As a women or mom we need to know where are money is going and how to have our money working for us early in life. This conversation with Nicole goes deeper into why she enjoys helping people build their wealth and why she will be dreaming big until the very end.
Dr. Nicole Garner Scott is a sought-after licensed Financial Consultant, speaker, author, and serial entrepreneur. Nicole received her undergraduate degree from Georgia State University, her MBA in digital entrepreneurship, and was awarded an honorary doctorate recognized for her work in business. A mother and wife, this native Atlantan is a TEDx speaker and has been recognized for her entrepreneurial innovation by the White House under the Obama administration as well as receiving the Mayoral Phoenix award which is the highest award bestowed by the city of Atlanta.
Her work as the founder of The Money Plan (www.TheMoneyPlanInc.Com) takes a unique approach in her practice by helping people achieve financial security through holistic integrative planning. By connecting pieces of her client’s financial puzzle and determining if they are working together in a coordinated strategy, she helps create their ideal financial picture and map out their legacy.
Listen to the full episode here: https://anchor.fm/bernetta-knighten/episodes/Adventure-is-a-Lifestyle-w-Lauren-Gay-e1g8cpe
I’m excited to start this season 3 opener with Travel influencer, Lauren Gay. She has truly made life an adventure and shares how and why she created this new life for herself and turned it into a profitable business. She also shares why she loves motivating Black women to step out of their comfort zone to do the same. Her website is https://outdoorsydiva.com/
Lauren Gay is the creator of Misadventures of an Outdoorsy Diva Blog, host/producer of the award winning Adventure Is A Lifestyle Podcast, published photographer, speaker, consultant, on-air TV travel expert, and adventure coach. She is a travel writer and social media influencer who is passionate about inspiring and empowering black women to step out of their comfort zones for new experiences in travel and adventure and embracing nature as therapy. Lauren is also an empty nest mom and a dedicated long time advocate for racial diversity and inclusion in outdoor recreation and adventure travel and a founding member of the Black Travel Alliance.
Lauren has been featured as 2020-2022 USA Today Readers Choice Top 10 Adventure Travel Expert, on ABC News national syndicate, Huffington Post Travel, Conde Naste, Outdoor Families Online, BBC Earth, Tampa Bay Parenting, Daytime TV Show, Great Day Live Tampa Bay TV show, National Geographic, and Morning Blend TV.
If you haven’t seen BMF – Black Mafia Family on Starz over the last couple of months, you’re really missing out on a cool show. What makes this show unique is that it’s based on a real family. BMF follows the story of the Flenory brothers Demetrius “Big Meech” & Terry to create the most prominent drug trafficking organization in the country known as the “Black Mafia Family”. Fun fact, the actual “Big Meech” is played by his son, “Little Meech”.
Inspired by the true story of one of the most influential crime families in the country, BMF shows the origins of the mafia in Detroit in the late 1980s, its expansion to Atlanta, and how the pursuit of the American dream eventually leads the operation to branch out from national drug distribution to hip-hop in the early 2000s.
I was given a sneak peek of the first 6 episodes before it came out and I knew this was going to be a hit. I could not wait until everyone got to see what I saw and love & hate the characters I loved & hated! One of those characters that you would not want to meet on a light or dark street is Lamar.
Lamar isn’t based on one character, but a composite of many individuals The Flenorys experienced over the years in Detroit. On the show, he gets out of jail when he honestly should have gone into a mental institution to get help. He starts changing lives in the worst way. I promise in any scene he is in, I get scared. That means he is playing this role! He understood the assignment! hahaha!! I finally got to use that line!
After reviewing the episodes, I was given the opportunity to get a quick interview with Eric Kofi Abrefa, who plays Lamar.
On this #DreamChat, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jehava Brown from OnlyGirls4Boyz. She has 3 beautiful boys and has been blogging for 3 years full time! She shared how she got started blogging and why this makes her happy.
What is DreamChats? They are 15-20 minutes chats with moms who are following their dreams. During our chats, these moms share their stories and tips on how they make “life” happen.
I’d love to know your thoughts on this DreamChat! These interviews are every Wednesday at 1pm ET on my Instagram page, @BernettaStyle
Donate to The Knighten Project here- We believe everyone MOM deserves one big Dream come true!
