Follow Your Dream | Maria DeVon-Shepard | Theraputic Recreation Leader/Supported Living Assistant

Sometimes it is necessary to go against what everybody says you should do when you pursue your dreams.  For some it takes a lot of prayer and support to move in the direction of your goals.  This next person to share her story with us, is someone I have known for over 30 years. She is my best friend.  I have watched her overcome many obstacles in her life to reach for her dreams.  I admire her love for the Lord and her family.  She is very passionate about everything that she takes on, big and small.  I hope her story will encourage and uplift you.

Shereece: Hi Maria, please share with us your dreams and goals.

 

Maria:  I dream about being a successful Business Owner, Coach, Student Advisor (for athletes with disabilities) and Strength and Conditioning Coach at a Division 1 College.    I dream about having something I can pass on to my children that will impact young athletes and help them accomplish their goals while directly impacting athletes academically and pre- post season. 

Shereece: Can you tell us what steps did you took to begin pursuing your dreams?

 

Maria:   I have applied for a few job positions.  I have started working with two God fearing, upstanding, goal oriented men and we have a business that is starting to take shape (Rattlers Youth Sports LLC).  I am currently a Beachbody Coach, and I will begin working on my certification as a Personal trainer and Strength and Conditioning coach in the summer (2010).

Shereece: Maria what do you love most about what you do?

 

Maria: I love watching young people grow into great student athletes and wonderful people.

Shereece:  Do you think it is ever too late to pursue a dream?

 

Maria:    No.  Not everyone's path is designed for them to achieve it while young. Some people have to go through much of their lives and life experiences for God to prepare them for their dream.

Shereece:  What advice can you give people who have yet to pursue their dream?

 

Maria:    Be patient, never give up, and do not take short cuts.

Thank you so much for sharing your dreams with us. 

You are a true inspiration and I am so very proud of all that you have achieved.

Click here to learn more about Team Beach Body

The Person Behind The Tattoos | Tina Divina

 ★The Person Behind  

       "The Tattoos"

Tina Divina shares her

story.

I am a creative being from a writer to a painter to the canvas of my body. I love my tattoos, the ink becomes a part of me and tell tales of my life. Once upon a time I felt caged, trapped into someone I was not, now free a lot of my ink reflects angels, fairies, butterflies, and other beings that have wings, flying in the wind and yet protecting me. I also love the silhouette my tatt's cast, curving along the lines of my body I feel even more beautiful with them. I have a poem that I wrote a while back about myself called "Mizunderstood" that title is on my side in its mirror image. I also have "Libre Como El Viento" that is latin for "Free Like The Wind" as I am free to soar to my dreams. My tattoos are just an extension of my personality and my life, and I love each and every one of them (in which I have about 26 now, and not sure when I will be done).

~Tina Divina



Tina is such a creative individual who expresses herself in so many artistic ways! She inspired me to get my first tatt! 

She is true to who she is and that's what makes her fly!

If you have yet to check out her poetry please go to tinadivina.com.  You can also visit and join The Hidden Beach Familiy


Thank you Tina for sharing your story! 

Follow Your Dream | Suzanne Green | Realtor

Following your dreams is something not everyone has the courage to do.  A lot of people make excuses about why they can't pursue their dreams.  The next person in this series we will hear from is a woman who had a goal and made no excuses, only the intention to follow her dream for herself and her family.  May you be encourage and uplifted by her story.

Shereece: Hello Suzanne, welcome to my blog. I will start by asking you what is your dream?

Suzanne:  – My dream has always been family centered.  I always wanted to be able to raise my children myself and not rely on others.  I want to teach my children about being a family and not just members of a household.  I want to be a good example of what it means to be in a relationship and the need to work together.

 

Shereece:  What steps did you take to begin pursuing your dream?

