DiShan Washington & Clarisa Velazquez: How Forgiveness Changed Their Lives

by Cyrus Webb

Forgiveness is sometimes easier to talk about than to practice, but for any of us who truly want to be able to live a life of joy and peace we have to be willing to forgive. 

When I announced on Facebook that I was headed to Atlanta I was contact by author and radio personality LaSheera Lee about two individuals that she thought I would want to talk with: bestselling author DiShan Washington and model Clarisa Velazquez. They were on a tour sharing their story, and what a story it was. 

In their own words, DiShan and Clarissa share their story with you and the world, proving that forgiveness really is the key to living a better life. 

DiShan: It's been an interesting journey. Clarissa is my former husband's former mistress. Initially it was really hard, but over time we have been able to develop a friendship and moving forward in our lives, trying to put the past behind us in hopes of being examples for our daughters. We are hoping that through our stories we are able to empower other women and to be examples of what forgiveness looks like.

Clarisa: It's a gratifying experience. DiShan and I actually get along. We are really living what we are speaking each and every day.

DiShan: It's been about 4 years since my ex-husband walked out to be with her. Over time situations in life taught me how to open my heart. God forgives us, so who am I to hold on to something that I feel like she did wrong to me? Of course there was some hatred initially. I blamed her and him for the demise of my marriage. The bitterness that I had ran really deep, but the moment that really changed it all for me and put it in perspective was when I met her. She was a soul. She was just a woman who wanted to be loved, she just happened to fall in love with my husband. The moment we met she looked at me and she said 'I'm sorry,' and we both cried My defenses immediately fell. It changed my entire perspective.

Clarisa: I first had to forgive myself for getting in the situation in order to come out strong and move on. I never had hatred towards DiShan. I had to forgive myself and forgive him. The demise of her marriage was partially because of me.

DiShan: This situation proves that there is nothing too hard for God, if you are willing to open up your heart. I want people to know in spite of whatever situation they find themselves in it's possible to forgive. For a long time I felt my life had been destroyed. I'm hoping that people can understand no matter how broken you are you can pick up the pieces and start again.

Clarisa: I am a working mom. I'm a regular human being. I'm a human being that made a huge mistake. I own it. It's healing for both of us.

DiShan: It's not about us trying to drag him under the bus. It's about us. I live to empower other people. I want to be able to relate to women in general. We are able to empower other women and say you can overcome no matter what you are going through.

Stay connected with DiShan and Clarissa at www.thewifeandthewifey.com.

Entrepreneurs Kenyon Glover & Desiree Glover: Using Their Gifts to Stand Out

by Cyrus Webb

When you are doing the work you are destined to do, there will be conflict, there will be challenges, but the most important thing is to not lose focus.

If you need an example of what determination and resilience look like I interviewed two such individuals while in Atlanta this summer: Entrepreneurs Kenyon and Desiree Glover. This husband and wife duo have been able to make a name for themselves as individuals and have been able to come together and build something amazing that combines their personal passions.

"It's been life changing," Kenyon says when reflecting on what he has been able to do since his career with the NBA ended. Before basketball was what drove him, but today it is a different story. "I've found a new love. I 've found a new passion." And he has been able to share that love with the woman who both completes him and pushes him. "My wife keeps me grounded," he explained. "Just having her on my side has been a blessing."

Desiree Glover who has also been able to share her passion of modeling not just with her husband but her identical twin sister Erin Green adds this: "It's been an amazing journey, but it has also been a long, hard one." She shared how her sister and her were bullied throughout their lives and because of this doubt kept them from seeing who they were and what they could be. Someone else saw their beauty, however, and that led to their being discovered. Today they both walk in the truth of who they are. "On the runway we discovered that we are someone," she says. "We have a special uniqueness that the Lord gave us and that needs to shared with others."

Together Kenyon and Desiree have built a brand that is getting noticed, even in spite of the detractors. One of their latest projects was the 1st Georgia Peach Fashion Week.

"At first I was very reluctant because we had so many haters," says Kenyon about the fashion event. Not satisfied with just the same ole same ole, he says he "wanted to take it up a notch and bring a certain caliber to Atlanta." He says being doubted actually motivates him. In just about 5 month the support poured in, making the event a success. "I was blown away by the support and the energy we were getting," he says. It only fueled his passion. "We have to do this every year and make it better and better."