I get the pleasure of conducting weekly interviews on Instagram Live with amazing mothers who are making their dreams happen while raising their children. These women are not waiting for their children to graduate high school or college, they are taking steps towards their personal happiness now.
Today, I interviewed Nakisha Wynn. Nakisha is a Family Lifestyle Influencer, Youtuber and Founder of the Single Mom Success Tour. She helps moms create an extra income from home and pursue the life they really want. Through her work, she has empowered many women on how to pursue their dreams in and outside of motherhood. She has become the voice of single parenting, telecommuting, and money after marriage. She is a mother of a 4 and proud Florida native.
What is DreamChats? They are 15-20 minutes chats with moms who are following their dreams. During our chats, these moms share their stories and tips on how they make “life” happen.
*The video starts off blurry, but quickly clears up**
I’d love to know your thoughts on this DreamChat! These interviews are every Wednesday at 1pm ET on my Instagram page, @BernettaStyle
Donate to The Knighten Project here- We believe everyone MOM deserves one big Dream come true!
Whether you have children or not, you have to know about the ICE AGE phenomenon! Since 2002, ICE AGE has released 4 great films that that follows a no non-sense Mammoth & his friends on different journeys but also learn valuable lessons along the way.
The newest installment of this franchise Collision Course actually comes out today, July 22nd.
Scrat’s epic pursuit of the elusive acorn catapults him into the universe where he accidentally sets off a series of cosmic events that transform and threaten the IceAge World. To save themselves, Sid, Manny, Diego, and the rest of the herd must leave their home and embark on a quest full of comedy and adventure, traveling to exotic new lands and encountering a host of colorful new characters. Check out this trailer…
Last week, I had a cool opportunity to briefly speak with Vanessa Morrison, President of Fox Animation Studios. Vanessa started as an intern at Fox and has been there for 15 years.
Her love for animation started as a child with movies such as Japanese Godzilla films, “The Red Balloon” and a British version of “Alice in Wonderland.”
After taking a trip with her mother to attend a producing workshop, it was there were her love for how movies were made was birthed.
BernettaStyle: Hi Vanessa, What is the best and/or worst part of this job, in addition to creating this movie?
Vanessa: One of best parts is creating a movie that the entire family can watch and enjoy. Children can watch these movies and enjoy them, and so can their grandmother! I love seeing actors who have never did animation before, create new voices. As for bad days, it comes with any job but there aren’t a lot of bad days.
Vanessa, also shared that there is a need for more diversity within the industry. It’s a global industry and it’s not an elite place. Pay attention to your children’s interest while they are young and nurture them along the way. Take their interest seriously and get them involved early.
She started at Fox as an intern and worked her way up to President of Animation. Vanessa understands pursuing your dream to the fullest extent no matter what it is.
I love that ICE AGE is a film with a timeless set of characters. When the movie first came out in 2002, she isn’t sure if the full intention was to create 4 more movies.
They weren’t sure it would become the global brand it has, but it’s touch lives and families come to out see what’s new with these characters every time.
Director: Mike Thurmeier and Galen Chu
Main actors: Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, Seann William Scott, Josh Peck, Simon Pegg, Keke Palmer, Jennifer Lopez, Queen Latifah, Adam Devine, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Max Greenfield, Jessie J, Nick Offerman, Wanda Sykes, Stephanie Beatriz, Michael Strahan, Melissa Rauch, Neil deGrasse Tyson
ICE AGE: Collision Course comes out today July 22nd! Are you going to see this one? Come share your thoughts & follow along on social media to see what other people are saying!
A few Saturday’s ago, I had the pleasure, honor and every other great word I could think off right now… to sit in front of Mr. Steve Harvey and interview him! It was a dream come true.
When I first checked my email, the subject line read “Do you want to Interview Steve Harvey?” I opened the email and then closed the computer. I started breathing hard because I was so excited.
I re-opened the computer and read the email slowly and sure enough, it was an opportunity for me (Creator of BernettaStyle.com) to sit and speak one-on-one with Mr. Steve Harvey. Only 4 media outlets were invited and I was one of them. I was floored.
