BIRMINGHAM HUSBAND AND WIFE MIX MAKE-UP AND MARRIAGE FOR THE PERFECT BLEND

Birmingham, AL–Not your average husband and wife team, Darrius and Meagan Peace are taking the business of make-up to beautiful new heights. Launched in 2007, after years of research, the Birmingham-based couple’s Hayah Mineral Cosmetics line carries a roster of representatives nationwide who sell the products specifically designed for women of color.

Developed after multiple failed attempts to find a suitable cosmetic line that “worked” for the diverse spectrum of African American complexions, the Peace family researched and developed a deep, rich line of foundations, lip shades, eye shadows and more made from naturally occurring minerals. All of this was successfully done while rearing three young children under the age of three.

Co-founder Darrius Peace says Hayah is a family business that is not just about cosmetics. It’s about confidence. “Hayah means ‘Iam’. So each time a woman wears our products she can say ‘I am Sensational’ or ‘I am Beautiful’, which are the names of two of our popular products,” said Darrius.

Hayah Mineral Cosmetics

is sold online at www.hayahcosmetics.com and through national consultants. The Peaces say they are gearing up for expansion in other cities across the country and that the success in Birmingham and surrounding areas is only the beginning. “Meagan and I are driven, not only in our goal to continue to thrive in business, but more importantly in our quest to help each woman know how uniquely special she is,” said Darrius.For more information on Darrius and Meagan Peace or Hayah Mineral Cosmetics contact Meagan Peace at mpeace@hayahcosmetics.com or call 1-877-81-hayah (42924).

Young Don & J.R. Nu of TManic Records

TMANIC RECORDS PRESENTS  Da Truth Mr. Young Don ft R& B Sensation J.R.Nu Performing Live Saturday, August 21, 2010 @ Wing Out Sports Bar and Grill, 150 Green Springs Hwy Homewood, AL 35209. Doors open at 9:00pm. $10.00 to enter,   Dj Twist T on the 1s and 2s!!!

If you love HipHop & R&B you do not want to miss this Best Event of the year!!!

Young Don

Douglas Jones Jr. aka “Young Don” was born January 14th, 1985 and raised in Memphis Tennessee in the North Memphis area.  He has been writing and rapping for 12 years and he started his quest for lyrist and rapping with Rod and Terro “former members of Superior Game”.

Since his relocation to Birmingham, Al he has rapped with a couple local artists and record labels, but has now devoted his time to his solo music and family.  Upon arrival to Birmingham, Young Don hooked up with local talent by the name of COOLBOY ENT, BIRMINGHAM PLAYAS, and 205 BAD GUY ENT.  Has also done work with REAL RECORDS, and in January of 2010 Young Don signed with TMANIC RECORDS!

Also coming Da Truth Mr Young Don “Get It How You Live” mix tape releases July 30th 2010

J.R.Nu

The trio known as J.R.Nu began way before the three even knew each other. “I’ve always loved music,” says Johnny aka J. “I wrote my first song at 10. Since then, Johnny has always kept a pen and a pad nearby.” Honing his skills as a writer and composer came somewhat easily, but performing not so much. “He comes from a family of singers, but would always get nervous whenever he had to sing in front of people or in church. It was something that came with maturity. Now the stage is like his second home.” A native of Auburn, AL, Johnny attributes his success in life to God and family. Maurice a.k.a “Nu” hails from Camilia, Ga. Blessed with a distinctly soulful voice, he has been featured on mix tapes and albums all over the south, with genres ranging from Gospel to Rock. “Everyone in his family is a singer”. It’s something that brings them together,” says Nu. Once you have heard his voice, you remember it. Nu stated “he excited about finally getting this project off the ground. I think the feedback will be good.”  Ray aka “R.” was a sleeper. He was always around the music scene, but was never out there really as an artist until 2006 when he met “J. and Nu”.  I told them I sing and they invited me to come along to record one night. The rest is history.” How did the three come together? Nu and J. played college football together at Jacksonville State University. They met Ray in college as well. Coming together to do this was inevitable,” says Nu. “Nu is a soul singer. No doubt about that. He is R&B Soul at its finest. I’m more of an R&B Pop guy myself. The fusion of our styles is crazy,” adds J.  We finally have the chance to make this happen. So watch out…Here we come!!! The three audition at TMANIC RECORDS on March 27, 2010 and blew away the owner and staff of TMANIC RECORDS and was offered a contract and signed on April 10, 2010.

