What Is My Passion Thursdays: Meet Sharon Holmes, CEO/Founder True Dreams Showcase

Sharon Holmes - Founder/CEO - True Dreams Showcase from True Dreams on Vimeo.

This past weekend we were able to witness the second True Dreams Showcase in Atlanta, Georgia.  We won an award last year, and as an act of service, facilitated a workshop entitled "Starting A Blog" that attendees were able to sit in on.  The stakes were high, as up to $100K was awarded to individuals towards a start or expansion of their business.  So who's the visionary behind True Dream Showcase? No other than CEO/Founder, Sharon Holmes.

Mrs. Holmes desire is for EVERYONE to achieve their God-given potential and seeks to help them do so through stirring up deferred dreams and causing them to catch a glimpse of who they were created to be; so they can soar like eagles.  She motivates people to move out of their place of complacency into their destiny and continues to inspire many in the direction of greatness as they walk into their positions of entrepreneurship.

Mrs. Holmes firmly believes that despite life's failures and disappointment- It is never too late to pursue your dreams!"

To find out more about Sharon Holmes and how you can participate in True Dreams Showcase 2014, follow on Twitter, Facebook, and the True Dreams Showcase website.

What Is My Passion: Meet Raven Magwood

 

From Vision to Fruition

Top Video: WCP, LLC interview in Spring 2013 with fellow Clemson University alum Raven Magwood. Twenty year old Raven talks about traveling the country as a motivational speaker and being an author and movie producer.

Center Video: The result of  Raven's hard work. The trailer for the  feature film she wrote: Switching Lanes
Switching Lanes stars: Jamila Thompson (Role: Kaneesha), Victoria Staley (Role: Sarah), Tommy Ford (Martin), Kim Fields (Facts of Life, Living Single), Terri J. Vaughn, Kenny Lattimore, Michael Lerner, Marla Maples, Fred Hammond, Angie Stone, and Wess Morgan. Produced by Tyscot Films

Have you had a vision of what your future will be? What steps are you taking to have that vision come to fruition?

Also, to better serve your needs, please take a moment to complete a brief survey at the top right column.

Rhonda W.

SC Teen Tamia B. Takes A Leap to Europe!

Sharee W, Tamia B., & Rhonda W.

SC teen Tamia B. Takes A Leap today, July 4, and heads to Europe for 19 days as a Student Ambassador via People to People.  It was a long hard road of saving and raising money, but the efforts paid off.  You can read more about her story here and our mission to help her here.

Flying High with Medical Conditions

As many of you know, we have completed over 15,000 thousands miles in the air over the last 6 months.  China, Italy, NYC, and Los Angeles.  Whew, it's enough to make one sick, and it did.  I don't want to go specifically into either of our medical health conditions, but it was very serious, and it will change the way we travel in the future.  Pill supplements, compression socks, changes to diet, and exercise, etc. If we want to continue our jet-setting ways, it's imperative to understand our bodies.  Even the most healthiest individual can take on a condition that is onset by frequent travel under varying circumstances (cabin pressure, altitude, etc).  However, it doesn't have to be the end-all.  It's important to know and understand your medical condition before taking an airline flight, cruise, or lengthy car/train ride. You should share with your doctor your upcoming itinerary and make adjustments as he/she sees fit.  Here are a few tips that can apply to almost any circumstances, whether it's related to travel or not.

1) Don't cross your legs over thigh; if need be, cross ankles.

2) Walk around every 90 min- 2 hrs. This applies to anyone who sits in a chair at work; and air/train/automobile travel.  Walk to car, break room, a co-worker's office, etc. Walk the aisles on an airplane or train.  Walk around the car a few times if traveling long distance more than 2 hours. Switch drivers often.

3) Drink water at high altitudes; avoid alcohol and carbonates

4) Elevate feet- use foot-rest, purse, carry-on bag, etc.

5) Under Doctor's care, wear compression socks during long flights. Your feet should be measured and the socks fitted properly. Many CVS stores have this service. Certain medical conditions related to poor blood circulation, including anyone who suffers from anemia, may need to avoid them, as it could make the condition worse.

6) If you're prone to motion sickness (air, train, automobile, boat, etc), wear a  prescribed patch or ointment; take a prescribed tablet; or wear a wrist-band.

Rhonda & Sharee
Take A Leap

Is this the End??

The subject title of this post ask: "Is this the end?"  The answer is yes and no.  Yes, it's the end of the 2013 Oscars Red Carpet Take A Leap blog coverage, but it's not end of what's in store from WCP, LLC.  First, we'll like to give our shout-outs to those that helped us along the way.  Then we'll give you a glimpse of what's next for us.

