2011::The Year of DIVINE Revelation...2012::The Year Of DIVINE Glory...2013::The Year Of DIVINE Faith

2013 The Year Of DIVINE Faith

"Faith is your divine anchor and it's the surprise to reason, peacefulness and sure success. Clearly stated it is sacred success."

~Author Unknown

2012 was truly the Year of DIVINE Glory. DIVINE Magazine was honored by the University of Memphis as being an outstanding publication. Such an award was in perfect timing as we celebrated 5 years in publication as a print and digital magazine. We've been blessed to launch in several cities even in the midst of an economic downfall and we were able to defy all odds that PRINT magazines were becoming obsolete.  I'm truly grateful for my Editorial team including Angela Wilson and Kadi Henderson as well as my awesome Director of Photography Courtney Long , my Creative Director Terrell Gatewood, my Advisory Board members who work behind the scenes, my Staff Blogger Tiffoni Y. Mitchell, my freelance photographers, ad designers and writers & the members of my Street Team who help to distribute & spread the word about DIVINE. In 2013, we're expecting to do even more and I believe that God will continue to use DIVINE Magazine to impact people across the nation!!!

As we prepare for 2013 let's take a moment to recap on DIVINE Magazine's 2012 Highlights :

Celebrated 5 Years
It's truly an accomplishment to reach 5 years as a publication and it was a privilege to celebrate such an amazing milestone this year. We are looking forward to another 5 years and we hope you are along for the journey with us! Thank you to everyone for your continued support because we couldn't have reached this milestone without our advertisers, sponsors and readers!

Business Issue
We were privileged to encourage Business Owners everywhere with our official Business Issue. We featured  the incomparable Pam Perry and she shared some awesome tips on how businesses and ministries can market their brand by using Social Media. Ken Brown provided some very insightful tips on how to exit a business in case the seasons in your life change and you need to go in a different direction. Meagan & Darius Peace also shared their story of starting their own Cosmetics company from the ground up! To access the FREE Digital Copy Of Our Business Issue, click here!

35 People Who Inspire Feature: My awesome staff & I worked hard to interview and feature 35 amazing men & women who are inspiring & impacting their communities & our world. It was a great feature & readers loved the idea. To find out who was featured and to view the entire Fall/Winter Issue email freedivinemagazine@gmail.com. To view the extended feature click here.

4th Annual Bowl-A-Thon & Silent Auction 
I had the privilege to travel on a mission trip to Africa in 2009 and was so moved by the experience that she wanted to give others the opportunity to go global. The 4th Annual Bowl-A-Thon & Silent Auction was a HUGE success & we are looking forward to another great Bowl-A-Thon In 2013. To view the journal of my 10 day journey in Africa click here to view. A Special Thanks to all of our Sponsors, Cordova Bowling Center, our teams, and everyone who made generous donations.

CYBERWORLD CONNECTIONSOver the year's, we've created a number of Cyberworld Connections in order to increase our Internet presence. We're on Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and now Pinterest. In addition to THIS BLOG, we also distribute an electronic newsletter to hundreds of readers entitled Bringing You Everything Inspirational to provide information about the positive events that are taking place around the city and beyond. The e-newsletter is also a great opportunity for business owners to spread the word about their services and connect with potential customers. (To receive DIVINE Magazine's weekly e-newsletter email us). We also increased our readership through DIVINE Digital, our digital version of the print publication. We went from reaching 5,000+ people to over 20,000+ people by making the magazine available in both a print and digital format. In 2010, our plan was to double our readership numbers and we actually surpassed our goal. Praise God! A Special Thanks to my interns Kirstin Cheers, Khaliah Cooper & Natalie Poe for serving their hard work and dedication on our Social Media Sites and helping to make sure that our Online Presence was on point!

CYBERSTATS: Our Facebook Fan Page grew in leaps & bounds. In a matter of months, we increased from 1400 to over 2500 Fans. Our MySpace page includes over 1400 Friends and our Twitter page has over 1400 followers. Overall, we have over 5,300 Online Supporters A Huge Jump From Last Year's Numbers of 3,500!!!