Steve Harvey partnered with Coca-Cola for their Pay it Forward Academy. They gave 22 deserving high school students a $5000 education scholarship and flew them to Atlanta for the weekend for mentorship and more.
I go more into detail about the event and show the full video of my interview with Steve Harvey here on The Knighten Project site.
Who would Steve Harvey consider a mentor?
Steve, with your career, you have become everyone’s mentor and thousands look up to you and take your advice. With all of your success, who mentors you? Who helps you?
What book are you reading now?
If you watch the video, he goes into why TD Jakes is the only person he considers a mentor to him. In addition to currently reading Bishop Jakes book Instinct, he just finished reading for the 7th time The Magic of Thinking Big. He shares (in the video) why this book is a game changer for anyone that reads it and how his life has changed.
Who is his mentor?
What books he is reading?
What is the #1 rule of Manhood?
Why is exposure life changing?
What does service mean to him?
Why education is not the most important thing?
What you shouldn’t KEEP IT REAL!
Who is your personal mentor? What do you love about Steve Harvey?
Last week I had the pleasure of watching the movie Blackbird and interviewing Julian Walker.
This movie tells the story of seventeen-year-old Randy (Julian Walker), a devout Christian who is hiding a secret inner struggle – the denial of being gay. Since his father (Isaiah Washington) left, Randy takes care of his emotionally disturbed mother (Mo’Nique) and is the kind of friend all of his classmates can depend on.
It is not until he opens himself up to love that he discovers that becoming a man means accepting who you really are. #WeAreBlackbird #BlackbirdDVD
Julian was a pleasure to speak with. He is full of life and aspirations. It’s amazing that this was his first major role because he did such an amazing job.
Did you grow up singing? Singing was a big dream and aspiration of mine. Initially I wanted to be a singer before I became an actor. And with this movie, I was able to do both which was great.
Is singing still something you want to do? Of course. I am looking for voice lessons, and I want to learn how to play the guitar so I can help tune my own voice. So I am definitely working on that.
What is your one big dream? My One Big Dream, I hope that I am able to continue to do movies or events that have a good message behind it. I would love to one day, do hosting like eNews, have a blog, become a writer and/or an author. I hope and dream I am able to accomplish everything I want to do.
How was the whole audition experience that afforded you a role in a feature film? It was crazy. I found out about the audition my first semester there (at college). Everything started moving really fast once I got the part.
Were you intimated or nervous working with Isaiah Washington & Academy Award Winner Monique? I really was. When I found out that I would be working with them and the rest of the amazing cast, that they would look at me like, “Who is this new guy? Who does he think he is?” But it was just the opposite. Everyone took time to speak with me one on one, teach me things and help me. It was a great first experience.
What was your best and worst experience filming Blackbird? My best experience was after filming Blackbird. I went to Boston for a Youth Lesbian, Gay and Transgender conference and having so many people come up to me and share their story, that was so similar to the character I played was amazing. So many people are suffering with their secrets and to be in position to help them see someone in a similar perspective was amazing.
My worst experience was doubting myself. Those moments when you go down a road you’ve never been before. You have doubts about your ability? I brought those fears along myself. I actually waited until the last minute to submit my audition tape because of fear, but I am so happy that I did.
Working with all the talented actors, what are some pearls of wisdom they shared? Have fun! I get so nervous before any major publicity event. The excitement you feel when you do something you love! They said, keep that! If you ever loose that, then maybe you shouldn’t be doing this. Remain humble, positive and know this is what you want to do and be happy!
What was it like being on The View? I was sweating bricks backstage, I was so nervous. What made it amazing was Monique and Isaiah and the bond and friendship we had. We started playing music, laughing a lot and taking pictures that allowed me to calm down. It was amazing. Everyone was so positive and supportive.
Did you feel uncomfortable filming the homosexual love scene? I was uncomfortable. I had a nervous feeling, but Patrick (the director) made it so natural and comfortable for me. During the love scene, he only one in the room were the camera woman and Patrick. He was so caring and put our feelings first in many aspects.
