Womanhood Warrior, LaSonya Alexander, Is Amazing!

MomsCanDoIt2 CEO, Lasonya Alexander, was recently highlighted in a glowing article on "What's Good Weekly," a publication owned by our former Freelance Editor, Calynn M. Lawrence, Miss United States Universe Tourism 2021. After reading her story and getting a touching personal review from Calynn, we want to share her testament! Calynn quoted the following:

"LaSonya is a womanhood warrior having conquered almost every obstacle that life can throw at you. She deserves kudos of the highest degree for her community service efforts with MomsCanDoIt2, and just being a sweet person in general. We've been friends and business associates for over 3 years now and I am blessed to know her! I credit her as the main person, among others, who convinced me to do pageantry in the first place. And, she is a constant source of encouragement to myself and many."

MomsCanDoIt2 is a grassroots community organization that consistently implements time and effort to support and help single mothers in today's society. Through her organization, La'Sonya has been spearheading several campaigns over the years to make waves in the disadvantaged single mother communities, especially in heavily populated minority areas! From clothing drives, to motivational speaking and her annual Mother's Day charity event that doubles as a small pageant, she is making a great impact and is an example to young women around America!

Besides being the Founder of a growing nonprofit organization that benefits single parents and their families, La'Sonya Alexander is also a pageant queen holding multiple titles in the CCP Organization, the American Elegance system and the All World Beauties System! She also has multiple awards including national honors from her pageantry and two Fresh Faces Project Innovator Awards! She is AN EMBODIMENT OF RESILIENCE to say the least, being a mother of seven children that she calls her "7 heartbeats." In her performance career, she is an actress who's appeared on "Empire", "Chicago Talent" and more! 

Recently, she welcomed home her eldest son, Kheeno, who we saw her fight and advocate for over the last 2 years, conquering many hurdles in the unjust legal system that pushes many young minority men through the tainted black and brown prison cycle. She successfully held a touching fundraiser and used the proceeds to help her son readjust to normal life! After a couple of years, it was very apparent, the joy that was on her face having her entire family together to celebrate.

LaSonya is indeed a fabulous example of being not only a valiant survivor of life's trials, but a queen in her own right.

FACEBOOK

WEBSITE

INSTAGRAM

The Fresh Faces Project Awards 2020: 4 Questions With The Founder, Calynn M. Lawrence

For those who don't know, The Fresh Faces Project Awards 2020 happened a little over a week ago on March 1st! This "Catching Fire" themed ceremony was thrown to celebrate and commemorate the works of many local artists, talents and entrepreneurs! This is the second ceremony hosted and produced by the Founder, Calynn M. Lawrence, Miss World America Nation 2020. As part of her community service and nonprofit work, she put together the free, invite-only event and honored over 40 individuals and businesses! At 24 years old, she has big plans for not only her nonprofit, The Fresh Faces Project, and her online reality show, "Chicago Talent", but she also will be announcing her biggest business venture yet later this year! Here are 4 Questions with her about things you'd like to know!

What made you start the Fresh Faces Project as a teen, and did you see it growing to the state it is now?

I started The Fresh Faces Project in 2014, as a Senior in high school at Jones. I was surrounded by people who were fellow creatives and business-minded individuals who were very career-driven.  With my beloved internship at the downtown (Chicago) Nordstrom mall about to end, and embarking on a new academic journey in college, I knew I needed to start something that could keep my talents utilized and that could carry over wherever I went! I had already been blogging for about 3 years, and I wanted to expand that. So, I was eventually inspired to start The Fresh Faces Project, a movement that could connect and promote others in the community, and eventually internationally, who were following their dreams and pursuing their passions! Obviously, I'd hoped it would go far and thankfully it has! I can't wait to see where it is another few years from now.

How Did You Select The Honorees For The Awards?

It has always been about the people. The Fresh Faces Project has ALWAYS and will ALWAYS be fueled by what's happening in the community and in the world. So, people who I'd observed throughout 2019 and so far in 2020 who I saw making moves to contribute to society and make a difference were the ones who I selected. It was a small committee who also submitted nominations to be approved, but every single last one of those selected had personally impressed me and impacted the world in one way or another! I am a firm believer in the concept of "Sending it on" and that "just one spark starts a fire" so I feel that people working so hard to do so much good need to be rewarded.

Who Do You Have To Thank For The Event's Success?

I am so blessed to have such a great support system that has made it possible for me to build my businesses and my career to this point. For the event specifically, my mother Dawn was my right-hand woman. She is the Founder of a new business called Damuchi Does It! She did the catering and the decor. My father Tory, my sister Candyss and her husband Robert, all donated beverages! My little sister Camrynn and her best friend Nicole were awesome photographers! And, two of my best friends Nikhaule and Ariel helped with setup and organization! They truly made this thing happen for me! As a self-funded entrepreneur, it can be very difficult to make ends meet on a shoestring budget, but they contributed greatly!

