Cake Diva

- Porsha Kimble
I had a discussion with her to find out, how and why Cake Diva came in to existence. Porsha was laid off from work a few years ago from her full time job, but was teaching cake decorating, but was not taking it seriously; not until finding out she would not receive unemployment. She had to do something, especially with no family with her in the same location.
Because of that desire to do something that could pay the bills, Porsha honed in on her skills. Teaching cake decorating and baking for all occasions would support her needs. Baking cakes, cookies, pies, cupcakes and just about anything this Cake Diva can do.
I had to see if she could really uphold the name of Cake Diva. Porsha provided to me a cake sample tray. There was an arrangement of flavors; White Chocolate, Wedding White, Butter, Amaretto, Champagne, Raspberry Vanilla, Irish Cream, Red velvet, Mexican Chocolate and Butter Cream icing to sample with each piece of cake. All of the samples were really good; the cake was moist and my taste buds could tell me each flavor. It really was hard to choose a favorite. But if I just had to choose, it would be the Wedding White, Butter, Amaretto, Champagne and Red Velvet. The butter cream icing, oh my, I could just spoon a mouthful of it, yes it was that good.
February 2011, Porsha applied for “The Next Great Baker” on TLC. Three months later she was contacted to submit photos of her cakes. Shortly after that, she received a set of 26 questions that would need to be responded to in a video. Porsha submitted her video and less than 24 hours later TLC wanted more. The second video was submitted and TLC responded that she may be up for a trip to NYC to interview in person. About three weeks, later it was confirmed and TLC arranged for Porsha to go to NYC to do an interview in person and to do a cake challenge.
Porsha flew in on a Wednesday and Thursday morning it was on! She got to go to the new facility that the Cake Boss built. Her interview was over an hour long. She had to frost a double layered six inch cake that was filled, and create a butter cream rose, a bottom border and write a word or a name on the cake and had ten minutes to do so.
Just when she began the challenge, one of the characters from the show, Frankie, came and stood by her, commenting on her cake skills during the challenge. She completed the challenge, with two minutes to spare and completed two roses and did a top and bottom border.
Porsha says, that was an amazing experience of TV at its finest and the art facility was amazing! Porsha also had the opportunity to meet five out of the twenty-four contestants and go to Carlos Bakery. She says they are not as crazy about cupcakes like we are in Texas.
A week later TLC contacted her that she didn’t make the show. Even though she did not make the show, she felt blessed to have tried out for something for the first time and make it that far. Out of thousands of people in the US, she made it to the last 25 contestants to be on the show.
When you need a cake for your next occasion, I highly recommend Cake Diva located in Grand Prairie, Texas.
open source video, online video platform, video streaming, video solutions
Innovative Styles

- Kimberly Beal
Kimberly Beal, a Dallas native, is a 38 yr old mother of a young princess and is also the owner of Kim’s Innovative Styles. Kim’s Innovative Styles is located in Desoto, Texas.
Kim has always been a “fashionista” since her high school days where she enrolled in cosmetology. In 1991 after receiving her license, Beal pursued her dream as an entrepreneur.
Kim’s Innovative Styles became an independent salon that offers hair care and other beauty services.
Beal, chose this business because she was passionate about hair care and had a strong passion in enhancing other women’s beauty. Even though Kim is the owner/stylist, she found that she was being dictated on how she should care for her clients hair, which was one of her beginning mistakes. However, since then, Kim has allowed her skills to outweigh any dictation giving by the client.
Kim, who consistently attends continuing education classes to maintain knowledge of hair care and style, knows what is best for healthy and stylish hair.
When you are ready for an innovative style, call Kim and tell her LaVida sent you!!
Hours of Operation
Tuesday and Friday: 6:00am to 1:00pm
Wednesday and Thursday: 8:00am to 7:00pm
Saturday: 5:30am to 1:00pm
Phone: 214- 288- 4438
Gift Certificates
Give the gift of styles by purchasing a gift certificate for any service offered by Kim’s Innovative Styles.