For more info visit us on the web @ tmanicrecords.com or call the office line (205) 202-6003

Senate Confirms BCRI President & CEO as New Member of IMLS Advisory Board

On June 22, 2010, the Senate confirmed five individuals to serve on the National Museum and Library Services Board, which advises the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) on general policy and practices and on selections for the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The board is comprised of the IMLS director and deputy directors and 20 members of the general public with demonstrated expertise and commitment to libraries or museums.

IMLS Acting Director Marsha L. Semmel said, “Our nation’s museums and public libraries are vital community resources that are more relevant than ever in this time of profound learning change. The new members’ experience and know-how will be invaluable to IMLS in its mission to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas.”

New board members include:

• John Coppola (Museum Strategic Planning and Professional Training Consultant)
• Dr. Carla Hayden (CEO of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, Maryland)
• Dr. Lawrence J. Pijeaux, Jr. (President & CEO of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute)
• Winston Tabb (Sheridan Dean of University Libraries and Museums at the Johns Hopkins University)
• Robert Wedgeworth (Founding president of ProLiteracy Worldwide)

Dr. Lawrence J. Pijeaux, Jr., is president and CEO of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, a multi-media facility housing exhibitions of historical events from post-World War I racial segregation to present-day racial progress. Dr. Pijeaux is a member of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra Board, the Alabama Tourism Department Advisory Board, the executive committee of the Greater Alabama Council Boy Scouts of America, the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel Advisory Board, and the Rotary Club of Birmingham. He holds a Ph.D. in education from the University of Southern Mississippi, an M.A. in teaching from Tulane University, and a B.A. from Southern University.
Outgoing board members include Beverly E. Allen of Marietta, Georgia; Gail M. Daly and Harry Robinson, Jr. of Dallas, Texas; A. Wilson Greene of Petersburg, Virginia; Amy Owen of Holladay, Utah; Katina Strauch of Charleston, South Carolina; and Kim Wang of Torrance, California.

For more information about the National Museum and Library Services Board visit the Institute’s Web site at www.imls.gov/about/board.shtm. Media inquires are directed to Jeannine Mjoseth, jmjoseth@imls.gov, or
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov. They can be reached at 202-653-4632.

The full press release is available online at http://www.imls.gov/news/2010/062310.shtm

This is My Story, by Tina Kay Hughes

To know me, Tina Kay, you would know that I am a multi-facade, multi-layered, and sometimes even a little complicated. I look at the world with a different set of eyes that see God’s goodness in everything all around me. Despite the doctors’ reports, x-rays, Cat scans and some days a body that is in constant turmoil; I still know in my heart that I am in this space at this particular time to make a difference in the lives of others. My plan is not always the right plan and makes me realize God planned long ago these, my days, for me. So I accept God’s grace, mercy, love, and challenges as His way of using me to the benefit of and for all of His people.

“Are you living, or are you existing?” I love this quote because over the past three years as Sickle Cell Disease has begun its attack against my body and mind, many days I feel like I am just here, existing. I think I am a type A personality, always needing order, a definitive plan, and structure. However, living with Sickle Cell there is no structure; your days are determined by your body.

During my childhood, I lived like any other child—not knowing or feeling any difference between myself and other children. I played outside, participated in many sports and school activities and was an over achiever and often times found myself in positions of leadership. There were only two instances that I remember quite vividly as a child having pneumonia and receiving blood transfusions around the age of 8 years old. The other time was in college, in a small town, where doctors did not know how to treat this disease. I had an awful urinary tract infection that caused me to urinate blood. The doctors sent me home to urinate overnight in a bag. By the time my mother rushed me home from college (a 2 hour drive) I needed a blood transfusion. My college days were extremely stressful and I spent many days in the University’s infirmary every quarter during finals to receive IV fluids, to avoid hospitalization.

I spent 10 years working in the insurance industry as a claims adjuster. The first six years I traveled all over the country working in cities that had been damaged due to a disaster/catastrophe—I was never sick during those years except for maybe 2 times. My last 4 years, as a claims adjuster, I handled claims over the phone and did not care for the job because the stress level was extremely high— there were quotas, bad attitudes from customers and coworkers, working in a cubicle, and people came to work sick causing me to become ill because my immune system is compromised due to SC Disease. My last days as a claims adjuster, I could not carry out the basic functions of my position, so I was retired by my company as disabled.

