Plus Size Model: Monica Dillard

 

Monica  Dillard

Having children doesn’t have to detour our life plans or goals. In fact, having kids can serve as an inspiration to be a role model and successful person. With Monica Dillard, a plus-sized fashion model, the inspiration in her career came as a way to boost the self-esteem of her daughter.
 

This West Texas native has big dreams of reaching New York’s Fashion Week. Working for over 5 years as a print and runway model, Dillard has gotten to meet and work with several designers. She urges people to look at beauty as coming in all shapes and sizes so that beauty and the image of a model can change and be as fluid as other standards in our culture.

In fact, she notes that the plus and non-plus sized model industries are not very different quoting that “[we] still have to carry ourselves with the same sense of class and dignity.”

 

Read more about Monica Dillard in her interview below, and be sure to check out all of her social media.

 

 

 

 

 

1. What inspired you to become a model?

There are a couple of things that inspired me to become a model. The most important inspiration was and still is my kids.  My now 13 year old was having some self-esteem issues due to being plus size.  She felt ugly and fat and I did not want her believing that plus size was not pretty.

My goal, and so far successful, is to ensure and instill in her that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and that he is beautiful.  My quote that I remind her of daily is "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" and as long as she believes she is beautiful then there is not one thing or person that can tell her differently.

 

2. How long have you been working as a model?
 

I have been modeling now for a little over 5 years on and off.

 

 

 

3. What advice can you give to new models starting their careers?
 

My advice to new models is to be flexible, be teachable and most importantly believe in yourself and your craft.  The more flexible and teachable you are the more designers are willing to work with you.
 

4. Who are your top 5 favorite designers?
 

Narrowing it down to 5 designers is tough but I will name some that I have worked with. Simply O' Designs, Sambi Fashions, AnToni, Dedric Davis and would love to wear Gege Gilzene designs.
 

5. Do you prefer print or runway modeling more?
 

I don't prefer one more than the other.  I love runway because it gives me the opportunity to display my personality and love for my craft.  I love print because it allows me to express my creativity and shows versatile looks.

 

6. What would you change about the fashion industry if you had the power?
 

If I could change one thing about the fashion industry it would be the attitude toward plus size women.  Plus size is beautiful as are all sizes. The Plus Size model industry is no different to me than the regular model industry.  We are plus but we still hold and carry ourselves with class and dignity.

 

7. Where do you see yourself in two years?
 

I see myself in a major magazine publication talking to young girls about self -esteem – if modeling is their dream then helping them achieve that dream.

 

8. Tell us about your social media
 

FB:  Monica Plussizemodel Dillard         IG:  @nicadillard

           

 

Thank You for supporting K.M. Speaks,
Vvdaul R. Holloway
K.M. Speaks Community Blogger

BE INSPIRED. BE MOTIVATED. BE ENCOURAGED! Don't forget to shop at www.knowmoreclothing.com for your Faith inspired t-shirts!

Note: We are currently seeking someone to edit our blogs this is an unpaid position however volunteer hours are given. For more information please e-mail knowmoreclothing.lisa@gmail.com Subject: Blog Editor

 

 

         

 

 

 

Counter Culture: Nate Cottman

Nate Cottman

Service is all around us – be it the waiter who brings us our food at a restaurant, or the unsung heroes that do volunteer service in our underserved communities. Nate Cottman, the Executive Director at Counter Culture Inc., understands the need to do community based service and promote the ideas if God while doing so. Through Counter Culture Inc., work is being done to help with the homeless, elderly, and incarcerated in order to promote youth leadership and foster volunteerism in a younger age group.

While the organization is still growing and serving the Dallas Metro area, expansion to helping support victims of domestic violence has become a new campaign. Nate Cottman inspires a the new generation of young adults to “Live Backwards” through mentorship, community service, motivational speaking, and empowerment sessions.

Hoping to expand nationally, Nate Cottman and Counter Culture Inc. want to promote their motto – “We Love. We Give. We Live Backwards” – so be on the lookout for more great things from this group of young leaders and volunteers.