PARTNERSHIPS: We partnered with so many awesome organizations this year including Delisha Easley Ministries, Ruby Naturals, B & R Realty, Seacret Direct, Seleria Perryman Ministries, Diva Couture Accents, P3 Retirement & Tax, Crye-Leike Realtors, Paradigm Dental Center, Gutsy Grace, Dr Mac Carpet Cleaning, Glory Shine Adornment, Invest Fitness, LLC, JP Connections, Ginny Edwards International, Perfection Floors, Bona Fide Event Management, By God Inspired, Darlene's Art School, MTLY Communications, The Glamour Girl Movement, Ladies Of Armor, Trinity Entertainment Group, L2 Design & Printing Co., Daybreak Outsourcing, WingStop Cordova, Memorable Moments Photography and a number of churches & ministries!


ADVERTISERS & SPONSORS DIVINE could not be where it is without the support of its Advertisers & Sponsors! A HUGE THANK YOU To Our New Partner By God Inspired & BGI Radio . A HUGE THANK YOU Also Goes To Kingdom Quality Communications for Sponsoring the Anniversary Issue of DIVINE Magazine!!! To everyone who has shown undying support for DIVINE Magazine , you know who you are and we appreciate all that you do & by sowing into DIVINE you are sowing right back into your life/business/ministry. May you, your family and your business/ministry experience extreme overflow and favor always.

READERS & SUPPORTERS Without your support our purpose of inspiring men & women to greatness would be null & void. Thank you for sharing this journey with us for almost 6 years and for growing with us. We aim to produce a high quality publication that exhibits excellence in every sense of the word. We also strive to create as many ways as possible to keep you connected and motivated in life to do what you're purposed to do! Know that you are awesome & your support is greatly appreciated.
In closing, 2012 presented challenges and obstacles, but nothing that God didn't allow or plan. I believe that God had to shake a few things up & now all things are in order. In 2013, I believe that if we continue to line up with God's will, then and only then will He give us DIVINE Revelation about how to navigate on this journey called LIFE. I pray that DIVINE Magazine has been a blessing to you in 2012 and that you will continue to support us in 2013 as we move forward on our journey to inspire nations!

Remember Be Encouraged, Be Grateful, Be Inspired!
DIVINE Magazine Publisher,
Megan Mottley

13 Questions for Tony Davis

 

 

 

 

Founder of DMAG, LLC and The Memphis Choice Awards

By DIVINE Staff Blogger, Tiffoni Mitchell

   

The 3rd Annual Memphis Choice Awards sponsored by DMAG ,LLC  recognized and celebrated small businesses of the greater Memphis region. This years event was as held November 17th and hosted by V101's Stan Bell and Comedian MZZZ Kecia. DIVINE sat down with the visionary Tony Davis for a one on one about DMAG, LLC and  The Memphis Choice Awards.

 

DIVINE::  What lead you to form DMAG Americas, LLC?

 

Tony Davis:: DMAG, LLC originally started as Davis Marketing & Accounting Group.  So many of our clients were start-up businesses and found themselves needing more than just marketing and accounting. We wanted to develop an affordable solution to handle all of our client needs.  We added six additional  services, making us an end-to-end outsourcing firm. In an effort to re-brand without redevelopment of our image, We kept the initials of (D)avis (M)arketing & (A)ccounting G)roup and formed  DMAG.

DIVINE::  What is the goal of DMAG?

 

Tony Davis:: Our goal is to provide professional, value-added services with a focus on exceptional customer service. We want our clients to focus on their core business, while we handle their essential needs.

DIVINE::   Is it safe to say that helping to nurture small businesses is your "passion"?

 

Tony Davis::  Yes, being an Accountant, I understand the essential elements a business need in order to grow.  Being a business owner, I understand the challenges one faces while trying to achieve success.  The feeling of nurturing a business to a success story is exhilarating.
.
DIVINE::  What is the first thing someone with an idea for a business needs to do?

 

 

Tony Davis::  The first thing a potential entrepreneur needs to do is develop a plan.  In order to bring an idea to life, its imperative to know the steps it takes to get there. 

DIVINE::What are common mistakes small business owners make?

 

 

Tony Davis:: One of the most common mistakes small business owners make is not seeking an Accountant or financial advisor who can assist them with their financial affairs.  Small business owners need to understand the importance of financial planning and cash flow.  Without being knowledgeable in where you will land financially or where you are planning to achieve, can be detrimental to success.

DIVINE::  What services does DMAG Americas LLC, offer?  DMAG provides services in the following areas: Accounting & Bookkeeping, Small Business Development & Consulting, Marketing, Human Resources, Payroll, Individual & Business Tax Preparation, Accounts Receivable & Payables, and Inventory Auditing.