What's Next For You? What Are Your Goals For 2020?

I definitely would like to wrap up filming for Season 3 of Chicago Talent and give the viewers a stellar show! I would like to meet my goal, as Miss World America Nation 2020, to make a difference and do charity in every single continent globally before the end of my reign. Ofcourse, I would love for the launch of my next business venture to go smoothly and without setbacks. 

And, equally as important, I would love to find someone who I can call my own. I've been through a lot of heartbreak and it hasn't been easy. Having been purposefully single for about 9 months, I would love to find someone who is true to me and worthy of my love. I may only be 24, but as a hopeless romantic and someone who is looking to settle down in my younger years, it would mean the world to me to be able to build an empire with an equally powerful king to rule alongside me! I'm not settling for less though. He's gotta be the real deal, ride or die, I expect nothing less and will accepting nothing but.

 @freshfacesproject

@chicagotalenttv

COVER STORY : Why Bach to Rock Naperville Should Be Your Go-To Music School!

Our Former Editor-In-Chief, Calynn M. Lawrence, gave us the scoop on the hottest thing in arts education! It's "America's Music School." It's Bach To Rock Naperville!

Bach To Rock Naperville is a growing music school that came to the area in late 2018! They offer music education programs for a variety of instruments, genres and ages. From their early childhood classes, such as Rock City and Rock n’ Roll, that teach music and movement and give kids an exploratory curriculum, to their private lessons that give one on one hands on instruction and interactive learning, to their band programs that allow you to rock out in front of an audience, they have it all! 

With over 35 schools across the nation, they’ve been making moves and grooves since 2006! Being less than 15 years old, Bach To Rock has had wickedly rapid expansion across the U.S. and is not slowing down for anybody. They have both corporate and franchise division schools. But, they all operate under the same mantra and mentality that Music Education should be fun and informative, and that’s amazing! Bach To Rock Naperville is one of the newer schools but has been certainly applying this as well, everyone from management to instructors to students!

Some things to note about Bach To Rock Naperville: 

They value giving their students a balanced education that doesn’t just focus on learning a few songs, unlike some schools. They actually have a specialized curriculum that teaches both performance, comprehension and music theory. Things like reading music, understanding all of the details of your instruments and getting a diverse grasp on concepts are standard practice. 

They also believe in being active in the community. Some art schools can become so caught up in the operations of their academy that they lose sight of what’s going on around them. Bach To Rock Naperville takes initiative to make sure that this is not the case for them. They do weekly community events, often offering donated services like an instructor band or DJ. They reach out and engage with local organizations such as charities, book stores-libraries  home & school associations and farmers markets!

A couple of quotes from the staff:

“At Bach to Rock, there is a place for everyone! Growing up as a music student myself, it seemed I was always limited to classical music or musical theater in my private voice lessons.  What I was really interested in was music that was familiar and popular. My mom was always listening to Celine Dion and I wanted to sing just like her! At Bach to Rock, our students are encouraged to play and learn music they enjoy. We use those songs to teach music concepts that will allow students to be successful musicians; whether they decide to continue music as a hobby or if they decide to seriously pursue music as a profession.” - Tina, Director at Bach To Rock Naperville

Check Out Their Upcoming Events:

https://www.facebook.com/pg/B2RNapervilleIL/events/

Check Out Their Website:

naperville.b2rmusic.com

Local Restaurant Owner Named to Exclusive List (guest article)

By Doug Schroder

With it being National Small Business Week this week many mom and pop operations are
being recognized for what they do and how they contribute to their communities. One such
establishment that should be noted is Anna's Pizza and Pasta Restaurant, located in the village
of Winnebago, Ill.

Anna's Pizza and owner Brian Weavel have been an integral part of the community since
opening the doors over 23 years ago. Brian has volunteered and dedicated much time to the
community, and beyond, by sponsoring sports teams, holding fundraisers, and supporting
many different causes along the way.

Leaders in the pizza industry have recognized Weavel, like the time he was selected as a
guest editor for a month by Pizza Today magazine. Or when he was a guest last fall on the set
of the cable television show Small Business Revolution. Or when the United States Chamber
of Commerce featured him nationally in an article. Most recently he was selected to speak on
community at the International Pizza Expo held in Las Vegas. Then a few days later he gave
speeches at the Mid-West Food Service Expo in Milwaukee, one speech on community
involvement, while the other was on how to get noticed on social media.