Mother’s Hat
Webster defines “mother” as a female parent, a woman of authority; specifically, the superior of a religious community of women. Parent is defined as one that begets or brings forth off-springs; a person who bring up and cares for another.
These definitions suggest in summary that a female whom brings forth life to and cares for another person. Therefore, a mother does not necessarily have to give birth to a child to be a “mother”.
A mother gives so much of herself that she tends to lose herself in doing so. She wears so many hats and at any given time she may have on more than one. No matter which one she has on she looks well wearing it.
She is a career woman; for she goes out and obtains a job to be able to take care of her family financially. A caregiver; she is always there to wipe the tears away and kiss that bump or bruise. A cook; she ensures that you are fed daily with food to strengthen your body. A taxicab driver; for she makes sure you get to and from school and for every activity you are in.
She is a cheerleader; always there cheering you on, whether it is at your basketball game or running for class president. She is a true friend; for she is always there for you through the thick and the thin. She is a teacher; for she has taught you how to tie your shoes to helping you with your homework.
She is a protector; always having your best interest at heart. She is a guidance counsel; she ensures daily that you are still on the right path, by talking with you through your problems. She is a motivator; she gives you that boost when you want to give up. She is a prayer warrior; she is always on her knees praying for you.
I am sure there are many other hats that a “mother” wears that were not mentioned. However, there is one that will out shine all others and that is her “crown” and the words “well done my good and faithful servant” will accompany it when given.
Man created a day to honor mothers once every year. But with so many hats a mother wears, everyday should be “Mother’s Day”…..so, “Happy everyDAY” to all the ladies who are wearing their hats! May God Bless you all! Much Love!
LaVida Harris
Delactables’ for Your Tastebuds

- Meatball Madness
Soulful and savory are words that can define the food that is prepared by DeShon’s Catering. DeShon’s Catering is your one stop for great food and service. BPW had an opportunity to interview Shonna Brown who is the Director of Marketing & Sales for DeShon’s Catering and Squared Marketing. Please read interview below.
BPW: Please share with us why you chose to go in business for yourself?
Deshon’s Celebrity Catering: My Mother, my role-model, has owned and operated her business for over 20 years and still counting.
BPW: Please explain what your business is?
Deshon’s Celebrity Catering: Spicy, sassy, soulful, sophisticated, cajun-style comfort foods that warms everyone’s spirits who tastes any of our dishes.
BPW: Why did you choose the business that you are in?
Deshon’s Celebrity Catering: Recession proof—everyone loves to eat, especially great food.
BPW: What was the first mistake you made in your business? If any.
Deshon’s Celebrity Catering: Not being very specific and detailed on contracts with all clients. We now believe that every aspect of the event has to be covered in black and white to prevent any misunderstandings.
BPW: How long have you been in business?
Deshon’s Celebrity Catering: 5 ½ years and still counting
If you are needing a caterer for your next event I highly and personally recommend www.DeShonsCatering.com . I have had an opportunity to taste the food and observe their professionalism and customer service at an event I attended. Therefore, I can promise you will be pleased. Please contact them today for your next event and tell them LaVida sent you!
open source video, online video platform, video streaming, video solutions
You also can contact them at:
Facebook: DeShons Catering
Twitter: DeShons Catering
Myspace: DeShons Caterin
Phone: 817~681~5879
I Got Sunshine
Bursting from an array of musical brilliance, singer / songwriter / pianist AVERY*Sunshine emerges onto the scene with her soon to be released self-titled debut album. Rooted in gospel, she reaches deep into that cornucopia of style and sound and sings a song which articulates the complexities of life with luminous insight. Fluent in many languages from soul and house to classical and hip hop, AVERY*Sunshine expresses with a voice that speaks boldly and tells a uniquely familiar story…a story about love and loss…healing…and finding the newness of oneself in the midst of it all.
