*Exposed Innovations* Author Joi Miner and her Debut Novel “Vices”

Vices

The debut novel by Alabama Author Joi Miner
Page Count: 320
Genre: Erotic Drama 
Publisher: Nayberry Publications
Release date: October 31, 2014
Preorders available: September 24, 2014
Paperback Preorder Link: Coming Soon
Digital Preorder Link: http://www.nayberrypublications.com/apps/webstore/products/show/5260316

When did you know that you were destined to be a writer?

I have always loved to write, but I think I realized I was meant to do more with my writing when I started to get paid to write poems for my classmates in middle school and high school. 

When I was a Senior at Jefferson Davis High School, in Montgomery, my creative writing teacher tried to get me suspended for plagiarism, because she said my writing was too good to have been written by a high school senior. 

I figured that could have gone one of two ways, I could have taken it as an insult and never written again or I could have, as I did, take it as a compliment and use it as motivation. I dedicated my first poetry collection to her.

Tell us a little about Vices?

Vices is an erotic drama. The main character, Bonnie Jones, takes you along on her journey to rediscovering herself after leaving an abusive marriage. You get to see her get into some very interesting fixes, get her heart broken, and find herself massaging away the pain and case of the lonelies with her vice of choice, sex.

Vices is what I like to call “autobiographical fiction.” It’s my life with a little bit extra thrown into it. It’s a very raw story, but I feel like it’s relatable. We all have been where Bonnie is or know someone who has.

It’s my first novel and was picked up for publication by Nayberry Publications. It’s set to be released on October 31^st of this year, my 33^rd birthday. *Gasp I just told you my age* 

What was the best advice you have received as a writer?

The best writing advice that I have ever received was to never take writing advice. Lol. Everyone is different. No one can tell you how to be your most original self. There are even debates about the basic writing techniques, so you need to find and do what works best for you.

Find Joi Miner on her personal website: www.joiminer.com

And on Social Media:

• Instagram @joihen
• Twitter @joiminer
• Facebook Fanpage:www.facebook.com/joiminer2
• Personal Facebook page:www.facebook.com/joiminer

Also visit my publisher, Nayberry Publications’ website and Facebook pages:

http://www.nayberrypublications.com

https://www.facebook.com/nayberrypublications

Vices will be available on Amazon, Joiminer.com and NayberryPublications.com. 

Exposed Innovations Interview W/ Keon Davis (@Smooth_N_Groove)

“The Art Of A Healthy Celebration” is the theme for Smooth -N- Groove. It is with great pleasure that MMBB celebrate the latest addition to the Exposed Innovations Interview Series, Mr. Keon Davis (Owner/Founder of Smooth-n-Groove).

Mr. Keon Davis had a vision of being his own boss for his entire life. He has kept the primary goal of implementing his competitive spirit with his natural leadership skills to make his dreams come true. Mr. Davis was able to do just that when he discovered his desire to entice peoples’ interest in their heath by opening a smoothie and juice bar with a creative edge “Smooth N Groove”. [Taken from thesmoothngroove.com]

Below is the audio of Mr. Davis letting the world in on his passion and drive of being a true entrepreneur. Pay close attention, you may hear the #MogulTalk.

Link to original post w/audio>>> http://mmbb.blog.com/?p=342

[audio:http://mmbb.blog.com/files/2013/03/08-Mar_14-EIinterviewKeon.mp3|titles=Keon Davis (Owner/Founder of Smooth-n-Groove) EI Interview]

Exposed Innovations Interview w/Megan Sousa(@Yo_Megs)

Soulfully unique with a beautiful twist is an understatement…

Megan Ashley Sousa along w/MMBB™

introduce

The One & Only

Megan Ashley Sousa

in this accord of

Exposed Innovations Interview Series

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-In your own words introduce yourself.

Oh my God, I love your (Fill in complement here)!
Hi, I’m Megan. Nice to meet you!

-What/Who got you started in your field?

My parents. They created a world for me to explore my creativity where I fell in love with poetry, motion pictures and performing.

-What “drives” you?

Passion.  My passion drives me to work really hard to make sure I see the outcome of something I  put all my efforts in to.

-What’s the best advice you’ve received so far?

“When you hit a bottom, the only place to go is up”, which was told to me by my commander in Air Force ROTC at Tuskegee. The second would be ‘The things we most avoid are the things we most need’ from the book The Artists’ Way.

-What is your personal definition of success?

Achieving your short term, long term, and ultimate goals through the presence of faith and discipline and discovering yourself along the way.

-Who are your biggest influences/role models?

So many! My Grandparents, Marlon Brando, Will Smith, Jim Carey, Tarantino and Meryl Streep are the top ones!

-What is your “unique” factor?

I truly believe my unique factor is versatility. I can practically transform into anything or anyone!

-What is your next challenge?

I have many to come, I’m sure, but currently it would be continuing to trust in myself and gain representation.

-What’s the best word of advice you can give to someone?

Trust yourself and the universe! It will all conspire in your favor. Keep fighting!

-Where can the people find out more about you?