Tony Davis:  What is DMAG doing to globally affect the small business market? DMAG currently has taken a smaller approach on the small business market with a focus on uniting the local market. We have plans of expansion to take our program nationally before focusing on our global efforts.

DIVINE::  Tell our readers about the Memphis Choice Awards and how was it started?

 

 

Tony Davis::   The Memphis Choice Awards were created to promote pride and achievement in our entrepreneurs and bring awareness to the community.  A lot of the services and products the consumer needs can be delivered right in the community.  The quality and level of professionalism you seek could be right next door, more efficient and effective than their larger corporate counterparts. The Memphis Choice Awards initial mission was to join our clients and potential clients in a networking mixer so that they could possibly build business relationships and possibly utilize or refer potential clients to one another. We decided to add awards as a bonus to our networking mixer and the idea spread like wildfire. The owners embraced the idea of being honored by their peers and recognized for their accomplishments and that marked the beginning of the Memphis Choice Awards.

DIVINE::  How are the businesses selected for the Memphis Choice Awards?

 

 

Tony Davis::  The nomination process is simple.  Your peers, relatives, constituents, etc. make a nomination on your behalf explaining how their experience had a great impact personally or in the community.

DIVINE::  What is your motivation?

 

 

Tony Davis::  As the owner and organizer, my motivation comes from the pride that comes over the participants to know that they are being recognized for their accomplishments.  When a business owner says that the MCA's motivated them to move their brand forward or continue to stride, I feel accomplished myself.

DIVINE:  As it relates to business, what other projects are you working on?

 

 

Tony Davis::  I am also the owner of 645 Records, Inc.  A record label based out of Atlanta, GA.  Focused on making an impact on the entertainment industry, we have put strategies in place to take the industry by storm.  We are focused on all genres of music from Pop to Gospel. 

DIVINE::What organizations is DMAG partnered with to help small businesses succeed?

 

Tony Davis:: DMAG is proud to have been a part of organizations such as Memphis Chamber of Commerce and Better Business Bureau, to name a few, for years.  We have developed partner relationships with companies such as Bank of America, who understands the small business market all too well.  We have also partnered with non-profit organizations such as Bridges of Memphis, 501c3, who educates and motivates our future business owners.

DIVINE::  In one word, encourage the business owners who are reading this interview right now.

 

 

Tony Davis::   Steadfast! Rome was not built in a day and your companies will not either.  Keep at it!

   

For more information about DMAG, LLC  and The Memphis Choice Awards please contact Tony Davis at www.dmagllc.com,  www.memphischoiceawards.com, www.645worldwide.com and Faceboo: https://www.facebook.com/DMAG.LLC

 

 

 

 

MCA hosts Comedian MZZZ Kecia and V101's Stan Bell

 

 

 

 R & B Singer KeKe Wyatt and Tony Davis

 

 

www.divinemagazine.blogspot.com

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DIVINE Magazine Nominated For A 2012 Memphis Choice Award

DIVINE Magazine has been nominated for a 2012 MEMPHIS CHOICE AWARD in the MEMPHIS PUBLICATION CHOICE Category! Please show your support & VOTE at  http://www.memphischoiceawards.com/#!vote . 

Select DIVINE Magazine Under the MEMPHIS PUBLICATION CHOICE category, 

Submit Your Vote & That's It!

Memphis Has Been The Spotlight Of Many National Polls For:

• High Infant Mortality Rates 
• High Crime Rates 
• Fattest City In America

However, it has been our goal over the past few years to feature MEMPHIS & ITS CITIZENS in a positive light.

DIVINE Magazine has been INSPIRING its readers to greatness for 5 years 

& we are here to stay. Please Vote For Us To Show Your Support Of Our Efforts!

VOTE for DIVINE Magazine (MEMPHIS PUBLICATION CHOICE) at  http://www.memphischoiceawards.com/#!vote . 

*Email freedivinemgazine@gmail.com for a FREE Digital Copy of the Current Issue*

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10 Questions For...