Who is AVERY*Sunshine? I am is a self-proclaimed therapist! I want to start the conversation that will lead to individual healing and in turn will affect our collective healing. Let’s get people talking about their experiences so that we can learn from them, grow from them and more importantly, move on from them. ”
AVERY*Sunshine is a native of Chester, PA where she nurtured a natural talent by singing in church and leading and directing choirs. A former member of the renowned Wilmington/Chester Mass Choir, she honed her vocal instrument and sharpened her ability to play piano in her hometown, then headed south to Atlanta, GA where she attended Spelman College. Though far from home, she was never far from her one true love – music. She embodies it. She lives to express through it. But AVERY’s talent couldn’t be contained within the walls and stained glass of the church for very long. Making her mark on the Atlanta-soul music scene, she and her Spelman sister, Broadway talent Maia Wilson, teamed up to form the singing duo DaisyRew; and later AVERY lent her voice to the soundtrack for Paramount Pictures’ THE FIGHTING TEMPTATIONS. In 2005, she was hired as lead keyboardist for Tyler Perry’s stage play MEET THE BROWNS, and last year she was sought out by vocal great Jennifer Holiday to be choral director for the theatrical production of DREAMGIRLS during the National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta. AVERY*Sunshine recently made history with daily performances at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, CO and four private events during the 2009 Inauguration of President Barack Obama.
With vocals and lyrics that are thick and strong yet jazzy-smooth, coined ‘jazzgosoul’ by a personal friend, it’s easily recognized that AVERY*Sunshine has been singing all her life. However her sound and her music is perfected in collaboration with her musical partner Dana Johnson, a classically trained guitarist, gifted lyricist, producer and the man behind the tracks. What started in church at a young age has been refined by experience as she stands ready to proclaim her own story with her first CD project. “In the album I sing about my life – being a divorced mother of two, aging, being mean to the person I love. I sing about the possibility of being a single woman – indefinitely; as well as the feeling of being in love with my man before I even meet him. I also sing about the promise of God; the promise that He will never leave me or forsake me. The idea of never being left alone somehow makes things easier to deal with. Burdens seem lighter.”
Intent on shining by sharing her song with the world, AVERY wants you too to give yourself permission to “Get Your Shine On!” Whatever it may be. Are you getting your shine on? Are you using the gifts that God has given you? Are you walking in your calling? Let’s get started.
SCA Awareness Fund Donations
Individuals that have made a contribution to the cause. Thank you for your contribution, with your help we can make a breakthrough!
New Vision Enterprises, California
Unconditional Promise

Amber & Sheldon
Sheldon was the man that every woman dreamed of having in their life. He was tall, handsome, skin was like a smooth babies butt, free of any rashes or scars. Sheldon, was an intelligent man, a man of substance and was a go getter. He was an entrepreneur, a Consultant for small corporations. Sheldon was smart, he was a graduate of Harvard. One thing he was not was a playa.
He was in love with Amber, his long time lover for almost nine years. Amber was the woman that wanted everything and then some. She was a professional woman, wrapped up all in self until she wanted or needed something from others.
Amber was not the one you could find in any Ebony magazine, let’s just say she was not the finest or even the prettiest thing in the room. She had her outward flaws for sure. She was sweet and kind, and oh so fake when she had alternative motives…..getting what she want when she needed it. I think she can be defined as a user. But, Sheldon loved him some Amber almost more than he loved himself. It was always, Amber this, Amber that, my baby, my love, my Queen.
Sheldon had been working so hard at his business, bringing in the money with his high profile clients. He was making things happen. Amber was right there beside him, well only when she needed support and money from him. Sheldon loved Amber with all his heart, mind, soul, and body. Whatever, Amber wanted, which was mainly the money, Amber knew how to get it.
Sheldon reared by a single mother, was taught since a young boy to love and treat a woman as the queen she is and a woman is to treat her man as the king he is. To love unconditionally no matter what, that was a promise he gave to Amber. He was always supporting Amber in all her dreams, from being a hair stylist to a fashion designer. But never got the support he needed.