Read more about the organization on its website: wearecounterculture.org and the interview, or check out Nate Cottman’s other social media as mentioned below.

 

1.  Please tell us about your Outreach mission.

The Counter Culture mission is designed to reach the forgotten (primarily the homeless, incarcerated, and elderly) and to develop our generation into servant leaders who are passionate about doing the same.

2.  What is the inspiration behind the motto, We love. We Give. We Live Backwards?

Self-centeredness has become the norm in our society. The majority of our "forward-thinking" population could care less about the disenfranchised. So we "live backwards" - live in opposition to self-centered cultural norms.

We Love. We Give. We Live Backwards.

3.  What is the process if someone would like to join the mission?

To get plugged in, simply complete the section of our website for volunteer inquiries. Our Volunteer Coordinator will, then, reach out to you for volunteer training. Once trained, pick a date that you want to volunteer and come serve.

4.  What is your favorite motivational scripture and why?

Romans 12:2(a), NLT

"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way that you think."

Our mindset has a direct influence over our behavior. As we become God-conscious we access our potential to become revolutionary. We cease to be imitators of a mundane world system. We become imitators of a creative God who fashioned our minds to think beyond limits. This scripture inspires me to be intentional about changing the world through non-conformity to negative world systems.

5.  What are some goals that you would like to accomplish within the next 3 years?

Within the next 3 years there will be additional Counter Culture chapters around the U.S. I will own at least three additional businesses and will be traveling nationally to develop and inspire servant leaders.

6.  If you could travel to any country, where would it be and why?

I really want to visit Israel. There are so many historical landmarks associated with the Christian faith that I'd like to visit.

7.  What upcoming events does Counter Culture have?

We will be visiting prisons, feeding the homeless and visiting nursing homes within the next few weeks. Please visit www.wearecounterculture.org for our list of events.

8.  What is your contact/ social media information?

www.wearecounterculture.org

FB: Nate Cottman

IG: natecottman

Thank You for supporting K.M. Speaks,
Vvdaul R. Holloway
K.M. Speaks Community Blogger

BE INSPIRED. BE MOTIVATED. BE ENCOURAGED! Don't forget to shop at www.knowmoreclothing.com for your Faith inspired t-shirts!

Note: We are currently seeking someone to edit our blogs this is an unpaid position however volunteer hours are given. For more information please e-mail knowmoreclothing.lisa@gmail.com Subject: Blog Editor

 

 

Find One Reason to Smile: Anita Hawkins

Anita Hawkins

 The combination of brains, beauty, and business savvy culminate to form a powerful force for change. Anita Hawkins, businesswoman and author, has combined these passions in order to promote health, wellness, and womanhood. From the start of her contracting company, Trokar Industries LLC, in 2006 to her most recent venture as an author, Hawkins has maintained class and character while also pushing toward greater successes in her career.

From humble beginnings in Indiana to international travel and philanthropy overseas, there is a clear sense of duty with the work that Anita Hawkins does. Living a Christian lifestyle and growing her own determination have both allowed her to do more than she originally pictured.

“I have been truly blessed. I have overcome against the steepest odds against me. I was one of those children that needed saving. I don't believe God blesses us with abundance for us to keep it all to ourselves, and I can certainly say that I have experienced more joy in giving than I ever have in receiving.  It is a moral duty to bless others when you have been blessed,” Hawkins said.

And this idea of moral duty didn’t stop with philanthropy and service in the form of time and money. Anita Hawkins added the role of author to her body of work with a novel titled “Storm After the Storm” chronicling the lead character, Storm, through the struggles and tribulations of life. This idea of triumph against adversity has been a thread in her life and career, even as she helped to raise money and awareness for organizations such as Women Called Moses.

I am so grateful to everyone who generously gave to the [Women Called Moses] campaign. [The Director] works day and night to help women and children, and in some cases men, in life threatening situations. To reach out into the Southern sector and give them a donation that will go such a long way was such a blessing for me as well as [the organization],” Hawkins noted.