Never in a million years would I have imagined not being able to do simple things in my life. For instance, combing my hair, cooking a meal, driving myself, washing my hair and body, feeding myself, having children, and putting on my clothing just to name a few. Life is so precious and taken for granted until something in life causes you to pause and take account of what is really important and what things or issues are really worth being mad about, fighting for, and spending way too much energy on. Every day that I wake, I have to do things based on how my body feels for the day—it could mean I stay in bed all day, stay in the house all day, or actually go and have fun. I have no control and this drives me completely insane.

It irritates me when people make off hand comments like, ‘You don’t look sick’ or ‘You look good are you sure you are sick.’ The one thing I can control is my outward appearance and this is just apart of my personality, a need to be in control of something, and my appearance is the one thing I can control.

Currently, I have bone infarcts all over my ribs, avascular neucrosis in both shoulders (where the bones are slowly deteriorating), bursitis in my hips, blood clots in my stomach, complete loss of hearing in my right ear, and to be determined if I have lupus or rheumatoid arthritis in my hands and feet. I also contracted Hepatitis C due to blood transfusions in the 80’s and early 90’s. It takes about two hours every day that I wake for my body to respond to pain medication so I am able to move out of the bed. Despite, the goings on in my body, I feel many days like there is a terrorist in my body, waging war and I have no defense to stop it. I love my husband so much because he is always by my side as a best friend and whatever else he needs to be. My family and friends are always at my beck and call to do whatever is needed. Without the love of family and friends I don’t know that I could make it through some of my worst days.

I’ve spent many days in the hospital. I am thankful that President Obama is calling, pushing, and putting into action a new health care plan. I worry about the ceiling on my health insurance policy, exorbitant amounts I pay for the deductible and out of pocket costs. I also worry about being dropped by my health insurance carrier because I have a chronic illness. These are the things that remain at the forefront of your mind when you are often ill. Whereas, if one has never suffered through any type of health issue or witnessed a loved one suffer, one can not fully grasp the need for health care reform.

I journal to help my mental state; I also, create and design jewelry as a release that is therapeutic for me. My writings have been compiled into a book to help others who have any type of struggles in life. The endorphins that are released during my therapeutic hobbies help the pain to subside for just a little while. See www.tinakay.net

I have so much hope and faith that a cure will come to fruition soon for adults with Sickle Cell because a cure for children with Sickle Cell has already been discovered. They say the life expectancy for adults with Sickle Cell is approximately 40-50 years old. People living with Sickle Cell are like the forgotten few left alone to suffer in silence. There is very little attention given by the medical community to this disease. There are very few research dollars spent on SC Disease with it being a global problem. In the United States it is estimated that over 70,000 people have sickle cell disease and about 1,000 babies are born with the disease each year in America. It is also present in Portuguese, Spanish, French Corsicans, Sardinians, Sicilians, mainland Italians, Greeks, Turks and Cypriots. Sickle cell disease also appears in Middle Eastern countries and Asia. This is not a disease where I did something to contract it, I was born with this disease. My greatest fear is that I will not be able to do or see all the things in life I hope for before my life comes to an end.

Not only does the African American community but the wider community remain quiet, clueless, and uneducated about SC Disease. I feel as if I have to be my own advocate, because no one else is speaking on my behalf nor is anyone going before the masses to draw attention to this disease like attention is given to other diseases. My hope is the larger community will put this disease on their radar, so healing and wholeness can begin to dwell in the lives of those with Sickle Cell.

For additional information concerning Sickle Cell visit the following websites:
http://www.sicklecellministries.org
http://sicklecell-ourvoice.blogspot.com/

Miss Black Alabama USA 2010 - Ebonee Benson

Platform: M.O.V.E- MOTIVATING OTHERS through VOLUNTEERING EFFORTS- Promoting Community Service and Involvement

“To move the world we must first move ourselves”
-Socrates

Legacy: My pledge throughout my year of service is to commit time to helping those who may not be able to help themselves by actively promoting my platform throughout the state of Alabama. Educating people on the importance of their role in society and how their individual contributions can ignite change around them is the primary focus of M.O.V.E. My job will be to involve myself in this conscious effort along with encouraging others to get involved in any way possible. Everyone has something to offer; a special gift. My goal is to motivate and inspire others to use these specific devices, these interests and talents to help those around them. Most importantly, I will be the front runner for Community Service and Involvement. I will be the example to follow. Where ever I am needed and can be of help, I will offer my best.

