Life Comes At You Fast
Black Women Film Network December 16, 2016 (sneak peek) I was super excited, nerves and lost for words but I did it!
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Thanks Stream ATL
Mariah Marie Jer!do "Ms. Pecan"
Author/Ceo/Creator & Executive Producer
I kept hope alive because I had dreams and goals. I desire a better life, expectations that something will happen soon or later and that I will accomplish the unthinkable. My Faith is strong and I'm humble. When you have faith in God just know that everything is gone too be alright one day and I believed that. Life can either make you or break you. I never ever stop
building myself, because its a part of my testimony, a resume background check of journeys of my life. Keep building yourself Ladies because God will prevail and you will reach your destiny! because people want to know how you did it! So many women are stuck with no help or support. I was one too but not anymore. I started helping myself .
I had to fight my past and live with the Memories of what I was told to believe my father kill himself, Molested by 3 adults that took my child hood away, Near death car accident leaving me in Coma! for 2 months and after recovering I still struggle with severe migraines head pains from Traumatic Brian Injury having to inject myself with needles, Abusive relationships, one relationship I was abuse for 5 years. Shot! by another boyfriend accidentally trying to save a life the bullet almost took my fingers off even hitting me in the knee.
People have talked and turn their backs on me used me and never wanted to give me a chance to be successful unless its about money I didn't have. After changing my life style I begin creating my own world. Now I'm surrounded by good supported Business people who see the good in me, my worth and that I was reaching out for help. God sent his angels to help me fly again. I was broken, couldn't fly. I was lost but now I'm found, I never stop having Faith, Praying, Dreaming, Helping people and building myself until my break through.
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I'm built for tough. I'm still standing after all I've been through in my life. I'm in my fifty's now and I'm back to rebuild my empire so I can help not just myself but other little girls and women who need my help. God is blessing me, leading me in life. I'm not "perfect" I love music, like to have fun and I 'm a R&B singer and working on a Hot Single gospel song for motivation and dreaming to sing on stage in front of the world one day. I just want to live my life take back what was stole from me. Only God can judge me. I 've change a lot in my life! It wasn't easy at all! and its still a process. Now I walk by faith and not by sight. I made my circle smaller, and moved to Georgia! to pursue my Dreams.
After 13 years I finally accomplished one of my dreams on Saturday March 5th 2016. I wanted to be a Fashion Model and now at the age 53 I am a Role Model and Model for my own company! Beautiful By Jer!do. If I can do it so can you. Never Give Up!
Asia Paul
Age 22
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TESTIMONY
Asia Paul I am a petite model as well as an actress from Columbus, GA but, I currently reside in Atlanta, GA. I have been modeling for the past two years and it has been an amazing experience. I am a fashionista who loves to write poetry and style as well. When modeling and writing poetry, my goal is to channel natural beauty and the essence of peace through the inner soul. I want my viewers to walk away with a sense of empowerment and benevolence. I love what I do because I stand as a source of inspiration to young women across the world. Testimony- I am twenty-two years old and I have been through so much as a young lady. Throughout the years of my life, I have dealt with being anorexic and bulimic. I have battled depression and even today, I deal with severe anxiety. Ever since the age of five, I have always cared about how I appeared to other individuals and I almost lost my life due to that. Being a part of the fashion industry gives me this great sense of confidence to go on and to inspire others. I write and model because I yearn for inner peace. I take one day at a time and I stride with a purpose.
I am twenty-two years old and I have been through so much as a young lady. Throughout the years of my life, I have dealt with being anorexic and bulimic. I have battled depression and even today, I deal with severe anxiety. Ever since the age of five, I have always cared about how I appeared to other individuals and I almost lost my life due to that. Being a part of the fashion industry gives me this great sense of confidence to go on and to inspire others. I write and model because I yearn for inner peace. I take one day at a time and I stride with a purpose.
Johnika Williams
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Fyia Age 38
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Testimony
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Johnika Williams professionally known as Fiya (Fire) born February 8, 1979 at University Hospital in Jacksonville Florida. Fire was meant to be put out at birth. Born dead into the world with a talented root, she began writing songs at the age of eleven. Fire strongly believed that one day would be able to share her lyrics, image, and style with the world. After graduating out of Greenwood Mississippi in May of 1997, she attended job corp. in Gainesville, Florida still having a passion for music fire continued writing, but shortly left Job Corp. to find her find her road to become a successful entertainer. After relocating back to Jacksonville, Florida Fire was faced with struggles of life living in a shelter at the age of seventeen. Fire became a motivational speaker for the United Way Program (Daniel Memorial) and helped the program raise money to support other homeless teens… still having a passion for music and her dreams of being a successful artist the search was on again.