Overall, her story of mobility and success in life has been an inspiration to many others. Hawkins aims to be a light for those who need support. She says that this support that she received, along with prayer and faith in God, are what allowed her to reach her platform today.  Anita Hawkins is a great resource, advocate, and supporter of social development and justice. She will continue to use her persona to pursue even greater aspects of growth.

For more information on Anita Hawkins, check out all of her social media. Also, you can read through the full interview below.

1. Tell us about Find One Reason to Smile?

Find One Reason to Smile is a movement I launched in order to help others to find the joy in their daily lives and always be thankful and keep their one reason to smile in mind regardless of life's adversities.  It started as a Facebook community where individuals were able to share their own inspiring stories of turning tragedy into triumph and uplifting stories of what makes them smile and a place where others could come to be inspired.

2. What inspired you to title your first coffee table book “ Find One Reason to Smile.”?

The coffee table book was a result of the FB campaign. I wanted Find One Reason to Smile to be a tangible way to benefit those in need; so, I came up with the idea to take all the positive messages that were coming in and tie it to a charity so the book could be used as a means to raise funds for organizations in need. The first organization for which we raised funds was Women Called Moses, a domestic violence outreach center in South Dallas.

3. What advice can you give someone who is currently going through a storm?

To just go through it. To face it head on and don't let it defeat you, but use it to make your stronger and allow it to be a testimony to strengthen others once it has passed. Because all storms pass. We just have to determine the person we will be when we come out the other side. My first novel, Storm After the Storm, is set to be published later this year. It is a mostly biographical account of events from my own life told though the character Storm. Through her adversities she blossoms into a strong, courageous and beautiful woman. Without the storm, we can easily forget to appreciate life's sunny days.

4. Whenever you become discouraged in life what motivates you to keep going?

My faith in God and his ability to see me through any obstacles I may face.  I have lived through many of life's storms and all of those things that I went through from being raped as a child, to being a teenage mother and being on my own at only 15. I survived by the grace of God, and I know that with his strength and help, I can face anything that comes my way.

5. Tell us about the fundraising campaign you started on behalf of Women Called Moses. what was your goal and how did it feel to raise $14,400?

 It was wonderful to present Women Called Moses with that donation. I am so grateful to everyone who generously gave to the campaign. Debra Bowles works day and night to help women and children and in some cases men, in life threatening situations.  And they don't receive the big donations like some of the other organizations in the city. To reach out into the Southern sector and give them a donation that will go such a long way to help so many was such a blessing for me as well as them.

6. If you could travel to any country and spend three million dollars feeding the poor what country would that be and why?

I would have to say Africa. I had the honor of traveling there last year, and I was swept away by the culture and the awe inspiring sights of the country. I would love to go back and help in such a monumental way.

7. You live by the proverb “To whom much is given , much is required.” Why it that proverb important to you? and Why is it important that others live by it?

I have been truly blessed. I have overcome against the steepest odds against me. I was one of those children that needed saving. It is unthinkable that I would hoard all that I have been blessed with when you look at where I have come from.  I don't believe God blesses us with abundance for us to keep it all to ourselves, and I can certainly say that I have experienced more joy in giving than I ever have in receiving.  It is a moral duty to bless others when you have been blessed.

8.  How can we support Find One Reason to Smile, Minnies Food Pantry and Women Called Moses?

Find One Reason to Smile will be selecting another charity in the near future. Folks can check in periodically on the website at www.findonereasontosmile.com for the next campaign. Contact Women Called Moses at www.womencalledmoses.org and Minnie's Food Pantry at www.minniesfoodpantry.org.

9. Please provide us with your social media information?

FB Anita Hawkins

FB Fresh Healthy Cafe

Twitter @AEHFASHION

Instagram aehfashion

Instagram  freshhealthycafedfw

Thank You for supporting K.M. Speaks,

Vvdaul R. Holloway

Community Blogger

 

 BE INSPIRED. BE MOTIVATED. BE ENCOURAGED! If you have or know of someone with  a Business or Non-Profit Organizations please e-mail www.knowmoreclothing@gmail.com to have your story featured on Know More Speaks. Subject: Know More Speaks. The purpose of this blog is to inspire, motivate and encourage others in our community We also love to shed light on Business Owners and Non-Profit Organizations. Thank you for supporting KNOW MORE SPEAKS!  #CreatingConnections. Don't forget to shop at www.knowmoreclothing.com for your Faith inspired t-shirts!

