Recording Artist Belle Rivera: The Woman She Is, Not the Woman You Want Her To Be

by Cyrus Webb

I believe we all know what it's like to have what others want for us forced on us, trying to push us into a direction or a box that is not the right fit for who we are. Some give into the pressure, believing that maybe it will lead to where they want to go.

That is not the kind of person recording artist Belle Rivera is. When I caught up with her recently in fact she was promoting her new single WHO YOU ARE, a song that reminds us all of the importance of dancing to the beat of your own drum.

Belle has been a guest on Conversations LIVE radio show before, but this last time we had a chance to chat I really wanted her to share how she got to a place in her life where she could live her own life unafraid.

We started off by talking about the new single WHO YOU ARE and what it's been like to hear the feedback. "It's a really great and positive response I've been getting," she told me on the air. "It inspires me to write more. The inspiration has just been coming."

Staying with the theme of the single I asked Belle how she had gotten to a point in her life where she could let who she was shine through. "I feel like as a person I've grown up," she explained. "It's a work in progress. I'm not perfect. I do want to model myself as the woman I am and not the woman people might think I am or assume I am. I want to reflect that in my music. I really feel like I try to be as genuine as I can using my own personal experiences for my writing."

Being so true to yourself and knowing your limitations is not always easy, which Belle admits. "I definitely feel like it's a catch 22," she revealed. "When you have your morals and values It's harder because you're spending your time defending that." At the end of the day, though, she finds the courage to stick to her guns. "Because I'm comfortable with myself it reflects in everything that I do. When I sit back and relax I can say this was me. It wasn't influenced by anyone else."

So how did she get to this place where music was the vehicle in which she could use to speak to all of us? As before when we had talked Belle shared with our radio listeners that the reason she even began writing was when her grandmother passed. Belle was just four at the time. "After that it's a way to keep that happiness and love she gave to me alive," she says. "The experiences I've gone through shows in my music. Everything is an inspiration for me."

Among the things that do inspire the talented singer/songwriter are her friends. Belle told me that they really help to keep her grounded. "It's the best feeling in the whole world," she told me when I asked about what it was like to share this experience with them. "It feels good to have those who understand who I am as a person. I don't have to pretend or worry about being judged." She then talked about the importance of not isolating yourself along the journey. "We all need each other," she said. "It's a good thing to support each other in a positive way."

For those who can't be with Belle Rivera in person the internet has definitely afforded you a way to say in touch. "I feel like the medium is a big help in my career," says Belle. "The internet is such an easy way to get yourself out there and meet other people and see how they see the industry. Without it a lot of artist wouldn't even be heard."

Belle is not just sharing herself in music. She is also using the lessons she has learned to help others understand what it takes to make it in the industry and in pursuing any goals in life. "I feel as if success comes from being yourself. At the end of the day you can be at the highest peak of your dream, and if you're not yourself it doesn't matter. See me as a person first and get to know me. I take myself seriously but not everything should be taken so seriously.

Her closing advice for all of you: "If your heart is in it, go for it! To follow your dreams is about going out and doing something about it."

Stay in contact with Belle Rivera and support her music by finding her on www.reverbnation.com/bellerivera.

Celebrity Hair Stylist Dr. Boogie: Delivering the Prescription For Happiness

by Cyrus Webb

In just few short years Dr. Boogie has become one of the most recognizable and sought-after celebrity hair stylist in the business. I first heard of him and saw his skills when he appeared on Bravo's hit show SHEAR GENIUS, and I knew at that time he was going to be someone to watch.

I wasn't wrong.

Since then he has gone on to work with the likes of Kimora Lee Simmons, Lisa Raye, Fantasia, Debbie Allen, Raven Symone, Taraji P. Henson and a host of others. You've seen him on E! and the Style Network as well as BET's "Spring Bling Hair and Make Up Show,” and “ My Black Is Beautiful”. It is no wonder he was recognized by Time Magazine as one of their most Influential People in the World.

