Pieces of You: Juanita B. Green

Ask Juanita B. Green what she has coming up next and she excitedly tells you “EVERYTHING!”
“I have this passion for acting that is unexplainable,” she says.” Not only do I love and appreciate the art form, I study it. Acting for me is like breathing.”
Green a native of Shulerville, S.C. currently lives in Atlanta, she’s been performing in stage nearly ten years, but admits she’s been in character all her life.
Although she is a self-admitted stage type of girl she’s played in numerous musicals and plays. She’s graced the stage in Rent, Rock N Roll Heaven, Hairspray, Little Ham and A Raisin in the Sun just to name a few.
There are a few people in the business who Green would like to work with, some are “local superstars” as she calls them and so are known actresses and actors, Shirley MacLaine, “I can feel her energy through the television, Green said. Anthony Mackie, “He breathes talent, Anika Rose, is a powerhouse.” There are many more, but Green says its too many to name, however Meryl Streep, or “The Streep” is on the top of her list.
When not acting, Green enjoys writing, singing, watching movies, reading and spending time with family.
“Family and friends motivate me, the memory and legacy of my deceased grandmother, Dosha Lee Green, motivates me,” Green said.

She smiles at the memory of her niece Mya saying she wants to act after seeing a performances, “That motivated me.”
She continues, “Seeing my talented friends working their dreams motivates me; The look on audience members faces after a performance motivates me and last but definitely not least, God is my biggest motivator.”
Green says she is blessed to have so many role models and mentors in her life. Her three grandmothers showed her how to love unconditionally be strong, yet graceful. She adds her aunts and mom to that list, calling her mother “My wonder woman.”
Debbie Allen is another woman Green looks up to, “I call myself Debbie Allen Jr. because this woman has done it all and is still doing it all,” she said.
Cicely Tyson, Hattie McDaniel, Diane Carroll, Paula Kelly, Jasmine Guy, Audra McDonald, Angela Bassett, Ruby Dee are inspirations to her. “All these woman paved the way for me, also Phylicia Rashad, the first African American to win a Tony for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a play.

Juanita is a graduate of University of South Carolina in Aiken. In five years she plans to be still performing, but crossing over into other avenues of the business.

Pieces of You:Monee Williams

Monee Williams is a busy woman, she has a career, she’s a mother to three energetic children, including an active pre-teen and just recently she became guardian of her younger sister.
Williams remedy for juggling it all is simple, she exercises a lot.
“A good run is therapeutic. When I don’t take time to exercise I am off balance,” said Williams who lives in Hopkins, Minnesota and runs whether it’s 70 degrees or 20 degrees.
Williams, a Technology and Operations manager says she plans everything, but understands plans fall apart.
“I am also forgiving of myself and have given myself permission to be okay with everything not going as planned,” she said. “Tomorrow is always a new day.”
A new day began for Williams and her family this past October when her 15-year-old sister Anisa came to live with her after their mother passed.
Williams said the adjustment has been relative and she takes things day by day. She says her sister has done a great job of becoming involved in school, making friends and most importantly keeping her grades up.
“We are getting to know each other and learning to work together effectively as a family and creating our new reality,” Williams said.
As a family they bowl, travel and play games together. And of course they all love to shop, especially her daughters and sister.
She advises women in similar situations to take it one day at a time, make communication the priority and remain flexible.
Williams often relies on lessons from her mother.
“She didn’t let her circumstances control her,” she said. “She was very resilient and if she wanted something she would work to get it or achieve it.”
Williams continues speaking of the woman she calls her role model. “She has taught me so much about unconditional love and how to give freely.”
Williams said her mom was fantastic. “I hope I can emulate all that she was.”
Likewise, Williams is motivated by her children. She works hard to instill in them hard work, prayer and showing them what dedication can do.
“I want them to know that no matter your circumstances, keep your head up and persevere.”

Monee is a native of Lithonia, Ga. She’s a graduate of Florida A&M University and Metropolitan State University, her hobbies include running, sewing and gardening.

