Last fall, Persuade Online Magazine introduced you to D. Scott, a young female writer of the African-American and Ecuadoran ethnicity who self-published a book composed of several journals of a few of her serious life experiences. We caught-up recently with Ms. Scott on an early portion of her mini-book tour. No, this is not a tell-all or a male bashing sex saga, “Stay In Your Lane: Diary of a Hot Mess,” is just that, a diary of an average young black woman and her reaction to both positive and negative stimuli while growing up in her birthplace of Niagara Falls, New York and other prominent urban arenas of the United States.

Perasuade Magazine: For those who have never heard of you, explain who D. Scott is?

D. Scott: I am a woman that has been through some things and finally want to talk about it. I’m a mother, marathoner, writer of all things, friend, lover of metaphors, down with THE Jesus, accountable, and queen of my own universe.

Persuade Magazine: Since you’ve been on this mini-book tour, how have things been going, whose idea was it, and what is its purpose?

D. Scott: The book tour was a basic notion from day one with my manager/publicist and I. Its purpose is to generate a buzz and to allow me to meet the fabulous people I have been meeting. Book tours are also a breeding ground for connecting with talent and future opportunities.

Persuade Magazine: How did you hook up with your agent Clifton Camp and how has he assisted you in expressing your vision for “Stay In Your Lane”?

D. Scott: Clifton Camp was actually the agent of another artist and in the realm I wanted to be in. I wasn’t interested in popping bottles with youngsters. I was interested in building my brand and being respected as a writer. We kind of vetted each other for a year before speaking on the phone and sealing the deal. We share a vision because he is also a lover of the arts in totality. His wife is supportive and he is a father. That was important to me that he was a family man. He can stay focused if I am not focusing on certain areas of business. Most of all he’s a marketing man. I tell people that I just write books, I don’t sell them. Clifton Camp sells my books.

Persuade Magazine: Explain what a “Hoe Stroll” is?

D. Scott: It’s THE Hoe Stroll. It should only be taken once in your lifetime. It’s really just dating under the age of 25. If you are on a path there are certain things in relationships you should have experienced. Love, sex, heartbreak,caviar, alcohol poisoning, college, horrible jobs, roomates, shirts as dresses, brokeness, hookups,makeups, amazing sex, awful sex,vomit and clarity should be experienced on your hoe stroll. Once you have experienced what’s in your particular path, it’s easier to navigate dating over the age of 25.  It’s easier to spot an abuser, a broke ass, a mama’s boy, a serial dater, a build-a-brother -bear and a liar. If a woman has not taken her Hoe Stroll or if a man hasn’t taken their hoe stroll, a marriage or a domestic situation will be uncomfortable when given the opportunity. Please refer to Tyler Perry’s movie,”Temptation”. It’s a perfect example of what happens if one doesn’t take their allotted time on the hoe stroll.

 Persuade Magazine: Why are you so hard on your mother?

D. Scott: That is your opinion and perception. I only touched lightly on my mother because she is the subject of my next book. I keep saying abuse is a cycle; clearly I don’t blame her for what happened to me. My family was almost destroyed by abuse which started with my mother. She will be explained in the next book. I felt her story needed to be told in the next book so as a family and community we start to take mental health seriously. For such a question to be asked, did you not think she was hard on us?

Persuade Magazine: Explain the complex relationships that you have with your brothers David, Mark, and your Father.

D. Scott: My relationships are not complex in my eyes. They are my brothers and my father. They are my family no matter what. I am closest to David because Mark was taken out of our home due to alleged abuse. Mark is the baby and we function in that capacity even though he is in his 30’s. My father is infallible and I compare him to Black Jesus in the book.

Persuade Magazine: What is your perspective on professional Athletes and the average male gentleman caller?

D. Scott: Athletes have standards. The average guy usually doesn’t. He has the luxury of going to an above average woman, below average and the average. Athletes have built an image typically and will not tarnish it for a woman. The average guy will put it all on the line for a hoe and abandon the “good girl” because the sex was better or because she loaned him 20 dollars. Athletes don’t require that. I don’t date average men nor athletes I date extraordinary men because I want to be extraordinary. It is my interest for my son to see extraordinary not average, not just an athlete and not mediocre.