Finally, in January 2004 a door was open, Fire began recording Gospel Rap. She wanted to bring something out new to the industry but was told not to limit herself to just Gospel Rap. Putting god first in all that she does, Fire continues writing, networking, and praying to find a way into the Music Industry. Super Bowl 2005 was where Fire met a celebrity back stage, this was a dream come true to see her struggle had great process sitting with the celebrity watching the Carmen Video on his lap top. This motivated Fire even the more to stick with what she believed in. What fire believes is that greater he that is in thee than he that is in the world. Fire prayed and asked God to set forth room for her purpose, and if music and being a writer/entertainer was her purpose in life allow doors to open to her success. In January 2006 another celebrity mother and was asked if she wanted to perform. Bringing the most important issue out of her life, Fire came up with the hit song ‘’attention baby daddy’s’’ which she performed March 4, 2006. Fire also opened up for a well known rapper for the “King of The South Show” in Jacksonville Florida and having done radio interviews and performing at different events. Fire was then given a chance to travel to Hollywood California where she was able to meet and to take personal photographs with two well known rappers this only inspired fire more.
In 2008 fire chose to relocate to Atlanta Georgia to pursue her music career. Her songs has a been a success not only to her life but her fans as well from that fire continues writing, networking, and believing one day she will become a successful artist entertainer. In the year of 2013 Fire started a non-profit organization (Footsteps of A Woman) where she empowers the mind of woman uplifting them and teaching them, their worth as well as bringing awareness of child molestation and domestic violence to surrounding communities. She believes in the moto each one teach one you’re never to old or to young to learn. The name fire was selected because it’s one of God’s chosen elements, and Fire is hot. Watch out one of these days you may get burned by fire
Jay Teress Robinson
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Tiger Age 41
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Testimony
Jay Teress Robinson, 41 years old originally from South Carolina currently residing in Atlanta, Georgia. I am an artist/songwriter. I've been rapping since the age of 10 and music has always been my first love. I enjoyed small time success as a local artist opening up for mainstream artists, but my big break came when I started writing for a well know artist and his Konvict label. When I got the call that "a well known rapper called " Blown Me Away" made the cut on his Convicted I couldn't believe it and touring with the well known rapper and being on stage with him gave me a taste of what it was like to be in the music industry. I stated earlier that music was my first love, well my second love was the streets and living the fast life. When it came down to it I seemed to care about the streets more than anything. I was smoking weed, hustling and engaging in street violence at an early age. I was in and out of jail and eventually sent to prison. While sitting in that cold, dark cell in maximum security prison, and thinking about all the opportunities I had that I didn't take advantage of, I felt like I was the biggest loser of them all.
Depression and shame ripped me apart and tore into my inner soul. With everything gone including friends and family, I had truly hit rock bottom and there was no where to go but up from there. That was a life changing moment and a paradigm shift took place. I made a promise to myself that I would become the best person I could be and rebuild my life. I learned to love myself, not be to hard on myself to forgive myself and believe in myself. I looked at my past and saw the damage that was done and promised myself that I would be a positive and motivating force in a world that I was once a destructive in. I started reaching out to young kids in juvenile homes and writing them and sharing my story. I never gave up on myself and my ability as a songwriter and artist and thanks to Akon I am allowed to do what I love. He has me doing A&R work in the southeast. I'm currently songwriting for his next album. I speak at the local boys and girls club twice a month and continue to reach out to young at risk teens and try to help them to see a better way. My life is one of triumph in the face of adversity. I have traveled the hero's journey and returned to restore that which has been lost. Life is full of opportunities and if we tap into that infinite potential that lies within each and everyone of us there is no limit to what we can do. If you can see it you can achieve it.
keya miles
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Age 22
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TESTIMONY
I am keya miles known as Hazel Dior when I got out there on my own it was hard on me because there was no one supporting me and being there for me during the hard times so I went out there and became a stripper, I was taught that soon as you turn 18 you gotta be out yo parents house, I never saw myself as a stripper but I had to go out there and get it especially when I struggled with bills without any help.. When I lost my place and didn't have no where else to stay, I stayed in my car and I felt so funny walking inside a store to wash in the bathroom I have stayed with different people, stayed with strangers, people that I don't know at all.. But they was nice enough to let me stay in their home even though I was leaving going house to house because it was obstacles behind it and it never fails.
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I started modeling & acting school when I was 17 but the thing about this modeling industry can be deceiving. I have not met one photographer that didn't want to have sex with me not a single one.. I thought about giving up on my career so many times because of every photographer and certain model agents look at me sexually and b4 I think about giving up I sit and think to myself that I came this far to quit and I think about why I started.. All this stuff I been through I can at least say God did sent me that one man and he's been supporting me from day 1.. He is the only person I have so far.. Everyone else turned their back on me and it's like every since I became a stripper my family turned their back on me even my family in Atlanta they turned their back on me.. I Didn't have no where to stay in Atlanta until I started working and my manager from the job let me stay for a couple of months with him and his wife and I never ever would think in a million years that I would be staying with strangers. one day they helped me get on my feet enough to go back out there.
Now I am a strong young lady that's being blessed with my modeling career in the industry and I really thank Ms. Jerido for choosing me and helping out because it wasn't nothing but God and I thank God and appreciate her to the highest
Erica Z. O'Neal;
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Age 24
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Testimony
Born in 1992, in Brooklyn NY, but shortly after sent down south to Barnesville Ga to be raised by grandparents because mom had MS (muscular sclerosis) From an early age I experienced death and loss. Examples (age of five, lost my grandfather, age of 14 found mother dead, from age 5 until 16 I went to so many funerals, probably more than I should've been to.) Growing up in Barnesville, was a very humble beginning.. I was always looked at as the "good girl" even though at home, I was a spoiled brat and a true hell raiser.