Suzanne:  First, I needed to figure out what I could do that would give me  more flexibility with my family and allow me to either work from home or work around my children’s schedules.  I also needed to figure out what I could do that would bring me joy.  I didn’t think I could do my best for my family if I could not do my best for myself first!

Shereece: This is great advice for mom's who want to get back into the working world. What do you love most about what you do?

Suzanne:  – I love that I get to help people!  It is a wonderful feeling to hand someone the keys to their first home or to help a distressed homeowner who is too scared to doing anything.

Shereece:  Do you think it is ever too late to pursue a dream?

Suzanne:  Absolutely not!

Shereece:  What advice can you give people who have yet to pursue their dream?

Suzanne:  Your dream needs to be specific.  If it is too broad it will be hard to achieve.  Once you have a clear vision, figure out what it will take to get you there (i.e. education, finances, etc).  Then make your plan and stick to it.  That is not to say that there will not be bumps in the road.   However, you should have a smoother road ahead if you develop a good plan so the bumps won’t stop you.

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your story. 

If you are in the market for a new home or selling your home, contact Suzanne Green/ Realtor

DOING WHAT YOU LOVE | FLORA SANTIAGO

One of the things I love most, is to see people utilizing their gifts and talents. What's even more exciting is when I see them make a living at it. Flora Santiago is a woman of many talents. One of her many talents is that of cake design. Her work is amazing! Here is Flora's story.

I love to design and sculpt cakes. I got started by watching a TV segment on Getaway Weddings on the Martha Stewart show. They featured a woman in New York who sculpted cakes. I remember being amazed and impressed with the cakes this woman was creating and she like me, was a fashion design major in college and I thought to myself...I can do that!! 

So I taught myself how to sculpt cakes...I guess I implemented my design and artistic education into my cake creations. My inspiration comes from my clients. I can sculpt almost anything into a cake, the only limitation is my client's imagination. My favorite recent cake sculpture would have to be the stack of The Twilight Book Novels, which took me 6 hours to do. The most difficult cake to create is the Gucci Shoe Box Cake, which takes weeks to prepare. The sugar shoe alone takes at least four days to dry. The weird thing is, whenever I get a request to do a cake, I never say I can't do that even though it will be the very first time I've ever sculpted that design. When I get a request to do a cake, I am already sculpting, designing and constructing the cake in my head beforehand from start to finish. Every detail of the cake design is already done in my head, so when I do actually bake and assemble the cake ...sort of like an idiot savant when it comes cake sculpting...lol!

If you are passionate about something, don't let that passion go to waste. Make it your own and the sky will be the limit!

Thank you so much Flora for sharing your story!

To see more of Flora's amazing cake designs or place your order please visit: SweetAvenueLA

Photos courtesy of Flora Santiago

Photo credit: Ruddy Torres 

Follow Your Dream | Mamie Coleman | Vice President of Music & Production Fox On Air Promotion |

I am so excited to share this next story with you! This amazing woman is truly living her dream! I know that you will be encouraged and uplifted like never before! If you have ever questioned whether your dreams were worth pursuing, you won't anymore! Get ready to be wowed and amazed by what Mamie Coleman is getting ready to share with us.



Shereece: Hello Mamie, thank you so much for doing this interview. Can you please share with us your dream.

Mamie Coleman: I am actually living my dream of being a TV/Music Executive. However, I would love to one day, own a Music Production company and become a vendor for numerous entertainment companies.

Shereece: What steps did you take to begin pursuing your dreams?

Mamie Coleman: I got my industry education when I majored in Radio, Television and Film at Cal State University Northridge. I got an internship with Fox in 1992. I also became the first President and founding member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc Rho Epsilon Chapter at CSUN that year. I took my presidential leadership skills and applied them to my position as Junior Radio Producer at Fox in 1992. There I moved over to the #1 Fox TV series to become a writer's assistant and then an executive assistant to Martin Lawrence and Sammart Williams at the "Martin" show from 1994-1996. I learned so much with the hands on experience at the Martin show. I soon returned to my fox family roots as Manager of Production in 1996. From an unpaid internship, I soared through the ranks to become Vice President of Music and Production for Fox On Air Promotion.

