March 15, 2025 "Knocking Down Doors”
At 54, I am Knocking Down Doors & Opening New Chapters! I don’t just walk through doors, I break them down, build new ones, and leave them open for others to follow. Every challenge, every setback, every triumph has been a step toward this moment. Every year I do a photoshoot to represent where I am, appreciate the year of growth and to reflect on all of my setbacks and accomplishments. It was so fitting to do this year’s photoshoot in my new labor of love at Lake No Mess.
I stand at the threshold of a dream realized—my lake house, a vision I carried since childhood, now a sanctuary of peace, power, and purpose. This isn’t just a home; it’s a testament to my resilience, faith, and the unwavering journey of transformation—not just for myself, but for those I pour into every day.
I owe so much of this moment to my mother, whose presence in a single picture speaks volumes. She laid the foundation of hard work and determination, sparking the fire within me to dream beyond my circumstances. Her sacrifices, strength, and love are the blueprint for everything I’ve built.
Surrounded by symbols of legacy and empowerment I would like to thank some very special people that made this year’s photoshoot amazing, LeToya—SheThoro’s her vision and talent to transform your most vulnerable moments is impeccable, Avnah for dressing me in her couture gown straight from NY’s Runway. With the artistry of Enhance by Lai bringing forth my radiance with a stroke of her brush, Fastest Braider for whipping my hair up in no time and the visionary lens of Khadijah, Conqueror Movement Videography for capturing my essence, this moment is more than a photoshoot—it’s a proclamation.
March is International Women’s Month, and I honor the Black women who have always been natural-born healers, creators, and architects of change. I want to thank my amazing team for making my day extra special for all. Deadrea and Sharetha I am forever grateful. Killer Keisha, Marica, Arlecia and Tiffany for being my intro Squad tearing it up while catching me and popping me up on stage LOL. This is a tribute to all these women who create, heal, and uplift.
Every door I’ve ever knocked on, pushed through, or built myself has led me here. This is for the women who illuminate the darkness, stitch together dreams with faith and feed the soul of the world with their wisdom.
Huge shout out to all the vendors that came out to represent their brands and all of the people who participating in making my birthday extra special. DJ Blak, funny man Fattmandeezy for hosting and keeping constant laughter in the room, Tracy of Sugary Dozen for making my beautiful vegan German Chocolate Cake, my fly custom shirts & fans by Desiree (Creativthreadz), Food by Deadrea I’m still dreaming of dem shrimp and grits, Kristy (ChaseNKreations) your balloon decorations made the gym transform into Tadda’s Studio 54 and to Darnell and his team for capturing the day with video and photos that I will cherish forever.
Lastly, thank you sooooooo much to all my amazing clients, my fit family, you make what I do worthwhile every day. Your hugs, cards, laughter, tears of joy and kind words pierced my heart and y’all made this 54-year-old feel very special.At 54, Every Door I’ve Faced Led Me Here! This is more than a milestone; it’s a declaration—of resilience, of faith, of the power to create the life I’ve always envisioned. Here’s to honoring the past, embracing every new opportunity, every fresh start, every door waiting to be opened and being No Mess!