Community Service is a vital part of the survival and success of small and growing communities it causes for a healthier, livelier and more productive society. Serving in the community helps to address issues that are often overlooked by government and other social agencies. Collectively, it is our responsibility to take initiative and pride in the places we live. The possibilities and opportunities that volunteering create for those living around us are limitless. Cleaning a school, feeding the homeless, reading to the elderly, building a home for a family in need, etc, are all ways to better the quality of life for people in our society. We cannot begin to take steps towards the future without first making sure there is a future; and the future is here in our communities. It starts with us. Let our communities reflect our commitment and our work and restore the faith in humanity. Let’s M.O.V.E!

To support Ebonee Benson in the upcoming Miss Black USA Scholarship Pageant please email missblackalabama2010@gmail.com or visit www.missblackalabama.com

Birmingham model, Temeca Freeman, featured in Black Men’s Magazine

Temeca Freeman is a native of Birmingham, Alabama.  She loves shopping, working out, spending time with family and of course modeling.  When asked her best asset, she responds, “My eyes,”…but others would say its her measurements 36-24-42…that is.  Temeca enjoys being in front of a camera and taking photos is her passion.  To date, Temeca has been featured in magazines, music videos, hosted several events, and recently landed a spread in one of the #1 Urban Men Magazines, BLACK MEN MAGAZINE. Winning the Black Men Atlanta model search and shooting for the magazine was a dream come true for Temeca.  She is appreciative of this once in a lifetime opportunity and will be forever grateful for the many blessings it brings her in the future.  Temeca is gearing up for 2010 and looks to accomplished her many goals of taking the modeling world by storm and becoming a household name that is never forgotten.

Kayrn & Mingo Allen, making music and loving life!

If I ask you to name a power couple you would more than likely say Jay-Z and Beyonce, maybe President Obama and First Lady Obama or some other high profile couple.  From the surface fame and fortune makes power couple appointment relatively easy.  However, I believe power couples are those that can take negative situations and turn them into positive opportunities.  In my opinion it’s not the fame and fortune that makes a power couple but the willingness to stay together no matter what you go through, the ability to forgive and grow and the realization that their is nothing on this earth stronger than the bond of a family.

I spoke with Kayrn and Mingo Allen and realized there was a great story with this couple which includes growth, loss, hope and most importantly a tight family bond.  Kayrn, an aspiring singer and her husband Mingo who manages their newly formed entertainment group, Gifted Pen Entertainment, have jumped into the music industry full time. This energetic “power couple”  has discovered that their professional success is deeply rooted in their ability to work and live together.

Urbanham: Music certainly motivates the soul.  How has music motivated you in your journey as an up and coming artist?

Karyn: Music is a huge part of my life! It’s ironic that I relate triumphant and tragic times to songs that are playing during those times. I can remember listening to Teddy Pendergrass and The Commodores when I was little. I remember when I was about 5 years old and won Little Miss Boys Club. I had an interview at the television station and “Reunited” by Peaches and Herb was on the radio. It was so early in the morning that it was dark outside and cold. It’s almost like I relive a moment when I hear music. I still remember looking out the window that day!

Urbanham: How would you best describe your music?

Karyn: My music is a collection of stories about life and love. It’s food to hungry, music-loving souls! It really feels like I merged the 70s and 80s together, because there are sounds of trumpets, drums and smooth guitar licks. The stories that I sing about are either true to things that I’ve been through or that someone I know has been through. For example, “The Way Life Goes” was written on a day in my life when I didn’t know what else to say about what I was going through. I felt like life kept taking punches at me and even though I was defending myself the punches kept coming. All I could say was, “that’s just the way life goes” and that was pretty much it. In my song “Unbearable”, one of my girlfriends was upset about having to end a long-term relationship. As I continued to listen to her, the word unbearable kept popping in my head. When I got off the phone with her, I immediately started to write the song. It is one of my favorite songs, even though it wasn’t my experience. Life has ups and downs; how we handle those trials is the key.

