WW: Hey Tanica, thanks for taking the time to do this interview. So you’ve been doing hair for a while. Does being a Hair Stylist expose you to a lot of what’s going on with women?
TANICA: I minister on a daily basis and it does expose you to a lot. Because being a Hair Stylist you take on a whole lot of caps; you become a psychologist, you become a mama, you become a friend… It’s just amazing the amount of confidence people put in you when they actually sit in your chair.
WW: So your clients get ministered to?
TANICA: My clients actually get ministered to. I don’t just do their head, but I put something in it.
WW: So Tanica, what makes you a Winning Woman?
TANICA: I’m a Winning Woman because every morning I wake up with a determination to do whatever I have to do to please God. It’s my love of working with people and children, especially women. It’s the impact I want to give to individual lives. I want to make a difference.
WW: There are a lot of women in the world. Do majority of women win?
TANICA: To be honest, it’s a lot of us who don’t win. That’s my main focus – to grab a hold to them, to pull them to where I am, and once they get to that point, prayerfully they’re going to pull other people. I mean we can all go higher just pulling on each other…trying to reach a goal.
WW: What is one of the biggest reasons that a lot of women don’t win?
TANICA: They don’t have confidence in themselves. They feel like they can’t make it. Someone told them somewhere along the road that they can’t do it. Some of the situations that they’re in they just feel they can’t make it. I know that’s part of the reason that I was put here – that the things I’ve been through in my life, it’s not for me, but it’s for somebody else. Just to be able to share my story, to just be able to help somebody else, to help women… that’s my ministry. And not only women, but females in general. They’re my passion. That’s what cleaves to me.
WW: What are some of the most common frustrations women are facing today?
TANICA: I would have to say finances and relationships.
WW: What are the most common frustrations with relationships?
TANICA: When I say “relationships”, I’m not just talking about with men, but also their friends and family. A lot of single women say that they’re lonely. Many of them have poor self-esteem. A lot of the married ones feel that their husbands are not doing what they’re supposed to be doing. Or they feel they’re incomplete or they haven’t arrived in a certain area that they think they should be at a certain time.
WW: And what’s the common problem with finances?
TANICA: Everybody’s broke! (LOL)
WW: With everything that’s going on – society downfall, the economy, divorce rate is on the high, etc. I guess my question is, ‘Can a woman still win?”
TANICA: YES! Every morning that I wake up, though everyday is not always peaches & cream, I rest on the assurance that – GOD’S GOT IT! I don’t have to worry. He got it. Even though it might not be what I want it to look like or seem like I want it to seem, He got it. I trust and depend on Him totally. There is nothing else. I have a daughter who’s almost 20 and I’m also teaching her how to lean and depend. I don’t want to be a crutch to her. I want to be an inspiration. I want her to look at me and say, “You know what, my mama got through this and she got through this because of Jesus.” I want her to realize that Jesus is all she has too.
WW: So where do you get your encouragement from?
TANICA: The Word of God encourages me. Also my life’s connections with people I surround myself with. Another one of my biggest encouragements is having a mother that’s saved. And she encourages me on a daily basis. She’s not just my mother, but she’s my best friend, she’s my prayer partner… she fills a really big role in my life. She’s truly a blessing, because so many people are not blessed to have parents that are saved who are walking the same walk that they’re walking.
WW: What if a woman came to you today? She’s been down and out, she feels whipped and ready to quit. But she heard about the ‘Winning Woman’ Page and she wants to be a Winning Woman. Where does she start? What would you tell her?
TANICA: That would totally depend on who the woman is and what my spirit guides me to do. Because in some situations when a woman approaches you, you can’t just pour. Sometimes they just want that listening ear. Sometimes they just want you to pray for them. Sometimes they just want a hug. It just depends on how this woman approaches me. Is this woman saved? Is this woman not saved? So it will totally depend on how the Holy Spirit directs me.
WW: Besides running the ‘Winning Woman’ pages through Social Network, you also created a local group called ‘Ladies Loving Life’ within your community. What is that all about?
