, such as myself, out the gate you either set yourself too high, or too low. It takes time to perfect your craft, and secondly price your craft. I still adjust myself to where I feel comfortable charging, or not. This means that no matter how good, or bad you are at something, it takes time to cement yourself. With that being said, once you have everything down, as far as experience and your knowledge of you craft, this is where the final step must be applied. Never cheat yourself.
This is where you’ll catch the most flack, but regardless of what people say, always stay your course, and don’t be afraid of losing a client because they don’t want to pay you what your worth. Have faith that your work is good enough to bring another willing client your way.
The African Passport Introduction!
By Tahirah Wiley
The African Union is considering launching a passport that will grant visa-free access to all 54 member states. The union aims to distribute them to all African citizens by 2018-2020. One of the passports issued by the African Union for officials and people who travel a lot on business, and the other by individual countries for everyone else. Many hope that the e-passports are the first steps to mobility for Africans on the continent. It is also hoped to boost trade economic growth opportunities.
The first batches of passports, which are electronic, were unveiled at the AU summit in Kigali, Rwanda. They were issued to heads of state and senior officials at that time. The first recipients were chairperson of the African Union Idris Deby and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. “We’ve been overwhelmed by requests and enquiries of other ministers, officials, and African citizens to share in this privilege of holding an African passport,” Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, chairperson of the African Union Commission says, according to The New Times.
The question still remains whether this will make it easier for travel among Africans. Many countries have more flights to London or Paris than with other countries on the continent. For example, there are very few flights between Abuja and Dakar - two major West African capitals - and passengers sometimes have to travel via Nairobi or Addis Ababa in East Africa, or even Europe. Also, millions of Africans are undocumented, and simply won’t be able to get a passport. This is a result of many issues in the countries themselves, including civil unrest, and nomadic lives.
There are strict visa requirements and high-priced airfare still remain as obstacles for the African Union to realize its vision for “a strong, prosperous and integrated Africa,” though countries such as Seychelles, Mauritius, Rwanda, and Ghana have taken lead in easing their visa requirements. Only 13 African states are currently open to all African citizens.
Gentlemen's Fashion Guide: "Business Ready" Fueled by: The Michael Foster Experience
Gentlemen’s Fashion Guide with GQ insider Michael Foster
I always tell people, fashion is the clothes you wear; style is how you wear it. For me style comes in the details or accessories you choose to enhance your wardrobe. For me personally, the autumn and winter seasons give me the most opportunities to show my style. This is because in these months I can pull out different accessories that don't fit spring or summer. Accessory number one, the scarf. For me the scarf can take a casual outfit to "Casually Fly" as I like to call it. This is something I picked up on my first travels to Montreal and Paris, where it's in vogue to wear a scarf year round. How you choose to wear your scarf reveals your personality or simply how you were feeling at the time.
I'm a firm believer that the first thing women (or men) look at when trying to figure out a male's status is his watch and his shoes. Invest in a nice watch, and it will stand the test of time. One of my favorite watches is a DKNY watch that I bought used at a pawn shop for $30 fifteen years ago and I've only had to replace the strap once. From there you can add a bracelet and/or ring that match your watch. Your watch, shoes, and belt should all match. Don't get caught wearing a brown belt with black shoes, or vice versa.
The pocket square is a nice little piece of cloth that I use to accent my blazer and shirt of choice.
When figuring out what I'll be wearing, I start with the blazer. That's where I start because for my personal style I realize I'm a blazer man. With that being the case, I've found out how to maximize my blazer fetish. Every now and then I'll go to Goodwill and look at the blazers they have available. From time to time I'll come across a blazer that's great quality and fits my personal style. From there I take it to get tailored specifically for me and voila, for $30 ($5 for blazer and $25 for tailor) I have a brand new addition to the wardrobe.
When choosing the proper accessories for your wardrobe remember that these are the items that will truly show your style and who you are as a person.
Sincerely,
“The Michael Foster Experience”
https://www.theinnerelite.com/
Instagram: @themichaelfoster
Your Body Can not be bartered for Love: New Age Relationship Business
By: Melanin Reigns
Where did the misconception that our bodies can be bartered for love begin? Perhaps it has never been a conscious thought of our own but what does our patterns and day to day habits reveal about us? . . .
Pace yourself
This is not another "one night stand" shaming blog, but in truth, how many women walk away from one night stands feeling refreshed thus looking for nothing further. . .?
NOT MANY. .
It's unnatural for divine creators to take energy from a source and not want to manifest something greater, to be shared amongst the rightful lender and broader community. However, a woman must keep in mind that just because a man (or woman taking upon the energy of a masculine vessel) beds you, it does not ensure that they are willing to co create with you on any level.
Why Does It Matter?
One word: EXPECTATIONS
Avoid them at all cost
Expectation is the first stepping stone to disappointment.
Too often sisters operate in the mindset that if they offer their vagina to someone; that person is in turn, indebted to love or even maintain communication with them.
FALSE
My advice to you is to know yourself.
Know your wants, needs, insecurities, shortcomings and your strengths.
