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Thursday, April 26, 2012

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
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.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

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