Entertainment Wednesdays: Michaelveli IndieGoGo Campaign

Please consider supporting our friend Mike "Michaelveli" Dixon as he screens his heartfelt documentary that features his enlighten discovery in being an artist and the display of his extraordinary artwork.  He is looking to raise $1000 on his IndieGoGo Campaign.

Date:  December 3, 2014

Time:  7:00PM

Location:  701 Whaley @ 701 Whaley St. Columbia, SC 29201

$15 per person at door

*IndieGoGo Perks

$20- 2 tickets to documentary, art show, food & drinks

$50- 2 tickets; FREE print of any artwork on display at show

Entertainment Wednesdays: GimmeMo' on Hulu

GimmeMo’ is a docustyle talk show hosted by actress and activist Monique Coleman exploring various issues that impact youth.

Monique is a native of South Carolina. She is best known for her role as "Taylor" in Disney's High School Musical movies.  She also competed in the 3rd season of ABC's Dancing With The Stars.  Monique was also named the first ever UN Youth Champion for the International Year of Youth from 2010-2011. It aimed to advance the participation of young people on global, regional and national issues that affect them.

Travel Tuesdays: How Would You Spend A Day in Charleston, SC?

5 Must See & Do

We recently had an opportunity to spend a day in Charleston, SC and were able to create five short videos of our adventure.  Check out the sites and sounds of Charleston, and decide how you'll spend your day.

Charleston City Market

 
Fascinating Locations

 
Free Activities


The Old Village (Mt. Pleasant, SC)

Entertainment Wednesdays News: 5 Facts About "Get On Up" Actor Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick Boseman Left); James Brown (Right)
Photo Credit: Black Film.com

As James Brown Bio Pic Get On Up opens nationwide on August 1st, we thought we will give you a few interesting facts about the lead actor, Chadwick Boseman, portraying James Brown.

1. He is a native of Anderson, SC.

2.  He had an interest in writing and storytelling before studying acting.

3. He is a Giants fan.

4. He has 42 first cousins.

5.  On learning James Brown bodacious footwork: “It hurt!". “It really opens your brain up in a different way, doing his movements.”

Bonus Fact: Boseman counted up to 90 splits in a dance scene that required several takes.

Tamron Hall with "Get On Up" Cast and
Director Tate Taylor (2nd to Right) in June 2014.
Personal Photo

Columbia, SC native Lori Minor

My passion and purposeful career is acting and the performing arts.  I pursued a career in education prior to pursuing acting and performance arts. A major sacrifice I made was when I left my job of 5 years with Lexington District 2 (SC) and moved to NY to study at the Circle in The Square Theatre School in Manhattan. I currently stay with relatives while I attend school.

If I was to impart advice to anyone about pursuing their passion, I would ask yourself... Does this mean more to me than a passing hobby? Can I live without it? Can I impact someone's life in a positive way as well as mine by pursuing this? If the answer to some or all of these is yes, then you should pursue it. If you really want it you should go for it. Not sure how to get started? Ask someone who's done it. Funds not exactly in order? Start small; break your goal into steps and do what you can a bit at a time. Don't let money be the deterrent. Start fundraisers for yourself. Ask for help. I had several people bless me financially knowing my endeavor. One of my cousins told me they didn't want money to be the reason I didn't go back to school. She didn't cover everything, but what she gave was a great blessing. Also, start qualifying yourself for the career/passion. You want to be a dancer, start taking classes. You want to start your own business, begin studying how. Don't fail because of inexperience or being unprepared. The more you know the more you grow and the more faith you have in yourself the more faith others will have in you. With God all things are possible and I believe if I have faith, a will and a way, I can achieve anything and so can you!

People can following me on Facebook.  Feel free to ask questions, and I'll keep you posted on upcoming events 

https://facebook.com/loriminor247

I don't have a website just yet but I will have that up soon. 