 Lisa Knowles

Award Winning Gospel Recording Artist and 
Lead Singer of Lisa Knowles & The Brown Singers 

by  DIVINE Staff Blogger, Tiffoni Mitchell

        Lisa Knowles is a talented Gospel Artist home grown right here in Memphis, TN. She is a winner of the 2009 Rhythm of Gospel Award Song of the Year for the song “Work On Me” which Lisa performed along with The Brown Singers. In 2010, Lisa & The Brown Singers were nominated for three Stellar Awards for another hit “Experience the Evolution" and they will be honored at the Rhythm of Gospel Awards later this year with the 2012 Gospel Legends Award. Lisa has been a part of both Stellar and Grammy Award winning projects singing background vocals on Vickie Winan’s  “How I Got Over” , Sheri Jones-Moffett’s  “Renewed.” and on Earnest Pugh’s  “He Already Knows.”   Most recently Knowles performed a tribute to Kim Burrell at the 2012 Stellar Awards and she brought the house down.  DIVINE caught up with this awesome Gospel powerhouse to chat about her life in song which started earlier than most.

DIVINE:: You began singing at an early age. At nine you were a background singer for the Brown Singers and was the lead singer at twelve. Where did the passion come from?

Lisa:: I would say my passion for music came from my upbringing. I was born into a singing as well as a musical family.  Where did you first sing and how did you know that a career in music was what you wanted to do? I first sang when I was about 3 with Ms. Lula Collins who had just recorded “Hold Me Jesus”, they had to stand me on a chair so people could see me. I think I was always a character, and I loved singing even at an early age. As far as a career in music, I knew around about 18 this is what I really want to do.

DIVINE:: You have worked with some great artists, name some of them. What artists would you like to work with? 

Lisa::  Yes I have, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Mama Vickie Winans, Earnest Pugh, J.J. Hairston and Pastor John P. Kee just to name a few. ’d like to work with Mary Mary, Donald Lawrence and maybe a gospel collaboration with Beyonce J


DIVINE:: What is the best advice that you have been given as it relates to your life and career?  


Lisa:: To always remember that I am the artist, I have the paint brush, I control the picture. If I let producers, managers, etc ., paint the picture then that makes them the artist. It was mind-blowing.

DIVINE::    Have you done any writing and producing?

Lisa::   Yes I have.  I wrote most of the songs on the Brown Singers' last project and I’m writing majority of the songs on the new album as well. As far as producing I do most of the pre-production and co-produce as well.

DIVINE:: As a singer you minister to people through song. What message do you always want to convey to the listener?

Lisa:: I want people to know that God is able to do anything. I try to write relatable, practical music with a biblical reference. In other words, the same thing He did back then, He can do it again. I know because He did  it for me.

DIVINE:: Besides singing Gospel music, what else is Lisa Knowles passionate about?

Lisa::  I'm passionate about People. I’m returning to school this summer to major in Psychology. I would love to be a family counselor.   
        
DIVINE:: Memphis has a plethora of musical artists. Gospel, blues, rock and the list goes on. Who are your favorite local artists?

Lisa:: I would have to say Courtney Franklin, Pastor Darrel Pettis, Billy Rivers and AVOF, Perfection, Vincent Tharpe and Kenosis, the Echoaires……I could go on and on…Memphis has some amazing talent!!

DIVINE:: You are participating in the NAACP Memphis Gospel Fest. Tell our readers about that opportunity?

Lisa:: Yes I am. I’m so excited to have this opportunity to encourage our students and guests at the University of Memphis. I’m always humbled and honored for such a great platform.

DIVINE:: How are you making a difference in the community? What are you doing to give back? 

Lisa:: I am currently creating a program that will deposit life back into our young ladies. I’m looking to link up with churches throughout Memphis to do a girls conference that will empower our young ladies into becoming amazing young women.   I try to make myself available for youth both young ladies and young men for support. The time that I spend with young people is priceless.

DIVINE:: What is on the horizon for you? Any projects in the works?  

Lisa::  I’m most definitely trying to make a difference in my local community as well as take one step towards changing the world through music.  Lisa Knowles and The Brown Singers will be releasing a new project “The Evolution Continues”. The new single “God Do It” will hit the radio this summer. I will also be releasing my first solo project “Unveiled” so keep a look out for that! 

Lisa Knowles will be performing at the NAACP Memphis Gospel Fest Saturday April 28, 2012 at the Rose Theater on the campus of the University of Memphis. The doors open at 6PM and show starts at 7PM. For more information visit www.GetToThis.com

Connect with Lisa Knowles

on Facebook, Twitter

For booking information contact Zantino Kimmons at 901-438-0263

or Vanessa Knowles at 901-366-4764 or email lisaknowlesmusic@gmail.com.