Sheldon had this big client that he needed to obtain in order to make the biggest financial move of his career. Not only that, Amber could have all the Coach and Gucci purses, gold, diamonds and that new fully loaded BMW she wanted…..like nothing was wrong with the one she had. But, The Jones’ is who she had to impress and keep up with. I told you, her outward appearance was flawed, but she draped it with highend material things.
Sheldon, needed Amber to go make a deposit to his business account. He was busy making the final arrangements to sweep this new client of their feet with his amazing portfolio of why he would be the best candidate for them. While Amber was at the bank making the deposit, curiosity was taking over her. She asked the teller if she could have a print out of all the deposits within the last six months. The teller, knew Amber was Sheldon’s girl, and not by her better judgment or policy and procedures, she provided her with the print out. Amber, knew how to lay on the charm to get what she wanted. Amber’s eyes grew with amazement to see that the printout only had two deposits for $500. What the hell?
Amber stewing with anger, could not wait to get home to throw this up in Sheldon’s face. Amber was thinking out loud. “how in the hell is he gonna be able to take care of me, damn I have to have that new BMW.” “this punk ass nigga, don’t have no money”….”this motha fucka has been lying to me”.
Sheldon, had finished his portfolio and was now moving on to his project that he had been keeping a secret from Amber. Amber’s surprise, romantic weekend trip to Colorado Springs. He had made reservations at this resort and had the For Lover’s Only suite booked. The room had been decorated with roses, candles and a hint of jasmine would be the fragrance for the night and Kem would be the choice of sounds.
Sheldon, knew he had found the one, the lady he wanted to marry. The mother of his children, his soul mate. So he think, remember, he loves this woman, looks past all her outward flaws and her sometimes multi personalities.
Sheldon pulled out a little black box, a box that held the symbol of his love for Amber; a 3.5 carat Princess cut diamond with Pave side accents. The ring Amber always wanted. Sheldon had finally made the last $500 payment on the ring a week ago. He was ready to make this woman officially his Queen. Sheldon had had the eye candy on his arm, the 5’7 supermodels and high profile women, but now he finally was getting the love he so desired and came to love unconditionally in Amber. He looked passed her bad skin, knocked knees, and a shameful shape straight to her heart. A heart he thought he knew.
Amber pulls up in front of Sheldon’s 3000 sq. feet condo, steam coming out of her ears, the ugliest frown on her face. Damn, she almost forgot to put the car in park. She runs through the garage and up the stairs pass their bedroom, towards the study, where she knew he would be finishing his portfolio.
“Where is your punk ass? Sheldon, get your monkey as out here” Sheldon peaks his head out of the bedroom door. “Baby, what is it? Is something wrong?” Amber stomps off toward him, “what is wrong is your monkey punk ass, you are nothing but a lying nigga”. “Whoa what the hell are you talking about, what is the meaning of all this?” Sheldon says as he tries to move her finger out of his face. “ I saw the deposits of the account for your business, your ass don’t have any damn money, that is the meaning of all this” as she pushes his forehead.
Sheldon was also reared, not to hit a woman no matter what. He walked passed her into the kitchen, stood by the bar and said. “My love what are you talking about?” By that time, Amber had gone the opposite direction and was in the bedroom. She had pulled out her Coach luggage and was throwing her clothes, shoes and anything else she could get in there, which Sheldon had bought.
Sheldon walks into the room, “Amber what are you doing?” “I am leaving your lying punk ass!!!!”. “You don’t have any money, you just lie all the damn time, and how the hell is you gonna take care of me?” Sheldon grabs her, by the waist, “baby come here, you know I love you with all my heart”….”That’s the thing I don’t love your ass, you were always wrapped up in me, I never, I mean never loved you the way you loved me” Amber screamed in his face, damn near spitting on him in the process.
Sheldon tried for at least 30 more minutes to talk to her. To no avail she would not listen. Amber continued to pack all the material things that Sheldon had bought her. This could not be happening, could he be losing the woman he loved and adored so much? Was his plan of proposing to her tonight going down the drain?
