How do you feel about cold weather?
I despise it. Growing up in a large city in the Midwest (Chicago, Il), I didn’t know where, but I knew I would not live the rest of my life in a cold city. I’ve been happily living in Texas for 26 years, and I’d take the heat over the cold any day.
I often say it’s in my blood to live in a warm climate because both my parents, siblings, and extended family were born on an island. 🏝 My ideal temperature is 80 to 85 degrees, but I can tolerate warmer.
Are you a leader or a follower?
I get paid to lead and have been in a leadership position for years. However, prior to being in an official leadership position, I exhibited leadership qualities and led from whatever positions I’ve held.
In my personal life and as a Christian, I follow Jesus Christ’s example and live my life by his example, teachings, and principles. This carries into how I lead in a professional capacity and in my home.
My husband and I are in covenant partnership in our marriage, and there are certain aspects where I follow his lead and some aspects where I lead. Twenty-six years of marriage, and it works for us.
So am I a leader or a follower….I am both.
List your top 5 favorite fruits.
My top 5:
Last night, I made a quick meal of smoked chicken enchiladas, black beans, and simple salad. My husband, Bryan, smoked a chicken a few days ago and after considering several options, I decided to make enchiladas. I used drained, canned black beans but amped up the flavor with onions, fresh garlic, and spices.
I decided to treat my family to some fresh fruit parfaits. I cut half of a small angel food cake into cubes and toasted them in a pan on the stove with a little butter. Then, layered whipped cream, toasted angel food cake, two of my favorite fruits (sliced strawberries and blueberries) in small glasses. Mine had chia seeds and cashew cream. It was a lovely scrumptuous treat.
What does freedom mean to you?
Freedom means living the life I want, where I want, and with the people I want without financial worry or strain.
What was the last live performance you saw?
It was “The Voices of Lee” at my church’s outdoor amphitheater right before Christmas. They’re an A Cappella group of college students who attend Lee University in Cleveland, TN. Their voices are impeccable, and they sing at different venues, particularly churches, during the holiday season as part of their grade. They sound like professionals. My husband, Bryan, and I really enjoyed the mini concert. Our pastor at, LifeFamily, has arranged for them to perform every year. He has a special connection since his oldest daughter attended Lee University. I captured the photos below.
What are your favorite brands and why?
With regard to brands of products I use to take care of my hair and body, I prefer products with the most natural ingredients and with the least amount of chemicals. I also prefer brands that are conscious and respectful of the environment and the location where the product is sourced. I’ve tried many brands over the years, and I can’t say I’m only committed to particular ones. As I’ve honed in on what’s important to me in a product, I do have some preferences.
Generally, I love to support black owned (African American and across the Carribbean/African Diaspora) brands for all of my needs beyond personal grooming because I want to support my people. If I know a brand is black owned, I will likely try it.
For hair products, I prefer black owned brands because, as a black woman, I believe those products are created just for my hair texture and will help my hair thrive. I also want to support the brand.
For face and body care, I prefer any brand that has minimal chemicals and more natural and organic ingredients like essential oils and nutrients. I also prefer responsibly sourced products because many of those beneficial ingredients come from different parts of the world that may be impoverished, not well developed, and/or have limited resources and economic opportunities.
I’m open to trying different products that meet my preferences.
What gives you direction in life?
My moral compass and God give me direction in life. The older I get, I’m better able to make the best choices for me because I also value my peace. I’m not interested in external validation. I have to live with my decisions, so these decisions need to be best for me and my family.
Do you have a quote you live your life by or think of often?
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Mata Angelou
What is one word that describes you?
One word that describes me is resilient. If you know me, then you know. My 16 year old self couldn’t have imagined my life today and what I’ve been through. I always manage to get to the other side and not without some bruising at times. I seek the light in every situation, no matter how painful.
I personify the saying, “I don’t look like what I’ve been through.” But there have also been plenty of joyful times mostly because I choose to be grateful and focus on the blessings.
myenlightenedlife 