Diva in the Spotlight: Autum Hairston

What is the greatest piece of advice that anyone has given you?

Never give up on your dreams!

What is your favorite quote?

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.

If money were no object what would you do?

I would start an organization for female runaways. I want them to have a safe place to go and someone to love them. I would Give them that validation that girls need and let them know they are not alone . Oh there is so much I want to do with this!

Why did you join the Diva Movement?

I joined diva movement because of the empowerment and the love and encouragement. And the like minded positive business women.

If you could talk to your 18 year old self what would you say?

Stay at OSU on that full ride scholarship!

Want to be in the Spotlight? Learn More Here

About The Diva Movement

The Diva Movement provides resources, tools, information and support to women leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals. Our supportive network empowers, motivates and inspires ordinary women to live extraordinary lives. The Diva Movement is changing the way women connect!

 

3 Signs that Your Settling for Less

Imagine that you are preparing for an evening of fine dining.  You purchased a new dress in preparation for this spectacular dining experience.  Upon arriving, you are greeted warmly and you are escorted to an exclusive seating area specifically designed to enhance your experience for the evening.

As you approach the beautifully set table with crisp white linens, topped with fine china and glistening silverware, your anticipation of indulging in this wonderful experience continues to rise.

You reach the table and the hostess politely shows you to your seat.  But to your dismay, you’re not seated at the table, she shows you to your seat under the table.

I’m sure you are telling yourself that would never happen to me. Right?

Now think about every time that you have settled.

You could be settling for second best if:

• You have big plans, even bigger dreams but you won’t take action
• You’re waiting for the right conditions or circumstances to change, but it never seems to be the right time
• You find yourself making excuses
• You constantly feel drained
• You find yourself jealous or envious of others success
• You rationalize, not being good enough or worthy enough to have the best

Sound familiar to anyone? When you settle for less, you accept this crumb mindset. The Crumb mentality constantly tells you that you are “Less than” or “Not enough”. This mindset does not serve you and has no place in your life.  It will rob you of your dreams and living a life of purpose and passion.

I want to share some practical information to help live the life you deserve.

1. Know what you want. Start by creating a clear vision of your life.  Your vision for your life is one of the greatest assets you have to living the life of your dreams. This serves as a compass that guides you to make the best choices and take the best action to help propel you to reaching your goals
2. Know your Worth.  One of my favorite malls is the Galleria in Dallas.  There are several high end retailers located in the Galleria. If you want to shop at the Chanel store, you cannot simply walk in, you have to ring a buzzer in order to be allowed inside.  Why would they need to protect what was inside? Because they know that what lies behind those glass doors is of great value.  The way you perceive your value will affect how other people see you.
3. Get comfortable being uncomfortable. By definition, a comfort zone is a behavioral space where your activities and behaviors fit a routine and pattern that minimizes stress and risk. You must do the thing that you think you cannot do.  There is nothing fabulous that happens inside your comfort zone.  Start today by doing something that stretches and grows you.

You deserve the best that life has to offer. The minute you settle for less than you deserve ,you get even less than you settled for. So aim high, dream big and live your best life

Empowered to Succeed

On Saturday January 24,2015,more than 200 women and girls gathered to attend Be Well,Live Well:The Women’s Wealth and Wellness event hosted by The Diva Movement ™. Ladies from as far as Indiana and Michigan joined other Central Ohio women for this event focused on empowering women.

This event featured workshops led by some of the city’s top wellness, holistic, empowerment and financial experts that shared tools and strategies on how to improve their quality of life.

The day began with a morning relaxation and meditation. The rooms were filled to capacity as women learned how to build a strong financial foundation and discovered ways to protect it.  Attendees listened eagerly as our presenters provided real solutions for improving their mind,body and soul.

“My desire is to see women thrive not just survive. “Noni Thornton, President/CEO of The Diva Movement.  “The health of your mind, body and soul will influence the level of success in other areas of your life.  I want to encourage women to nurture and protect two of our greatest assets.  Our health and our wealth.”

The Diva Movement provides experiences for women to connect, learn and grow in an uplifting and empowering atmosphere.

So What’s Next

Let’s make a decision to succeed.  Motivational guru Tony Robbins puts it this way,”It is in your moments of decisions that your destiny is shaped” Simply put the moment you decide to move toward your destiny AND you respond with deliberate action,change will occur.  Of course we know that no one gets into debt or gains 25 pounds overnight.  Likewise, it would be foolish to expect an overnight reversal of our financial or health circumstances.  But you have the power to make choices that move you one step closer to a better life.