Pictured above with Monee, her daughters Nailah and J. Simone, son Nasir and sister Anisa

Pieces of You: Tiesha “Nikki” Williams

“Growing up I knew I wanted to help people, but I didn’t want to do nursing because I have a weak stomach. Everyone would come to me for advice and ask for assistance helping locate resources. Additionally, my cousin’s situation gave me the extra push to advocate for adolescents. I enjoy helping people get on the right track and stay there. It warms my heart to see someone I’ve assisted doing great things in life. I see the good in people and believe everyone can be whoever they aspire to be.”
Those are the words of Tiesha Williams, or Nikki as she’s known to family and friends describing while she decided to pursue a career in social work.
Williams, a native of Pittsview, Al is a 21-year-old graduating senior from Troy State University who already holds an Associate Degree from Chattahoochee Valley Community College. She’s set to receive her Bachelors this year.
When not in class or working as a substitute teacher she’s either spending time with family, which includes her 7-year-old daughter Tanaya or facilitating events for her non-profit organization Young Women with a Purpose.
Young Women with a Purpose was founded at Russell County High School in 2009 by Williams. It’s an organization to help increase self awareness, self worth, and self esteem among young women in the community. It assists them in becoming successful women. The organization also empowers young women to become productive citizens.
Williams said the organization was inspired by one of her mentors, Angelia Miles Walton, founder of Teens Empowerment Awareness with ResolutionS Inc (TEARS).
“I started it to give females who don’t have a support system or an understanding parent an avenue to express themselves and obtain information about life situations before they become a part of another statistic,” Williams said. Those statistics include high school dropouts, teen mom, or a sexually transmitted disease. “Its sole purpose is to inform our young women that no matter what obstacles they face in life, they can still be successful,” she said.
In December the organization facilitated Joy Behind Bars, which sponsored two children for Christmas whose mother was incarcerated. Just recently the organization participated in a benefit program for a young lady in the community.
Five years from now Williams said she’ll have a Masters in Social Work/Criminology from Florida State University.
She also plans to obtain a doctorate in counseling and continue to help others, have a full-time job in her field and operate a prosperous organization.
“At the age of 14 I was blessed with a baby girl. I was talked about, ridiculed and told I wouldn’t make anything out of myself. According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy only 38 percent of girls who have a baby before they turn 18 have high school diplomas. Interesting, on May 22, 2009 I was a part of that 38 percent who walked across the stage at Russell County High School in the top 10 percent of my class and received my high school diploma. I continued my education and maintained a full-time job while caring for my baby girl. I am not encouraging our young ladies to become teen mothers; however, I am encouraging them to achieve their goals. Achieving your goals is not always easy, but hard work and determination is the key.

Tiesha’s hobbies include reading, dancing, family fun, social networking, photography, advocate for at risk youth, mentoring, tutoring and watching movies. She is motivated by making a positive impact on someone’s life. Her role model is her mother Tracey Williams.

Pieces of You: Regina Brooks Gilmore

In recent years Regina Brooks Gilmore has added acting to her list of things she enjoys doing. “I love acting because it allows me to stretch and challenge myself.”
Gilmore said she’s always loved entertaining people, but her real passion is modeling, something she’s been doing since the late 80s.

Although she doesn’t look it, Gilmore is a 45-year-old wife, mother and grandmother.
Additionally she wears the hat of model, actress, producer and occasionally teaching.
A native of Bastrop, Louisiana, Gilmore has called Spartanburg S.C. home for the past five years.
Since living in the Carolinas she’s done several talent shows and acting.
The television series Changes aired in April 2011 in North Carolina, Georgia and South Carolina and Virginia. Gilmore landed the starring role as Sam Richardson; she also was a producer on the show.
Two years ago Gilmore did her first stage play, Don’t Make Me Over in Greenville, S.C.
When asked who she’d like to work with, she responded.
“I would love to work with Angela Bassett because of the range of characters that she’s played. It would be a dream of mine to also work with Denzel Washington because of my admiration for him as an actor,” she said. “Not to mention he’s stellar in all of his performances.”
Five years from now, Gilmore hopes to be I’m a household name.
“I want to send a resounding message to young women that you don’t have to be naked to model and act,” she said.
Gilmore is motivated by faith in God and family, which includes her husband of 22 years Darryl, children Antonio and Tamara and two grandchildren, Dallas and Aaliyah.
“I not only have a daughter and granddaughter, but I have several nieces and female cousins who really look up to me and I want to make them all proud,” Gilmore said.
Gilmore relies on the inspiration of her late parents Evoler Brooks and Lonnie Bosworth as well as her late grandmother Sarah Brooks.
“They have all instilled a strong foundation of love for self and others in me,” she said. She adds, “They always taught me to follow my dreams no matter what. They are responsible for me being the strong woman I am today.”
Gilmore says she thanks God daily for her gifts and don’t take them lightly.
“I pray that I will be able to leave a positive and lasting impression on this earth.”