My new movie’s website www.SOSthemovie.com, IMDB as Megan Sousa, Twitter @Yo_Megs, Youtube Channel is Hollywood Ninja and Facebook as Megan Ashley Sousa.

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Megan Sousa

Actor.Writer.Filmmaker

Los Angeles, CA

(424) 231-5968

FIND ME ON:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/meganashley.sousa

LOOKBOOK: http://lookbook.nu/yomegs

TWITTER: @Yo_Megs

YouTube: Sousa203M

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“Have a DREAM, go with your INTUITION, pay attention to the AFFIRMATIONS

until you get to you reach your GOALS!” -Megan Sousa

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/536795_265256926905114_994958021_n.jpg

-MMBB-

Exposed Innovations…Amir James Clothiers Group (@amirjamescg)

The creativity & innovation of one person often takes the world by storm…

There’s TWO masterful minds behind Amir James CG.

MMBB is proud to present the two creators of AJCG

in this installment of

Exposed Innovations Interview Series

Mr. Amir Usher & Mr. James Bradford III

Amir Usher

-In your own words introduce yourself & your brand.
My name is Amir Usher and I’m one half of the iconic brand Amir James Clothiers Group.

-Where do you think you pull majority of your inspiration/motivation from?
I pull most of my inspiration/motivation from being observant and my interactions with people in everyday life. A lot of my inspiration for Amir James comes from me as person and just focusing on producing product that I myself would wear and associate with. I look at it like if you can relate to me and the way I maneuver then my fashion line is simply a reflection of that. If you think I’m dope then that jus carries over to the brand.

-What’s the best advice you’ve received so far?
The best piece of advice I have received would probably be from my dad. I call him Corleon, because of the way he handles business and the manner in which he reacts to situations. He always tells me “If it doesn’t work on paper, it wont work”. If you want to do something you have to have a plan I don’t care if you setting up shop with a lemonade stand. Most people talk about their ideas but never actually write them down and put them into action.

-What sets AmirJamesCG apart from “the rest”?
I think what sets AmirJamesCG apart from the rest are the people behind the brand. James and I have two very unique personalities that both compliment our vision and furthermore the product. When we initially started we always spoke that we will try our hardest to make our pieces reflect us in some type of way whether it’s one or both of us. How can you represent and stand behind a product that you wouldn’t be caught in? The vision we both have has no limitations and with that I’m just not sure if I can even see anyone in our lane at this point…humbly speaking of course.

-What do you consider your biggest triumph/accomplishment so far?
One of the biggest accomplishments for me personally would be just having the courage to start this journey and fully placing my feet on that pavement. Another accomplishment would be going back to my hometown and see people wearing my product, it may be one of those overwhelming feelings I couldn’t begin to describe.

-Who are your biggest influences/role models?
My biggest influence fashion wise would be none other than Nasir Jones. He seems to bring a style of fashion that’s one of its own in that he is what I would call “comfortable cool”. He makes what he’s wearing dope and not the other way around. In terms of role models it would have to be my brothers Jamal and Khairi. They both bring about a balance and possess attributes that allow me to push forward even when the future looks bleak. Haha some would call them my reality check.  

-What has been your biggest challenge to date?
My biggest challenge to date would definitely have to be sourcing and making sure matters are resolved in a timely manner. Your priority may not be someone else’s.

-What is your next challenge?
Our next challenge will probably be sourcing out for mass production in terms of manufacturing and developing relationships with stores and boutiques nationwide for product placement.

-What’s the best word of advice you can give to someone?
“No” only means “No” for that moment.

-Where can the people find you and your product?
People can check us out 25 hours a day at http://www.amirjames.com and soon very soon in your local sneaker boutiques in Atlanta, GA. They can also follow our vision @amirjamescg on twitter and our blog www.amirjames.tumblr.com

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James Bradford

-In your own words introduce yourself & your brand.
James Bradford III, and Amir James Clothiers Group is the new classic. Period.

-Where do you think you pull majority of your inspiration/motivation from?
Majority of my inspiration comes from everyday life. Living in this digital world grants us access to things we would never encounter on a regular basis 5-10 years ago. The subtlest of things inspire the greatest ideas and movements. Its amazing how much information and images we see everyday, all it takes is to slow down and enjoy a few to get some great inspiration.

-What’s the best advice you’ve received so far?
My father told me “Don’t Quit”. This reminded me of the picture of the two men digging to get to a stash of diamonds. One is about a foot away and quits not knowing that on the other side is the score of a lifetime.

-What sets AmirJamesCG apart from “the rest”?
Our vision for our brand, as Amir says “We not in this for a summer.”

-What do you consider your biggest triumph/accomplishment so far?
Shutting down Meridian,MS in a matter of 3 weekends. Made me proud that something could gain a following so quickly behind a product I played a part in creating.

-Who are your biggest influences/role models?
Pharrell Williams and Phil Knight. Pharrell showed me that it was possible for someone that isn’t “Cool” or whatever can make it by being yourself, and people will respect you for it. Phil Knight and how he runs Nike is the model of how I’d like my company to be, culturally, structurally, and how they create iconic product after iconic product.

