Stacey McBride-Irby Shares Prettie Girls Fabulous Year on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

As the 2014 draws to a close, join Living Your Best Life  as we profile businesses, serial entrepreneurs, and non-profits that will empower, inspire, and motivate you to love your BEST life.

On Saturday, December 27, 2014, tune in to hear from designing woman, Stacey McBride-Irby, creator of Prettie Girls Multicultural Dolls.  Prettie Girls Dolls are now available at retailers around the country and online and  have been a hit with girls long before the Christmas buying season started.

After designing for an international toy company for nearly two decades and launching the successful So In Style Dolls, Stacey took a leap of faith and decided to start her own line, One World Doll Project. Stacey created Prettie Girls to celebrate global diversity. Stacey McBride-Irby and the Prettie Girls have feature been in the media throughout the year as the popularity of the dolls caught fire.

Tune in to hear Stacey McBride-Irby share her inspiring story and hear what is in store for doll lovers, old and young, alike in 2015.

 More About Stacey McBride-Irby

As a child Stacey consistently played with dolls.  Barbie was her favorite.  She loved mixing and matching her clothes, and styling her hair.  Not long after Stacey stopped playing with Barbie™ dolls at the age of 13, she made the decision to enter the fashion world.  She started sketching fashion and going to the library and checking out books about fashion.

Stacey’s father had saved a newspaper article that featured Kitty Black Perkins, a Mattel™ designer.  With the encouragement of her father and her instructor of a fashion computer course at El Camino College, Stacey called Perkins.  In addition to showing her portfolio and resume during the interview, Stacey had to design a Barbie™ fashion.  It was approved and she was hired as an assistant designer which begin her career in the world of toys and doll design.

Stacey was a Project Designer for Mattel™ in El Segundo and was with the company for 15 years.  She is the creator of the So In Style™ line of African-American Barbie™ dolls which were released in 2009. While at Mattell, Stacey was tapped to design the sorority Barbie, Celebrating the Centennial year of Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first African-American Greek Sorority, founded in 1908 at Howard University in Washington, D.C.  She designed a one of a kind take on the 1980’s Black Barbie.  She also designed some of the 2010 Barbie career dolls, including Pet Vet Barbie, Rock Star Barbie and Bride Barbie.

Stacey has been interviewed for magazines and newspaper articles such as Ebony, Essence, Heart & Soul, LA’s Beauty Beat, Upscale, Chicago Sun Times and Daily Breeze.  Stacey McBride-Irby made the front cover of Wall Street Journal Personal newspaper.  The So In Style ^TM dolls have been featured in Barbie and Jet magazine.

Stacey has appeared on CNN Prime News with Richelle Carey “New Barbies Look More Like Black Women”.  And on May 2, 2010 Stacey appeared on BETs My Black is Beautiful, Episode 1:  Celebration of Black Beauty.  She is currently a featured designer in the Barbie Exhibit at The Children’s Museum of  Indianapolis.

Stacey’s motto is, “A happy, inspired childhood creates happy, inspired and powerful women.”  She also loves the Lord with all her heart.  She knows that without God that none of her accomplishments and success would be possible

Celebrating The Year of the Horse with Dr. Ming Wang on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Join us on Living Your Best Life Radio with Genma Holmes as well gallop in the Chinese New Year, Year of the Horse, with Dr. Ming Wang, founder of Wang Vision Institute.

On Saturday, February 1, 2014 tune in to hear Dr. Wang discuss local, national, and international observances of the nearly two week celebrations of the Year of the Horse as well as the customs and history behind holiday.

Dr. Wang will discuss Asian Americans and other minority groups becoming more involved in U. S. life and how changing demographics of the country can bring economic opportunities for entrepreneurs who are open to embracing changes.

Dr. Wang will also discuss how we can live to give now and how charities can be the key to closing the health care gap for the medically undeserved. Listen as he shares his passion for serving those who cannot afford medical care and how his faith plays a major role in providing those services.

Living Your Best Life Radio, radio that empowers, inspires, and motivates you to live your BEST life can be heard on 760AM in the Middle Tennessee Region, on Tune In Radio, streamed live on the web at UStream.TV  on Saturdays from 9:00-10:00am CST and on military bases.