Amber wouldn’t listen anymore, she had packed as much as she could and headed for her BMW, I mean the BMW that Sheldon had bought for her. Sheldon, walked behind her trying his best to make her stop and did not want to reveal his plans. Amber through her bags in the trunk and looked up at Sheldon, to give him the last heart wrenching blow. “By the way, this baby I am carrying is not yours, you broke motha fucka!”
Sheldon’s heart just fell to the floor along with his knees and the 3.5 carat engagement ring. Amber looked with amazement, “what is that?” Sheldon looked up with painful eyes and said, “I loved you beyond your flaws, I have had the best looking women on my arm. I have supported all of your dreams, whether they were good or stupid. I loved you passed all your imperfections, I took all your harsh words, gave your ass the world, made you into my Queen. Since you want to leave, because you don’t think I have any money, go ahead with your ungrateful ass. I have given you nine years of my life, I promised you back when I was in college, I would give you the world, and I have kept my word. What have you done for me? What? Nothing but headaches and heartaches. I continued to look pass your flaws inward and outward. I gave you my unconditional love, my promise. I was about to make the ultimate promise for better or worse, to death do us part. Now, you tell me I don’t have any money, I am broke, I just spent $3000 on this damn ring you always hinted you wanted, $2500 on this expensive ass birthday getaway for you. And was about to buy you that new BMW you wanted, but didn’t need. I have always given you what you wanted and needed. But, you don’t even love me, never have, and never will!”
Sheldon get’s off the floor with a heart broken, tear filled face, opens up the garage, “Now get out of my house” Amber opens the door to the BMW, “Oh no baby, your car is over there, you came here with that raggedy ass Toyota Camry, that is what you will leave with. Oh, you can keep the clothes, since you don’t have a real career, to buy any. And the next time you want to be nosey, ask for more than six months of deposits and get the withdrawals too. And remember you will never find another intelligent man of substance that will treat you like a Queen, you will never, ever, be loved unconditionally with the promise I had given to you.”
Breathe New Life

Rhonda Thomas
Vocalist Rhonda Thomas continues sharing her unique styling, her definitive sultry voice and her dynamic songwriting with the summer 2010 release of “Listen”. For those music lovers who are already familiar with Rhonda’s “Guess Who I Saw Today”, “Breathe New Life” and her dvd, “Rhonda Thomas: Live at Centennial Park” this new offering is highly anticipated.
Rhonda Thomas was a featured soloist and background vocalist for Isaac Hayes for 11 years before his untimely passing. Rhonda served in that capacity while remaining extremely focused on elevating her solo musical career. Issac Hayes wholeheartedly supported Rhonda’s desire to spread her wings musically. He commented, “Her voice has a wide range. She has the quality, vocal timbre and vibrato of Denise Williams when she goes high. There are a lot of vocal sounds in this young woman. Jazz-wise she can scat too!” Additionally, in Isaac Hayes’ review of “Breathe New Life” he further expressed, “WOW, a human voice singing songs of substance… Hats off to production, musicianship, arrangement, vocals and don’t miss the lyrics, it’s a breath of fresh air.”
A resident of Atlanta, GA who performs nationally and internationally, Rhonda’s natural talent, professional drive, and amazing charisma have landed her in the presence of greatness many times and has opened numerous doors for her. She has performed or shared the stage with Luther Vandross, Roberta Flack, Roy Ayers, and Sam Moore (of the legendary duo Sam and Dave) just to name a few. With her enchanting voice, Rhonda has stamped her name on the hearts of all that have witnessed her singing live.
From bringing the roof down in Atlanta’s Tabernacle when she sang with Incognito’s powerhouse lead-singer Maysa Leak, to winning multiple awards in Harlem’s Apollo Theater, to the 1996 Olympic Games crowds have fallen under the powerful spell of Rhonda’s bold vocal styling. Rhonda’s talents were also experienced by listeners on the other side of the globe. Her 2007 UK “Breathe New Life” Tour was met with glowing reviews. Rhonda was also asked to compose a song for Antigua-Barbuda’s Travel and Tourism “365 Beaches”. Her boundless energy on stage enchants crowds as her voice exudes power and passion executed with precision. She hails from the Atlanta underground soul scene having performed with renowned artist India.Arie, Donnie (Motown), and is a member of the soul bossa group, Jiva. She wears her influences like an elegant gown draped with the improvisational skill and vocal acrobatics of Sarah Vaughn and Al Jarreau, and the depth and emotional effectiveness of Phyllis Hyman and Chaka Khan.