Regina is a Model/Actress/Producer. She attended University of Monroe, Louisiana and Louisiana Businesses College. She holds an Associates Degree in Accounting/Bookkeeping. Her hobbies are reading, traveling, shopping and meeting new people.

Pieces of You: A Father’s Double Tragedy

The first time I talked to Carlos Jeff I didn’t know what to expect. His story is one I was happy to tell, but at the same time wish I didn’t have to. His voice was friendly as if I’m a long-lost home girl. He jokes and we laugh, I wasn’t expecting to laugh, just as he wasn’t expecting what happened on June 7, 2011. Here is his story.

The Invitation…

It was a hot day, first week of summer vacation, as my boys played basketball, their favorite pastime at their mother’s home. We planned to hang out, nothing special, just get a little food and maybe catch a movie later. As Barbara, their mother pulled into the driveway from work the neighbor asked if Cameron and Bryce would like to come play in her pool with a few boys who were visiting. Barbara said yes and relayed the message to them. I’m sure they were very excited because this was their first time being invited to the neighbor’s pool since moving into that home five years prior. Barbara told them get their swim trunks and go over and introduce themselves to the neighbor’s visitors.

Family First…

My sons were incredibly rambunctious and full of life. They enjoyed sports, singing in the choir, their dogs, but more than anything they simply enjoyed being together. As a family we did almost everything together. I, as their father, did a very unconventional job as a stay at home parent for the five children that I raised with Barbara. The children were basically a staircase in ages being two years apart. Cayla,16, Carlos 14, Bria 12, Cameron would have turned 11 on May 9 of this year and Bryce 9. When the boys got the news that they would be swimming they ran to get their trunks. It was a Tuesday evening and just that previous Sunday I had taken the children to a state park for a dip in the lake. We played for a few hours in the water, for the boys loved to water like most kids do when it’s hot, but were never formally trained to swim. A previous drowning incident to a cousin deterred many of our family members from sending the kids to a pool. Barbara told the boys to go over and speak as she undressed from work. She told them she would go to the store for snacks and drinks to share with their new friends.

Tragedy within minutes…

When the boys went to the neighbor’s they entered on the deep end of a nine foot pool. There was a slide and a diving board. Being the first time over they didn’t know the layout of the pool. As they saw the other boys, who could not swim either, playing in the shallow end, they did not realize the difference in-depth in sides of the pool. Bryce went down the slide into the nine foot water. When he went under and realized the depth he immediately panicked. Cameron, always playing the role of big brother jumped in to try to help him. It was a no win situation as both boys began to fight to survive at that point. The boys who watched jumped out and ran for help. There were three adults at the home and none knew how to swim! They watched in horror not knowing what to do to save my sons. One of them ran into the streets begging passing cars to stop and help. She was finally able to get someone to stop. An older man, who lived not far away was passing by with his wife on their way to get dinner. He jumped into the pool and pulled them out, but it was too late. Fireman showed up not soon after and began to perform CPR. The boys fought for their lives in the ambulance.

The phone call…

I received a call from Barbara as the ambulance was loading the boys into the back. I was on my way back to their home to pick them up. If I had just gotten there twenty minutes earlier I would’ve saved them or prevented the accident altogether. I am a trained swimmer and a very strong one also. Just twenty minutes of time has meant a huge difference in my entire life. It has taught me to value every moment I share with my loved ones so much more.