More About Chinese New Year 

The source of Chinese New Year is itself centuries old and gains significance because of several myths and traditions. Traditionally, the festival was a time to honor deities as well as ancestors. Chinese New Year is celebrated in countries and territories with significant Chinese populations, including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Philippines, and also in Chinatowns elsewhere. Chinese New Year is considered a major holiday for the Chinese and has had influence on the lunar new year celebrations of its geographic neighbors.

More About Dr. Ming Wang

 Dr. Ming Wang is a uniquely qualified corneal refractive surgeon. He hold a Harvard Medical School and MIT degree (magna cum laude, 1991) as well as a doctoral degree in laser physics. He is both an accomplished scientist and a talented artist.

As the founding director of the renowned Wang Vision Institute in Nashville, TN, he excels in his profession as a compassionate ophthalmologist who cares deeply about his patients and continues to strive to give them the best eye care possible.

As an accomplished research scientist, he has made worthwhile contributions to various areas of molecular biology (see Nature, 360, 606, 1992) and ophthalmology including being a principle investigator of an NIH grant on amniotic contact lenses and the biotech company that he cofounded with Vanderbilt, EyeVU.

As a talented artist, passionate about ballroom dancing and music, he brings to people around him a sense of joy for rhythm and movement, the appreciation for fine art and many romantic and beautiful melodies of life.


 

H.O.P.E. Scholarship Third Anniversary and #50for50 Kick Off on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we profile organizations and leaders who lead by example. With extraordinary acts of kindness and charitable giving that help countless lives daily, these organizations and leaders embody "Be the change you want to see in the world".

Throughout 2013 listeners will hear from presidents of organizations who are global change agents. We will also hear from CEOs of social enterprise businesses who are changing communities and college educators who are taking their students out of the classroom and into surrounding neighborhoods to learn and serve others.

On Saturday, September 29, 2013, tune in to hear us celebrate the 3rd Anniversary of H.O.P.E. Scholarship. Listen to the founders, Jeffery Chance and Michelle Nealy, share about their passion to help make quality education affordable to deserving students.  Hear how they have stayed inspired to continue to give to others while still pursing their career and educational goals. We will also hear from H.O.P.E.'s fundraising chair, Brandy Jackson, who will give us input on how we can all "bloom where we are planted" to help others stay in school. And to help keep the motivational party flowing, we will be joined by everyone's favorite college President, President Michael J. Sorrel of Paul Quinn College.

In 3 years, HOPE has given away several scholarships and raised nearly $10,000! HOPE’s blog readership boasts 31,000+ views and we have a social network of over 5,000. HOPE has made the thoughts and views of university presidents, Phi Beta Kappas, and alumni accessible to current students. HOPE is helping to change the face of philanthropy through the H.O.P.E. Dealer movement by challenging millennials, ages 18 to 34, to give their time, money and talents to empower their communities.

 Living Your Best Life, a radio show that empowers, inspires and motivates one to live their BEST life, can heard on 760 AM in the Middle-Tennessee Region, on Tune In, military bases, and streamed live on U-Stream.TV from 9-10AM CST. This show will also be aired on WTST, a member of the HBCU radio network.

More About H.O.P.E.

Since their inception in 2010, The H.O.P.E. Scholarship team has worked diligently to lighten the financial burden on college students by providing need-based scholarships. We understand the serious financial challenges that college students face. For that reason, H.O.P.E has raised nearly $10,000 and awarded five scholarships.
​
​ We have resolved to be HOPE DEALERS, individuals committed to sustaining historically black colleges and universities by empowering the students who attend them financially, physically and emotionally.

Please consider giving a gift to The H.O.P.E. Scholarship. Your donation provides more students with the opportunity to thrive in our competitive world. You can change the world by providing others the gift of a college education. Start with H.O.P.E. The impact is everlasting.

The H.O.P.E. Scholarship Initiative is a non-profit organization designed to empower college students facing financial hardships. The organization was founded by two Howard University alumni committed to serving their communities.

Photos from H.O.P.E. Scholarship 3rd Anniversary Party can be found here.

Charles R. Dickerson on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Update: Audio of show can be found here.