TANICA: ‘Ladies Loving Life’ is a vision that was planted inside of me. I knew where I was 10 or 15 years ago. I know the different levels I went through. I wanted to bring a group of women together with different backgrounds and different things going on in their life, to let them know that “You’re not going through this by yourself. Somebody else is either going through it or gone through it.” We can lean on each other. I’m trying to build a community of females that can lift each other up, because so many of us are hurting. You often just take yourself and put yourself in a cocoon, because you don’t want to tell someone else your story. You fear they’re going to tell somebody else. But even when we come together: if you only attach to one person, that’s one person in your life that you didn’t have before.
WW: I heard that you’re also putting together a Women’s Conference for your local church. Tell us about that.
TANICA: I’m doing a Women’s Conference titled “Responding to Life’s Situations”. It’s a 3-day event that will elevate you in the areas of spirituality, health, finances, and relationships. Because in today’s society, these are the main things that are affecting women today. This will take place August 5-7, 2011
WW: When it’s all said and done, what do you want people to say about Tanica L. Morant?
TANICA: That I gave it my all. My main focus was to please God. To be a light that shines so much that I don’t have to verbally express out of my mouth what my beliefs are, who I trust in, you just know it. Just my presence itself will let you know that God is first in my life. No matter what I touch, I just want you to see Him; through all of my actions; no matter what I do; through all of the conversations; my work; whatever I do, I just want His Light to shine.
~ Tanica L. Morant is a mother, teacher, Hair Stylist, and Winning Woman Administrator. She's the creator and owner of 'Ladies Loving Life'. You can connect with Tanica by joining the Winning Woman's Page on facebook - http://facebook.com/WinningWoman
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I wish you could hear what I’m hearing. It goes deeper than music. This harmony touches your soul. These sounds come from a Winning Woman holding an extravagant guitar. When her fingers connect with the strings, they produce a soulful sound that defines dynamic. When she adds her melodic voice to it, you experience what true beauty sounds like. She is the symbol of ‘uniqueness’. She is the sign for ‘distinction’. She has a gift of making memories, because once you meet her, she sticks, and you’ll never forget her. I’m talking about Winning Woman Neely Terrell. This Atlanta, GA native is also an administrator for the Winning Woman’s page on facebook. We contacted Neely in Buffalo, New York to share her life with the world.
WW: Hello Neely. We are honored to have this interview with you. Please share with us, ‘What makes you a Winning Woman?’
NEELY: I know my worth. I know that if God is for me, no one can be against me. I know that if I continue to remain positive, I will definitely win, no matter the circumstance. I am a winning woman because I am full of determination and perseverance and have witnessed my surroundings change in good ways because of these traits. Others notice what I have done and are proud of me. The Bible says that we will be known by our “fruit.” Well, my fruit is delicious. It’s not rotten or bruised. It’s nearly perfect.
WW: Neely, you are most definitely known by your fruits. One thing we noticed about you is that you have 'many' fruits. You have many talents. You write. You sing. You mentor. You bless others in many ways. What do you like to do the most? What's your passion? What's your purpose? What do you think that God has you here for?
NEELY: I love to make people smile the most. To be honest, I get such a wonderful feeling after I have made someone smile or feel relieved from my advice. I love to interact with others and I can communicate with anyone. So, communication is my passion.
My purpose in life is to shine my light so that others can also see the way. I am to be like Christ, as we all are, and show others Him through my accomplishments and optimism. God has me here to keep people smiling and encouraged when thinking of Him. I'm extremely optimistic and I love to make others laugh. He wants me to show people that He is a happy and loving God...and anyone or anything involving Him possesses joy.
WW: You know, there's someone who's reading this interview right now who may need to smile. They may feel frustrated and need encouragement. They may be on the brink of giving up. But God has lead them to read this interview right now at this very moment. What do you have to say to them?
NEELY: Get to know who YOU are as a woman. As women, we cannot help but want to nurture others; whether it is a man, our family, or friends. We forget about our own well-being many times, which is undoubtedly detrimental to our physical, mental, and spiritual health. We should never get to a point to where we are too busy to spend time with our own selves! When you are able to spend time alone, you are able to strengthen your self worth. More importantly, the Lord is able to strengthen your spirituality. And once that's strengthened, everything else will follow. It starts with you spending time with YOU, first, though.