No happy ending…

They boys were two of the strongest physically that one could meet for a 10 and 8-year-old. I am an ex-college football player and would use fitness not only to stay in shape but also as a disciplinary method. The doctors mentioned that they had never seen young boys with fully developed six packs and arms their size. This strength allowed them to hang on longer than most under the circumstances. There is nothing worse than seeing your children fighting for their lives, being shocked by paramedics to jumpstart their hearts. We’ve all seen the hospital shows and sit in awe as the patients overcome tragic accidents or illnesses. However, in this case there would be no happy ending. Bryce, 8-years-old, was under the water longer, around 15 minutes. He fought for two days. It was June 9 and the birthday of my oldest son Carlos Jr. We decided we could not allow them to pronounce him dead on his brother’s birthday. I didn’t want Carlos to have to live with that type of grief every year that his special day came. We were able to keep him on the life support an extra day. Cameron fought until Saturday. I really believe even in death that he wanted to protect his little brother and be with him. When Bryce passed away my family was so consumed with sadness that they all left the hospital, leaving me there alone with Cameron. I remember praying and speaking to him for hours. We were very close. He not only looked exactly like me as a kid, but enjoyed the same things as I did. Six months earlier to their accident I moved to Atlanta to pursue a music career. Cameron would email me every morning before getting dressed for school. His messages usually read something like…”Dad, I’m up early and thinking of you. I want to be the first thing you think about when you get up today”. I really miss those small things.

A preventable death…

When a tragedy strikes your life we go through a ton of mixed emotions. I’ve dealt with the emotions of guilt, shame, anger and pain the most. The guilt kicks in when you think about the things that you might have done that could have prevented this incident. Why didn’t I teach them to swim? Why wasn’t I there to protect them? The anger issues were huge for me because I felt that the adults on that day made poor decisions allowing the boys to enter a nine foot pool with limited supervision. No one there could swim nor did the owners have any life saving devices like floats or a hook to fish them out. My son’s death was preventable.

Helping others…

During the week friends and family poured in from across the nation. Many gave money to help our family in any way we needed. I come from a family rooted in the Christian belief. On Sundays we always attended church together, in fact, my children and a niece were the root of the children’s choir. Bryce was grooming for the lead. He loved to sing and dance and loved to joke about how the women would love him soon. We decided as a family that we had to find a way to bring light to our tragedy and see if we could prevent other parents from feeling a similar pain. We first decided to donate their organs to someone in need. I think of the little girl who received Cameron’s heart regularly. Does she know how much loved poured in and out of that heart? Can she feel his presence each time she breaths?

The Legacies…

We were soon approached with an idea of donating to the Cincinnati Recreation Commission’s (CRC) I CAN SWIM PROGRAM. CRC decided to make a special rate for their lessons in honor of my sons. They would offer four lessons for $20 to each kid who signed up. Our first contribution was a check for over $3,300. It would be a joy to know we could save over 150 kids lives with this donation. After the check given to the CRC I went home feeling bittersweet. I felt like although this was a big donation it was by far not what my sons lives were worth. I decided to continue to seek out my friends to donate more money. I felt that more awareness was needed to shed light on drownings. I found out that drowning was the second biggest cause of death of children under 14. Why is it not talked about more? Why are more provisions placed in areas of danger? Since the initial monies were given to CRC I decided to begin the process of creating a non-profit organization to raise monies to pay for swim lessons for the kids of Cincinnati, but also to fight for amended laws for pool ownership. Almost $20,000 was presented to CRC via friends or supporters. This following year, as we grow stronger, I hope to raise six figures for our new foundation, The Cameron and Bryce Jeff Memorial Foundation. I’m seeking donors, as well as volunteers that would help with legal issues, fund-raising, and as motivational speakers to go out to public pools and get the word of water safety out to the masses.

God and faith…

Many have asked me how I have remained strong throughout this situation. We never know what we can handle until we are faced with it. First of all, my faith in God has been the main factor to me remaining strong. I always thought that if you give your battle to God he will see you through it. I’m faithful in my belief that I will see my sons again in heaven when I pass. Though it is a long, hard walk daily without them present, I am able to walk it, head high, knowing my sons are with God and their legacy shall remain alive for years to come. It’s also through the overwhelming amount of support from family, friends, and strangers that I am able to smile. A few close friends have kept me smiling daily. I also get a huge amount of therapy helping others. Being able to speak with other parents who have a dying child has lifted me. I try to give them encouragement and uplift them in their time of need. Music and poetry have also played a huge role in my recovery. Whenever I’m down I play songs that give me good memories, or I write to ease my mind. One of my favorite songs is Fatherhood, performed by artist from my label Straightface Entertainment Group. This song speaks volumes about the love we have for our children as fathers.