Also Check Out Vidoes Of Lisa Knowles & The Brown Sisters on Youtube.

7 Questions For...

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Rochelle Woods, Natural Hair Care/Tree Braid Specialist & Educator

Owner of Natural Opulence Hair, Scalp & Body Therapy Products

By Tiffoni Mitchell, DIVINE Staff Blogger 

      

            All natural hair styles are not a thing of the past. The afro and other natural hairstyles of yester year are now the New Look of today.  Natural Hare Care/Tree Braid Specialist & Educator Rochelle Woods has created a product line for everyone one that should definitely be considered “The All Natural Nation.” Her products will have your hair healthy and looking great.  Not only does Rochelle know exactly what is needed for the hair but she has created products for the total body from head to toe.

DIVINE:  Tell our readers about your line of hair care products?

Rochelle:  Natural Opulence Hair & Scalp Therapy is a luxurious and exclusive plant based all natural hair care line. My products have been designed to provide nourishment, healing and restoration to the hair and scalp while enhancing the blood circulation to the root of the hair, reversing hair loss and preventing premature balding. My products contain only the highest grade of organic essential oils, botanicals, herbs, plant and vegetable extracts that will only nourish the hair and scalp, not destroy them. My products are designed for all types of hair and because of the unique and delicate ingredients they are made fresh to order.  The will leave your hair feeling extremely soft, silky and manageable, leaving your scalp feeling clean, fresh and invigorated. I promise your hair and scalp will thank you.

DIVINE: In addition to a line of hair care products, you also have bath and body treats. Tell our readers about them?

Rochelle: I have released my new Bath & Body Collection. These luxurious bath & body treats are handmade fresh to order with only the purest ingredients that nature has to offer. The collection consists of:  Gourmet Specialty Soaps, Herbal Soaps, Unscented Soaps, Relaxing Bath Salts, Exfoliating Salt & Sugar Scrubs, Hydrating Perfumes Body Mist, Whipped Body Frosting and more to come.  The moisturizing properties of the oils, such as coconut, olive, sunflower etc., and butters such as raw shea butter, soy, cocoa, etc., contained in these soaps and other items not only cleanse and moisturize the body but leave the body incredibly soft and hydrated.

DIVINE: Natural Opulence….that is a unique name. How did you come up with it?

Rochelle: Actually, it was my husband who created the name for the business.

DIVINE: How can our readers purchase your hair care products or the bath & body treats?

Rochelle: All of the products can be purchased from my website (www.naturalopulence.com) or by placing the order by calling or sending me an email to rochellewoods@naturalopulence.com

DIVINE:  Who or what is your inspiration? Are you doing what you love?

Rochelle:  My inspiration comes from the Lord who indeed gave me the passion and desire to become an entrepreneur. What I do as a natural hair care specialist is not just a career but it is my God given assignment. I meet so many women who are insecure about embracing their natural hair and I feel it is my job to make them look and feel beautiful. I live to encourage women to love themselves as God created them and teach them that how to be beautiful with their natural hair without having to compromise their health and wellness in the process.

My mother was a hair stylist as well and I knew I wanted to follow in her footsteps but I also wanted to do more than just stand behind a chair in a salon. So yes, I do feel I am doing what I have always dreamed of... but I never imagined my dream would go this far.

DIVINE: What do you want to say to our readers who are interested in becoming entrepreneurs?

Rochelle: I say do it!  Don’t let fear keep you from reaching the goal that has already been predestined before you were ever born.  If you feel that there is more for you than where you are now, just begin to search your heart and ask God to show you those hidden gifts and talents that He placed inside of you. Your gifts are not for lying dormant in your heart but they are to be shared with the world! When you finally start your journey to your destiny and realize the joy and fulfillment that you have been missing, you might ask yourself…..what took me so long?

Stay Connected To Rochelle Woods

Owner/Founder of Natural Opulence Hair, Scalp & Body Therapy at www.naturalopulence.com and on Facebook

10 Questions For...

Bethany Paige

Christian/Pop Vocalist & Worship Leader

2012 Emissaries of Memphis Music Honoree

by DIVINE Staff Blogger Tiffoni Mitchell

Memphis has and is producing some of the best in the music industry. Just like a pot of New Orleans gumbo, a lot of different ingredients mixed together delivering a great taste! That’s Memphis music. Gospel, Rock ‘n’ Roll and a whole lot of Soul.  Many from all over the world flock to Memphis to get their musical fix. Bethany Paige, a Christian/Pop Vocalist and Worship Leader, is one of the reasons people love the music scene here in the Bluff City. Along with her husband Kevin Paige, who has his own list of musical bragging rights, Bethany released the single “One Love” which was featured in the October 2011 issue of Worship Leader Magazine. Wife, mother, vocalist, song writer and producer just to name a few, are all a part of the thunder and lightning package of Bethany Paige. DIVINE Magazine caught up with this musical treasure  for a little one on one.