WW: That is great advice Neely! That's what we love about you. You're always willing to share your thoughts. Often times, you share your thoughts in writing, whether it's through books, blogs, social media, etc. Can you share with us your book projects and any other writing projects you're working on?
NEELY: Currently, a new book,SUPER SINGLES, ACTIVATE! Testimonies to Inspire and Uplift the Single Woman, is under review. It is a compilation of stories from single, Christian women who were willing to tell their stories about love, life, and God's grace. It is my first co-edited book. The other editor, Alexis "Fly" Jones, partnered with me in this project and it has been an awesome experience. It is available on amazon.com.
My other book, thebrownorange: My Life in Chapters and Chunks, is my memoir. That will be available later in the year. I have put that book to the side to complete working on the Super Singles book (as it was a one-year project). Once my memoir is complete, I will have a total of 3 book projects under my belt. How exciting!
WW: Yes, Neely that sounds exciting. 'Super Singles, Activate!', I can't wait. Your first book was about singles also right? You seem to be an answer for those who are struggling with being single. Throughout your experience counseling singles, what are some of the biggest challenges that they face?
NEELY: Thank you. Most singles struggle with knowing their worth, how to love themselves, and not knowing how to be alone. They tend to settle for less than the best in relationships. They can't answer how they feel about their own selves, but they want someone else to fill their voids. These are the women that my heart goes out to because I truly understand. I was there, so I want to help them.
WW: That is awesome that you're helping them, because there are many women struggling with loneliness. Is it important for these women to become complete and whole within themselves before they start a relationship?
NEELY: Oh most definitely! Now, I am not sure if we will ever be able to be complete in ourselves. But as long as we depend on God we can constantly work toward completion. Some people would rather someone or something else fill in the gaps.
WW: When it's all said and done, what do you want people to remember about you? What will they say about Neely Terrell?
NEELY: Well, I would love for people to remember my passion for motivating others in various ways. Whether through YouTube videos, blogs, web posts, or verbal communication, I want them to remember that I wanted to encourage others to have a zest for life. I want them to keep in mind that I do not have joy and peace from my own doing but that of God's.
~ Neely Terrell is an Author, Editor, and School Librarian who has a passion for encouraging others. You can contact Neely on facebook.
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She just finished Graduate School. She has one of the most motivational blog talk radio shows on the web. She’s a single mother. She’s a personal development coach. She’s being mentored by the best. She’s also one of the administrators for the Winning Woman's Page on facebook. We’re talking about the one and only Stacy Emeri. We finally caught up with her in Atlanta. As busy as she is with pursuing her vision and goals, you’d think she would look exhausted. However, she stands at 5’3”, with a smile on her face that will scare off any negativity. As she makes time for herself sipping on a Chai Tea Latte from Starbucks, we couldn’t wait to pick her brain.
WW: Stacy Emeri, we are excited to have you featured on the Winning Woman Profile. You are truly a symbol for what a Winning Woman is. What makes Stacy Emeri a Winning Woman?
STACY: What makes me a Winning Woman is my ability and willingness to endure every challenge that is presented before me. Although I have stumbled and even fallen several times in my life, I refuse to give up and continue to press towards the mark because I acknowledge and yield to the assignment and calling on my life- that is to transform the hearts and minds of others. Many times we become overwhelmed, frustrated, and even depressed with of our experiences and circumstances, and we’re unable to fully understand why we’re going through such challenging times. It has been through my most difficult experiences that I’ve been able to discover my strength, gifts, talents and abilities. Instead of trying to figure out all of the “why’s” and “how’s” of life, I’ve decided to trust God and allow Him to direct my path. I once read that it is not our responsibility to determine our destiny as our life’s paths are already destined; however, it is our responsibility to discover what that destiny actually is and to fulfill it. With that being said, our primary responsibility is to walk by faith, operate in love, be deliberate in our actions and live our lives on purpose; that is, the purpose that God has ordained for our lives. There is no need to worry about every detail as long as you trust in God and believe the promises He’s made for your life. Every woman that comes to this realization is indeed a Winning Woman and I salute those of you that are willing to yield to His plan while staying committed to pursuing your goals, living out your dreams, and fulfilling your purpose.