Persuade Magazine: Are there any characters in the book who have not read the book, but have ended contact with you? Explain who and explain whether or not you feel that their actions are valid?

D. Scott: There are two people that I haven’t spoken to SINCE they read the book. I find that to read about your actions that perhaps you forgot about or never atoned for is difficult. I find that if a person has to accept the fact that they hurt another human being and didn’t know they were THAT hurt has to be embarrassing. When you have to be chin checked via a book or atone and see your part in a horror story it’s painful. I find that because it was MY truth their input wasn’t necessary. I am accepting my role in my incidents and my wish was for everyone in my cipher to accept their role as well. Those two have not. This is not my problem. When I started out editing this book I was careful not to add MY opinions. My readers are smart. Whatever interpretation THEY come up with is theirs not mine. Wherever people felt the most pain was their pain not mine. I had 70 year old women suffering through certain parts in the book because they identified with that part. As a writer it’s actually an honor for me to affect someone in such an adverse way that they refuse contact. This means that I have moved you. Whether it’s positive or negative I have affected you with my words. This also means that you are acknowledging your role in my life at that time, the pain you caused. Silence in this case is the biggest apology.

Persuade Magazine: I don’t want to really give anything away, but why do you think you often find yourself in so many violent confrontations/situations?

D. Scott: I ended up in violent situations because I am violent when provoked. Like attracts like. I ended up in violent situations because there is a large percentage of women who are murdered every year when she tries to leave her relationship. My violence was ignited by a series of events and until I accepted my role in this life and started self -actualizing I kept attracting the crazies.

Persuade Magazine: What was it like for the average Black Youth growing up in Niagara Falls, New York?

D. Scott: As I stated in the book, I was never average. I was involved in every activity I could be in as far as the arts and sports. The Canadian border is literally across the street from me and I would just walk over the bridge at times. In any area I think it’s what you make of it. There are several museums, camps, competitions, sporting events and other things a youth can get into if the research is done.

Persuade Magazine: What were the experiences that led you to the cities of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Tampa, Florida?

D. Scott: Pittsburgh was where I spent all my summers as a teenager. Going to University of Pittsburgh was destined. I met my husband after I graduated school there and we married quickly. He was drafted to a baseball team in Tampa and we moved to Tampa.

Persuade Magazine: You are a very educated and intelligent young lady. How do you stay so grounded and not throw your academic resume’ out there so much like many people in academia?

D. Scott: Academia is always my sucker punch. I say some outlandish and curt things and back up with statistics. If I am challenged more than that THEN I pull out the resume. My philosophy is to never underestimate your opponent. This is why I find it glorious when they do it to me.

Persuade Magazine: Is there someone special in your life and if so, have they discovered that you are crazy yet? Also why do most men not believe you when you tell them from the beginning that you are crazy?

Denise Scott: There is always someone special in my life because I have a son and me and The Jesus are tight. My dating life is non- existent. Dating isn’t important to me at this time, being a mother and author is important to me at this time. I’ve been celibate for over a year and in that time ghostwrote a book, put out my book, been promoted on my day job, my son has tested 100’s in every subject in a gifted program, traveled and made myself happy. I’m celibate not because of religious reasons but because I don’t want to lose my shimmer. If you have a shiny ornament with glitter and crystals all over it one can stare at it for its beauty and originality. Once you begin to touch the ornament it becomes dull, and begins to lose its shimmer because it’s being handled too much. When it’s done being handled one might become careless and drop it, thus breaking it. Once it’s broken it goes in the trash because it’s not revered anymore. Or one may try to fix it but because there’s so much that was lost it won’t regain its former beauty. When I choose to consummate it will be with someone who is of like mind and extraordinary. I disclaimer my crazy all the time, nobody believes me because I’m a functioning crazy person. Men are visual so visually I look every part of a well versed lady. Only when I am provoked will you see my crazy. Since like attracts like I don’t worry about them leaving me for my P.T.S.D. diagnosis. Men that come into my life now, have to be protective and adoring not abrasive and harsh. They will never see crazy if we are connected on all levels, it won’t be necessary.