God; Parents, Rev. Ronald & Diane Washington; Family- Brother Ashley; nieces & nephews; Aunts; Uncles; Great-Uncles; Great-Aunts with special thanks to Liz & Rebecca; Cousins, with special thanks to Marcie M. for providing jewelery; Francis Burns UMC with special thanks to Marcella Forrest, Carl & Val Robinson, and our Sunday School Contemporary class; Ms. Ollie B. as seamstress; Max H, Ed C., & Paul C. for coming up with excellent questions; Tamika Eugene-Brown; Travis Ward; Tiki Garrett- Rhonda's hair stylist; Antoinette- Sharee's hair stylist; Carmela A.- professional make-up artist; FB & Twitter followers; MTC Co-workers; Colonial Life Arena Co-Workers; Tre Tailor, Publicist; Local radio & TV- ABC WOLO; NBC WIS; CBS WLTX; FOX WACH 57; 103.1 KISS FM N'Touch with Judi Gatson; WGCV Urban Scene w/ Don Frierson; Gloria H. with donation of 3 dresses worn; Paul Mitchel The School Columbia for mani/pedi with Janessa J & Crystal D. providing us exceptional service; and Stephanie Frederic with FGW Productions and The Academy for giving us the opportunity to be at the 2013 Oscars Red Carpet events.

Paul Mitchell The School Columbia
Sharee's Manicure by Crystal

Gospel Goes To Hollywood Gowns

Sharee & Rhonda, Oscar Red Carpet Gowns

Paul Mitchell The School Columbia
Rhonda's Pedicure by Janessa J.

Sharee & Rhonda, Oscar Sunday

So, what's next?

• We have been asked to be interviewed for a major blogsite community that inspires teens and young adults. We'll share the link soon.

• We have two speaking engagements with Women of Destiny's True Dreams.  March 16 in Columbia, SC and June 21 & 22 in Atlanta, GA.

• We will continue to work on an assignment basis with FGW Productions.  We have sought out an opportunity to interview the cast of a movie that is set to film in Canada in early Spring.  More details soon.

• We are in the midst of planning our next major international trip to Dubai and S. Africa.  Initially we were looking in early 2014, but have now pushed it back to May 2014.

  

Raise Your Hands Up!!

Rhonda and I were on our way to the Oscars backstage press area when we ran into Entertainment Tonight's host, Nancy O'Dell.  As a fellow Clemson University Alum, we had our eye all afternoon looking to meet her to conduct a candid interview. And the the time was now!! Producer Stephanie handed me the mic, and after sharing our common connection, I asked her about the greatest moments on the Oscars Red Carpet, and the infamous question, "Who are you wearing"?  We will post that video as soon as it is available to us.

Going backstage was like a maze.  We followed signs that pointed to Press Backstage, yet a few times we got twisted around and found ourselves climbing under curtains to get back on track.  After two sets of security measures, we found ourselves at the buffet line.  Shrimp, pasta, vegetables, meat, and dessert.  We made quite a few trips to the buffet line outside of the press backstage area.

We obtained radio receivers and headsets to listen to the actual awards ceremony while we simultaneously watched it on TV and listen to the Oscars winners answer questions.  It was similar to an auction process in that you had to raise a numbered card and wait to be called on.  Each winner was allocated to 6-8 questions.

A number of winners came through. Adele, Daniel Day-Lewis, Jennifer Lawrence, and Anne Hathaway.  But there was one in particular on my mind. The moment I saw him, I raised my number high.   I kept it up and when the announcer said the last question was to be answered by #40, I almost shrieked in excitement. That was me!!

When Quentin Tarantino turned in my direction, he mentioned my number.  I gave him my name, company, and where I was from.  He politely repeated my name and then the question was asked: "....will you consider filming in South Carolina."  The answer was vague, yet assuring, that our state will be considered.  A lot is currently going on to improve our state incentives.  To find out more information, please visit Carolina Film Alliance.  I just hope that I planted a seed into Tarantino to film in South Carolina with the question I posed.  To see the video, check it out here:  My question starts at the 5:53 min. mark.

My final post to Take A Leap to the Oscars will be a shout-out to everyone who helped get us there.  You are appreciated beyond words.  Check for it before the weekend is out!

On the Oscars Red Carpet

The Oscars Red Carpet security is no joke!!  Not only must you go through two levels of security, but you must also be mindful that your badge is not in anyone's video or you stand the chance of getting kicked off the Red Carpet.  So that we wouldn't have any of those issues, we wore our badges backward and only showed it face forward when requested.