Shereece: This clearly shows where hard work and dedication can take you. What do you love most about what you do?

Mamie Coleman: I love being creative with the music selections we pitch to our producers and seeing my work being televised. I also enjoy managing one of the best production teams in the business. My staff is definitely my engine and I could not run my department smoothly without their talents, dedication, loyalty and hard work.

Shereece: Mamie do you think it is ever too late to pursue a dream?

Mamie Coleman: Of course it's never too late to pursue your dreams. My daughter asks me all the time, "Mommy what do you think I should be when I grow up?" I reply, "You can be anything you set your mind to be...just be good at it and always give back to others." I strongly believe you are never too old to switch careers or pursue your dreams as long as you have a plan to make it happen!

Shereece: What advice can you give people who want to pursue a dream in the industry?

Mamie Coleman: Be bold, yet smart in your decision making for your career. Don't allow anyone to discourage you from your goals. Stay committed and motivated on your path to success. Start from the bottom and work your way up so you can learn all sides to this industry. The most important thing that I cannot stress enough is to network with your peers and colleagues. Be aggressive in making good contacts in this industry and stay in touch with everyone throughout the year.



*Thank you again Mamie for allowing us to hear your story and for giving us the gift of inspiration and encouragement.


*Not only does Mamie Coleman work hard in her field, she also gives back to the community! You can visit First Giving Sound of Art to get more information on how you too can give back!


May you always be Encouraged & Uplifted,

~Shereece

Follow Your Dream | Bernard Barcenilla | Operations Manager

Watching people follow their dreams is an amazing thing. No one has the exact same dream or takes the exact same path. There is a personal story behind every dream. As I continue with this series, I am moved beyond words by the wonderful stories I get to share with you. Now it is time to be inspired by someone who has a truly awesome testimony on his path to following his
dream.


Shereece: Hello Bernard. Thank you for taking time to share your story. Please share with us your dream?

Bernard: My dream is to have my office overlooking the city of Manila . I have currently started an "outsourcing" company here in the Philippines where work is generated from the U.S. and outsourced here in the Philippines . Projects like flash development, animation, and graphics design is sent here for production. Right now we are getting under way and as I walk by these high rise towers, I “dream" and know by faith in one of those high risers soon.

Shereece: Wow that sounds amazing! What steps did you take to begin pursuing your dream?

Bernard: 1) You always have to have a game plan to execute your next move. 2) I believed in myself. Listen, people will always shoot your dream down with talk negative. Put it behind you and pursue your dream. "Success is the sweet Revenge"... 3) Prayer is really number 1, consult God before doing anything and allow Him to give you insight and wisdom on your dream.

Shereece: That is very sound advice. What do you love most about what you do?

Bernard: I Love working with people. I enjoy helping people as long as they want to help themselves. Its rewarding not only to see yourself achieve but to see others as well achieve.

Shereece: Do you think it is ever too late to pursue a dream?

Bernard: It’s NEVER To Late to pursue your dream!!!! And do not ever believe that. Listen I came from prison after doing 18 months. Everyone was saying "It's was going to be hard" or "You can't do it" ...but I didn't listen. I went full throttle and had faith in God, because through Him ALL things are possible. I'm now 70% of the way there and I'm not stopping until I hit the top! Glory to God.

Shereece: You say that with such passion. It is a very powerful testimony. What advice can you give people who have yet to pursue their dream?

Bernard: Best advice I can give someone is believe in your vision. The only one who can stop you is..."YOU”. “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:"- Proverbs 23:7. I believed and thought in my heart “I can do this”. I will climb this mountain with the guidance of the Almighty God to direct me. Friends, whether you are a believer or not, continue to dream and believe in yourself. God Bless You!