Persuade Magazine: If there is anything else you’d like to add, feel free and thanks for this second profile exclusive with Persuade Online Magazine

D. Scott: As a whole we need to start addressing abuse and mental illness. We all know somebody that’s been in or is currently in an abusive relationship, yet we do nothing. We are also the same people that when something awful happens we want to cry, don’t cry if you didn’t help. We address chemical dependency  but not chemical imbalance. The two people I stated that don’t speak to me at this time were also victims of some sort of abuse. I was very close to them both. My intent was not to blame them but to make them aware of their effect on me and the pain I feel when I looked at them because they too were suffering. I did try to help them yet they refused me. Their silence is them being accountable for not knowing I was as damaged as I was. Their silence is the acknowledgement that maybe they should have tried to help me or paid closer attention. Their silence is them accepting the truth about me and choosing to ignore me because its ugly. Their silence screams, “I’m sorry” yet I will never hear those words.  All I can say is that I don’t blame them and the book is about ME not their lack of empathy or support. I am in such a different place so to look back at lost time is dumb. My book states that you need to ,”Stay in your lane” and that is what I intend to do. Please note that my lane is a one way and it’s looking straight ahead, not behind me.

Profile compiled and contributed by Persuade Magazine Senior Writer: 6 degrees

Contact information: Ajordan@persuademagazine.com

Review was Submitted by Persuade Magazine Senior Writer: 6 Degrees
Sources: HBO Sports and The New York Times
Contact Info: Ajordan@persuademagazine.com

1. Tell Persuade a little about yourself.

I love being with my family, working out and playing sports. I love the movies and outdoor activities and making music.

2. How did you get started modeling and where do you see your career in fashion going?

I got into modeling for the fun of capturing an audience while wearing unique fashion. I like the appeal of the fashion shows and photo shoots. It’s all about bringing styles to life. I hope that I can get into more magazines and fashion shows.

3. Spring is approaching fast, what are some are you favorite fashion items to wear for spring?

For spring, I like v-neck shirts, nice dark sweaters with collars. Dark colored boot cut jeans.

4. What designer do you think compliments your personal fashion sense?

I would have to say Marc Ecko’s new line really intrigues me. I love the styles put together by Express as well as Hugo boss and Armani are all styles that fit me. I like clean casual look. Nice watches, and belts are a big accessory for me.

5. Tell me about some of your recent work that you have done and what was a highlight?

Modeling at the Jet Hotel, as well as the Ogden Theater (in Denver, CO). The highlight was the clothes and the different styles I was able to showcase and wish I could take home.

6. What advice would you give to someone wanting to get started in modeling?

Create a portfolio by a professional to work on different look and it gives you the ability to bring your photos to life.

Name – Chris Starks

Hight – 5’11

Age – 29

Twitter @chris_starkss

Facebook Chris Starks

Instagram Chris_Starks

Review was submitted by Persuade Senior Writer: 6 Degrees

Contact Information: Ajordan@persuademagazine.com

Source: Associated Press

It’s close to that time of year again! The time for soaking up sun, traveling to exotic places, and splashing with friends at the beach. But before that time arrives, it is time to work off and get rid of the extra poundage that you may have gained eating all that good food during the winter holidays. But don’t fret, here are ten persuade tips that will have you slim and sexy in no time.