1. Commit to putting your goals in writing. You are 80% more likely to reach your goals when you write them down.
2. Do one thing each day or week that pushes you toward your goal
3. Connect with people that can help you reach these goals. The Women’s Wealth and Wellness event put some leading ladies at your fingertips.  Connect with these ladies and allow them to help you achieve your goals.  Attend the Diva Movement™ trainings and events.  We are devoted to see you be the best version of yourself.

I want to see and hear of all of your triumphs in 2015!  Here’s to an Extraordinary year

Preparing to make Your Vision Board

The Vision Board Party is less than a week away.  I encourage all of you to carve out some time before the workshop to reflect on your goals and vision for your life.  Here are a few exercises that may be helpful in clarifying and defining your goals:

1. What would you want said about you in your eulogy – or at your funeral/memorial service? What would be written on your tombstone?
2. Describe your “Ideal Day”. Start your “Ideal Day” from when you wake up – and write out what you would like your day to be like – what you would do, how you would feel, who you would see, what are you working towards etc. ?
3. Visualize a meeting with your future self and explore the life, relationships, environment etc. that your future self is living.

I recently had the privilege to working with a Business Breakthrough coach on clarifying my dreams.  Here are some tips that I can share with you about my process for preparing my vision board.

• I wrote down the goals/dreams I had,regardless of what my mind was saying was possible.  We all know that the mind can play tricks on you
• I wrote down what results accomplishing these goals would have in my life
• I wrote down what obstacles were holding me back
• I circled all of the words that stood out to me
• I defined all of these words and highlighted phrases/words that connected with me
• I then put these words on my vision board

Regardless of the type of process that you use,remember that the best investment you can make is you! You have to do the work to see the results.

For a free goals worksheet send your request to thedivamovement@yahoo.com

Make sure to get your tickets for the Vision Board Party on 1/25/14

:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2014-vision-board-party-tickets-9319327359?nomo=1

 

Travel Like a DIVA

 

 

Road trips are a staple of summer.  Each year millions of people load up their cars and embark on road trips. They can be a fun and affordable way to see the country.   This summer I have numerous road trips planned.  Personally, I will not commit to a road trip of over 400 miles, after that I become a Mile High Diva!  Here are some of my tips for all of you divas hitting the highways this summer.

 

1. Book early for the best deals-you get some of your best deals and discounts when you book ahead for all of your travel needs.  Many hotels offer significant discounts if you pre-pay for your stay.  On one trip to Washington D.C., I received a $75. VISA Card rebate for booking a 3 night stay at a popular hotel chain. Car rental and airfare can also be more economical when booked in advance.  Be sure to read the fine print.  Many pre-paid deals are non-refundable.
2. Plan Ahead-I am notorious for being an “over-planner”. Take time to research the best methods of transportation. Learn about any special events during the time of your visit, the best places to eat, and research any recommended attractions.  I start each day with an itinerary with some flexibility built into the schedule. 
3. Deals and Steals-visit the Department of Tourism’s website of the state that you are visiting, they often have many helpful hints, tools and tourist itineraries.  Visit the websites of the places you want to visit, you can often find special rates and visiting tips on these websites.  Sign-up for discount sites like Group-On for the city you will visit.  Often times, these sites have applications for your smart phone.
4. Snack Pack-I always pack a bag of snacks and fruit.  I also fill a cooler with bottled water and other beverages.  Stocking up at every pit stop can add up quickly. 
5. Prepare your vehicle-if you are not renting a vehicle you will want to get your vehicle inspected and have the oil changed before you go.  If you are not already a member, enrolling in a roadside assistance program is also helpful.  Clean your vehicle before and during your road trip.  Keep small plastic garbage bags in the trunk to help with cleanup.

Enjoy the ride!

The DIVA on a Dime is a Lifestyle Series.  We are committed to providing fashion, beauty, travel and home tips for the budget savvy Diva.  This series is presented by The DIVA Movement.

DIVAs on a Dime Series

You can be frugal and fabulous.  You don’t have to spend a fortune to look like a million bucks.  The DIVA Movement will launch its DIVAs on a Dime Series this summer. The DIVAs on a Dime series teaches women how to be frugal and fabulous.  This comprehensive and interactive series teaches you how to enhance and embrace your style without breaking the bank

You will learn how to:

1. Discover your fashion personality. Define and embrace your style. Need help developing your signature style? Our team of professionals will teach you how to buy clothes that fit and flatter your body
2. Use what you have to enhance your look. Learn styling strategies to create new looks, discover thrifty ways to enhance your closet, and identify 10 staple pieces every women needs in her closet
3. Incorporate the latest trends in frugal and fabulous ways.
4. Learn fabulous and frugal beauty tips, tricks and product essentials

Join us for our Frugal Fashionista Field Trips to local boutiques, salons, co-signment/thrift stores and more. 