People are so scared to step out on faith and take a risk," Kenyon continues, discussing why he felt as though Desiree and he initially met resistance. "We're going to take risks together. We're not scared to fail. I carry that attitude everywhere I go."

Desiree agrees that it definitely makes the journey easier having Kenyon by her side. "Having him as my backbone and my support makes it easier," she says. "Having him lifts me up." The two admit they want to shake things up in Atlanta, but for a good reason. "We wanted to share with Atlanta what we have experienced in California, New York and Paris," she says. Their mantra is this: "Why fit in when you were born to stand out?"

That is what they want everyone to realize, that no matter what others might say they are worthy of greatness and it is achievable.

Stay connected with Desiree and Erin at www.twinofakind.org, Kenyon at www.facebook.com/kenyondglover and the Georgia Peach Fashion Week can ve found at www.georgiapeachfashionweek.com.

*   Top photo provided by Dream Photography Group/ConnectedYouto. Bottom photo provided by Shadow Play Entertainment.

Award-winning Author Iris Bolling: Finding Success Writing from the Heart

by Cyrus Webb

I first became aware of award-winning author and Executive Producer Iris Bolling in 2013. She was on Conversations LIVE discussing her book The Pendleton Rule, and it was during that visit that she initially discussed The Heart series with me.

Fast forward to 2015 and now the books that make up the Heart Series are the basis for the television series The Heart that premiered on the CW in Richmond, VA in Feb. of 2014 and is now gearing up for an exciting second season.

Serving as the Creator and Executive Director of the television show, Iris Bolling has assembled a team that has not only helped bring her beloved books to life but are just as invested in its success.

When I announced I was traveling to Atlanta to tape episodes for my new show, Iris took time out of her busy schedule to drive to the city to be a part of the taping. It was special not just because she was so supportive of the event but because it was the first time we met face-to-face.

Ever gracious---even though she prefers to be behind the camera---we were able to talk about the journey that led her to where she is today.

"I still pinch myself," she told me when we began discussing the experience of the books being successful, followed by the response to the show. "First it's actually getting the books done, and they being so well received. Then doing the television series and  have it received very well...I still pinch just to make sure it's still happening."

From the first time I met her, it was obvious why Iris Bolling is so successful: she is genuine and takes a real interest in her fans and is admired by other authors as well. "I enjoy people," she told me. "I do think I give them good stories and they fall in love with the characters, and then they want to know who created them.  I'm very appreciative because readers have a choice.  I'm very fortunate for some reason they have chosen my work. I let them know how much I appreciate that."

The other thing about Iris that is appreciated by readers is that no matter what color the characters might be in her books, she is not penning stories that will relate to just one group of people. "I write stories about life," she says. "Everyone can relate to that, regardless of what status you are in life. I think they can see themselves in the characters or in the stories. I don't think stories are going to happen to this class of people or this race of people. I think stories happen to people. That's what I write about."

Whether you are just discovering the literary gift that is Iris Bolling or have been a fan for some time, she is one storyteller that proves when you work hard and give your all to the craft the audience will come.

Stay connected with Iris and what's coming up for Season Two of The Heart series at www.irisbolling.net.

*     photo courtesy of Dream Photography Group/ ConnectingYouto PR

Omegia Keeys: Following the Lead of Her Gifts

by Cyrus Webb

I've gotten to know bestselling author/writer/actor/producer Omegia Keeys over the past 5 years, and one thing is for certain: she is someone who plays by her own rules.

Before this year it had been 4 years since the two of us had seen each other in person, but while I was in Atlanta filming episodes for my web-series Cyrus Webb Presents we had a chance to talk about the amazing journey she has been on since the last time we met. That includes everything from acting in television shows and movies to producing her own web-series called DONORS.

The first question that came to mind when we began the conversation this year was about where the courage comes from to do all that she does. "From my mom and my Great Auntie," she answered quickly. They taught her to "do it, because they couldn't. They instilled in me to don't let anyone tell me no." Omegia then adds "I've been that way ever since I was young."