2013 is now a month old! Many began the New Year with dreams of owning their business. At the same time, many seasoned business owners vowed to make changes to grow, expand, and become more efficient.

Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes wants to help new entrepreneurs to stay inspired and motivated while helping veteran businesses owners and serial entrepreneurs become renewed and empowered throughout the year.

On Saturday, February 2, 2013, join us to hear Charles R. Dickerson, Vice President of Performance Management and Support Services at Pepco Holdings, Inc (PHI). Pepco Holdings, Inc. is one of the largest energy delivery companies in the Mid-Atlantic region, serving about 2 million customers in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland and New Jersey.

Listen to Charles share what small business owners can do to make themselves stand out in the marketplace. He will give us advice on marketing your goods and services to large corporations and discuss minimizing mistakes that keep businesses from being profitable.

Charles will also give us his views on why small businesses must become stake holders in their community and why it is so important for the community to support local businesses.

This show promises to empower, to inspire, and to motivate you to live your BEST life.  Living Your Best Life can be heard on 760 AM in the Middle-Tennessee Region, military bases, and streamed live on U-Stream.TV from 9-10AM CST.

 More About Charles R. Dickerson

Vice President – Performance Management and Support Services

Charles is responsible for PHI’s Transmission & Distribution Construction, Maintenance and Operations processes, and its Customer Satisfaction and Revenue Management processes along with Support Services functions (Supply Chain, Materials and Logistics Management, Facilities, Fleet, Human Resource Services and Disbursement Accounting).

Previously, Charles was responsible for all aspects of customer care – including meter services, meter reading, billing, energy procurement, energy efficiency and demand response programs, customer contact centers, marketing and customer relationship management along with credit & remittance – for PHI’s 1.9 million customers across its three regulated (gas and electric) utilities. PHI is one of the largest energy delivery companies in the Mid-Atlantic region.

He also served as Vice President Strategic Planning & Chief Risk Officer responsible for directing corporate planning processes and leading the management team and officers to create strategic plans and goals that drove performance; and he served as Vice President – Gas Delivery for Delmarva Power responsible for engineering, construction, operations and maintenance.

Charles joined Pepco in 1989 and has held a number of positions including Manager Customer Operations Division; during which time Pepco was recognized as an industry leader in customer care. In this capacity he helped lead Pepco to the #1 status for the JD Power and Associates "Customer Satisfaction Survey" and Pepco winning Call Center Magazine's "Best Call Center of the Year" in 2001; he was also named Call Center Magazine's "Manager of the Year".

Charles has a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering and a MS in Applied Management both from the University of Maryland. He is a licensed First Class Steam Engineer in the State of Maryland, a past member of the Editorial Board for Call Center Magazine, and a past member of the Diversity Best Practices Leadership Council. Presently, Charles serves as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Treatment Learning Center, and has served as an Adjunct Professor for the University of the District of Columbia’s School of Business.

Dr. Gretchen Campbell on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we start 2013 focused on a healthy mind, body, and spirit to help make this year your best year yet. The first month of the New Year is usually filled with new resolutions that are often discarded after a few weeks. In 2013, let's jump start the new year by making small changes that will net big results that will help you be successful year long.

Dr. Gretchen Campbell, KCA Medical Group

On Saturday, January 5, 2013 tune in to hear Dr. Gretchen Campbell, a neurologists, share her expertise from the field of neurology; the branch of medicine that deals with the structure and function of the nervous system and the treatment of the diseases and disorders that affect it. Listen as Dr. Campbell discuss neurological illnesses including migraines, epilepsy, back pain, neck pain, neuropathy, pinched nerves, carpal tunnel syndrome, and multiple sclerosis. She will also discuss recent headlines about blood clots and how medications may mask issues that can cause one to lose a limb. Start the 2013 off by learning more about the your healthcare from head to toe, inside and out. 

Living Your Best Life can be heard on 760 AM in the Middle-Tennessee Region, military bases, and streamed live on U-Stream.TV from 9-10AM CST.

