Elevating Conversations
We interviewed LaVern Lemons, the oldest daughter of the late blues singer, Louis “Blues Boy” Jones, to learn about his legacy and music, and to talk about why she wrote her latest book, Unknown for Six Decades: The Rediscovery of Louis “Blues Boy” Jones. What inspired you to write you book? My father’s passion for music and his love for people is what inspired me to write this book. I…
When I first started Intellectual Beats, it was out of an uncertain place in my life. I knew that I had a love for writing and sharing stories but I did not know what medium to allow my gift to flow through. I took the advice of many people around me who encouraged me to start a blog. However, the requests from people (even before I created my digital site),…
After experiencing her own set of trials in life, La’Brittany Hemphill wants people to know that it is possible to live again, even after experiencing unfavorable circumstances. Her book, Discovering Life after Death: A Woman’s Journey to Unlocking the Lioness Within, is a testimony of how she became an overcomer. During her book release celebration on Jan. 4, 2020, La’Brittany recalls how losing both of her parents influenced the choices…
What started out as a dream for Vera Cleveland later manifested into a series of poems. She is now the author of Visions of Love from Heaven, a book of poems about purpose and the different types of relationships that people face. On Dec. 14, 2019, Vera Cleveland celebrated the launch of her book. During the celebration, Vera explained how dreams inspired her to write her book. “I would have a…
After witnessing many struggling relationships, Jessie and Keandra Upson felt called by God to write their book, Organic Love, where they provide 12 strategies to a healthier relationship. The strategies presented in their book include how to communicate, how to grow closer to God, and how to not compare your relationship to others. “We are very authentic and genuine people, so a lot of the struggles we’ve been through, it…
Rese the Barber, owner of Premium Quality Cuts, found himself trying to figure out what route to take to make a life for himself. After not getting a football scholarship, Rese’s mother wanted him to join the military, but he was opposed to the idea. “I was sitting at home in the computer room trying to figure out what I was going to do with myself so I decided, why…
From styling hair to designing clothes and art, Takia Scott uses her creativity to impact the lives of men, women, and children. “I wear a lot of hats; under that comes a lot of different responsibilities but I don’t fear away from them, I take all of them and strive with joy,” Takia said. She began to pursue cosmetology in the 6thgrade. Her best friend’s mom had a daycare inside…
What do you like to do in your spare time? While some people use their free time to pick up a side hustle or hobby for enjoyment, others may view it as the source behind a promising future. For Trenessa Sewell, what started off as a hobby soon became the start of her living out her dreams. Trenessa is the owner of Designs and Styles, a business dedicated to creating customized…
You’ve probably heard before that what you do the easiest and with the least effort is what you are gifted in, but for some people, identifying their gift can be a process. Debra Bell, business owner of P3 Coaching and Consulting, helps individuals to identify what they are gifted in by aligning their purpose and passion. “When I first started the coaching business it was at the advice of my…
Have you ever had a vision or dream that kept occurring and you wanted to make sense of it? Better yet, have you ever had a vision that seemed to go against your current situation? When faced with uncertainty, Jesse and Keandra Upson, the founders of the Ignited Swag Clothing Line, LLC decided to step out on faith. In 2016, after being laid off, Jesse shared with his wife, Keandra…