Very smart and involved in school growing up.. always excelling in school, until the passing of my grandmother who basically raised me.. (found her dead too) My grades spiraled.. I was no longer the "good girl" skipping school, etc. Made it out of high school with no support. Found out I was pregnant shortly after, Lost my childhood. (home house foreclosed on)
2017 FINALIST
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WINNER COMING SOON
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Latisha D Eason
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Testimony
Born July 17, 1978 known by Tisha, age 37 was born to the Late Gloria Eason and Randy Artis and raised in Wilson, North Carolina. The oldest of 4 siblings. Latisha have three beautiful children along with raising her nephew and niece. There ages are 19, 17, 14, 14, & 12; with one of them being in college. As a young girl Latisha at the age of 5, lost her mother to tragedy by her boyfriend at the age of 22. Latisha thanks God each day she live to see her children grow up. Latisha said as time pass, she realized, “ She is who God says she is”! Latisha has a genuine personality, dedicated, and a drive to be successful. She gave my life over to the Lord; suppressed by the feelings and decided to move on in life.
Latisha currently is a Billing Associate for twelve years, an entrepreneur as a License Natural Hair Specialist/Manicurist, Event Coordinator/Planner, Drummer, Mime Ministry, Tax prepares, etc. just to name few. Her business name is T’s Natural Creations. In her type of work, She constantly must upgrade her skills she said, So she take advantage of many learning opportunities to do so. These opportunities made it possible for her Latisha said to concentrate on pursuing her A.A.S. Business Administration Degree Class of 2014 at National American University, SD. Reflecting back, Latisha would not do anything differently. She took the task at hand and continuing to be a successful African American women lead by God day by day.
In 2004, her next major tragedy; Latisha only sister Julia Briggs was killed by gang violence by accident. Then all of a sudden, her mind and health began to take an overload. Looking at my outer appearance, no one really new the depth of her hurts, aches and pain she carried since a child. So many people looked up to Latisha, that she felt she had to keep my self-esteem and self-confidence very high. But all to find out, I didn’t! In 2011, as my health turned; I had to have a major surgery; Roux-en-Y GB. Which was a major life change, with a continue journey mentally, physically and socially. In spite of, she still continue to push for greater heights every day. Latisha kids were her drive! She didn’t realize a healthy heart, mind, body, and soul; will help us live longer. Latisha will courageously work with the strength God provides to fulfill this resolution for the rest of her life and for His Glory.
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Latisha said she is an excellent candidate for this show. She experienced unique situations that have taught her a surprising lesson about the scope of the human races’ ability to choose love over hate, understanding over anger, and belief over fear. She rather not have to tell a story like this, and her wish is that no one would ever have to learn lessons from an experience such as this. Whenever something negative happens to you, there is a deep lesson concealed within it.
What God has done for me...What a great journey in spite of all my adversaries.. you live, you learn, you move on to better thy self...
2017 FINALIST
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WINNER COMING SOON
Brenda Lee Butler
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Age 73
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Testimony
Brenda Was Born and raised in New England (Massachusetts) after high school did some modeling for local boutiques in the area and at the same time attended Cinderella modeling school in Boston. Brenda lived in places like Oregon, Idaho and Wyoming and the Poconos ( Mountaintop) Pennsylvania, while living in these areas was able to work part time for and exclusive fashion clothing store where she would model annual in there fashion shows also YWCA and the Elks club. Brenda Attended the University Oregon were she studied (Communication skills)
Brenda indulge in the Cooperate ladder for a while were she became part of the designer team. In 2005 she went to Orlando Florida to participate in the Millie Lewis American Modeling & Talent Competition at the age 61. Brenda was 3rd runner up and overall Female Commercial Finalist. Later Brenda's husband Ronald became sick and they both retired from Cooperate America and move to Georgia in 2006 and her Husband Ronald was called home in 2009. Brenda's believe everyone is blessed in so many different ways and hers was a youthfulness look and daughter Karen, check out her Testimony on the Testimony page about Brenda's daughter Karen. Brenda is now trying to get back into modeling and things are looking good. Brenda said she is very excited to be a part of Beautiful By Jer!do
Brenda Butler Testimony
2017 FINALIST
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WINNER COMING SOON
Gabrielle Butts
Age 25
Testimony
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Known as Gabbie 27 years old like a Beautiful Diamond she will shine. Born on the west side of Chicago and raise on the south side. Came up with beautiful Diamond because one day She looked in the mirror and she said to her self, you are beautiful, yes! you are beautiful like a diamond. Gabrielle wants to shine bright.
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What made me want to become a candidate for this show is because, I want people to get to know me and see the real me. I want to be a model but I have a flaw. No matter how you look and with or without flaws everyone are beautiful in their own way...so I pray to God that I'll go far with this journey and share my story of what made me feel some kind of way at one point of time of almost giving up my career perusing being a model. I want to be successful and be happy with who I am. I want to Inspire others to never give up on their dreams