DIVINE::  How does it feel to be honored with a recognition from the Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission?

Bethany Paige:: It feels great! How could you not be humbled when honored in a city like Memphis where there is so much talent.

DIVINE:: What work are you doing with the Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission?

Bethany Paige:: Up to this point, I had not worked with their organization but I have known about them and what great things they were doing for the music community, especially with the youth. I have now made some life long friends! They really have been a joy to work with.

DIVINE:: Speaking of Memphis? Who is your favorite Memphis musician/singer?

Bethany Paige::Without question, my husband! Aside from his many accomplishments, he is such a perfectionist! He will spend an hour trying to find the bell sound for a song!  He is a killer song writer and he puts his heart and soul into every project we do. Maurice White from Earth, Wind, & Fire is a close second!

Bethany with husband, Kevin

DIVINE:: How has music changed, shaped and influenced your life? When did you know that music would be a major part of your life?

Bethany Paige::I always tell my daughter ( who is a talented singer and musician herself at 10 years old!) how lucky you are if you find out while you are young what it is you are good at and what you want to do for a living. It gives you a focus and can help you find an identity early in life. I knew music was what I wanted to do at eight years old so there was no time for messing around!

DIVINE:: Tell our readers how it is to be able to share your career with your husband Kevin Paige who himself is an accomplished artist?

Bethany Paige::It is truly one of the biggest blessings in my life. I love the fact that I never have to ask him, " honey how was your day?"  or " how was the gig?" because I already know! Getting to worship through music is what I love the most. Whether leading it at Lindenwood Christian Church, writing songs, or our pop gig at Alfred's on Beale, we get to live the same life.

DIVINE::Who and what has been your inspiration?

Bethany Paige::My grandmothers were both such lovely women. They were always my biggest encouragers. To this day, I always think of them before a big gig. They are in heaven now but their love and support will live with me the rest of my life.

DIVINE:: What is the best part of what you do? And, are you living your dream?

Bethany Paige:: The best part is getting to share music with my husband and daughter.  Yes, I am living my dream! I make a living doing what I love to do. I wake up every day with a smile on my face.

DIVINE:: What message do you want to convey to your listeners through music?

Bethany Paige::The only message I wish to convey is the one I sing at Lindenwood, " There is hope in Jesus Christ.  And He is our Savior!" 

DIVINE:: What's next for Bethany Paige?

Bethany Paige:: We are currently working on our latest Christian recording project and we will also have a Christmas record release this November.

DIVINE:: Here at DIVINE, we want to encourage and inspire our readers. What words of encouragement and inspiration can you give?

Bethany Paige:: Feel blessed because we ARE blessed!

Bethany Paige is truly a star in the atmosphere of music And there is no doubt that she will continue to shine.  On Thursday March 29, 2012, she will be honored by the Memphis & Shelby County Music Commission as one of the 2012’s Emissaries of Memphis Music.  Bethany and her husband Kevin can also be heard each Sunday at Lindenwood Christian Church and Alfred’s on Beale Street. 

~

Attend the Memphis & Shelby County Music Commission's 2012 Emissaries of Memphis Music Event

Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 7 p.m.

University of Memphis Holiday Inn, 3700 Central Avenue

For ticket information and additional details visit http://www.memphismusic.org/Attachments/Women_EM.htm

For more on Memphis Music visit http://www.memphismusic.org

Stay Connected To Bethany Paige

Official Website: http://www.kevinandbethanypaige.net

Check Out Videos On YouTube & Vimeo

Become A Fan On Facebook  

Listen On SoundCloud

7 Questions For...

Bev Johnson
Radio Show Host, Talk Show Host, Community Leader

by DIVINE Staff Blogger Tiffoni Mitchell

You cannot talk about Memphis radio without mentioning the name of Bev Johnson. She has been a major player in the game of radio for many years with many more to come. DIVINE Magazine caught up with Memphis’ “Queen of Talk” for a one-on-one conversation about life, career, education, community service and what’s on the horizon for this radio mover and shaker.