 NOTE: We are currently seeking someone to edit our blogs this is a unpaid job however volunteer hours are given. For more information please email www.knowmoreclothing@gmail.com with the  Subject: Blog Editor.

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True Serenity Massage: Natalie Hamilton

 

 

Leaving your job to start a career as an entrepreneur can be a very scary task, but prayer and Faith in God can be good tools to begin the transition. For Natalie Hamilton, owner of True Serenity Massage, the decision to start her own business came after a becoming exasperated with seeing her mother and other loved ones suffering from pain and stress in their daily lives. Her goal was to do something to relieve this discomfort in their lives, even if only temporarily.

Offering many different types of massages and natural products to improve overall health and wellness, True Serenity Massage services the Dallas area in order to provide the best massage experience possible. Check out Natalie’s interview below and contact her for questions about her services.

 

 



 

1.   What inspired you to become a massage therapist?

I was tired of seeing my mother in pain. I was tired of seeing my friends and family suffering from stress. I wanted to come up with a way to help them live better lives.

 

2. You quit your job to become a full time entrepreneur. What advice would you give to someone who is considering making that life changing move?

I would say to them first, “Fast and pray”, then listen for the voice of God, research the market for the business you are going into, and step out on Faith.

 

3. What makes your massage business different from others in the Dallas area?

I am not concerned about the monetary compensation. I'm more concerned with a client's well-being, progress and accomplishments in improving their mind, body and spirit. My approach is holistic, not isolated to a particular pain or problem in the body.

4. What services do you offer?

I offer Swedish massage, Bamboo Massage, Reflexology, and many spa treatments. I also have lots of natural products to help improve wellness.

5. It’s amazing that you create your own products. Tell us about your natural body scrubs.

The body scrubs are easy and fun to make. I use natural sea salt and essential oils along with teas and other organic products to promote natural healing of our body’s ailments.

6.  Tell us the benefits of getting a massage?

Massage therapy can increase blood flow, reduce pain, and lower blood pressure and stress. All of these factors together can make you feel better and improve your quality of life.

 

7. Tell us anything you would like for us to know about your business.

 It is faith-based, mobile (for now), and I will provide the best massage experience to accommodate your wellness needs.

8. Please provide us with your social media information?

Find me on Facebook. Look up True Serenity Massage

 

Thank You for Supporting K.M. Speaks! Be Blessed in all that you do!

Terica

 BE INSPIRED. BE MOTIVATED. BE ENCOURAGED! If you have or know of someone with  a Business or Non-Profit Organizations please e-mail www.knowmoreclothing@gmail.com to have your story featured on Know More Speaks. Subject: Know More Speaks. The purpose of this blog is to inspire, motivate and encourage others in our community We also love to shed light on Business Owners and Non-Profit Organizations. Thank you for supporting KNOW MORE SPEAKS!  #CreatingConnections. Don't forget to shop at www.knowmoreclothing.com for your Faith inspired t-shirts! 

 NOTE: We are currently seeking someone to edit our blogs this is a unpaid job however volunteer hours are given. For more information please email www.knowmoreclothing@gmail.com with the  Subject: Blog Editor.

It's Time for you to ride in God's Express Lane!

It's Time for you to ride in God's Express Lane!

 

While I was riding to my destination I decided to ride in the Express Lane. I very rarely take the Express Lane due to the amount of money it cost for one person. I also usually don’t have my children with me on my way to important events so I wouldn’t be able to pay the cheaper price. While riding in the Express Lane God spoke to me. The message he gave was that “ It’s time to ride in my Express Lane.”

 

Before it’s time for you to exit on the Express Lane there are signs that state what Express Lane is coming up and how much it cost. So God is telling you your Express Lane is coming up and he’s telling you what his cost is. God said that I must pay the price to ride in his Express Lane. The Express Lane isn’t for just anybody it's for those who want to pay for a shortcut to their destination. The price that God wants you to pay  to ride in his Express Lane is to be Faithful and Obedient. While riding in the express lane I was unfamiliar with the route. I was unfamiliar with the exit signs. I was unfamiliar with the new rules.