More About Dr. Gretchen Campbell

Dr. Campbell and KCA's attendees from a January Headache Support Group

 Dr. Campbell began her career as a neurologist as an associate professor of clinical neurology for Vanderbilt University of Nashville TN. She attained staff appointment at Vanderbilt University Medical Center as well as Williamson Medical Center. After a six year tenure at Vanderbilt, Dr. Campbell transitioned to her current position as a neurologist with KCA Medical Group in 2008. She remains on staff at Williamson Medical Center, Franklin TN, where her home office is located. Dr. Campbell is board certified in neurology, and treats all neurological illnesses including migraines, epilepsy, back pain, neck pain, neuropathy, pinched nerves, carpal tunnel syndrome, multiple sclerosis and a host of other conditions. She offers multiple procedures to determine and treat the root cause of symptoms prior to treatment. KCA Medical Group Franklin is also an accredited center for Tysabri infusions (an intravenous treatment for Multiple Sclerosis). 

Dr. Campbell is active in her medical community as a member of the Tennessee Medical Association, The American Academy of Neurology, the American Medical Association, the American Diabetes Association, The American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine and the National Headache Foundation.

Dr. Campbell is originally from Birmingham, Alabama and completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. She subsequently received her medical doctorate from Meharry Medical College. Dr. Campbell then went on to complete her internship in psychiatry and internal medicine, followed by a residency in neurology at the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia. She was honored to be selected chief resident during her final year. Dr. Campbell is married with two girls.

Photos credits: KCA Neurology and CJ Wells Photography.

Follow Dr. Campbell on Facebook at KCAneurology

                                      Twitter at @KCAneurology 
 
                                      LinkedIn at Dr. Gretchen Campbell

                                      Website www.KCAdocs.com 

Sweets Ndulgence and John's Nuts on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we profile organizations and leaders who lead by example. With extraordinary acts of kindness and charitable giving that help countless lives daily, these organizations and leaders embody "Be the change you want to see in the world". Hear from CEOs who are changing communities and founders of networks that are changing how business is done by changing the rules, one conversation at a time.


On Saturday, December 8, 2012 tune in to hear from entrepreneurs who took their passion for cooking to selling their delicious products to the marketplace. Nancy Overton, owner of Sweets Ndulgence, and John D. Powers, owner of John's Nuts, will share how they took a leap of faith and became business owners selling delicious and savory foods to thousands. Hear them share how they stand above the crowds and stand out on store shelves. Listen to them share how to take an idea from the kitchen to becoming a product in the store or ordered on line.

This show is the perfect show for those who are wanting to start a business in 2013, for individuals who are looking for something unique for corporate gift giving, and for entrepreneurs and customers who support small businesses by shopping small all year long. 


Living Your Best Life, radio that empowers, inspires, and motivates you to live your BEST life, is heard on 760AM in the Middle Tennessee Region, the Inspirational Network, military bases and live streamed at Ustream.TV from 9-10AM CST.

More About Sweets Ndulgence

Our gourmet cookies make wonderful unique, tasty gifts for business associates, clients, friends or simply as a gift to yourself or anyone who would love a sweet treat!

~ Anniversaries ~ Baby Showers ~ Birthdays ~ Christmas Gift 

~ Church Events ~ Client Appreciation ~ College Care Package

~ Congratulations ~ Father's Day ~ Graduation ~ Hostess gift

~ Housewarming ~ Mother's Day~ New Home

~ Office Meetings ~ Party Favors ~ School Events ~ Thank You

~ Valentine's Day~ Wedding Shower.....just to name a few!

 Promote yourself in a SWEET way!

At your next event or party, treat your guests to our gourmet cookies personalized with your logo or image of your choice. We will wrap each cookie individually for handouts or plate them on a tray for parties.

Call us at 615.300.7046 or send an email to discuss your individual needs.

More About John's Nuts (by John D. Powers)

When I was in grade school, I rode my bike home at lunch time, because I preferred to make my own lunch.  From an early age, I discovered food, and my love for it persists today.

In 2006, I bought a bag of plain pistachios in the Virgin Islands to take on a boat trip. As I was stocking my cooler, it hit me how boring plain pistachios were. I raided my spice cabinet, emptied the pistachios into a bowl, added olive oil, a sprinkle of this and a smidgen of that, and John’s Nuts were born.  My friends and family devoured them. They became my contribution for boat trips, holiday gatherings, sporting events, and movie nights at home.  