Urbanham: What is the most memorable moment for you as an artist?

Kayrn: Recording “Shawty-Shawty”, because it was the first song that I’d ever professionally recorded. I was nervous and anxious, because I didn’t know what to expect. That day changed my life! It showed me that I could do more than I thought vocally. I found my own voice and that’s really important when you want to become a singer.

Urbanham: What do you want listeners to walk away with when listening to your music?

Kayrn: I want them to know that I’m real. I love the fact that life is a journey and my music takes my listeners on various trips while on that journey. I’m a human being just like they are and that I’m not exempt from anything. It’s so important that they know that if Karyn Allen can do it, then they can too. If Karyn can overcome it, then so can they! I want my music to feed and heal their souls, when they’re hungry and hurting.

Urbanham: What are some of the challenges you find in balancing a music career and family life?

Kayrn: Wow….you know what? It really is all about balance! There are so many challenges, like making sure that the children do their homework before I go to rehearsal. I love to cook, but now I do it less frequently than I did before. That can be hard, because now they come home and say, “Mom are you going to cook today?” In the past, dinner was served daily between 5-5:30pm. I’m at that place in my journey where I find myself constantly referring back to what’s important. The fact that I’m fortunate to be alive today, that I physically saw my husband and children. I’m thankful that I’m in my right mind. My family comes first! This is who I’m doing this for; I want them to have a better life.

Urbanham: Mingo, we know you are on board not only has Karyn’s husband but as a full time manager.  What has been the biggest challenge for you in getting the project ready?

Mingo: The biggest challenge in the beginning is convincing Karyn to do this. I’m always telling her things that she can do, because she does everything at an extremely high level. Sometimes in pursuing a dream, all you need is someone behind you to push you. In her case, that would be me. I am also the same person that has been there if she falls, so that I can catch her.

Urbanham: Most couples find it extremely difficult to work together.  How have you overcome some of the challenges of working together and also managing your home life?

Kayrn: We are best friends first. Our relationship started when we were 19 years old and we both love to laugh. I think that we knew that it would take us both to make the relationship good. Both of our sets of parents were divorced before we were 6 years old and we didn’t want that. Most people think that love keeps relationships together, but we believe that respect is 90% of what really keeps it together. Working together has its challenges, because sometimes work doesn’t end. In actuality, we have to stop ourselves from talking about work so much. We’ve recently started back going out on dates and doing “mommy and daddy” time.

Urbanham: Can you tell us about Gifted Pen and what this entity does?

Mingo: Gifted Pen Entertainment is our record label/management company; it also houses Mingo Karyn Publishing. The whole purpose of Gifted Pen Entertainment was to give undiscovered, real and rare talent a voice. We believe that opportunity is not given, but created. This company is the new frontier for where the music industry is headed. We will redefine how labels conduct business in this industry!

Urbanham: We talked earlier and you were sharing with me some of the things you have learned since working on this project.  What type of advice can you share with our audience on getting prepared for such an opportunity as a manager and as an artist?

Mingo: The best advice that I can give is for the manager and artist to take care of the business first. The talent isn’t going anywhere. There are so many talented artist who are limited in what they can do, because they won’t do the research. A label will not do more for you than you are willing to do for yourself. The knowledge is out there, you just have to seek it. In addition, my wife’s mother told me when I was 19 years old that, “if you can’t listen, you can’t learn”. So many artist don’t want to be told things that will make them better; all criticism isn’t negative. When Karyn was recording “Shawty, Shawty”, she wasn’t doing her best. I told her that and she was upset at first; most artist would be. Once she understood that it was only to make her better, I saw her grow as an artist.

Urbanham: How can people find out more about your projects and purchase your music.

Mingo: You can check her out at www.karynallenmusic.com to listen to her music and purchase her debut album “The Karyn Allen Experience”. You can also go to www.myspace.com/karynallenmusic, www.myspace.com/giftedpenexperience, www.facebook.com/karyn.allenmusic. In addition to those sites, she will be on Amazon, iTunes and CD Baby in November.

Kevin “K-Smooth” Key, already a veteran at 30!

As we celebrate Urbanham.com’s 10th year you will often catch me reflecting on people and events that we have come across since 1999.  In particular those people that we were working with from day 1 and that I personally feel have grown with us over the past 10 years.  Kevin Key, the man behind the “M” Lounge is one such person that has been “In the Grind since 1999” and perhaps even before that.