Thank you so much Bernard for such a powerful testimony! I am very moved by your words. I'm sure you will encourage many and that is a true blessing.

Follow Your Dream |Tina Divina | |Author, Writer, Poet, Radio Personality

Tina Divina is a woman of many talents. She is a Writer, Poet, and Radio Personality. I have had the pleasure of working with her on many photography projects. It is very inspiring to watch her follow her dreams with such great success. Now it is your turn to be inspired, encouraged and uplifted as she shares her story.





Shereece: Tina can you share with us what your dreams are?

Tina Divina: My Dreams are like yearly goals, taking me from one plateau to the next. Last year it was to become a published Author, I set out to achieve it and I did it! This year my dream is to finish my short film series "Crazy In Love", and submit them into the film festival circuits.

Shereece: How exciting! What steps did you take to begin pursuing your dreams?

Tina Divina: With any dream or as I like to say "Goal" (it sounds more attainable in my mind) I map out my strategy in getting it done. Make a list and mark off each one as I do it. With my film, it was all about making it happen, a lot of favors and days of hard work.

Shereece: Dedication seems to be key in making things happen. What do you love most about what you do?

Tina Divina: I love the fact that I am creative..... my imagination is ever vast, it’s like living in a fantasy world. And even better than that, I have found a way to do what I love and be successful in it. I can paint a picture with words, open minds, and touch people’s hearts.

Shereece: There is nothing better than that! Do you think it is ever too late to pursue a dream?

Tina Divina: NOT AT ALL!! I have personally reinvented myself so many times, that I can def attest to the fact that it is never to late to fulfill a dream in some form. Career wise, I have been a model, a personal shopper, a fashion stylist, a music video treatment writer, a film writer and producer, a radio personality, and an Author..... each one was something that I wanted to do at that time. Do what you love, make a plan and make it successful.

Shereece: What advice can you give people who have yet to pursue their dream?

Tina Divina: If you have a dream, don't let it be just a dream, make it your reality. Anything is possible and I def believe in the power of prayer mixed with hard work. So again, I'd say, make a plan, do research find out everything you can about your dream and make a path for you to make it happen.



*Thank you so much Tina for sharing your story! May all of your dreams continue to come true!


You can learn more about Tina Divina by visiting tinadivina.com

Special Series "Follow Your Dream"

I love to encourage people to live out their passions in life. That's why I am adding a new category to my blog called "Follow Your Dream". It will feature special guests, who are making moves, and making things happen. These are amazing individuals who know what it takes to make a dream come true. My hope is that you will be inspired by their stories, to go after your own dreams. To simply go for it! I know that is easier said than done sometimes. There are often many road blocks on the path to following your dreams. I have been pursuing my dreams for over 20 years now. I have a passion for photography. I started taking classes in my senior year of high school. I went to college and took more courses. I even shot my first wedding right out of high school. I remember that was so scary! From the time I left high school, I would pick my camera up and do some shoots here and there, but never went after it as a career. Many people told me it was a competitive field. I became discouraged and took long breaks from shooting. But that didn't make the desire to capture beautiful images on film go away. I would always end up getting requests to shoot events. I was doing what I loved again. The passion for the art always led me back to it. Over the past year or so, I have met some wonderful people who have blessed me with many opportunities to make even more of my dreams come true! One of my greatest joys was having my work published in print! One of my clients and friend, Tina Divina, published her first two books, "Coffee Table Conversations Volumes I & II" and she used one of my photographs in Vol. I. Often when you are making your dreams come true, you are helping someone else make theirs come true as well. Though there are times when you may feel like giving up, don't! We are here on this earth to learn, teach and grow. When you allow your talents to develop, you become a true blessings to those around you. I encourage you to think about what it is you are truly passionate about, and then begin to take the steps to make it happen. When you take that first step doors will begin to open.



*Be on the lookout for my first features guest for "Follow Your Dreams".
You click here to view my online portfolio.