WW: Wow, this is one of the main reasons why we chose you for this interview - for answers like that. Your very presence is filled with inspiration and motivation. Stacy, you are also known as the 'Personal Development Expert'. How did you get that title?
STACY: Honestly, I'm not sure how or when I was given the title of 'Personal Development Expert', but it sure does sound good, LOL! I believe the title stems from the fact that I am very committed to personal development and the mental uplifting of others. Like most, I have struggled with various issues such as low self esteem, insecurity and lack of confidence in the past, while still desiring to grow beyond my circumstances. It's very conflicting to feel like you are being bound by your circumstances and experiences, yet still feel like you're not capable or powerful enough to transcend your own self defeating thoughts and emotions that prevent you from living the life you desire. As a result of my own frustration, depression, and perceived lack of success, I started to devote myself to reading motivational articles, self help books, metaphysical novels, and the utilization of positive affirmations to improve my level of confidence. To be honest with you, overcoming low self esteem and confidence issues is no easy feat. One must be diligent in overcoming this giant, and committed to incorporating those activities and exercises that promote a positive mental image of oneself. Over time, these activities became a part of my daily habits and life, and I found myself uplifting others as I grew throughout the process. My lifestyle has become one that consists of success habits and activities that promote mental growth, clarity, and success consciousness.
WW: Wow! We love your energy. What keeps you so motivated?
STACY: What keeps me motivated is my faith and desire to help others grow and succeed in every area of their lives. Whether it's spiritual, mental, financial or physical growth, I believe that a positive attitude, faith and confidence in self can empower an individual to break through barriers and experience victories on every level. I'm motivated by the thought that I can make a difference in someone's life. I'm encouraged by the fact that God can use me to be a blessing to others despite all my flaws and imperfections. Whether it's through my writing or speaking, I believe that my testimony as well as my passion to see others succeed equips me with the strength and determination I need to purposely pursue my vision and fulfill the assignment for my life. We all have different assignments and callings on our lives; however, a lack of faith, lack of confidence and the unwillingness to yield to the plan for our lives leads to frustration, negativity and even a feeling of worthlessness.Faith allows us to realize our greatest potential and achieve our greatest victories.
I’m also motivated and inspired by those that have been brought into my life by divine connection. As your way of thinking evolves, so will your circle of influence. As I’ve continued to grow over the years, I have seen my sphere of influence evolve into one that is dynamic and powerful beyond measure. I am so thankful to individuals like Billie Miller, Dr. Ayo Kedar, Nicole S. Cooper, LaShae Primus, Jackie Hernandez and my best friend Chris Gloss "The Possibilitarian" for keeping me encouraged, motivated, and determined to win by feeding into my vision and lifting me up when necessary. Each of them (in addition to several others) have been instrumental in both my personal and professional growth and have contributed to my many successes. Once we make the decision to embrace God’s plan for our lives, He will align us with those individuals necessary to stretch our vision, strengthen our resolve and keep us grounded in order that His will be manifested in our lives.
WW: You mentioned that you devoted yourself to reading books and other helpful resources. Can you share with us some of your favorite books and/or other resources that have changed your life? (ex. CD's, DVD's, Articles, etc.).
STACY: Sure! When I first started my journey in the area of self development I knew it was important for me to take “baby steps” and choose books that I could understand. It’s important not to overwhelm yourself by beginning your personal development program with books and material that will overwhelm or totally confuse you. This approach will be ineffective as you will not be able to comprehend or retain the information your reading. I started off with a very small, yet powerful novel- the abridged version of “As a Man Thinketh” by James Allen, entitled “As a Woman Thinketh”, transcribed for women by Dorothy Hulst. This book changed my life as it introduced me to the whole concept of “success consciousness” and the power of thought.