Carlo’s Plea…

If you learn anything from me I hope it would be these things: One, always show your children how much you love them by simply putting time into them. Gifts and material items wear off but genuine love and affection doesn’t. Children love back unconditionally. Secondly, pay attention to the small details in your decision-making. A small mistake can cost you a lifetime of grief. And finally, please teach your children to swim. It’s vital because everywhere you go on Earth is surrounded by water. Don’t let your fears prohibit your learning, nor your circumstances. Live each day like it is your last, for it very well may be.

For more information about how you can help or donate visit Cameron and Bryce Jeff Memorial Facebook Page. You can also contact Carlos Jeff there.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cameron-and-Bryce-Jeff-Memorial-Foundation/209518269112876

Written by Carlos Jeff

Editor’s note: After spending close to an hour on the phone with Carlos and receiving his email I decided no one, including me could tell the story the way he did. It is for that reason I posted it as is, with the exception of sub-titles and minor corrections.

Pieces of You: The Big Chop

Since cutting her shoulder length hair at the end of last year Shernise Shaw says she feels free.

Free to swim, free to walk in the rain, free to do other things with the $120 she spent a month going to the salon every Friday faithfully after work.

Her reason for the big chop, also known as BC was simple, “I was tired of my hair thinning, putting unnecessary chemicals in my body and being a slave to my hair.”

Giving up chemicals is becoming a big fashion statement for women of color. While some decide to rock two strand twist, braids, bantu knots and other natural styles many are simply cutting it all off.

Singer Chrisette Michele said of her 2010 big chop, “Truth is I cut my hair for freedom, not beauty.”

Other celebs have walked the infamous red carpet rocking little to no hair including, Viola Davis, Nicole Ari Parker and Kim Cole.

While some decide on the big chop many aren’t ready for such a huge change. A good amount of the ladies on the Facebook Page Transitioning to Natural are some of them, the group has over 5,000 members.

Unlike most women who are taking it one step at a time transitioning from perms, Shaw didn’t.

“I waited until I was ready for the change, I didn’t waste time and money trying to transition,” she said.

On Dec. 16, Shaw made the decision to sit in a salon chair and watch her tresses fall to the floor.

While there are no regrets, she admits that she is ready for her

hair to grow back. However she is enjoying having a new look after wearing the same one for ten years.

Shaw said since cutting her hair life has changed literally; before she would miss events because of the rain. “I protected my hair at all cost,” she said.

“I am living now,” she says. Shaw advises women thinking about the big chop to go for it. The biggest misconception she said is that it’s expensive and time consuming.

“You just have to learn how to manage it,” she said.

Shernise is a school librarian who enjoys reading and eating good food.

Pieces Of You: Gone

When I look back, it seems like everything about how my day started on May 16, 2007 was preparing me for the news I was to receive later that evening. I’d awakened around 8 a.m. and immediately remembered that it was the same day that my dad was to have outpatient surgery to have a hernia removed. He had mentioned it to me three days earlier during Mother’s Day dinner at my grandma’s. He’d read the concerned look on my face and assured me that he’d be “fine” in time for my graduation from Clark Atlanta University less than a week away. I was a little worried but I knew that daddy wouldn’t miss my special day for anything.

It also happened to be my best friend Stephanie’s birthday and I’d made a mental note to call her later and stop by the mall for a gift to bring to her dinner party later on that night. I knew this would be an especially hard celebration. Just nine months earlier her dad had died in a tragic accident days before his 50th birthday. I felt terrible about the fact that her dad would not be there for her birthday. I thought to myself how lucky I was to still have my daddy around and that I wouldn’t know what to do if anything ever happened to him.