We spent the first part of the afternoon obtaining B-roll and interviewing people in the fan bleachers. These persons went through a lottery system to be chosen to attend the Oscars Red Carpet.  One couple came from as far away as Florida.  They shared their picks for the Academy Awards, and gushed over actors and/or performers they wanted to see.  It was an exciting time for them, and for many, as we can attest, a lifetime opportunity to see the Oscars Red Carpet up close.

At approximately 2:30 PM we moved into our assigned stations behind barricades.  It was a tight fit, but our 8+ person crew made it happen.  I took to the floor with my voice recorder, and Rhonda up top to film.  It started out slow at first, but then the pace picked up.  The frenziness to get an interview was initially hard to adjust too.  The other media outlets were like vultures. I missed several opportunities, but then I saw my chance.  In the middle of the madness, a lone figure walked alone.  I knew him as "Wink" in Beasts of the Southern Wild.  I called Dwight Henry over, and quickly interviewed him. I also had a few candid interviews with Jennifer Hudson, Suraj Sharma, Gloria Reuben, Quvenzhane Wallis, and Chris Tucker that we've included in our 4 min video.  Sherri Shepherd also gave a great interview; unfortunately our camera angle had obstructed views. Yet, you'll see her throughout the video smiling and hugging everyone. Wonderful spirit!!

Sherri Shepherd, The View

And the Oscar goes to....
Stephanie F., FGW Productions CEO

Jake S., FGW Production Team &
Actor (Eve's Bayou,  The Middleman)

Kerry Washington, Django Unchained

Rachel Mwanza, War Witch

OMG Insider Kevin Frazier &
his production team hard at work

WCP, LLC presents the 2013 Oscars Red Carpet will premiere on our Youtube Channel by 9PM tonight. 

Oscar Sunday Prep

View of the Dolby Theatre from the Red Carpet

We started the day in morning prayer to get our mind right and focused. We then practiced interview questions. Throwing out lengthy or irrelevant questions, and researching relevant information online related to the pool of interviewees on our "list".  

Our make-up artist, Carmela Argueta, had a little trouble getting to the hotel with traffic and road blocks.  In fact, she was in the vicinity half an hour before our scheduled 8:30am appointment, but there was absolutely no parking near the hotel.  However, Rhonda was able to secure a spot for her with the help of the hotel desk clerk.  We then each took turns in the make-up chair as we listened to old school R&B and hip-hop from Aaliyah, to Alicia Keyes, to Lauren Hill.  We were jammin!!

At approximately 10am, Folake, the style blogger/editor for Style Pantry, came to our hotel room to have her make-up applied.  This woman oozes style and fashion.  Her Nigerian-made green dress was right off the runway, and can't be found in stores at this time.

FGW Production's Stephanie and her executive assistant, Jake, arrived shortly thereafter, and then we hurriedly left the hotel room.  However, we were stopped by a photographer from Chicago who was unable to obtain press credentials for the Oscars Red Carpet.  He used an opportune time to add to his portfolio by taking our pictures outside the lobby.

So talk about traffic!! It was horrendous to say the least.  We might of done better walking. Nevertheless, Jake got us to the Oscars Red Carpet drop off area in record time...I would say more, but I don't want to implicate anyone...to be continued....

Style Pantry blogger/editor, Folake

Sharee and Rhonda all dolled up

Take A Leap to the Oscars!!

If you have been following us on our We Connected Productions, LLC blogsite or Facebook and Twitter over the last week, this is no surprise.  For others, it's like....what!!

Without going into the entire story, just know that a cold isn't the only thing we brought back home from China.  On a faithful connecting flight from Los Angeles to Charlotte, NC, we were introduced to Stephanie Frederic, CEO of FGW Productions.  Her production company is a major player in the transmedia industry; especially with behind-the-scene footage and videos of your favorite movies. It was after watching our Take A Leap travel videos and short films that she felt compelled to offer us a blogging experience of the lifetime: The Oscars Red Carpet.

Here's an update!!

We've booked our flight to Los Angeles using airline reward points; yet, still in need of additional United Airlines Mileage Points for return flight. We must book by Feb. 3. If you are willing to donate, you can transfer United Airline miles for as little as $15 for each 1000 increment. Email us at weconnectedprod@gmail.com, and we'll provide you our mileage numbers. We have been offered 2 nights accommodation in the production team hotel room, but need 3 night accommodations elsewhere. We found a rental apt within walking distance to the theatre for $300. We're giving ourselves until Jan. 31 to book accommodations bc rates are on the rise!! Any assistance will be appreciated. Both of our blogsites have a link on the right side bar to donate.