-What has been your biggest challenge to date?
Sourcing. Getting in contact with major manufacturers and other brands about collabs and working with a small company like ours is a hassle. But dues are being paid, They will speak with us soon! Haha

-What is your next challenge?
Expanding the brand. Developing new products that will capture the essence of our brand and our clients is a welcomed challenge.

-What’s the best word of advice you can give to someone?
Focus. There are more distractions than anything else with all this access. Maintaining the focus necessary to accomplish the goal you set should be president over all else. Shit happens, we all know that but how you respond to it is what determines how you finish.

-Where can the people find you and your product?
www.AmirJames.com
www.AmirJames.Tumblr.com
Twitter.com/AmirJamesCG

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m4xbkq72XP1qhb7d8o1_250.jpg

Amir James Clothiers Group is a Contemporary Menswear Brand with a foundation focused on timeless creativity and quality craftsmanship.

AMIR JAMES CLOTHIERS GROUP

-MMBB-

Exposed Innovations Interview Series…@YOMEGZ #MMBB

YOMEGZ, AN ARTIST, DESIGNER AND LOVER OF ALL THINGS BEAUTIFUL. I TOOK A JOURNEY FROM MINNEAPOLIS MINNESOTA TO PICK UP A B.A. AT TUSKEGEE ALABAMA AND NOW RESIDES IN LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA.  WWW.YOMEGZ.COM IS A BLOG DEDICATED TO EVERYTHING I HOLD GOOD IN MY EYES.

TAKEN FROM MEGAN'S BLOG YOMEGZ.COM

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MMBB: In your own words introduce yourself & your brand.

MEGAN: My name is Megan Gilchrist,  Im a designer living in Los Angeles California.  My first line is a my jewelry line, YOMEGZ.  The jewelry is edgy, funky, fun and different.  I make pieces for Men, women and children,  I love to do custom designs, and make people feel they have something special, unique and theirs!

MMBB: Where do you think you pull majority of your inspiration/drive from?

MEGAN: ANYTHING inspires me, colors, materials, shapes, music, or a mood I may be in for that moment.  I get my drive internally, I have a firm belief in using your God given talents, if you got it, you get it, it comes easy, natural to you, CAPITALIZE on it, because the next man cant do it the same way you do it, period.  

MMBB: What is your biggest asset?  

MEGAN: My biggest asset is knowing, this just isnt it.  I have so much further to grow, and I’m excited for it! I’m anxious and hungry for more every day.

MMBB: What has been your biggest sacrifice so far?

MEGAN: THE INITIAL DECISION THAT THIS IS WHAT IM GOING TO DO, THIS IS NOT A SIDE HUSTLE.  ALL OF MY TIME AND ENERGY IS DEDICATED TO GROWING MY BRAND.

MMBB: What do you consider your biggest triumph/accomplishment so far?  

MEGAN: JUST BEING ABLE TO SAY THAT I STARTED SOMETHING OF MY OWN, THIS IS MY BUSINESS!

-Who are your biggest influences/role models?, 

MEGAN: MY MOTHER, SHE TAUGHT ME AT VERY YOUNG, AND MY OLDER BROTHER, HE’S THEE MOST DRIVEN AND PASSIONATE PERSON I KNOW. ANYTHING HIS HEART IS SET ON, HE ALWAYS SUCCEEDS AND REMAINS HUMBLE AND SPIRITUAL AND KIND.

MMBB: What has been your biggest challenge to date?

MEGAN: MY BIGGEST CHALLENGE IS ALSO THE MOST EXCITING THING, WHATS NEXT.   I DON’T WANT TO TAKE ANY WRONG TURNS, BUT IN THE SAME TOKEN IT A LEARNING EXPERIENCE, AND SO FAR HAVE ENJOYED IT.

MMBB: Who is your biggest supporter?

MEGAN: MY MOTHER, SHE’S GENUINELY THE MOST POSITIVE PERSON AND CHEERLEADER IN MY LIFE.  SHE HAS ALWAYS LET ME DO WHATEVER IT IS I WANTED TO DO, EVEN IF THAT MEANT HER SACRIFICING FOR ME. AND I WAS AN ACTIVE CHILD, I MEAN ACTIVE! I DANCED AT A DANCE STUDIO WHEN WAS YOUNG, SHE WORKED THERE, JUST TO HELP PAY FOR CLASSES, I LITERALLY TOOK EVERY CLASS THEY OFFERED, I WANTED TO ICE SKATE, ,SHE HUNTED DOWN SKATES, GYMNASTICS SHE WAS SEWING UP LEOTARDS, BASKETBALL , SHE BOUGHT A VAN TO TOTE THE TEAM AROUND, AND THE LIST GOES ON…

MMBB: What’s the best advice you’ve received so far?

MEGAN: EVERYDAY, WORK AT IT!

MMBB: Where can the people find you and your product?

SHOP: WWW.YOMEGZ.BIGCARTEL.COM 

BLOG:WWW.YOMEGZ.COM 

FOLLOW: @YOMEGZ