Kevin Key has been involved with Birmingham’s entertainment scene since his days as a teenager.  Kevin started off as an energetic DJ for teenage and college parities around Birmingham and regional college campuses.  He kept his young crowd crunk and always had a smile on his face while doing his craft.  Often pushed and promoted by everyone’s favorite sound man “Bozo” Kevin quickly became a sought after DJ opening for national acts and sponsors.

Over the years I have seen this young brother mature and accomplish some great things.  He finished college with a degree in Electronics Engineering and took a position working in Aerospace which allowed him to travel and move up to the ranks of management.  While he excelled in the engineering field Kevin had the entertainment bug and could not be held from the industry.  He soon began to put together events such as parties, fashion shows and festivals.  He also launched a couple of entertainment based businesses.  He co-founded South Models with Patricia Pickett and also launched the Moon Men DJs.  Both of these entities continue to be very popular and sought after agencies and have spawned other agencies looking for success in the entertainment industry.

Today Kevin is the man behind the scenes as the “M” Lounge above Matthews Bar & Grill.  Let’s take a moment to give Matthew and the Fanaei family a shout out for those awesome wings at Matthews.  Which you can also get at the “M” Lounge I must add.  If you attended September’s First Friday hosted by Jamie Foxx then you have been to the “M” Lounge.  Kevin spent his days working as an engineer and nights turning the “M” Lounge into a high tech venue able to host just about any type of event imaginable.  Now as the full time manager of the Fanaei Building Kevin is living his dream and delivering quality entertainment to the Magic City.

Come join us and bring a friend out this Friday, October 9 as we help Kevin celebrate his 30th Birthday and well wishes of success in opening the “M” Lounge.  Ladies get in free before 10:30 pm with a free glass of wine to the first 30 ladies.  Plus DJ K-Smooth has promised to go back to his roots and get on the turntables sometime during the evening!

The “M” Lounge
2209 1st Ave North
Birmingham, AL 35203
http://themonfirst.com

First Fridays Birmingham continues to impress crowds after 5 years.

Birmingham’s entertainment and social scene has proven to be a tough market for many promoters and club owners.  I have certainly seen my share of eager event promoters ready to get that big payoff from a series of events only to discover the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is not guaranteed.

Tanita Cain, founder of the monthly First Friday Birmingham event , has created a level of success with her events that many local promoters still search for.  With a combination of business savvy, great negotiation skills, customer service and good ole grass roots grinding Tanita has managed to the turn the First Friday event into one of Birmingham’s most anticipated social events.

After 5 years in the game I thought it would be great to talk to Tanita and find out what she does to keep First Friday “fresh” month and month.

How have you managed to find success in your First Friday events and keep the crowds coming month-after-month?

Tanita: Birmingham is a city with a lot to offer if the product that you are producing is the right product.  I think that people come out to our event for various reasons.  To name a few: This is a national event with a reputable past.  So we have been known to own some of the best social gatherings in the city.  Secondly, we have few altercations.  People want to be themselves and not be afraid to play hard after they have worked so hard.  Who wants to be in an environment where you constantly have to watch your back. Lastly, I think that I have managed to co-mingle and make friends with the patrons and treat them special and they come to support me, I believe because I put my heart and soul in whatever I do and they see that so they want to help me be successful.  I love these folks and it really is personal for me to show them a good time.

What have you found to be the most interesting thing about the crowd that supports First Friday Birmingham?

Tanita: We have a fair mix of  people at First Fridays and believe it or not these folks age gracefully.  They look young and often get mistaking for being much younger than what they are.  Blame their parents for good genetics.  However, we not only have a variety of age groups but we also have a variety of professions.  On any given First Fridays you may have doctors, lawyers, accountants, as well as graduate students, laborers, store clerks, mechanics etc… (I love it!!!!)

Does the response seem to be the same at Friday Friday events across the country?

Tanita: No it varies from city to city and from month to month.  There are some guys that have been in this game for 10-12 years and they often time loose their swag so we reach out and try to communicate and come up with some new ideas.

Since all markets are different what did you do to discover what would work in Birmingham for First Friday?