Based on the same title novel by Larry Duplechan, the film, which released in theaters in April, is directed by Patrik-Ian Polk (Noah’s Arc,The Skinny). The film stars Academy Award® winning actress and comedian Mo’Nique (Precious), Isaiah Washington (Grey’s Anatomy, Blue Caprice, The 100), Terrell Tilford (Single Ladies,Guiding Light), D. Woods (MTV’s Danity Kane), Gary L. Gray (The Cosby Show, Bring It On: All Or Nothing), Torrey Laamar, Kevin Allesee, Nikki Jane and introduces breakthrough actorJulian Walker.
BLACKBIRD, the provocative film acquired by RLJ Entertainment will be available on VOD and Digital on July 28, 2015 and Blu-ray and DVD on August 4, 2015.
Do you watch court tv? Do you think it’s real or just for tv? I had an opportunity to attend a taping of Paternity Court and actually meet family attorney Lauren Lake afterward. On the episode I was able to attend, the young lady had two children in question and the test revealed that the gentleman in court was the father of one but not the other.
The court room was shocked, but at the moment we all realized that – this is real life! Paternity Court (similar to Maury) reveals DNA results for parents who are unsure about whether “They Are The Father!” The show was renewed for a 2nd season and starts September 22nd. Check your local listing for your network schedule.
As I mentioned above, I was able to ask Judge Lauren Lake a few questions after the taping:
What is the biggest misconception about paternity in GA?
The biggest misconception that we tackle on the show is that the Paternity lies with the father’s lack of responsibility. We find that the women are the keepers of the secret. That’s not just a Georgia thing, but also a nationwide thing. The lady today left out that she was sleeping with someone else.
People want to make it a dirty little secret. It’s a child’s right to know who their parents are and we need to regard it as such. Most of us are 2 to 3 degrees of separation between some person/family member away from someone who has issue with paternity.
The truth is always absolute. That is what we give here.
Why do people think they can tell paternity by looks only?
There have been times where I have sat on the bench and have been confused in the testimony. I have 20 years on the bench and still say, “Well she does have his nose.” Sometimes a child can look just like the person but that doesn’t mean that they are related. We sometimes create the result we want to have. When people start saying, “I didn’t know because the baby did not look like me.” I understand that from a human standpoint, because people always pick out the features of a child.
Do you do the test here at the show? No, we have a lab that administer the test.
When do YOU find out the results of the DNA test? When I read the results in front of the courtroom. Everything I say after I read the results is coming from my heart and experience.
How many take people up on the counseling? Very many and they give them resources in their home state. They also follow up on them. We are dealing with people’s lives and we want to make sure they are on the right track.
Do you watch this show? What do you like about it?
Last Sunday I had the pleasure of meeting the gospel duo AJ Spence. The sisters, April & Jasmine Spence, have been singing together for over 10 years. They have a new single, I Survived, that was recently released May 20th on iTunes. Let’s dive into this interview to get to know them a little better.
When you decided to sing professionally, why gospel? Our dad is an elder & mom is a minister, so we grew up in church. We’ve learned the love of God, his word and it’s just what we were exposed to. Gospel is purposeful and has so much meaning to it.
What has been the most exciting thing to happen to you as AJ Spence? We were on the cover of News Day when we came out with our first album in 2004. In addition to singing in front of our largest crown in 2008 at Six Flags in New Jersey.
What is a major milestone that you are working toward in your career? We want to be international.
I am sure you have been compared to Mary Mary because you two are sisters, have you met Mary Mary yet? No, but we would love too.
How does it feel that a song of yours, Amazing Grace, has become a YouTube sensation? Our family is Jamaican, and we decided to put a Reggae song online. It’s not on an actual album but a dub plate. It’s our most listened to song on YouTube, the response has been amazing.
Do you write your own music? We do, in addition to co-writing with our parents.
How do feel about your parents managing you? Our parents have never steered us wrong, so we thank God for our parents.
What can people expect from your up coming album? They can expect music from the heart. When we started out, we were babies and now that we’ve grown it’s a little deeper. We have experienced more, so we have more to share.
Do you still sing in church? Of course!
I hear you are a family of seven? We have 2 more sisters and a brother, but everyone helps with AJ Spence.
Outside of AJ Spence? What makes you happy? Working with children makes us happy. We both work with children outside of singing.
Is singing your purpose? Ministering through singing is our purpose & passion.
What scripture do you live your life by? Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
What is one thing you know for sure? I believe with God in the center of everything, anything is possible. God is real, just trust him. What you do for Christ last.