Weavel has flourished tremendously on the social media front. Six years ago he was just
beginning to learn how to send emails, now he is all over the social media platforms.
By reaching out as he does, Weavel has caught the eyes of many, which consequentially
landed him on the list of "38 Underrepresented World Wide Talents That You Need to
Know". The list was compiled by award winning author and publisher Calynn M Lawrence
for the Fresh Faces Project 2019.

The Fresh Faces Project 2019 is a not-for-profit campaign that provides a platform for the
artists, entrepreneurs and do-gooders who are underrepresented and don't get the fame and
acknowledgment that their talents merit. Lawrence, based in Chicago, provides free exposure
and promotion for many aspiring talents and entrepreneurs, predominately those from the
fashion industry. Which makes it unusual that a restaurant owner from a small Mid-western
town would make the list. A client of hers had recommended Weavel. Lawrence checked out
his social media presence and decided he deserved a place on her list.
While the list includes people in various backgrounds, aesthetics, and industries (from
fashion to art to music to film to literature and beyond), it includes only one restaurant owner,
that being Brian Weavel.

The Fresh Faces Project is a beautiful showcase for many! It is very diverse in nature and
opens us up to different worlds! I am so proud to have been selected to be a part of it stated
Weavel when asked about the project.

Even though Weavel has gained, not only national, but also international, recognition, his
business goals remain simple; increase sales and continue to make a difference.
To see the list its entirety, and read about the individuals go to the article here: http://fashionthunderclap.blogspot.com/2019/01/38-underrepresented-world-wide-talents.html

Business Mogul and MBA Graduate, Arkeem Williams Speaks On His Life

" I'm a young entrepreneur that believes that anything is possible. I've been blessed to experience a lot and believe my purpose is to help others. I want to make sure that I leave my stamp on this world. "

 Tell us about your childhood. How would you describe your upbringing in a few sentences? How did this effect your adulthood?
 I believe I had great childhood experiences in my life. In my early childhood years, I played a lot of sports. I believe sports were a intricate thing that helped me develop my competitive mentality at a young age. That mentality has caused me to rise over obstacles that could have potentially derailed my success. Yet, I was able to beat them and continue in my stride towards acheiving my goals.

What motivates you to succeed? Advice for others seeking inspiration?

I believe I have a lot of motivating factors. Most of my motivation comes from within. See, I wasn't born rich or wealthy and neither was my son. But I truly believe his (my son) kids will. I just want to provide an affluent lifestyle for my family. Every Williams before me died broke, I want to change that curse and stomp out the curse of poverty from my entire family tree. 

Tell us your definition of a "win" and a "loss"? 
 I believe a "Win" is when you've completed a task or a goal. And a "Loss" is when you have have quit or given up. 

If you could change something about your past, would you?
I have no regrets about my past. I wish I would have gotten more serious about being a entrepreneur earlier in life but I believe it all worked out. 

How do you think your academic background effected your secular endeavors? Do you think that is was fundamental to your career success? Explain.
I think academics and your dedication to them play an essential part in your later success. See I remember getting my freshman year report card and it read 4Fs, D, C, and a B. My mom was outraged! My mom did something that changed my life forever! She decided to punish me that Christmas. She always gave the best gifts around the holidays, and was one of the people I looked forward to getting gifts from. As I woke up that Christmas, to my surprise, mom held up her end of the bargain and didn't get me anything. She told me the reason and from that point on i never received another F in my high school or college career. My parent took academics seriously and after realizing that I did the same. It also showed me that you could change anything. See it's not how you start, but how you finish. I started with terrible grades but graduated high school with a 3.3 GPA.

Sum up your career goals, life goals, personal goals in a few sentences.
I have summed up all my goals as me wanting to be the BEST!!! I grew up and it was cool to just be one of the guys, but now later on in life I want to be THE GUY!!! I really right now in life just want to be the right example, so that somebody could look at me and say, "I would love to be like that guy. "

CHECK HIM OUT ONLINE! Click!

Check Out Our Partner, The Fresh Faces Project! Click!

Welcome To True Elegance Online!

Welcome to the official blog of True Elegance Magazine! This is where you come to find the online portion of the Chicago based publication that works hard to pay tribute to various walks of talent, artistry and entrepreneurship, especially those rooted in Chicago! The Founder and Publisher, Theodore Gray uses True Elegance as the vehicle to fuel the creative community and all of their efforts. Once only a seasonal print magazine, they are now operating in both print and online! Check out the links below for more information. We look forward to working with you. :)

CHECK OUT OUR FACEBOOK! Click!
BUSINESS EMAIL (sponsors, ads, partnerships etc) Click!
SUBMISSIONS EMAIL (write for us, submit photos, apply to be featured) Click!


Check out our partner, The Fresh Faces Project ! Click!