For her company AboutFace Media one of the highlights this year has been the web-series DONORS, something that Omegia says was not planned. "The web-series was never supposed to be," she told me. "I was going to jump straight up into the feature." Having her credentials as a filmmaker questions, however, led her to take out her frustration in words. "I wrote the first episode overnight because someone ticked me off," she explained. "My writing ability when I'm mad or upset comes out so crystal clear. I got to do this wonderful backstory" that serve as preparation for the feature.

No matter whether she is writing a novel or a screenplay, Omegia Keeys says that the written word is her "gift." "And who am I not to follow this gift," she asks.

Stay connected with all things dealing with AboutFace Media at www.aboutfacemediaafm.com.

*     Top photo courtesy of Shadow Play Entertainment. Second photo courtesy of Dream Photography

International Recording Artist Cheri Maree's single provides backdrop for #BeAmped Campaign

Conversations Media Group President Cyrus Webb and his client international recording artist Cheri Maree are proud to be a part of the "BE AMPED: Give Yourself the Gift of Health for the Holidays" Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign which seeks to encourage individuals, at risk for the disease, to put themselves first this holiday season.

Webb, along with celebrity ambassadors Multi-Award Winning R&B Singer & Songwriter Bobby V, Comedian Rodney Perry, Eshe (formerly of the Two-time Grammy Award winning group Arrested Development); Yvette Caslin (Rolling Out magazine), Jasmine Crowe (Chief Change Maker), Stacey J The Social Enthusiast (entrepreneur), Shania Jones (Singer/Songwriter), Anashay Gould (model & red carpet host), Cherise B Thomas (business owner), PC (executive assistant), and Phyllis Brooks-Newman (breast cancer survivor) all joined forces to help with the campaign, and Cheri Maree's single "Time to Shine" is the theme song for the promo video that was recently released.

"I am thrilled and honored that 'Time to Shine' has been chosen by the 'Be Amped Campaign' for Breast Cancer Awareness, because it was written to encourage and inspire women/people through life's challenges," says Maree. "It was written to remind us to believe in our magnificence, to be courageous and to have faith no matter what. These are the 3 qualities I have seen in friends and family members that have been stricken with breast cancer. As the song says, 'With your Power, with your Faith, with your Vision, you can make it!'"

You can watch the official video for "Time to Shine" on Youtube here. Get the single and Cheri Maree's new album on Amazon. You can also stay connected with her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Find out more about the "Be Amped" Campaign by visiting http://www.connectingyouto.com.

Kenyetta York: Building on the Power of One to Impact the World

by Cyrus Webb

One person can make a difference.

Kenyetta York and I met each other in person this year for the first time,however, like others featured in this issue we have had the pleasure to converse on the radio show Conversations LIVE.

Kenyetta---or Kenni as she is affectionately called---is a sexual abuse survivor,however, she is so much more than that. She's also an advocate for other survivors, motivational speaker and an author that uses her platform to entertain and to be of assistance to others.

She does a benefit event every April called Let Your Voice Be Heard, helping others to provide the services that are so needed. I asked her what it was like for her to be a voice for others. "It's empowering for me," she says. "I'm still growing, I'm still healing. I tell people all the time that healing is a continual process." She says talking with others has helped her find her voice. "I understand that my testimony is helping someone else to grow."

Though she is a motivator, every day is not perfect. "I can be having a rotten day,"she explains, "feeling like everything I'm doing is in vain. I'll get a random email or phone call from someone saying that I helped them. Listening to these women tell me how my strength and courage made them feel comfortable makes me feel like I'm doing something right. That I'm on the right road."

Sharing her story has been necessary in her healing and in her walking in her purpose. She tells other survivors that it will be of great benefit to them as well. "Once you get to a point of speaking about it you get your power back. You feel free."

That freedom goes to show the power of words, both negatively and positively. "I realized the power of words when I was being abused." Her father would always tell her that she would never be anything. "I realized that words can really hurt you if you allow hem. I decided to use his words to motivate me to prove to myself that I could do better. I could have more. Everything he said I couldn't do I can do. If negative words could be powerful and hurt you then what could positive words do?"