1. Drink Water. Drinking water not only keeps you hydrated but it also flushes toxins out of your system. It is best to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day to keep you hydrated and healthy. 75% of our bodies is made up of water. Water is needed for our organs to function properly and for our skin to stay clear.
2. Stay Active. Proper exercise is the key part in slimming down. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Take a walk around the block and enjoy the fresh air. Exercise is not a punishment, it could be very fun. Get a workout partner and do dance aerobics or zumba. Exercise also prevents depression, it releases stress and you feel so much better when you’re done.
3. Eat a Balanced Meal. Never skip meals to try to lose weight. Skipping meals such as breakfast will make you irritable and cause you to become so hungry you will end up gorging yourself on foods that are bad for you and eating past your limit. Eat a healthy breakfast in the morning with a serving of fruit or yogurt. Smoothies are very good to have for breakfast and give you tons of energy.
4. Eat in Moderation. Eat when you are hungry and stop when you are satisfied. Try not to eat until you are so full you can barely move. It is very uncomfortable and in some instances you can spoil your appetite for a later meal. For example, if you know you are going to dinner at a certain time but feel hungry right before, eat something light like an apple. Chewing gum also tricks your body into thinking its eating and curbs your appetite.
5. Eat Healthier. Add more vegetables and lean meats to your meals. Instead of fried fish or chicken, bake or broil it. Turkey burgers are much healthier than beef burgers and have a salad with your burger instead of fries. Vegetables are very tasty when you sauté them in a seasoning of your choice. Wheat bread is very delicious when toasted and has fewer calories than white bread.
6. Get Support. If you know other people besides yourself that want to transition over to a healthier lifestyle, start a support group. Exercise together, share healthy recipes and set goals. Praise one another if a goal is accomplished and support each other if one of you did not accomplish a goal.
7. Be Patient. You did not gain the weight overnight, so you will not lose the weight overnight. Be patient and don’t expect quick results, you will see a change in your body in due time. Hard work pays off and once you see the results you will definitely praise yourself.
8. Love yourself. Lose the weight because you want to lose the weight. If you lose the weight to impress someone or to fit in you will not be happy.  Regardless, if you are slim or heavy love yourself and love your body.
9. Set a goal. Set a goal to reach your ideal weight that is healthy for your body. You may need to set an appointment with your primary physician for a consultation. If you don’t have a primary physician, the health department has a nutritionist on staff that helps people who want to live healthier lives.
10. Have Fun.  Make losing weight fun! Take a pole dancing class, go to Yoga, gather a bunch of your friends and have fun attending a water aerobics class.

Persuade: How old were you when you first got into modeling? And what has made you continue to pursue modeling?

I began modeling at the age of 11. At the age of 11, I remained the tallest girl in the class, with the longest arms and the longest legs. I was stylish at a young age and I was always into the latest fashions that other kids knew nothing about. You couldn’t miss me, anywhere. However, as I grew taller, and longer, I decided to put my body, my mind, and style to work; which lead me into further pursuing modeling.

Persuade: Where are you from and how do you think that has influenced your fashion?

I am from Chesapeake, Virginia, or as my family and I say, “The 757”. Where I’m from, compared to where I live now, people dressed very different and unique. As a child, I always questioned why no one actually matched or color coordinated. In that case, I think that that influenced my fashion. Once I’d determined my fashion, I, later, developed my style: VERSATILE.

Persuade: What are some upcoming trends in fashion that you are loving for spring time?

The trends that I absolutely, love, for Spring-time, which deprives from Teen Vogue, is the Spring Colored Lace Trend. I, also, am inspired by bright, pale, and neutral colors that contrast in the Spring-time. I am definitely ready to embrace them this upcoming spring!

Persuade: When you walk out onto the catwalk describe that feeling and how do you keep your cool when it’s all eyes on you?

It all starts from the panic and frustration backstage. No one knows the stress that, us, models have to endure behind the scenes. However, we must make sure that that remains the same and our performance will overcome. Before getting on the cat walk, fellow models ask me, “Are you nervous?” The answer is, most of the time, “No”. If I deliver my nervousness unto the crowd, I think about the photographs that I will receive back, the designers’ clothes that I didn’t showcase appropriately, and the disappointment. Even if someone were to show their nervousness, they’re expected to do better the next time when approaching the runway. In that case, when I approach the runway, I am representing myself, the designer, etc., so I have no time to waste time.

Persuade:What other aspects of fashion would you like to break into?

I’ve always had a love for styling others. I love the art of piecing “trunking” apparel into a whole. So, I think that fashion styling would be a field that I will extend myself to.

Persuade: What are some of your major accomplishments while modeling and what are you most proud of?

Generally speaking, one of my major accomplishments is having a fan/support base behind me, who supports and commends my work and accomplishments. I appreciate each and every person who lifts me up. I think that if I didn’t accomplish and dedicate myself, I wouldn’t have the support that I have. Another of my major accomplishments is being able to work with people who’s helped, taught, and booked me into developing modeling material and information that I need. Lastly, I am most proud of believing and achieving of myself. It takes a determined person to devote themselves and time to precede a goal, consistently.