Also, Rhonda has an awesome opportunity to attend the Essence Black Women in Hollywood luncheon honoring Oprah on Thurs Feb. 21 bc of her earlier arrival. I'll arrive to LA Fri. evening bc of work commitments. We both plan to attend a few daytime/early evening parties on the Sat before the Oscars.  I've posted 7 dresses. Vote for your favorite until Feb. 15. The top 3 will be worn between the two of us. Rhonda will wear one for the luncheon; and we both will wear a dress for Sat's functions.

We're still searching for a full-length gown for the Oscars.  Size 0/1 is preferred, but we are willing to pay for alterations and any applicable shipping.  Please fwd pictures to weconnectedprod@gmail.com by Feb. 10.  We'll post pics of the submissions on FB and on our blogs on Feb. 11 for votes, and the top 2 will be chosen on Feb. 15, and will be worn by us at the Oscars on Feb. 24.

And finally, we are asking for everyone to select a celebrity that will be at the Oscars, and submit a question you'll like us to ask.  If your question gets answered, you will get a shout out on FB, our blogs, and in the 3 min. video we'll be producing. You can comment on this post, email us, call us, or tell us in person.

Love, Peace & Blessings,
Sharee

                         

Blessings

We had a great weekend in Detroit at the Glory Reelz Christian Film Festival. We won Best Short Film for That's Bull: Elijah and the Prophets of Wall Street. We also received free writing software, Final Draft, for our Mac computer. The winner for Best Feature was Broken & Beautiful, a faith-based musical filmed in Chicago by D.A.S.H. Entertainment. Check out their trailer at http://www.brokenandbeautifulthemovie.com/.  It was a blessed time by all.

We are also blessed to have supportive family and friends. As we begin to speak out about our newest venture, Take A Leap, the interest has grown.  And because of it, we have booked our second international trip, so that in addition to going to Italy in November, we'll be heading to China in late December during our two week work hiatus. We found a great deal on a discount vacation site called www.friendlyplanet.com.  Our vision is materializing, but we could still use some help. In addition to your much needed prayers, please consider supporting our fundraising effort through September 1 by donating to our Indiegogo campaign at http://www.indiegogo.com/TakeALeap?a=18608.

Peace and Blessings,
Sharee Washington

Take A Leap Facebook Page

Take A Leap has a Facebook Page. Check us out at www.facebook.com/WCPTakeALeap

Spread The Word!

 Currently seeking to interview African-Americans who live abroad in Rome, Italy; Florence, Italy; Shanghai, China; and Beijing, China.



Upcoming Trips: 
Tuscany (Rome & Florence Italy) November 1-10, 2012 Collette Vacations via Midlands Technical College Continuing Education Department

China (Shanghai & Beijing) December 27, 2012-January 6, 2013 Friendly Planet

Take A Leap...of Int'l Travel!!

We have been contracted as producers on a number of other people's projects, and in doing so, we have neglected to craft any personal new projects. Should we film another short? How about our first feature? What about the new rage of webisodes? And as alluring as those options could each be as our future project, the one that kept us truly passionate about was the thought of international travel. We went to Rome, Florence, and the French Riviera in May 2009, and our lives have never been the same. We still enjoy our vacations to Myrtle Beach or Hilton Head, and traveling to the big cities of NYC, Chicago, and LA.  But the thought of leaving our typical American life to enter another country's culture is so exhilarating.  What maybe shocking is that we are African-American females. How could we possibly identify ourselves in the mostly white population of Europe, and our interest to step foot into every continent in the world?

The historical presence of Rome in relation to modern day Christianity was very appealing. If I wasn't of a Protestant faith, I'm sure I would be Catholic. I fell in love with Rome with every images of the Virgin Mary with baby Jesus on her lap.  I fell in love with Florence for their beautiful hillside landscape and the Renaissance inspired statute of David.  The country with so much history in a backdrop of ruins was a wonderful place of peace.  I could live here I've said over and over. Or anywhere outside of America.  But can I really?!

I've tried to answer that question over the last three years, and even looked into jobs overseas. But without a sponsored work visa or going back to school on a student visa (learning a foreign language qualifies), I found it to be difficult.  So as the thoughts consumed my mind as to how can I combine my love of travel and filmmaking (within an educator by day salary), a concept took root after reading a number of blogs of African-Americans living overseas and viewing numerous episodes of House Hunter International.  Why not document the stories of African-Americans living abroad? Thereafter..."Take A Leap" was born!!

Sharee Washington

We Connected Productions, LLC Co-Owner