When I caught up with Dr. Boogie he was fresh off his new work on NBC's FASHION STAR, a show that was not only a hit but gave him another audience to wow and impress with his talent. One thing that comes across from him right away is that though he might be in Hollywood, he's definitely NOT Hollywood. Dr. Boogie sees the opportunities he has been given as ways of bringing out the best of others, sharing the happiness he feels by doing the work with his clients.

 "I must say it's a dream come true," he told me when I asked what it was like to showcase his skills. "It's a passion that I've always had. To live it and make it happen is kind of surreal but exciting."

For Dr. Boogie this is not just about something for him. He enjoys making others feel good, and he has felt that way since the very beginning. "I knew it was something that I wanted to when I was a young child." He told me that by helping beautify others he was able to "make them feel good when they might not be in a good situation." He then added: "I saw the power in it, and I took what I was doing and moved forward with it."

That moving forward has included him building the Dr. Boogie brand, including hair care products and allowing his love for what he does to motivate him. "I started studying the business of show business," he told me. "It is my passion and drive that has led me to here."

What is his own prescription for keeping things fresh and exciting? "I spend 2 or 3 hours everyday working on my brand," he told me. "You will be amazed how putting in that time will make your dreams come true."

There is also the importance of being true to who you are and what you do. " I keep true to my brand and what I stand for and that's when things come to you," Dr. Boogie explained. "I love to motivate others and show them that everything is possible. I like for people to think about beauty and feeling good about themselves. that is the prescription for happiness."

Find out everything about Dr. Boogie and his upcoming projects by visiting www.boogiesecrets.com.

Supermodel Kim Alexis: Giving the World Something to Live For

As a Supermodel Kim Alexis has graced the covers of hundreds of magazines and been the epitome of the life that many would die for. Today she is advocating for causes that matter to her and just this year she (along with co-author Mindy Starns Clark) released her debut novel BEAUTY TO DIE FOR. In short, Kim has been able to make a name for herself in one area but diversifying her brand along the way.

Recently the Supermodel turned author stopped by Conversations LIVE radio show and talked with host Cyrus Webb about the journey and what it has been like for her walk a  new career path.

"I am a huge mystery reader," she told Webb, "so developing and putting all of that together was really interesting." Going back to how she got into the modeling business, Kim shared with the talk show host that it was something she never really saw herself doing.

"It wasn't a passion or goal of mine to enter the modeling world,: she explained. Being a swimmer and athletic, Kim says she was really more of a tomboy. Modeling started off as a way to make extra money to go to college." The rest, as they say, is history.

Kim Alexis sees being a Supermodel and the recognition that comes with it as a way to do something more with her life. "It's neat and interesting," she says. "The fun part is to encourage other women. My success is to encourage others. I want to give back. Women who write to me about health issues, body image issues, etc... if I can help others through the experiences that I've had then that's what makes me happy."

Through the main character Juliette Taylor the novel BEAUTY TO DIE FOR gives readers a look at what models go through in pursuing their careers but the effects of their decisions on them and those around them even after it's all over. "I was excited developing this character for others to see what the modeling world is really like," says Kim. "I liked how the character herself gives you a glimpse from a different perspective."

There are also valuable lessons that the character Juliette shares which Webb brought out in the discussion, one being the issue of faith. "KEEP YOUR EYES ON GOD AND YOU KNOW YOU CAN'T GO WRONG," Juliette says in the book. Kim agrees. "In order to be successful you really have to have an inner strength that keeps you going, keeps you on the same track. There are a lot of things that try to derail you, but you have to jump back anytime you get off the road that leads to your purpose in life."

As part of her own mission Kim is using her time giving back to organizations she believes in and sharing through example what is possible for all of us, regardless of our professions.

Get BEAUTY TO DIE FOR at your favorite bookstore and online outlet. Keep up with Kim Alexis and what's next for her at www.kimalexis.com.

(Poem) "I Will Always Remember" by Lucian A. Sperta

I Will Always Remember

I will always remember grey granite cold stone, name engraved-touching coldness with my fingers as I rub through an eternity of memories.