This makes all of the difference when approaching intimate matters outside of self. Knowing the root of your urges and behaviors will help you identify if you're being led by your spirit or your wounds.
After all, the word intimacy phonetically defines itself as: IN TO ME I SEE.
Your vagina is not and will never be an offering or ticket for a man or masculine vessel to see the rest of you. I promise, sex on the first date isn't the issue. Sex as a tradeoff for the protection and provisions of a man is.
So what's your best option?
Do not expect, EXPERIENCE!
Take a deep breath, you no longer have to hold yourself hostage to the spell of emotional and mental codependency.
You are free to choose what is best for you, and I mean ALWAYS choose what is best for you.
How can you be sure?
eciprocity . .
It is no secret that new age women give too much of themselves, sexually, emotionally and financially; in hopes of acquiring what seems to be the unattainable in this generation.
Genuine, patient and consistent love.
However, what is settled for majority of the time falls short of just that. Most relationships and bonds are formed of attachment, the illusion of comfortability, and codependency. Be sure that the circulation of energy is healthy.
As receivers, we must be extremely careful what we are allowing into our space.
It's best not to compromise out of sexual starvation!
Maintaining a level of sexual discipline will keep your thinking clear.
Ask yourself, "Am I being led by my spirit or my wounds?"
"Will this interaction benefit me or will I regret it after?" "Will the person I am thinking of compromising for, value and appreciate my mind, body, and soul?" And lastly "Am I willing to share this bond with someone without possession?"
Have a conversation with your higher and lower self, in order to find your balance but most importantly; refrain from bartering your body in hopes of gaining love.
The temple of God resides within each of us.
Are Alpha-Females Doomed to be Single?
By Melanin Reigns
Absolutely NOT,
I mean after all is there anything actually negative about being single?
We have ourselves, family, close friends, pets and friends with benefits that we can call when we are in need of romantic intimacy; so doomed is certainly an inaccurate word to describe the situation.
However, the truth of the matter is that Alpha females are attracted to Alpha Males but most Alpha Males are attracted to beta females.
Two major problems here, alpha males are about 1 out of every 100 men and that statistic may even be too generous in today's world.
The average man is already outnumbered by women, so the rarity of an alpha male is even more strenuous on the alpha female.
Secondly, the attraction Alpha-females feel for the Alpha-males is often one sided because he seeks Beta-Females.
Why is this?
The Alpha Male's drive is based upon the need to be needed, whereas the A.F's is based upon the need to acquire collective "self sustainability".
Also, Alpha Females appear too masculine to Alpha Males which repels them from seeking a lasting partnership with them apart from consensual sex, or business relations. This is the same energy that attracts beta males to the Alpha Female.
However, what all men should keep in mind is that because masculine energy is outwardly exerted, and feminine energy is about depth.
A single Alpha Female must tap into survival mode, in order to protect herself and she will seem overbearing in her masculine energy when doing so because it is an honored part of her essence that is not glorified or accepted in conformed society.
t's also the reason she is balanced at the head and heart. Make no mistake about it, she is a flourishing and evolving feminine vessel, as well and at her best when her complementary partner can take the weight of protection, production and provision off of her shoulders.
If you look around, most Alpha females are beginning to date other Alpha females because beta males are not sufficient and alpha males simply aren't attracted to them.
So what is an Alpha female anyway?
How does a woman know when she is one, how do you become one?
Honestly, YOU ARE BORN ONE!
Working a 9-5, having a car and a house are always a plus but it does not indicate that you are an Alpha-Female.
Models- Entrepreneurs Tracie Washington & Cle Mooring (Urban Freedom Black Wall St Photo shoot)
Three important things define an Alpha Female
Balanced Head & Heart / Masculine & feminine energies
Vision
Drive
Characteristics Alpha Females radiate:
Leader, straightforward about her needs vs wants, balanced in masculine and feminine energies, unconditional lover, master manifester, go getter, goal oriented, divine nurturer, community nourisher etc.
Her key phrases are:
"I AM" and "I WILL"
DO NOT confuse Alpha Females with the "I don't need a man" type of women.
They are more so the "I have a vision that I refuse to let go to waste by any means necessary" type.
She is willing to take on masculine energy of her own to put her vision into action because she knows it is vital to her well being and more importantly her community and future lineage.
She knows her strength is in vision so she truly seeks a protector and provider that will ensure it is fulfilled.
Uncovered secrets:
All polygamous and polyamorous relationships of the past were headed by Alpha-Males and Alpha-Females.
Alpha + Alpha relationships can easily turn into competition.
Which is why both parties must divinely know themselves.
It's most likely that these individuals will take on multiple partners at a time, not for sexual conquest or demeaning purposes (unless established out of the ego) but because their energy will take multiple betas to complement it.
It is highly unlikely that two alphas will find it necessary to add other partners to their Union, because both auras emerged become larger than life itself.
To be continued . . .Stay tuned to our next issue.
Notes: Female and Woman were used interchangeably by CHOICE!
A.F= Alpha Female A.M = Alpha Male