 

While riding in the Express Lane there are still rules you must follow the first one is you have to pay the price. You may have entered the express lane with some extra people these people allowed you to  pay a cheaper price. At some point God is going to say those people have served their purpose drop them off at the nearest exit. Then I want you to pay a higher price to ride in my Express Lane. I want you to ride by yourself Luke 12:48 says that  "To whom much is given much is required. " There are something's that only you can do for God. Something's you have to accomplish by yourself or with fewer people for God to get the Glory.

The second rule is you have to go the speed limit and third rule is stay in your lane. So while riding in the Express Lane I was traveling at 60 mph and the speed limit was 75mph. Other cars were passing me at a fast pace and I noticed that I was going slow. I saw that the sign said 75mph God said go the speed that the sign tells you. God said go the speed that I SAID go. Why are you in the Express Lane going 60 mph ? Why are you in the Lane I made for you get to your destination faster going slower than you were on the normal freeway. I said ok God. I will go the speed you want me to go. Then God told me to read the signs in other words to be obedient  to his voice and his word. I was taking a route that I was unfamiliar with and I had to put complete trust in him.

 

  God also showed me that people were becoming inpatient in the other lanes and merging onto the Express Lane.  I want you to know that there are some people that you will run into on the Express Lane who decided that they don’t want to pay the price they just want a quick way to success. They listened to God just enough to make a exit then got in his Express Lane and went  80 mph or 90 mph or even 100 mph. No one told them to go that fast they have lost sight of the rules.

They are traveling at a dangerous speed that can harm not only their self but others. They will take advantage of others and do just about anything to get higher. They may be Christian they may not be. Either way watch for the people who don’t belong in the Express Lane. You will notice that they don’t have a sticker on their car. In other words they are not righteous men and women of God. You will notice that they are constantly switching lanes and swerving everywhere. It’s this simple they are not suppose to be there so don’t become distracted by them. Know that police patrol the Express Way and they are not above the law. No one is above God's law and at some point he will pull them over. Until then keep your eyes on the signs listen to Gods voice and look for your exit. 

God has a Express Lane for you. He telling you to the exit is coming up.. he’s telling the price you must pay. What are you going to do when it’s time to make your exit?On the Express Way there are signs telling you when it’s time to exit the Express Lane. I had to follow those directions otherwise I would end up taking the wrong exit and the last thing I needed was a detour.

God wants us to follow the signs on the Express Way. He wants us to follow his voice in Jeremiah 29:11 he says “For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a Future." He told me "you see your exit so stay in the far lane until it’s time". At one point I was riding in the lane closest to the nearest exit. Then God said get over a few lanes you have a while before you exit... enjoy the ride let your hair down.

Follow the signs . Follow my voice. Trust me. Proverbs 3:5-6 says to“ Trust in the Lord with all you heart and lean not unto your understanding in always acknowledge him and he will direct your paths." While riding in the Express Lane I looked over to my right and saw traffic was backed up. I saw cars barely moving and I looked in front of me and I saw no traffic and I was traveling at 75 mph. Nothing was slowing me down. Nothing was stopping me. God had created a shortcut for me! A shortcut for me to bypass everyone else and to reach my destination via the his Express Lane.

 

 

At some point  God is going to say it’s time for you to enter onto the Express Way.  My question to you is When God tells you to take the Express Lane are you willing to pay his price? I want you to know that I'm going to take his Express Lane and I'm going to be Faithful and Obedient.

 

Be Blessed in all that you do,

Terica Lee

K.M. Speaks Inspirational Blogger

 

BE INSPIRED. BE MOTIVATED. BE ENCOURAGED! If you would like to become a inspirational blogger please email www.knowmoreclothing@gmail.com  Subject: Inspirational Blogger

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Thank you for supporting KNOW MORE SPEAKS! BE BLESSED!