I also started to listen to different CD’s on the power of words and how to use positive affirmations to obtain desired results in your life.
Once affirmations became an integral part of my daily activities, I was introduced to “The Complete Works of H. Emily Cady”. Her first book, “Lessons in Truth” helped me to understand how our thoughts can either give us liberty or keep us in bondage. I also learned how imperative it is to seek spiritual guidance and direction as you embark upon this journey of self discovery and personal development.
Some of my other favorites are “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill, “The Secrets of the Millionaire Mind” by T. Harv Eker, and “The Power of Awareness” by Neville. I would also encourage everyone to subscribe to different websites to obtain daily/weekly/monthly newsletters in the areas of positive thinking and spiritual growth.
WW: There are some women who are reading this interview who may feel discouraged. They're facing many challenges and they're ready to quit. They're ready to throw in the towel and just give up. What do you have to say to them?
STACY: I would first tell them that I understand and can empathize with them. Just like most, I have suffered times of great depression, set back and hurt; however, I made it through those dark times and overcame every trial that presented itself in my life. As cliché as it sounds, we just need to know when to "let go and let GOD". As challenging as it has been for me, I have had to learn to submit and yield to God’s will instead of trying to create my own. Many may say this is much easier said than done, and I would agree that they are right. Despite how difficult it may be, it can and must be done. The weight of the world is too much for any one individual to carry on his/her own shoulders, but we can thank God that our Savior did it for us…the hard part is already done. Once we recognize this, we understand that the victory is already ours. It doesn’t matter how bad our situation may seem, the battle has already been won! I encourage anyone that is going through a difficult time right now to release your sense of control over the situation, and line your will up with the will of God. Fasting and meditation has worked for me in times of confusion or just when I needed some answers. Whichever path you choose, just make the commitment to choose the path of Victory and allow Christ to be your Guide. Trust Him…He will deliver you from your circumstance.
WW: You are the host and creator of the popular blog talk radio show called "Mindshift Talk Radio". But for those who have never heard of the show, share with us how you came up with the idea and the purpose for the show?
STACY: With the support and encouragement of Billie Miller and Dr. Ayo Kedar, I decided to create "Mindshift Talk Radio" after I realized the positive impact that was being made on the hearts and minds of my listeners on my previous project, "Heart to Heart w/ Stacy Emeri. Through that project I learned that there are many that desire a forum that allows them to express their thoughts and concerns in a constructive manner, while providing them with the insight, inspiration and motivation they needed to overcome life’s trials and win in every arena. The purpose of this show is to empower, motivate and inspire our listeners to renew their minds, elevate their way of thinking, and win in every area of their lives. We encourage open and honest communication about real issues affecting real people on a daily basis while sharing our various perspectives. The versatility and depth of this cast allows for well rounded and solution-based discussions that will positively impact our listeners. Our mission is to educate our listeners and sow seeds of encouragement, confidence and hope in their lives while sharpening their vision of success and victory.
WW: 5 years from now...Who is Stacy Emeri? Describe her.
STACY: You know, most people would ask in an interview, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?", but this question speaks directly to who I AM in 5 years... I love it!
In 5 years, Stacy Emeri is a successful, influential, confident, and virtuous woman of character and integrity. She works tirelessly to bless the hearts, lives and minds of many as she yields to and submits to the divine plan and purpose for her life, all for the Glory of God. She operates in holy boldness, transparency, and humility while encouraging, motivating and inspiring others to live a purposeful life of love, victory and success. She leads by example, is determined to win in every area of her life, trusting in God for her guidance and direction and continually striving to live a blessed life, equally measurable to that of the Proverbs 31 woman. Stacy Emeri is living a life of peace, operating in love, experiencing great joy and victories, and excited about the opportunities and lessons that each day holds. She truly is enjoying her title as a Winning Woman!
~ Stacy Emeri is a "Personal Development Expert" whose passion is encouraging and empowering others to reach new heights of success in every area of their lives! You can reach Stacy on facebook or email her at StacyEmeri@gmail.com.