What Is My Passion Thursdays: Meet Actress/Model Kharlybia N. Roane

We featured a reel that was completed for South Carolina native Actress/Model Kharlybia N. Roane a few months ago.  Not long afterwards, the young lady had two major occurrences.  She was asked to walk the runway in a fashion show in Charlotte, NC.  Then a few weeks before her high school graduation last month, she fell ill due to complications from her sickle cell anemia.  But thanks be to God, she is well, and we had an opportunity to meet up and talk with her in New York where she is taking a month long acting workshop through the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts.  We met up with her at her school's residence hall in the Brooklyn Heights area, and walked over to the Brooklyn Pier for spectacular views of the Statute of Liberty and the Manhattan Skyline as she discussed her impending plans.

Kharlybia is on the verge of a huge breakthrough.  She was in NYC for only 2 days when a fashion designer asked her to model for him.  To no surprise, the 6 foot beauty has already graced the runway from New York to Paris, so she should be used to being approached.  Nevertheless, she gave his contact info to her "momager" Peggie Funny-Roane, back home in South Carolina, so the jury is still out.  She's in NYC to get trained in acting, and all the while, discovering herself post-graduation.  She loves her daily classes, and is seriously considering working for a year at home, and coming back to NYC to attend the school's 2 year program. She had an audition two days ago to obtain a scholarship that will make it affordable to attend the school.  She'll find out in a few weeks if she got it.  Her other option is to study forensic science in a South Carolina college and minor in drama/theater. Decisions, decisions!!!  Yet, her passion is for the arts, and if there is anytime to do it, she feels that it is NOW.  She is strong in her convictions, and knows she can do it through Christ and the love and support of her family and friends.  This thespian is on the rise, and will go far.  Small Town Girl in the Big City making DREAMS come true.  If it can happen to her, it can happen to you!!

What Is My Passion Thursdays: Meet Keven Cohen, Radio Personality

If you can't join them, then make one yourself.  Meet Keven Cohen and hear his story (from beginning to 6:08 minute mark) of how he came about owning his own Columbia area radio station at The Point Radio [95.9FM/1470AM].  Inspiring!!

The Meredith Show is based in Columbia, SC and it airs 

Every Thursdays on NBC/WIS @12:30pm.

Have you ever been forced out of a job or career you loved?  
Did you re-enter the same career or started a new one?

What is My Passion Thursdays: Meet Juanita Frederick, Actress

Juanita M. Frederick is a native of Columbia, SC. She is a graduate of St. Augustine's College (Raleigh, NC) with a BA in Theatre and Film and a minor in Spanish. She works in theatre and film in the Greater NY area. 

My passion is inviting the world to consider the notion that life is much larger than just ourselves and what we know about our world. My purposeful career is to entertain, educate and enlighten others through acting in powerful plays and films.  I also hope to pursue other areas of the entertainment industry.

Because I love performing, I have never pursued any other career path outside of acting in the entertainment industry. For some, working does not feel like work. I feel this way about acting.  When I have an acting job, I do not feel like I am working in the traditional sense of the word. Performing is totally my play time! I have had traditional jobs between acting jobs because some acting projects are not financially sustainable. During those in between times, I worked as an assistant teacher in private and public schools.  I also have worked in a homeless shelter and in an art gallery.  

I have made some sacrifices in order to pursue my passion. One of the most impactful sacrifices was to relocate from my home grown roots after completing college to Philadelphia. However, my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carl (Maritha) Frederick, continue to make the most sacrifices in order for me to pursue my passion. My parents are tireless in their support of my journey to the “red carpet.”

I have several pieces of advice to others who are fearful to “Take A Leap” into their purpose and purposeful careers.  First and foremost, pray for guidance. With prayer, an abundance of things will happen.  God will give you courage to be fearless, but you have to forcefully take steps toward your goal(s). God also will aide you in handling your fears by surrounding you with people who are honest and supportive-- family and friends; those who are where you are professionally who will navigate the waters with you; and, those who are where you aspire to be professionally who will become your mentors. Secondly, consider the contribution you will make to the world with your passion and purposeful career. Just think about this point: Somewhere are others who need you to be you and to share what you have so they can graduate to their purpose.  Remember that life is much larger than just ourselves.