Persuade: What are you major beauty tips when you have little time and need to get ready to look your best?

I am all about a natural look. Tip #1: Don’t apply too much or too little. Let everything blend. Tip #2: Do not over accessorize. Let your outfit, makeup, hair, etc. be simple, yet unique. Tip #3: Let everything correlate with your apparel, hair style, etc. BE YOU!

Persuade: What are you currently interested in at the moment? (Music, clothes, magazines,  etc)

I absolutely love Drake! During fashion show rehearsal intermission-time, I’ll rush to my earphones and listen to the latest of Drakes’ hits.  I am currently excited about his upcoming album, “Nothing Was The Same”. When I am on the road, traveling, I’m usually backseat studying magazines, like, Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Seventeen Magazine, and Elle for fashion tips, trends, and features. My current favorite shoe brand is Jessica Simpson. Her shoes are very comfortable, high heeled, yet stylish.

Persuade: Where do you see your career in the next 5 years?

As I continue to devote myself and remain focused, in the next 5 years, I see my career as an International Fashion Runway Model. I pray that I will be signed to an independent, world-wide agent/agencies. Also, in the next 5 years, I see myself walking down runways of Paris, France, and New York, and on front covers of magazines that I’ve studied and admire. It takes patience and faith, and that’s what I’ll keep.

Thank you so much, Persuade Magazine for having me. I appreciate your consideration and I look forward to further working with you!

Name: Destiny Necole Elliott

Age: 14

Height: 5’11

Contact info:

Email: dnelliott98@yahoo.com OR DestinyEBookings@gmail.com

Social Networks:

Facebook: http://m.facebook.com/?_rdr#!/DestinyNElliott?__user=1514543709

]]> http://www.persuademagazine.com/persuade-meet-destiny-elliott-march-17/feed/ 3 http://www.persuademagazine.com/everyday-stress-is-it-really-worth-it/ http://www.persuademagazine.com/everyday-stress-is-it-really-worth-it/#comments Tue, 29 Jan 2013 15:33:33 +0000 Persuade Magazine http://www.persuademagazine.com/?p=3473 In today’s society, everyday stress is becoming more and more common among Americans as we know it. For some, stress can be quite manageable, but for others it can really have a drastic affect on ones daily life. Once being quoted as the “most stressed country on earth”, America seems to be living up to that title. With the economy in the state that it is in, it seems to be one of the more popular reasons why the levels in stress are on the rise. Major issues such as will monthly finances be paid on time, or what is for dinner are all issues that people find to stress over. Sometimes you really have to ask yourself, is the situations you worry about so much really even worth worrying about? Some feel as if a problem can’t be solved at that present moment in time, stress sets in and it becomes yet another item to add to the possibly already long list of stresses. Giving consideration that it is human nature to get caught up with the world around them, stress sometimes tends to come without even knowing it. Depending on the individual, stress can be just as physical as it is mental, which then can lead to health complications such as acute migraines, deprival of sleep and slight depression, as well as even possibly speeding up the aging process. You really have to at some point ask yourself, am i going to continue to stress over every minor situation that comes my way, or will i let it take care of itself? Finding ways to be able to cope with the matters of stress, it opens up a gateway for people to live a life full of clarity and reason which in turn can help people deal with the everyday issues some may face. Being in control of everything is something everyone wants to have, but if it can not be control, why should we pay so much attention to these matters, Letting go of the problems that are out of your reach in controlling and focusing more on what you know you can take on gives you the avenue to take care of the able to control issues, that way when those are squared away its becomes one less worry and maybe then you can focus some of the heavier issues at hand. With a clear mind and a sense of knowing that stress can be concord, the stress that some live with daily can truly be a thing of the past.

Written by: Kevin Sims

Article was written by Persuade Entertainment Writer 6 Degrees

Sources: Associated Press, ABC Nightly News Online

Contact info. Ajordan@persuademagazine.com

Article was written by Persuade Entertainment Writer 6 Degrees

Sources: Hot 107.9 FM radio news

Contact info. Ajordan@persuademagazine.com