But it wasn’t until I moved to San Francisco in 2011 that I realized it was time to market my creation. With such a diverse food culture, nearby pistachio farms, and a focus on healthy and whole ingredients, San Francisco was the perfect city to launch my gourmet, savory pistachio company.   

John’s Nuts are made with U.S. Extra #1 pistachios from California, first cold pressed extra virgin olive oil, and pure herbs and spices, just like they were on that glorious Caribbean day. We use no preservatives, gums, or artificial ingredients whatsoever.   Your taste buds will love them, and your body will be grateful.

To order John's Nuts click here.

Windsor Neckwear and Alfred Edmond, Jr. on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we profile organizations and leaders who lead by example. With extraordinary acts of kindness and charitable giving that help countless lives daily, these organizations and leaders embody "Be the change you want to see in the world". Hear from CEOs who are changing communities and founders of networks that are changing how business is done by changing the rules, one conversation at a time.

On Saturday, December 1, 2012 we will hear from Alfred Edmond, Jr. and the founders of Windsor Neckwear, Michael McPherson Jr. and Mace Neal III. Just in time for the holiday gift giving season, listen to the story of two young men launch Windsor Neckwear with an $80.00 investment. Hear their inspirational story and how it caught the eye of a business icon, Alfred Edmond, Jr. The quality of their work lead to a collaboration with Edmond to launch A.E.J. signature bow ties.

Anyone with a burning desire to start their business in 2013, this show will encourage you on how to follow you dreams and not let others 'no' determine your destiny in life. This show is also for the neckware connoisseur with impeccable taste who loves quality workmanship that stands out in a boardroom or business meeting. And for those who love to give the perfect gift, tune in to hear where to buy the A.E.J. Collection.

Living Your Best Life, radio that empowers, inspires, and motivates you to live your BEST life, is heard on 760AM in the Middle Tennessee Region, the Inspirational Network, military bases and live streamed at Ustream.TV from 9-10AM CST.


More About Windsor Neckwear 

 What began in 2008 as a common passion for men's neckwear has become a rapidly growing business venture between Michael McPherson Jr. and Mace Neal III.  The concept for Windsor Neckwear was first thought of on one of many shopping voyages between Michael and Mace.  One day while shopping for a new tie in a popular men's store the duo walked away disappointed in the lack of variety and similarity in a sea of what looked like repetitive ties!  After a brief discussion about the lack luster experience Mike said "we should start our own necktie line" and Mace simply responded "yeah we should".  From that day forward the duo never looked back.  Windsor Neckwear began with a total $80.00 investment between Mike and Mace who purchased fabric and a quick sew necktie pattern.  Initially they began making hand made ties, ascots, and pocket squares.

The plan was to always have their line manufactured on a larger scale so they spent the first year and a half learning the manufacturing business and building capital to develop their first line.  In late 2009 after garnering the support of a manufacturing facility they made their first line of four designs. There were several issues with their first experience but they managed to sell out of all four designs in three weeks!  From that point Windsor Neckwear has expanded to offering a vast array of beautiful neckties each unique in their own way.

To not fall into the pit of "designers block" and creating a basic collection, Windsor Neckwear made it their practice to produce limited quantities per design.  The most they will produce of any one tie in a specific color is 50 pieces, they do this to constantly introduce new products, keep their items exclusive and to always keep the creative juices flowing.  This has worked well for Windsor Neckwear and because of this they always tell their customers "if you see it and like it then get it, because it won't be available long".  Click here for more of their story.

More About A. E. J. Bow Tie Collection

The Alfred Edmond Jr. Bow Tie Collection features stunning 100% woven silk, hand cut, limited edition bow ties.  The Alfred Edmond Jr. Collection silk is made with high needle counts for a luxurious feel, appearance, quality and durability.  Each bow tie is made in a 2.75 inch width which is the perfect size for a business environment, night on the town or casual wear.

The Bow Ties in this collection are truly limited edition, available in only 25 pieces per color and style.  This limited production allows you to have a rare piece of neckwear that will allow you to fit in while standing out.