DIVINE:: Greetings Ms. Bev Johnson how does it feel to have come so far in this career? When you look back over the years what comes to mind?

Bev Johnson:: It feels really great to have come this far by faith. When I look back over the years I would have never thought I would be in radio as a career and for so long. In this business, I have seen people come and go, as well as seeing the business change.


DIVINE:: How did you begin your career in radio?

Bev Johnson:: I began my career in Jackson, Mississippi at Jackson State University while I was a graduate student there in 1976. I have always said that it was a fluke that I’m doing what I am doing now. I was at JSU getting my masters degree and really wanted to go into TV as a reporter. Being a graduate assistant in the Mass Communications office, I was filling in for a student from D.C. on WJSU. Carl Haynes the program director at WJMI heard me and offered me a job as a disc jockey. I turned him down initially and he later found me in Memphis after school was out and offered me the job again. My grandmother told me, “Baby, never turn down an opportunity!” So I called him back and told him I would be back in school in the Fall and would take the job. So I began as a DJ working the midnight to 6am shift, but I still had the desire to be in news, and kept worrying Carl about it. When the opportunity became available, I became the morning news anchor on the AM & FM stations WJMI & WOKJ.


DIVINE:: Who have been your role models in life and career?

Bev Johnson:: My role models have been Martha Jean “The Queen” Steinberg, who began her career at WDIA, left and went to Detroit and worked at several stations and ended up owning her own station. Carol Hal, who was one of the first black women to anchor on WHBQ-TV here in Memphis in the 70’. Lastly, Carol Simpson formerly of ABC News.


DIVINE:: How did you get your start in radio here in Memphis? And what is the 25th Anniversary that I have been hearing you talk about?

Bev Johnson:: I wanted to get back to Memphis or even go to Atlanta, so I sent a tape to both cities. Memphis (WLOK Radio) called me first and I accepted the job. Once I started working wouldn’t you know WAOK in Atlanta called but I stayed in Memphis. I am celebrating 25 years doing The Bev Johnson Show--my talk show. I was the first in the city to begin talking about relationships; the year after Oprah. I have been employed at WDIA now for 28 years being hired as a news anchor. It will be 29 years in September and 36 years in August in the radio business.


DIVINE:: In addition to “The Bev Johnson Show” on WDIA AM 1070 you also teach and have a cable talk show. Tell our readers about that.

Bev Johnson:: The cable show “Affairs of the Heart” started a year after the radio show and we focus on male and female relationships. It airs on Sundays at 5:30 p.m. on Comcast Channel 17. Dr. Dorothy Jeffries and Dr. Warren Harper who are both psychologists and who have appeared on my radio show helped me launch the cable show. I also teach writing and oral communications at Southwest Tennessee Community College where I have been since 1990. I've also taught at my alma mater Rust College in the Mass Communications Department. I love teaching and interacting with the students because I learn so much from them.


DIVINE:: How are you giving back to the community?

Bev Johnson:: I give back to the community through mental health counseling. I give to my Women’s groups and my charity helps my church’s higher education ministry send young people to college. My business alongwith Heart 2 Heart Counseling and Collaborations work together to give back through mental health counseling and working with people who may not be able to afford it. I also participate in several community service projects work with my sorority Delta Sigma Theta Incorporated.


DIVINE:: You end your talk show everyday with these words “And Ya’ll keep the Faith.” How does faith play a part in your life and career? And what is next for you?

Bev Johnson:: Faith plays an important role in my life. I wholeheartedly believe in faith and what it does. When I say, keep the faith, I mean that because it’s what gives you a sound mind and helps you to endure each day. What's next for me--I really want to get started on a book and talk about my experiences in this business.


DIVINE:: Here at DIVINE Magazine we want to inspire and encourage our readers. What words of inspiration and encouragement can you give?

Bev Johnson:: My encouraging words would be to tell people, “To Thine Own Self Be True”. Learn how to love yourself first and then you can love others. My motto is “As you treat yourself, you will treat others”. And never give up!


Ms. Bev Johnson, it has definitely been a pleasure talking with you today. I think it would be appropriate to leave our readers with the words that you leave your listeners with at the end of your radio talk show each day…."And ya’ll keep the Faith".

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