I turned on CNN to learn some bad news. It had been one month to the day of the deadly Virginia Tech rampage. Then I heard that Martin Luther King Jr.’s daughter, Yolanda King, had died unexpectedly. Yolanda King? No! Everybody loves the Kings. Hearing about her death felt like losing an aunt. My eyes welled up with tears and I was overcome with sadness. When I went to the mall for Stephanie’s gift, an eerie feeling flooded through me as I passed the sympathy section in the card store. My Uncle Howard, my dad’s younger brother, immediately popped into my mind. I remembered thinking how sad my dad would be if something happened to him. By then it was noon and I decided to check on my dad who should have been home recovering by then. He answered on the third ring but I could tell that he was still groggy so I kept it brief.

Me: Daddy?

Dad: Yeah.

Me: You home?

Dad: Yeah.

Me: You alright?

Dad: Yeah (weakly).

Me: OK, I was just checking on you I will call you later.

Dad: Okay.

Me: Bye.

I never imagined that such a simple conversation would one day mean so much to me. What I didn’t know was that he was in terrible pain during our talk. At exactly 4:59 p.m. as I was dressing for the night, my Uncle Howard called my cell. I’d considered letting it roll over straight to voicemail, but thankfully decided against it. He told me that my dad was having complications from the surgery and I needed to get to the hospital quick. I continued dressing, but less than a minute later panic set in and I grabbed my keys and ran to my car. While maneuvering Atlanta streets I dialed my daddy’s number and his wife answered. She told me that she was riding in the ambulance with him and he wasn’t doing too well.

“Is my dad dead,” I asked? She paused before saying no, but emphasized that it didn’t look good. I don’t know how I made it to the hospital in the middle of Atlanta ’s rush hour, but when I got there I double parked, left my emergency lights blinking and sprinted inside. Through the double doors I found the room where my aunt and step-mom were waiting.

“Where is my daddy,” I asked, terrified about what answer I’d get.

“He’s gone,” my aunt responded, her voice trailing off.

”Gone where,” I asked. Gone for x-rays, surgery, a soda what?

She didn’t answer, but her face said it all.

The last thing I remember was screaming, “No my daddy’s not dead; my daddy didn’t leave me, he’s never left me.”

Everything went in slow motion like a dream after that; my uncle picking me up, my flip flops falling off, my phone and keys falling to the floor, the man in the white jacket assisting my uncle, the lady sitting in the chair with tears rolling down her face as she repeated the words,” I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry.”

I don’t know how long time stood still but when the clock started ticking again my hair was a mess, I was barefoot and I just wanted to see my daddy for myself. When I walked into the room his eyes were wide open, he still had a tube in his mouth and tubes stuck to his chest. He looked normal, I touched his face, and it was still soft and warm. I kissed his cheeks and rubbed my fingers across his thick eyebrows as I held his hand.

The next morning it still felt like a dream when I awoke with his picture next to me. I instinctively picked up my cell to call my daddy; he didn’t answer. I left a message, hoping, no praying, that he would call back. He always called me back, but he never did.

My dad’s been gone for 13 years now and it’s been tough adjusting to life without him. Even though I know that in his death he is still very much with me, I’ll admit that feelings of betrayal, sadness, anger and fear often overtake me. What gives me solace is knowing that God gave me 27 years with an absolutely amazing, supportive and loving father. I thank the Lord for the fact that I’m not one of those girls – and I know many – whose dad walked out on her. I cherish the memories that we shared and I give gratitude to God for blessing me with such a wonderful man. In losing my father, I can see so clearly that because of him I am the amazing woman I am today.

Written by: Shaka Lias Cobb

Pieces of You: Sherane’s Vintage Closet

If you have ever looked at an old picture of women in your family and thought to yourself that’s one blouse, dress or pair of shoes I’d love to have, then you’ll enjoy this piece.

Let’s face it; we have some fierce styles now, but nothing like the clothes from past eras.

Enter Sherane’s Vintage Closet, a boutique that specializes in selling original and redesigned vintage fashion for modern day ladies and gentlemen.

The idea was birthed in 2008 by Sherane Heron, a 28-year-old

New Jersey native who expanded her hobby of thrift shopping.