Tanita: I started off small and intimate and really got to understand Birmingham.  I remember waaaaay back “when” at the Safari Cup we evolved from word of mouth and me passing those flyers out (I was the street team) I listened to the people whether good or bad and made the appropriate changes.  When my folks talk, I listen.

Do you typically visit and collaborate with other First Friday groups?

Tanita: Somewhat.  I don’t ever have time to visit other First Fridays.  I wish I could leave my team but right now I can’t.  However we do collaborate (for example First Fridays Huntsville and I partner up every year to bring Birmingham one of the best Classic Parties out there)  I have also partnered with the First Fridays in Montgomery when they had a really nice upscale one. I have collaborated on other events (Nationally with First Fridays) like ski trips, cruises and mountain trips.

So you will have Jamie Foxx participating in the five year anniversary.  I joked with you recently that the only way you would top this is to have a First Friday hosted by President Obama or Jesus Christ himself. Seriously speaking is there anyone that you would like to have participate in a First Friday Birmingham event?

Tanita: I just play it by ear.  I really was talking to Idris Elba’s manager and he was going to be in London during this time so I ended up with Jamie Foxx (lol) not bad huh?  Some things happens for a reason.  I am opened to suggestions so make sure you guys hit me on the email or Facebook and let me know who you want to see. tanitacain@firstfridaysbham.com

First Friday seems to offer a level of customer service that you may not find at most clubs or events.  Is this something you brought with you from your business practice and how have you managed to integrate this into a social environment?

Tanita: I think so.  Russ, you know me personally.  I am just me.  Cool down to earth make friends really easily no nonsense type of person.  Yes, I do carry this attitude with me through out my businesses.  That is the only way I am able to survive in this downturn economy.

What other events and ventures do you participate in outside of First Friday?

Tanita: Oh wow! Here we go! I have to laugh sometimes in my sanity.  I am first off an attorney a pretty good one if I have to say so myself.  I practiced corporate law for 5 years but have now intertwined criminal defense work into my practice.  I own a business called Advantage Equipment, where we sell, rent and lease heavy equipment albeit construction, over the road, onsite, offsite, underground or utility.  I also own a trucking and hauling business Called Advantage Equipment trucking and hauling Inc.  I also dibble in pressure washing as well and I have a brokerage company, where we act as a middle man broker.  The modeling agency Upscale Models Inc. is still around but unfortunately I haven’t been able to massage it like I used to.  The models get motivated and then they show up late for appointments no show and call me the next week like nothing happened (go figure).

As you look towards the next five years what type of challenges do you think you will face and what do you plan to do to overcome those challenges?

Tanita: We will try to keep it fresh. That’s going to be a challenge. I want to offer something for the grown folks as well as keep First Fridays actively engaged for the up and coming young professionals and individual.  I would love to mentor some fresh blood out there that’s thirsty but I haven’t’ seen anyone who has the same drive as me.

How can people find out more about themes and guest hosts for upcoming First Friday events?

Tanita: They can always log onto www.firstfridaysbham.com or hit me up at tanitacain@bellsouth.net or tanitacain@firstfridaysbham.com

You can find us on Facebook and Myspace and even on Twitter if you like to follow me just hit us up.

Birmingham model, Alexis Webb, makes Jet Beauty of the week

Alexis Webb appears in Jet Magazine this month as the Jet Beauty of The Week. Representing South Models, LLC and putting Birmingham on the map. Photographer Raquel Thomas shot the picture and her Swimwear sponsored by Everything But Water (The Summit) was eye catching.  “It’s unbelievable seeing me in a magazine my parents subscribe to. It was an honor to receive this opportunity,” she says.  Alexis is a part time student, full time worker, model, sister, and daughter. She enjoys working out, shopping, and spending time with family.

Alexis’ modeling resume continues to grow.  She has been featured in videos for Young Dro featuring TI, T-Pain, Akon, Marques Houston and Yung Joc. She has been a promotional model for Jack Daniels, Crown Royal, Ciroc Vodka, and Seagram’s Gin for over three years. Print Ads for Cloochie,  Ol Skool Carz,LLC,  First Impressions Marketing, Sexpert Fashions and that’s just a to name a few. Be on the lookout for more from Alexis in her modeling career that will continue to excel. Her next projects include upcoming magazine publications, acting, and event hosting.

Patricia Pickett
South Models, LLC
Off The Chain Management, LLC
http://www.smodelsinc.com

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