A woman can't raise a boy to be a man.....What?

We have so many great men out here, my brother Perry, Rodney,Chris,Roy,Taylor,Base and the list goes on. Raised by wonderful, strong women. I get so angry when I hear ppl (mostly men) say, a woman can't raise a boy to be a man. Who raised you? Even if it was grandma...a woman. When dad was just around holding ya mama down cuz he was afraid to reach higher who kept the family strong....a woman. Who was there to say, "you can do it, u better get it done, do it or i'm knock you into next wk, I love you, let me help you study, I'll meet you at the your game, etc." Now don't get me wrong, we have men wearing both hats and doing well, Thanks. Today, let's focus on the positive influences in our lives. The ppl missing are at a lost. They will never know how wonderful you turned out to be. Their absence probably made your stronger. So lets take a min. right now to pray for them. Pray that they find there purpose b4 it's too late. And if they should come back into your life, forgive them for being absent and praise them for trying. Afterall, we serve a second chance God. Have a wonderful day, remember to smile and speak kind words to a stranger. Yes, I said a stranger. Peace

If you're good at something, never do it for FREE! -JOKER- (The dark knight)

So I'm flipping through some of the most popular hair magazines today and saw step by step pieces for African American consumers. Funny thing, I hardly ever see this in non-African American magazines. What's even more interesting to me is the silly people that are so eager to win the popularity contest (as if it exist) they submit all of their salon secrets, step by step. Hey guys, IF I WERE A MECHANIC AND I GAVE YOU STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO CHANGE THE OIL IN YOUR CAR, WOULD YOU STILL LET ME CHANGE YOURS???? Or WOULD YOU BUY CHICKEN FROM KFC AFTER, THEY GAVE YOU THEIR SECRET RECIPE? PLEASE..........PLEASE. And another thing, some magazines pay for pictures, so why are you giving yours away? I understand f you did it sometimes, but every time…..GIVING away step by step, you deserve some monetary compensation. Let me replay a conversation I had with a very popular A.A consumer based magazine. (Mag. Rep)"Hello Tonya, I was looking over some of the work you have done for us in the past and I was wondering if you would be interested in having a few pages front and back of our magazine spotlighting your work?" (Me) "Sure, I would love that. What are you looking for?" (Mag. Rep)" Well, we need more short and natural styles. Tonya, we also want the looks to be step by step" (Me) “I can send you before and after, I have several of those." She insisted on step by step. Hmmmmm (Me) "I'm sorry, I can't do that, what would be the point of showing the consumer how create a style that I want them to patronize me for. I will continue to send you images, however I WILL NOT send step-by-step." She said she understood and to this day they continue to print my finished images. QUESTION: Do you think the magazine will give you step by step instructions on how to create your own hair magazine? How to promote your magazine? NO! So why don't you stop showcasing your talent for FREE! I will never forget, my son and I were watching The Dark Knight and the Joker said to the other criminals, "If you're good at something, never do it for Free!" Hmmmm Remember, these companies would not be in business if it wasn't for your talent. Sense anyone?!?!? I could go on and on with this but, I'm teaching a class on this and I'd hate to give it away.

BLAH, BLAH, BLAH

What a great country we live in. We now have a Great President (he just happens to be black), who is not only running the country but seems to be having a great time doing it. Talk about multi-tasking.....go President Obama Go. In the past, other presidents were on vacation the first few weeks in office. Hmmmm everyone should take notes. Get a new position........get to work, be a great dad/husband, play your favorite sport.......oh and get back to work. I love it!


Speaking of blah, blah, blah, P.J. Morton (Bishop Paul Morton's son) will be performing at Elegance by O'Shelia's 10th year anniversary, February 28, 2009. It's a Saturday and I know it's going to be great. Guess who's hosting the Red Carpet Experience..........guess.........Okay, you twisted my arm. Yours truly, Tonya Stokes will host the Red Carpet event. The event will be held at The Vue in Mt. Pleasant starts @ 5:30 and the attire for the evening is ELEGANT get it, ELEGANCE BY O'SHELIA. No worries, I will post pictures.

That is also the same weekend of CIAA, I will participate at the step show, representing Colomer USA (Revlon). This is the 4th year. It's always a good time and the show is phenomenal.

Well, blah, blah, blah