I do not spend a lot of money on manicures and pedicures. It’s just not a big deal to me, but I love a good eyebrow shape up. I like to treat myself once a month because it really changes the look of a person’s face. I was thrilled when I was able to meet Panzie Richardson, owner of Candy Brow Bar and get the celebrity treatment.
Panzie, how long you been doing eyebrows? 4 years.
How did you get involved with eyebrows? It was a happy accident. I went to Aveda for skin care, to be an esthetician. I didn’t want to touch anyones brows. One day in class, I had 3 services to do that I could not give away. All 3 people wanted their brows shaped. When I got finished they all looked great. I had no clue I could do brows. Then I started asking for brow customers and started doing them all the time. When I graduated, I started working at Eyebrows. Moved here and I am still doing eyebrows and I love it.
I’d never heard of tinting and noticed you applied it to my eyebrows. What is Tinting? This tint is a semi-permanent, so if you workout and sweat or walk out in the rain, it will not drip. If you sleep on your pillow case, it will not smear or smudge. You can wash over it, but to get the longest wear I tell clients to wash around it. The tinting last about two weeks. It will look like you have on make-up without having to do anything.
What is the Marble Facial Stone? It closes the hair follicles back, so you won’t clog your pores when you touch your skin. It’s also really cold on the skin, so it’s very soothing like a mini massage. It can also be used for sinus and migraines issues.
Why do you think it’s an important accent? It shapes your face, because if they are too far apart – everything will look to big. If they are done right you will look good without makeup.
Many people try to do their eyebrows themselves. What are they doing wrong?
Over tweezing, which ends up making their eyebrows either too far apart or non-existent.
Too much concealer, I call it the “Atlanta Brow”. There should not be a visible line above or below your eyebrows. If you use concealer, blend it in completely.
Using black eyeliner – eyebrows do not look good when they are drawn on.
We all have someone who we are just over the moon about working with. Whose eyebrows have you shaped that shocked you?Delicia Cordon (Owner of DeCordon), I would have never imagined I would have an opportunity to do her brows. I follow her and even bought from her line.
Who are your dream clients? My top 3 are: 1) Michelle Obama 2) Oprah 3) Beyonce
Atlanta is the reality show hub. Are there any celebrities you have been able to work with? I have been able to work with Tiny (Family Hustle), Shekinah (Family Hustle), Toya (Tiny & Toya), and Kim (RHOA).
I loved the way my eyebrows looked when she finished. She tinted, waxed and shaped them. I am officially a “Candy Girl” A typical session is only 10-15 minutes and you can go 3 – 4 weeks between touch ups.
The Candy Brow Bar is located in North Dekalb Mall, in Atlanta, GA.
Here are a few more before and after eyebrows:
In efforts to raise awareness of breast cancer and finding a cure,Panzie Richardson, owner of Candy Brow Bar, has teamed up with Susan G. Komen of Greater Atlanta for their annual Race for the Cure walk. Candy Brow Bar will host a glam bar vendor booth along with two well-known make-up artist on May 10th from 8am – 12pm, during the festival duration of Susan G. Komen of Greater Atlanta’s Race for the Cure.
Earlier this month I was given one of the coolest opportunities, to interview Sherri Shepherd. We all know Sherri from The View and she was just as bubbly and genuine in person as she is on TV.
She has a new wig line called, NOW which consist of 12 wigs in different styles and colors. I was able to sit down and chat with her for Tastemakers Magazine. I was able to ask her how she maintains her wigs, her hair underneath and even about her work out regimen. We just had a great chat!
We laughed and talked like we were girlfriends! I told her that I saw her at the airport before and spoke to her. She asked me, “Was I nice to you? Please say yes!” I said, “You were tired and were not mean to me but your husband gave me a look like, Don’t even try to ask for a picture! She laughed and said, “That’s my body guard!”
God knows he is in the blessing business. I really would enjoy doing things like this all the time and it was such an amazing opportunity for me to be able to sit across from Sherri. In the picture, I had my professional face on but I was screaming on the inside, “I CAN’T BELIEVE I AM ACTUALLY INTERVIEWING HER!” Thanks Tiffini for letting do this!!