That is why not just during April which is recognized as Sexual Abuse Awareness Month but year-round including October which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Kenni realizes that she has to work with others to help make a difference. "I believe that it takes a village. If we come together we can do more than if we try to do it individually. If I can help you do what you're trying to do then everybody can come out on top."

Stay connected with Kenni's work and her upcoming events and projects at www.kenniyork.com.

*     Photos courtesy of Shadow Play Entertainment

Conversations' 25 Women Changing the World, 2015

Conversations Media Group is pleased to announce this year's "25 Women Changing the World".

"This is one of the best lists that Conversations compiles each year," says Cyrus Webb, President of Conversations Media Group and Editor-In-Chief of Conversations Magazine. "Everyday there are women who are taking the lead around the world, showcasing what it takes to be successful and to make a difference. It is our honor to salute these remarkable individuals that are doing amazing things."

As is the custom with Conversations Magazine, you will find women from all walks of life who are involved in various forms of the arts and entertainment world, business and just using their lives as an example for others through their dedication to excellence. 

Here are this year's honorees (in no particular order):

1. Leeza Gibbons (2nd year honoree)
2. Katrina vanden Heuvel
3. Marissa Monteilh
4. Julie Geller
5. Viola Davis
6. Tiffany L. Warren
7. Dr. Renee Sunday
8. Talamieka Brice
9. Andromeda Turre
10. Frances Calhoun
11. BJ Gallagher
12. Helene Weinberger
13. Bridgette "Bri" Cooper
14. Katandra Jackson Nunnally
15. Chelsea Crites
16. Gina Prince-Bythewood
17. Renee Lawless
18. Donna Goldstein
19. Andie Mitchell
20. Amanda Ruller
21. Mary Ellen Ciganovich
22. DJ Lake Gang
23. Shonda Rhimes (2nd year honoree)
24. Ava DuVernay
25. Donna D'Errico

This special issue of Conversations Magazine will include interviews and features with the honorees. Order your print edition of this issue of Conversations Magazine by clicking here. 

Actor/Producer/Director Darius Bailey: Enjoying Life By Living In the Moment

by Cyrus Webb

For over a decade actor/producer/director Darius Bailey has been working heard on his craft. He's a perfect example of someone having a goal, believing in their dream and going for it.

Though he has been my guest on Conversations LIVE the radio show before my first visit to Atlanta this year was also the first time we had met face-to-face. "It's been exciting but not without its struggles," he told me as we began our conversation on camera for Cyrus Webb Presents. Talking about his television series The Remix he says it was "two years of hard work" but he "learned a lot from it."

What has kept him motivated and optimistic about his path, in spite of the challenges? Darius says it goes beyond just himself. "My wife and child keep me grounded," he says. "I have the type of personality that I go for something 100%. With that comes burnout. You have to find balance, so I have put together some hobbies...just something that helps you take a break from what is going on. "

Darius says the family aspect of his life definitely reminds him of what is important. "That keeps me going." He says he also hopes to use what he has learned to impact the lives of others. "Anything that I do if I can't set an example for someone else what's the point? We are in front of the camera not just for personal glory but to impart your gifts to other people. I think it's selfish to do it just for yourself. There's something for others watching."

When he is recognized for the work that he does, Darius says he tries to bring the attention to a more personal level, even asking the person something about themselves. He acts because he enjoys it, but he also appreciate that others enjoy what he does, too.

One thing that Darius has worked hard on that is something I find myself struggling with is the living in the present. "I honestly don't focus on what's next," he told me at the end of our conversation. "As an actor you are taught to live in the moment and to be open and available. It's been hard for me to do in the past, but I  try to work on it. I try to take everyday to work on myself."

Stay connected with Darius' journey on Facebook at www.facebook.com/darius.bailey.927 and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/youactireact.

* Top photo provided by Dream Photography/ConnectingYouto PR. Bottom photo by Shadow Play Entertainment.

Author Brian L. Thompson: Using the Power of Words to Inspire the World

by Cyrus Webb

I first interviewed author Brian L. Thompson back in 2011, and ever since I have been a fan of his work. Over the years he has been a regular guest on Conversations LIVE the radio show, and this year we got a chance to meet during my visit to Atlanta and tape a segment for Cyrus Webb Presents.