“I started doing trunk shows around the city of Atlanta in trendy restaurant and lounges,” Heron said. “The events were called ‘Sherane’s Vintage Closet presents EAT. SIP. SHOP’ and I wanted to keep the same theme (excluding EAT) when I got a regular physical location.”

Fast-forward to now, SVC is located in the heart of Midtown, in a trendy upstairs loft transformed to a huge…you guessed it vintage closet.

Heron said they collect vintage and gently worn fashion daily. The selection runs the gamut.

“We have the glamorous sequin gowns which adorn our walls to the fancy blouse that ladies wear to both work and happy hour, Heron said.

Tawni Fears agrees with the versatility of SVC, “Be it for a birthday, holiday, gift for someone, or just a cute top or earrings, she never disappoints when it comes to her finds,” said Fears, who works at Disturbing Tha Peace Records and owns The Tawni Logues.

Video Producer, Maya Table is also a regular at SVC.

“I love that each piece is unique and can be altered to fit you by her in house alteration specialist, said Table, who admits that 40 percent of her wardrobe was purchased from SVC.

“Shopping at Sherane’s Vintage Closet is great because each item is hand selected by Sherane,” Table said.

In addition to Heron’s personal picks, she has buyers who purchase vintage pieces for her, additionally she attends estate sales, perform closet clean outs and do consignments.

Eras at SVC date back to the 1940s through 1990s. Prices range from $5 to $300, there is also a rental program for their formal selection. Although there aren’t as many male selections as women; she does have male shoppers, R&B singer Miguel is one of them.

Heron, who attended high school and college in Atlanta hasn’t always been into fashion.

“As a child I was never the fashionista,” she admits. “I was pretty much a late bloomer when it came to discovering my own identity, therefore Sherane then is not Sherane now.”

Fashion isn’t her passion, she admits. “Creative ministry is where my heart beats.”

Heron said she has a gift of teaching, which she applies to SVC.

“If I wasn’t running SVC I would probably be a college professor.”

Heron holds two degrees, a Bachelor of Art from Clark Atlanta University(Mass Media Arts/T.V.) and a Master of Art from Clayton State University (Liberal Studies).

Five years from now Heron wants SVC to continue growing in every element, from fashion, publication, consignment and discipleship programs.

“I want SVC to be known as a hub for creative ministry particularly vintage, consigned and handmade fashion,” she said.

While, she’s appreciative of a growing business Heron doesn’t want to lose the closeness of it.

“I want SVC to hold on to its intimacy. I love knowing my clients by name and their styles,” she said.

Whether teaching, fashion or ministry, Heron is motivated by purpose.

“If I wasn’t doing what I knew God wanted me to do I would feel empty,” she said. She continues, “Despite the struggles of entrepreneurship and stepping out on faith, knowing that I’m in the will of God and operating on purpose is my main motivation.”

Extra Pieces

*Hours at SVC are seasonal, current hours are Monday through Wednesday by appointment only and Thursday through Saturday 12 to 8:30 p.m.They are located at 1016 Howell Mill Road Suite 3207Atlanta,Ga.30318 (1016 Lofts Building) Enter and park on the 10th Street side of the building.

*Prayer in the Closet Tuesdays at 7 p.m., a collaboration between Erik Vance of Pray or Die Organization and SVC. Prayer in the Closet creates a non-traditional and non-judgmental environment that is built on the true love of Jesus Christ, and God’s infallible word.

*April 22 from 3 to 6 p.m.”Spring Cleaning Closet Swap” Purchase fashion with fashion, bring your gently worn yet unwanted goodies to SVC until April 21 and your special ticket will allow you to “purchase/trade” for fresh items.

*”Blogger Brunch” coming in May (details will be announced on web/social media sites)

*Sherane’s Birthday Sale coming in June (details will be on announced web/social media sites).

*There are many ways to contact SVC, here’s how.

www.SheranesVintageCloset.com

Twitter- @SheraneVintage

Facebook Fan Page- Sherane’s Vintage Closet

Blog FromSheranesClosetToYours.Blogspot.com

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Written by Shaka L. Cobb

Pieces of Cobb

Kernels of Wisdom, Truth and Life

Category Archives: Pieces of You