Rhonda will be on a three city tour : Greensboro, Charlotte & Durham North Carolina. Beginning February 19, 2011.
If you live in the area, stop by and check her out. Thank you Rhonda for allowing me to put the spotlight on you.
W vs R: Emotional Tug-of-War

- Author Jazz Singleton
Have you ever been in a war? An emotional war? Caught between wrong and right? Tugged at from both directions? Well, Jayla, Ashlyn and Envy have.
Jazz Singleton, a young mother of two boys residing in suburban Texas has penned a novel, W vs. R: Emotional Tug of War, a fictional book about three professional women and their struggle to find and keep love at any cost.
Jazz has been putting pen to paper since high school. However, in 2002, Jazz was faced with the uncertainties of a brain tumor. Could this be the conclusion of her passion for writing? As you can very well see it did not stop her. Her writing transitioned from a hobby into something more serious. Her seriousness is what you can find in her writing.
Jazz Singleton a name you want to remember when you are looking for your next book to read. I have read a synopsis and I am ready to dig deeper into these ladies lives in her book. I cannot wait to get my autographed copy.
I had an opportunity to have an interview with Jazz. Read and see what she has to say about her joy of writing and her new novel.
BPW: Your characters Envy, Jayla, & Ashlyn, are these ladies a representation of someone that has shared in your life?
Jazz: To a degree these ladies represent me and many other women. I think a lot of times women tend to lose themselves once they get involved in a relationship.
BPW: Writing is therapeutic for you, how does it keep you focused in dealing with life’s issues or problems?
Jazz: Writing is my escape from reality, in writing dreams come true and there is a happily ever after, there is no stress and drama in writing. In writing it’s just me, my pen and my spiral. Yes, I carry a spiral with me at all times. (LOL) I know it’s old-fashioned.
BPW: How would you label your style of writing?
Jazz: I would label my writing contemporary fiction with sex appeal.
BPW: Is there anyone in particular that is an author that you would compare yourself to and why?
Jazz: I would have to say that my books have a Zane-ish quality based on the sexiness and content.
BPW: Who is your favorite author? And why?
Jazz: My favorite author is J. California Cooper….she tells such amazing stories, her stories are like folklores, simple and straightforward stories that make you think and laugh. All of her stories evoke an emotion of some sort.
BPW: Your novel W vs. R: Emotional Tug of War, how did you come to write it?
Jazz: This book is my 3rd child. It was emotional for me, because of the issues involved in the book. I have either seen, heard or experienced what every one of these women went through.
BPW: How did you choose the title?
Jazz: I struggled for months with this title, at the end of the day my publisher TL James and I came up with the title. Each of the women is struggling emotionally with wrong and right decisions.
BPW: Is the novel a mirror image of a time in your life?
Jazz: I would say yes, there is a lot of Jazz in this novel, it’s my life embellished. From the way that the characters talk and act it’s me, I put a lot of myself into my writing, which makes it emotional for me.
BPW: When will the book be published and available for purchase?

Jazz: Presales began December 15th, 2010 and my release date is 1-21-11.
BPW: Where can it be purchased?
Jazz: It will be globally distributed at Barnes and Noble, Borders, Amazon…my website www.jazzsingleton.com and www.pheinkpub.com
Jazz, well Author Jazz Singleton will be having her official book release party on January 29, 2011 at The Spa Bar in Dallas, Texas. This event is the introduction of her and the novel to the world. I am excited long with her on this event. I cannot wait to enjoy this day with her. It will be the beginning of many more events. Look out world, here comes Jazz Singleton!!!