Readers can learn more about my work at www.linkedin.com/pub/juanita-frederick/57/38/597

Travel Tuesdays: Snow in the South

Snow covered neighborhood Clubhouse

When this post is viewed, we'll be on our second major threat of wintry mix weather. These pictures are from our first major storm in late January.  It's not often we get snow in South Carolina. 

Rhonda taking a leisurely stroll down our neighborhood street

Frozen mailbox

Snow covered bench

Walking trail in our neighborhood

Rhonda smiles for the camera.

How has the weather affected your travel plans?

What Is My Passion Thursdays: Zeborah Foulks of Doyhae Films

Zeborah Foulks
Filmmaker and Middle School Football Coach

A college football injury caused Zeborah to purse a second passion in media entertainment.  After 12 years in television broadcasting, Zeborah had a vision from God to write and direct his own movie. The faith-based, independent movie was filmed in his native Columbia, South Carolina.  It is entitled Safe House: A Christian Story, and will be screened at Brookland Baptist Church in West Columbia, SC on Friday, January 31, at 7:30pm. 

Other movies in Zeborah’s filmology include: “Angel of Mine”, “From the Shallow to the Deep", "Paranoid”, “Tyler Jenkins" and  "The Resolution Pact”.  Zeborah has not forgotten about his passion for sports and has been the head football coach at Crayton Middle School for the past 8 years, and has led the team to 6 championship games.

Here's more about Zeborah:

• His passion is to walk right in the front of God, and his career choices are in both the arts entertainment and sports.

• He considers himself a life coach and leader of men.

• In the past he would goof off and not work as hard as he should, and the sacrifices to overcome the lack of focus were a necessary part of the process to be in where he is now.  Although in the moment, it had been tough; yet, the results have been extraordinary.

• He believes every person has greatness within themselves, and the fear of exploring it won't kill it.  You will only die with it inside you.  Motivation, hard work, dedication, and faith in God are the tools to overcome your fear to take a leap, and you would be amazed at what happens

• You can contact Zeborah at  doyhaefilms.com website;  facebook.com/doyhaefilms; Twitter @doyhaefilms; zeb foulks Instagram

What is My Passion Thursdays: Meet Dawn Bryant

My passion is to run my own business and create relationships with my customers that are positive and impactful. My goal is to not only serve a good product but to serve that product with so much warmth and love that it will carry over into their lives throughout the day. My only goal in my lifetime is to leave an imprint that somehow will affect the world.

I originally went to school to be a Registered Nurse. I always knew since I was a child that I wanted to help people and in some way, so a nurse was what I felt was the best way to do that. As I neared the end of my schooling I realized that I did not have the same passion for it as I had when I first started. I still wanted to help people, but just could not figure out how.

The sacrifices I have made to figure out my path in this life were at a great risk. I discontinued pursuing my Bachelors in Nursing and got a job selling products house to house. I had no idea what I was doing when I first started but I quickly realized that I got satisfaction out of selling people products that they loved and held great value for. I quickly worked my way through the ranks getting promotion after promotion until I reached my glass ceiling. At that time I made the choice to sacrifice my job and move back to South Carolina to build Blythewood Seafood Emporium & BBQ Haven with my family. I quickly gained a strong passion owning and operating my own business and realizing as long as you give people 100 percent of you each and everyday, there will never be any goal you can't reach. The freedom to choose and navigate, and learn from mistakes without having the fear of being replaced was so freeing. It allowed me to focus on what was most important... And that is building lasting, impactful relationships. Relationships that are genuine and not based on a bottom dollar. I feel if I can impact a person in anyway it is only a matter of time before I can impact an entire world.