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“You taught an awesome Word last night…”
“You are such an anointed teacher…”
“You’re so full of the Word of God…”
These are words you often hear amongst the crowd after they’ve heard a message taught by Jessica Proctor. She teaches the Bible with simplicity and makes it easy for you to understand. Jessica has a passion to minister to women, which is why she’s one of the administrators for the Winning Woman's Page on facebook. We contacted Jessica in Lufkin, Texas. We’re proud to introduce you to Ms. Jessica Proctor.
WW: Jessica Proctor, we are excited about featuring you on our Winning Woman's Profile Page. Thank you for the opportunity to interview you. You are truly a Winning Woman, which is why you’re the first to do this interview. So let's get to it. My first question is, ""What makes you a Winning Woman?"
JESSICA: My belief in Jesus' shed blood and my covenant relationship with Him causes me to be victorious in all situations, no matter what it looks like. That makes me a Winning Woman!
WW: Amen. There’s nothing like the Blood of Jesus. You're always inspired. You seem to be on fire for God. What's the secret to your motivation?
JESSICA: The times I'm most inspired, it’s because of my best friend... GOD'S WORD. It’s so amazing how It energizes me. When someone shares a Word that God has given them I get a boost. And just when I do devotional reading; it’s like so fresh and new to me; causing me to feel ignited to grow. It’s almost impossible for me to digest God's Word without sharing it with someone else.
WW: Yes, you can't help but to Love the Word of God. And the interesting thing is, it's not fully digested until you share it with someone else. In other words, true success is not determined by how much you've gained from the Word. But it's determined by how much Word others have gained from you. You mentioned devotional reading. How important is reading to you? What are some of your favorite books? And what are you reading now?
JESSICA: Reading is very important to me. Of course the Bible is always first! I can't really compare the books I read, but I've really enjoyed and benefited from Understanding the Purpose and Power of Woman and Understanding the Purpose and Power of Men by Dr. Myles Munroe. 30 Days to Taming Your Tongue by Deborah Smith Peques. And Praying the Scriptures by Judson Cornwall.
WW: There are some women who are reading this interview who may feel discouraged. They're facing many challenges and they're ready to quit. They're ready to throw in the towel and just give up. What do you have to say to them?
JESSICA: DON'T STOP – but keep going, continue on.
DON'T QUIT - but stay focused, remain steadfast.
DON'T CONCEDE – but keep up the fight, you’re victorious.
DON'T GIVE UP – but assume the position, assert some energy, you’re a conqueror! You’re a champion!
DON'T FAINT – but be strong!
I'm reminded of the Chilean miners who were trapped in a mine for 69 days. They knew they were going to be rescued, they knew help was on the way...but even in the midst of the meticulous rescue operation, they had to keep hope ALIVE. Keep the faith, God has a rescue operation that’s ongoing, even if it doesn't feel like, look like, sound like... walk by FAITH and not by SIGHT!
WW: Have you discovered your vision yet? If so, please share why God has placed you here.
JESSICA: I'm here to propel and push people, especially women, into a life-long journey and relationship with God first; Sharing words and the Word in a way that’s unique and stimulating.
WW: What are some new habits that women can start doing today to win?
JESSICA: Develop a hobby, something that you enjoy, something that stimulates your mind... it will eventually lead to something that not only helps you, but others also.
WW: What habits or hobbies do you do to stimulate your mind?
JESSICA: My favorite hobby is decorating.... It makes me feel as if I'm a 'CREATOR'. To be able to take several things that are totally bland while by itself, and put it with something else to make a place beautiful is an amazing feeling. Just knowing the biblical meaning of colors and how they'll change the atmosphere of a room just to put it plain makes me happy. And the reason I make this hobby a habit, is because change is good. It represents not being "stuck", which is never good!
~ Jessica Proctor is a Bible teacher and motivator. She is a writing contributor to the Winning Woman Blog and she’s also one of the Administrators for the Winning Woman's Page on facebook. You can reach her on facebook or by email, Jedpro@yahoo.com.