One of the great things about Brian is that he recognizes the power of words, and he has been able to write books for adults and younger audiences. sharing his skills and important messages along the way.

He told me this when I asked him about the journey of being both an educator and a storyteller: "It's been an amazing experience, especially when I have former students tell me how certain characters have touched them or moved them in a certain way. Some of the books that I've written I've actually used names that they have suggested or names giving tribute to that person. They really are able to connect with the experience a little bit better I think than if they were just reading about a character with a name that I made up." He then added: "That's a good way to connect with your audience."

Brian has also seen it to be an effective marketing tool as well, because those same students or other readers then feel invested in the book and want to tell others about it. I asked him if he has gotten used to being an author himself with books available for the world to read that others can relate to.

"To a degree I have," he says. "It's always something new, different and exciting when someone comes up and says a character reminds them of someone." He says one of the most thrilling things is when he gets a message from a reader that says something like "I really wanted you to know that this touched me in a certain way." Brian says "It let's me know I'm not off-based with the characters."

In the REJECT HIGH series which is really intended for a younger audience Brian has not shied away from tackling sensitive topics like death. "I think that it's important that when you're writitng you have to be realistic." he says, especially when dealing with moral decisions. "Death is a part of everyday life."

All of Brian's books are available through Amazon.com. You can stay connected with him through his website www.authorbrianthompson.com.

*    Photos by Shadow Play Entertainment

Recording Artist Jason Little: Letting Music Lovers Know He's In It to Win It

by Cyrus Webb

Many got to know recording artist Jason Little from Keith Sweat's R&B group Ol' Skool, but over the past few years he has been able to make his presence known as a solo artist able to do music that he believes in. I've had the opportunity to converse with him on Conversations LIVE the radio show and this year we sat for the first time to discuss his amazing journey and the way he has been able to showcase his music, sharing it with his fans.

Before our interview Jason released his soulful new ballad called LET ME KNOW, even giving attendees of my meet and greet in Atlanta a small acapella sampling of the single back in July of this year. The single is all about relationships and what happens when uncertainty sets in.

"I was just thinking about you," Jason begins the single. "What's going on with us? You need to let me know." This is definitely one of those songs that the guys will appreciate, because they have all been there. The ladies will like the fact that it recognizes how much we love them, regardless of what our actions might show. "Will you be at home on time tonight?," Jason sings. "Let's see if we can make this right. Questions I want to ask...Can we make it like the past?"

"It's very rewarding to be able to sing and touch people and to bring the realness to R&B music," Jason said to me in our interview. "Everything about music I love." That love definitely comes through, and that is why is fans continue to support him. Though he says its a challenge sometimes as an independent artist to break through, Jason is committed to staying true to the craft and himself as he gives all that he has to the fans through songs.

Look for the video for the single LET ME KNOW to be released before the end of the year. Stay connected with Jason on Twitter at www.twitter.com/iamjasonlittle and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheRealJasonLittle. Catch up with other music by Jason on Souncloud at www.soundcloud.com/littlejsings.

*     Photos courtesy of Dream Photography/ConnectingYouto PR

Author and Filmmaker Yvonne Pierre: Creating A Platform to Help Others RISE

by Cyrus Webb

Most of us have heard the saying that "Hurt people hurt people," but it is also true that individuals who have gone through extraordinary challenges can realize their own worth and value and work on bringing that out in others. This is certainly true of my first interview that I did when I made it to Atlanta, GA this summer with author and filmmaker Yvonne Pierre.

Yvonne has written a book, "The Day My Soul Cried" written, produced and directed the stage play “Then You Stand” and penned the award-winning short film, “Never Alone”---all after dealing with the challenges she faced in her own life growing up and her current chapter as a wife, mother and advocate for others.

How was she able to move past her own hurt and pain and look for ways to help others? The answer comes from close at home. "My son having Down Syndrome," she told me during our conversation at Dream Cafe. "He was diagnosed after birth. Seeing that a lot of people with special needs were treated inhumane and the negativity and the way that people perceive people who are different nerved me. I guess because of my background and my struggles and having to deal with so much negativity in my life growing up, I became kind of a nurturer, wanting to protect not just my son but other kids with special needs.