I will always remember behind black thick shades, fearing who will appear at this dead zone. A woman is weeping speaking into the wind placing a cross on her ownership of death and bones.

I will always remember grey clouds, dead trees, green grass, and my breath in the wind. There was St. Anthony crooked in the ground not making any sound. I said my final good-bye, An American flag rattling in the wind; I stood there to silence all of the sin.

I will always remember the cars driving in with people carrying flowers wondering about my final hours. A thorn   forever by my side, I never really said a final good bye. The not wanting to leave- feet glued to the ground, I could not turn around. The promises of no return…walking backwards, the fear of letting you go-I had to though.

I will always remember telling you I’m not afraid- I’m not to blame, while a bird sings on this dreary day. Here I stand looking at your name that was engraved so long ago. I’ve been scared all alone. A weed popping above your mound a yellow flower blooming, and the memory of your words I’ve let go of yesterday of old.

I will always remember how it all came to an end.

Three gun shots and the pedophile was dead.

I was robbed from the chance to end this horror instead.

I was forced into this silence again.

The Catholic confession, the obsession, the drive to see you-finding you silent again, the silver picture frame with my words of confusion and despair could never repair the damage you left me with.

I will always remember to walk, to stay, afraid to go away.

How the fear of letting you go overwhelmed me so. I could not breathe, and I could not see, blinded by the years of my own misery and your pedophile dis-ease.

How your place seemed abandoned to me, I want to run to be in the warmth of the sun.

I will always remember what you’ve done. How I lived frozen as time moved on. A tear in my eye, the night before-I cried. I had to arrive with a final good-bye.

I salute you, I dishonor you. I will always remember with these farewells, the real you…I will no longer mourn you

You were a criminal running loose who held me by the neck with an emotional noose. Your murder released me.

Lucian A. Sperta
http://amazon.com/author/luciansperta

Poet Lucian A. Sperta: Sharing Without Shame

by Cyrus Webb

Then faced with trials and challenges in our lives we have the choice to either allow it to consume us or the experience to refine us. It's not an easy decision, but it is one that has lasting effects not just for us but those who learn of our journey.

Individuals like Lucian A. Sperta are making the right choice, and it is paying off in ways he couldn't even have imagined.

I was first introduced to the poet through Facebook, and it became obvious to me early on that he was not just a prolific writer but one who was using the power of the proverbial pen to not only help others but heal himself as well.

In an exclusive radio interview on Conversations LIVE he discussed the path to healing and the search for self that gives him courage to share his story without shame.

"It really started some 15 years ago," Lucian told me as we discussed when he realized the gift that was words. He discovered poetry and published it. "I saw there was a format for me to express my grief and anger," he explained. After publishing a great deal around 1996 the darkness of the past surrounded him, forcing him to turn inward. "It became a little overwhelming," he says, but this year he realized that what he had been given was larger than him. "This past January I decided to start sharing and speaking not just for me but others." It is that path that has kept him going.

Like many others Lucian knows what its like to be abused and humiliated. Because of the work he is doing to help others in their lives, he is sharing what is possible for them by revealing much about his own. "I spent a lifetime running from it, trying create an image that would move me away from my past," he told me. It wasn't that easy, though. "My past kept revisiting me in my work. I wasn't escaping, so I used my story with clients." By doing so he is helping them to appreciate what is possible in their lives. "I walked that journey, and I want them to know it is possible for them as well."

Having written several titles since he began to reveal himself through prose, Lucian has found not only a safe way to chronicle the experience but a form of liberation in the process. "Writing helped me," he explained. "It was my freedom. I grew up in fear, but writing didn't betray me."

Lucian is also using social media as a place to share his story and meet those who are also dealing with the darkness from their past. "For me it's been a great experience," he says. "I am able to use my words and my survival as an example. There are people who are struggling. I am here to show them that they can share without shame. Because of what we've been through there is a sense of connection there. A lot of people feel isolated because of their pain. I want them to know they are not alone."