The advice I would give others is, everything worth having comes as a risk. If you find yourself dreaming it and breathing it... If it keeps you up at night and gives you the energy you need during the day, then their is nothing you need to fear because it has become a part of you. If you believe in yourself and feel in your gut you have what it takes to get it done, then do it. Having your own business is a lot of work and you will have many restless nights but when you get to the point where you begin physically seeing your success, pride overjoys you like seeing your babies face for the first time. It overjoys you because its confirmation that people believe in you and your mission and in some way, you share that same vision which you both experience for the first time together. I would also advice people to have a tough skin because there will be a lot of people you encounter who will try to spread negativity your way. There will be many times you fall but as long as you dust yourself off and learn how to maneuver around that pothole everything will work out just fine.

Photo Credit:
Blythewood Seafood Emportium
& BBQ Haven Facebook Page

Readers can learn about our Business through Facebook (Blythewood Seafood Emporium & BBQ Haven) or visit our website at www.bsebh.com. You can also visit us at our physical location at 420 McNulty Rd, Blythewood, SC 29016. (803) 563-5295

What have you sacrificed to follow your passion?

Rhonda W & Sharee W.

Studio Charleston Indiegogo Campaign

Studio Charleston

Rhonda and I are excited to have an opportunity to head up north in a few weeks to visit a film set in
Toronto, Canada.  We will also take the time to film another webisode of Take A Leap.  For those of you that aren't aware, since June 2009, a valid passport is needed for anyone traveling to Canada by air, land, and sea.  And since Take A Leap highlights countries where a passport stamp is required, we decided that it'll be our next documented adventure.

It is interesting to know that Toronto's film and television cluster ranks third in North America, and it's augmented by their varied production options and consistent tax credits.  This is a major selling point as to whether a full scale production will shoot at a particular location.  Not only does this create a pool of creative and technical talent, but it pumps millions of dollars into the economy.

South Carolina has lost out on many opportunities to have movies made here because of their noncompetitive film incentives.  I don't want to go into the political aspect of it, but I thought I'll share this Indiegogo Campaign which only has a few hours remaining to raise $35,000.  They are currently below expectations, but any monetary amount raised from contributions will help keep Studio Charleston, a premiere Film/TV production facility based in Charleston, SC, open for business.  This studio was key in bringing the movie Dear John to South Carolina, in addition to several independent projects. Please consider donating today!!

Take A Leap Teaser Videos

Rhonda and I have been keeping some abnormal hours the last few nights.  We have interviewed via Skype two superb individuals thus far.  Latraia D. is a 25-year old SC-resident that moved to China 10 months ago to teach.  Arlene G. is a former Hollywood-based screenwriter and current "Roman" who has expanded her creativity with the launching of her home decor business, Arlene Gibbs Decor.  Check out excerpts of their interviews at http://indiegogo.com/takealeap.  The teaser videos can be found on the home page and in the gallery tab.

We will have one more teaser video to add by the weekend with our interview early in the AM with personal trainer Coach G., who currently resides in Rome, Italy.  And guess what....he has a South Carolina connection as well.

Coach G (pic via Twitter)

As a point of interest, we have landed an exclusive interview with a fashion media entrepreneur and world traveler (over 40 countries visited) during our visit in Florence, Italy in November.  We'll share more about this travelista in later blogs.

Don't forget about supporting our funding efforts.  Our goal is to raise $5500 by September 1.  We're a far cry from our goal, but we haven't lost faith.  Spread the word to your Facebook friends, twitter followers, email recipients, and word-of-mouth.

A closing note to this post is that Rhonda and I will be on the radio show Urban Scene with Don Frierson on Columbia, SC 620 AM on June 4 at the noon hour.  We're going to talk about We Connected Productions, LLC and our various projects, specifically Take A Leap.  Please take a listen if you live in the area or have access to internet radio.   Blessings!!