"Back then Yahoo Groups were real popular. When [my son] got ready to transition into public school I started researching and came across these amazing stories of people with Down Syndrome and individuals with different special needs. I wondered why hadn't I heard these stories.  I felt like that was my call to put their stories in the forefront."

Yvonne has done that through her advocacy work, building a strong online community of support and through the formation of The RISE Awards, highlighting individuals with special needs. Her son was the spark, and now she has been able to encourage and inspire people around the country to not let others decide for you what you can do. She encourages everyone to see the gift that they are and that others are and let their individual lights shine.

Stay connected with Yvonne's work at www.ypierre.com.

Mellie Miller & Dawn Miller: Appreciating Their New Normal

by Cyrus Webb

It's been my pleasure over the years to interview family members on Conversations LIVE the radio show, but this one was the first time I sat down with a mother and daughter for the web-series to discuss their journey to sharing their stories with the world. Mellie Miller and her daughter Dawn Miller are both authors who I have interviewed before on the radio, but our conversation during my visit to Atlanta at Dream Cafe was not just deeply personal but powerful because you could see how what they had gone through had changed them.

Mellie is known for her fiction, but a few years ago she released her non-fiction book Cancer and the Warrior's Way.  Dawn made her entrance into the world of books with her deeply personal autobiography Darkness Before the Dawn, sharing the terror she faced due to a poisonous marriage that threatened every aspect of who she was. Here you will read some of the highlights of those conversations, and how they now face the day with renewed optimism and courage.

Mellie Miller in her own words: "Cancer is a very scary thing, and what scared me the most about the whole process was what I didn't know about what was going to happen. You know there's going to be surgery. You don't know what's going to happen after it. You don't understand exactly what chemotherapy is going to do or radiation is going to do.

"As soon as they made the diagnosis I was in surgery in like a week and a half. Everything was just thrown at you in such a rush that you don't have time to understand it. It's just like being caught up in a dream. Afterwards I thought people need to know. I wanted to let people know that it's tough, but there's hope. Don't you dare give in. You say 'I'm winning this fight.' Once you give in to the self-pity you lose the mental force to push yourself on each day.  You need the mental fortitude to keep once step ahead.

Dawn Miller in her own words: "It's a continuing thing. It's not suddenly one day you're no longer upset or anxious. It's a gradual process, and I have to give so much credit to my fiance' for building me up. We communicate with each other, and it's okay. I think just having someone tell you that you're okay just the way you are cements the idea in your head that what you're thinking about in your head makes a big difference.

"This horrible marriage had completely reduced me to someone I didn't even recognize. It was a real eye-opener that this was a new normal. That it was normal for me to fall to pieces in the middle of nowhere, but then it was something to work on."

Stay connected with Mellie Miller at www.melliemiller.com. Dawn Miller can be found at  www.facebook.com/rulebreakerediting.

*     Photo courtesy of Shadow Play Entertainment, taken by Kym Swain

International Recording Artist Cheri Maree proclaims it's Time to Shine with new campaign

Do you recognize how wonderfully made you are? Are you allowing all that you have been given to shine in the world? Whatever your answer to these questions, international recording artist Cheri Maree wants to encourage you to recognize that YOU are a gift that SHINES!

Through her single "Time to Shine", Cheri Maree says that her hope is to "encourage and inspire women/people through life's challenges. It was written to remind us to believe in our magnificence, to be courageous and to have faith no matter what." 

Today with so many difficulties plaguing people around the world, Cheri hopes that her music and video will help remind us all that we have a purpose. As the lyrics of Time to Shine exclaim: "With your Power, with your Faith, with your Vision, you can make it!" 

Let's work together and affirm your reason for being and the possibilities ahead for us all. Cheri invites you to join the movement and Share your Shine. All you need to do is:


1.  Watch her amazing video for the single "Time to Shine" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90wfcFquZu0 





2. In the YouTube comments segment, share with the world how you allow your light to shine.

3. Use your social media sites to Share the video with your friends and encourage them to do the same.

Cheri Maree believes together there is nothing we can't do! The "Time to Shine Movement" all begins with you believing it then saying YES to participating, YES to your Greatness! We want to hear from you so stay connected with Cheri Maree by simply clicking these links:  Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or www.cherimaree.com