DIVAs you will walk away from every workshop or frugal fashionista tours with real solutions, tips and tricks to feel and look great!

Through a collaboration with the hottest local fashion and beauty professionals the DIVAs on a Dime Series will offer a gold mine for Frugal Fashionistas, including:

• DIVAs on a Dime shopping directory
• Personal Frugal Fashion Guide filled with resources, information,checklists and more
• Group personal image, fashion and beauty coaching services
• Personal shopping and styling services
• Hands-on and interactive workshops and demonstrations
• Sensational frugal and fabulous events
• DIVAs on a Dime YouTube channel featuring local professionals bringing you the latest in fashion and beauty tips and trends
• DIVAs on a Dime Frugal and Fabulous blog

Stay tuned for more information.

Scared to Life

It was a routine doctors visit, while waiting for the doctor I noticed a flier for a complimentary mammogram. Normally these types of events are reserved for women 40 and over, however, this event had no age limit. Determined to be pro-active and wanting to flaunt my prevention prowess, I decided to call and schedule a mammogram.
Oh Boy! I had never been squeezed and construed in such a way. It was an uncomfortable yet painless process.
And I forgot about it, until one day when the mail arrived. Not expecting anything out of the ordinary I read the letter, and was frozen. Thanksgiving Eve, I was informed that there were two masses found on my breast. Unfreaking believable! I have personally known at least two friends who have triumphed over this disease, but I wasn’t them. I did not want to be a spokesperson, advocate, survivor or victim of this disease. The reality of just how fragile life can be smacked me face

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This moment truly changed my life. It was at this moment that I knew that my destiny could no longer wait. Out of this time, The DIVA Movement came to life. I no longer could wait for the right time, the right financing, the right headquarters, or the right people. I could not die knowing that I lived without pursing my dreams and purpose.
Thankfully, the masses were benign. But it helped me to understand how important early detection could be.
“Most doctors feel that early detection tests for breast cancer save many thousands of lives each year, and that many more lives could be saved if even more women and their health care providers took advantage of these tests. Following the American Cancer Society’s guidelines for the early detection of breast cancer improves the chances that breast cancer can be diagnosed at an early stage and treated successfully”(www.cancer.org)

On Saturday May 11, 2103 the DIVA Movement and Body by Juana will host The DIVAs for a Cure “Party in Pink” This is a fundraising ZUMBA, fitness and dance event benefitting the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Participants can experience 30 minute fitness and dance sessions including; ZUMBA, Piloxing, line dancing and boot camp. Twenty vendors will be on site providing fabulous products and services, offering you great gift ideas for Mother’s Day. The event will take place between 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at The Body by Juana Fitness Studio located at 8874 Commerce Loop Drive; Lewis Center, Ohio 43240. For ticket information or to become a vendor contact, The DIVA Movement by email: thedivamovement@yahoo.com or by phone (614)259-7526.

Diva Moment Series:So You’ve Got a Big Ego

Many of us have experienced them. The moment when you realize that you are actually throwing a temper tantrum. The moment you realize that everyone must have forgotten that the world revolves around you. The moment you realize that you aren’t actually a princess and everyone around you are your subjects. That’s right ladies, that moment is called a “DIVA Moment”. Let me start by saying that I believe that everyone is a queen, a crown jewel, a treasure and a prize. So I believe that a woman’s life should reflect all of these characteristics. However, we must do it with class, style and compassion.

So who’s up first? The iconic DIVA of film and music, Ms. Diana Ross. Ms. Ross’ infamous DIVA moments have gone on to inspire movies like “Dreamgirls”. These DIVA moments span many years and resulted in the breakup of a successful female group and the launching of a profitable solo career.

Diana Ross, born Diana Earl, grew up as poverty-stricken and sickly child who struggled with a lifelong battle to get noticed. Who after being invited to join a singing group by her friend quickly becomes a rising star on the Motown record label. It became apparent that Diana Ross was not satisfied as an ordinary member of the group. Her ego began to grow and eventually resulted in the demise of this iconic group. As her ego became more inflated she began making outlandish demands. She demanded that everyone divert their eyes when she entered the room. She required that her dressing room color scheme match her eye color. At one point in her career she had 42 secretaries attending to her. She was eventually labeled as a “tyrant” among many concert promoters and producers.