Though he is brave in many respects there are still moments when being the face of survival is not an easy thing. Because of the abuse he suffered and the ways he would eventually attempt to dull the pain and the feelings of unworthiness, Lucian appreciates that someone has to step forward and let others know what is possible. "There is a lot of shame attached to it," he told me. "I knew that I had to put my face out there. I'm just as human as they are. I'm not just a half a person anymore." Sharing his story, he explains, "puts the whole person out there."

Like Lucian, we can all tap into our inner greatness and motivate others to do that as well. His faith has also been a great asset to him as it pertains to his gift. "I am still struggling with the gift part," he explained. "I pray to give me the words to help others. I reach deep into my heart and soul, and I want to be able to translate that into words." It is a part of his recovery and the healing. "I push myself. If I touch one person and can give them hope then I've done something."

Lucian's message for you is the same for himself: "Dream loudly. Pray softly. Listen deeply."

To find out more about his book online visit http://amazon.com/author/luciansperta. You can also find him on Facebook and Twitter under "Lucian A. Sperta".

TN Titan Alterraun Verner: Giving His All to the Gift

by Cyrus Webb

All of us have been given a gift. It's really up to us to recognize it, respect it and do all we can to use it as a tool to inspire others.

That is exactly what Alterraun Verner is doing. Many of you might have gotten to know him as a part of the TN Titans, but Verner is more than just a great football player. He is an individual that has not only worked hard all of his life but is using the rewards that have come his way to impact the lives of those around him.

Whether it is on the field or through his foundation he is allowing his life to serve as an example of what it means to give your all to the gift.

VERNER ON SPORTS BEING HIS VEHICLE: 
"I probably knew from a very young age that I was passionate about sports. I didn't know what direction or what sport my life would go in at first. I just always enjoyed getting out there and competing. " high school it became evident that football was really my calling."

By giving his best academically Verner was able to go to UCLA, which set the stage for his professional career. "This is really a true blessing," he told me during our interview. "I see this as an amazing ride, and I am loving every second of it."

VERNER ON THE GIFT:
"I think it is the gift and the way I treat it that definitely draws people to root for me. I show a lot of appreciation for it by the way I act on and off the field. They can use me as an example that they can do it for themselves in their own lives. I appreciate what I have. Nothing was given to me. I had to work for it. I know that if I don't do what I'm supposed to it can definitely be taken away."

VERNER ON DOUBT:
"I believe that doubt is normal. It's going to happen. I use those as opportunities to make me stronger as a person. It all goes back to believing in yourself and working hard. I know what I've done to get to where I've gotten so far. I made it here, and I'm going to keep on going. Nobody is going to push me harder than I push myself. I'm going to give my 100% effort. At the end of the day, no matter what the outcome, I am going to be satisfied because I did all that I could do."

VERNER ON THE EGO:
"It goes back to it being a gift. I don't see why you have to have a big head about it. Sometimes I forget who I am. Honestly. When people come up to me it is still sometimes a shock. This is just who I am and what I do."

During our conversation Verner shared with me an experience he had with two players when he was younger. One was not as all pleasant. The other was more than gracious. Both situations stayed with him and taught him a valuable lesson. He told me that when he thinks about the player who treated him with respect that he says to himself: "I want to be like that."

VERNER ON FAITH:
"Faith is such a big part of my everyday life. Just knowing that God has a plan for me I go out there on the field not really worried about anything. I know that whatever happens---win or lose---it's all part of the plan. I feel like when I'm in tune with God I'm performing a lot better. It gives me joy when someone sees that (faith) in me and seeks God out for himself."

No matter what your profession I know that something Alterraun Verner said resonates with you. It does for me. As he enjoys the success that is coming with his hard work, he is also proving that when you work hard and do your best that it pays off.

Stay in contact with Alterraun  at www.twitter.com/Alvern_1, www.facebook.com/alterraunverner or through his website http://alterraunverner.com/.