What are the signs of an over-inflated ego?
Do you seek acceptance to the point that it interferes with your success?
Do you constantly see people as your rival and try to think about how you can “beat “them?
Do you criticize others prematurely and discard them as being unimportant?
Are you easily offended when you face opposition or resistance?
If you answered yes to most of these questions, you may be an ego-maniac. But guess what?
There’s Help! Here are some ways to keep your ego in check.
Begin to develop a healthy “ego”  

Genuine confidence is not haughty and does not have to “prove” itself. It is balanced. It provides a sense of accomplishment and success while helping you to remember that you are not perfect.
Be Humble
Humility has often been viewed as a weakness, but it is actually a necessary ingredient in the recipe for success.In Jim Collins book Good to Great, humility was one of only two characteristics he discovered that separated leaders capable of leading good performing companies, and leaders who made their companies great performers.                            

Appreciate Others                                                                                         We have all heard of the saying “You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar”, which means you can make more friends by being nice than by being rude.  People want to feel appreciated, valued and respected.  I had a supervisor who never forgot my birthday.  She always prepared a gift or a meal for me to enjoy on my special day. Because she showed her appreciation, how much harder do you think that I worked for her?  A little show of appreciation goes a long way.

            Stay tuned for more lessons from historic DIVA moments

The DIVA Movement Launch Event

On March 23, 2013 The DIVA Movement celebrated its official launch. We enjoyed an evening filled, with music, networking and empowerment.

 

It proves that DIVAs can get together in a supportive, nurturing and social environment in a positive way.

 

The evening was kicked-off by the powerful spoken word presentation of Tamieka Smith. She challenged us to redefine our images, priorities and worth. She delivered a riveting and powerful performance.

 

The night continued with Roxie “The Soul Siren” Wolfe sharing her dynamic gift of song, as she took us on a journey with some of our favorite female singers.

J Cam and friends, along with DJ Krate Digga provided wonderful live music throughout the event.

 

Many of you had the opportunity to meet the members of our Dream Team and talk with them about the DIVA Movement and their personal business endeavors.

 

To launch something means to embark,to initiate, or to introduce I am excited to officially introduce the DIVA Movement to the world. As we embark on this journey of empowerment, inspiration and motivation we will initiate the start of a new era for women across this world.

A special thanks to all of our sponsors and volunteers. Please support these local businesses as they support the DIVA Movement

The Barnett Brothers

Naughty Edibles/Cakes and Quiche

Danielle Benson-Notle Jewelry

Mine Body and Sole Boutique

MK Boutique

Beckie J. Neff-Artist

Yvonne Thornton

Kim Jackson

Samara Tillman

Nikki Ransom-Alfred

Earth Jallow

Make-up by Olivia

Lakiesha Townsel

Tokeisha Stephens

Denisha Burkhart

Rainelle Mitchell

Arlene Mccoy,Mrs. McCoy’s Cakes and Pies, LLC.

Dream Team Spotlight:Samara Tillman

Samara D. Tillman is a 34 year old Columbus, Ohio native.  She is the head designer for Demetri by Samara Fashion Design Firm which was established in the Spring of 1998.  Samara’s design concept appeals to the woman who dares to be different and loves to command attention the moment she walks into the room.  Some describe her design style to be funky yet sophisticated.  Mrs. Tillman is also the founder of the Young E.L.I.T.E. (Evolving Lives Into Total Excellence) Columbus, an empowerment and leadership program for young girls ages 11-18. This program focuses on developing the participants self-esteem as well as helping them define and embrace their individual personality and style, and ultimately giving them the confidence needed to achieve all their goals and dreams.  In April of 2005, Samara opened E.L.I.T.E. Studios Fashion Boutique.  This establishment is a women’s full service fashion and personal image consulting company. Samara has been featured on NBC Channel 4 where she served as the fashion expert for its monthly makeovers in conjunction with the award winning Kenneth’s Salon and Day Spa.  Her work has been seen on BET’s 106 & Park and the Day Time Emmy’s red carpet. She has conducted several empowerment conferences for women and girls ranging in age from 8-70!  She has delivered presentations on the Importance of a Polished Inward and Outward Image, Work Determination, Creating Your Perfect Image and more. In January of 2013, Samara launched The Empowerment Party which motivates and inspires women to live the life that God destines for them to experience. Samara has a sincere love for bettering the lives of women of all ages, especially teens.  Her sense of style, “straight talk”, and simplistic yet powerful presentation style is what captures the audience’s attention the moment they meet her.  Samara has been married for 6 years and is the proud mother of a three year old baby girl, Hayden.  Samara strongly believes that life is what we make of it. Each day is a gift from God, therefore we must live each day with purpose like it’s our last; going to sleep each night knowing that we have made a difference in someone else’s life and with NO regrets.