What is so important about Sunday June 16, 2013? Yes you guessed, It’s Father’s Day! Aspirations of Life would like to take this time to thank all the fathers and male father figures(mentors, uncles, brothers, god fathers, grandfathers) who have taken on the responsibility to be a positive figure in the lives of our youth.  Our children need the support, encouragement, and special bond that can not be created by any tangible item. Of course a child loves to be showered with gifts, but it is the time that they most appreciate. For example, one outstanding father of three says the most rewarding gift as a father is knowing that your children look up to you. For example, his daughter had an awards ceremony and he dropped  his wife and mother off at the door and went to park the car–when he finally arrived she ran up to him and said “daddy I’m glad you’re here! I saw grandma and mommy I thought you weren’t coming, I’m glad you made it!” For him, knowing that his kids love him unconditionally and always seek his approval gives him the greatest joy.  Another young father of two said: “i love watching them grow and both being daddy’s girls. They are so smart and lovable and knowing that I can provide for them gives me an unexplainable drive to be great!”

What activities do you like to do with your children?

As a child I spent a lot of time with my grandfather, and looking back I just loved being with granddaddy. Many said their favorite activities were doing anything fun and silly with their children! Going to amusement parks, reading their favorite stories and having them read along, but more importantly listening to how their day was! “If I don’t listen, no matter how long or ridiculous it is…who will they turn to, I can’t have that type of thing going on”.

Father’s Day is the day to celebrate, uplift, and be grateful for the men in our lives! Aspirations of Life, shouts out all father figures this year!  We encourage you to keep up the good work and remember that you do matter in the lives of our youth!

Happy Father’s Day!!!!

I know that some of you are wondering what type of activities your children can participate in this summer; have no fear Aspirations of Life is here!!!

This year we are hosting our annual summer camp program! YES! For children ages 6-12 years old, our summer program beginning July 1- August 9, 2013! The program is filled with educational fun! Let Aspirations of Life spend some time with your child this summer! Positive interaction with other children and wonderful camp counselors that have a passion for exchanging summer fun!

Our program is only $55.00 a week and we offer payment plans! For detailed information, please check out our flyer! There are plenty of ways to sign up! Just give us a call and someone can give you all the information you may need!! As always check out our website for updates!

I’m  sure some of you are thinking what about our teenagers!

Chicago has become a place where we need to make sure our children are occupied by positive activities and although Aspirations of Life is not hosting a teen summer program; many places are! A good source for teenagers to find summer programs, internships, and volunteer opportunities is on the City of Chicago’s Summer Chicago website. The application process has already begun; but it is open until May 31st! There is still time! The job sector of the site requires that they fill out a job application and it sends the students alerts for positions based on their interest! It gives them a small taste of how to apply and become responsible for job hunting! For more information of the program, check out their website!

We truly hope this information has been helpful! Don’t forget! Send your children to Aspirations of Life’s summer camp this year! We would love to have them!

~Until next time!

“I am more than a stylist”…Ms. Aaja Corinne

22 year old, Aaja Corinne is Loyal to Her Dreams in Chicago, Aaja is a freelance Fashion Stylist and Special Events Coordinator AND founder of She’s In Color Women’s Empowerment Campaign. A very dedicated and well rounded young woman who is out here staying very busy! Aaja graduated from Columbia College with her Bachelors in Fashion Studies, she admits prior to college she wasn’t interested in pursing fashion as a career; however, her true passion for performing arts [ dance] did help generate her interest. It wasn’t until the summer before her senior year of college that she actually decided to pursue a career as a fashion stylist. the summer of her epiphany, Aaja decided to start a blog and took an internship in order to gain the hands-on fashion experience she would need to be successful.

Her biggest obstacle has been defining herself; although she enjoys the fashion industry; she desires to be “more than being a fashion stylist”. In lieu of her defining moment; she states: “Fashion is my platform to accomplish greater purpose – to inspire and empower others to be their best self” thus, she became the founder of  She’s In Color campaign–which has turned into her biggest accomplishment in her career: “I  sought to reintroduce the idea of women of substance in this generation. ” She’s In Color Campaign was built to uplift and empower women. Aaja recently hosted an event for her campaign entitled: “She’s in Color: A Social Affair”. I was really elated to see so many positive and influential individuals in the room in support of the movement. I am so glad that I didn’t let that dream fall by the wayside because it exceeded all of my expectations. Check out her blog.Aaja Corinne has a natural desire to work and foster upcoming talent because she loves the idea of rising leaders and super stars. One of her mentors/role models in fashion and business  industry is Daymond John, Founder of FUBU also one of the “main sharks” on the ABC series Shark Tank. She is inspired by his work ethic, he was one of the first to make his way into the urban fashion business when there wasn’t one–his business was built off trial & error, hard work, and strategy. She believes his path to success is truly admirable.

In light of our 2013 mantra: Be Loyal To Your Dreams, Aaja Corinne has been loyal by making herself accountable. I made the decision to accomplish my goals “by any means necessary,” and that really helped me to be more successful and resourceful in my efforts.By making herself accountable, she has put in place partnerships and strategic goals that align with her 2013 dreams. To wrap up, I asked Aaja how she could inspire others that may be struggling with the desires of their career and her words of advice are what many of us know we just forget:“There may be many who do what you do, but only you can do it like you! Create your own lane, and don’t be afraid to evolve.–Aaja Corinne

On behalf of Aspirations of Life, we would like to uplift young women like you! Additionally, thank you for being a positive influence in today’s society. Keep up the good work and much luck with your success!

For more information on Aaja Corinne The Brand visit her website

Follow her on Twitter: @AC_TheBrand

Aspirations of Life highlights shouts out Heike Jones in the fashion industry…

Heike Jones, 24 year old Merchandising Jewelry Coordinator for Micheal Kors is Loyal to her Dreams in Chicago. Heike began her career in fashion at the age of 18 it was right after high school that she decided she wanted to pursue fashion as a career.  She knew that in order to be successful, she would need formal education as well as experience in the industry, her first retail job was in Macy’s Department Store she also received bachelors on Fashion Merchandising Management from the International Academy of Design and Technology (Chicago) & American Intercontinental University (London, UK). Heike’s interest came from her grandmother’s hobby which was sewing; “she even sewed my elementary school picture day outfits”.  Jones is most proud of her study abroad experience in London, it was her first time leaving the country and she says it was such an amazing life changing experience!

Entrepreneurial Journalist, Rhonesha Byng

Rhonesha Byng 23, a graduate of DePauw University is Loyal to her Dreams in New York City!  Although she is 23, Byng first recognized her passion for journalism since the age of 16: “I realized I could actually make a living being curious, asking questions and being the first to write about something.  As I got more experience in journalism I had the desire to create a magazine, but of course I did not have the funds for something like that so I started a website. “ Since graduating, Rhonesha decided it was time to turn it up a notch and venture into the entrepreneurial world [That is awesome!] She currently runs her own website www.heragenda.com and company entitled: HerAgenda. Additionally, she creatively used her name “NESHA” and turned it into her organization’s mantra: N.E.S.H.A. No One Ever Slows Her Agenda. Her ultimate goal is to drill in the idea that no one can stop any woman from doing whatever is on her agenda!  She describes her website as a “hub” for the millennial woman, a place for positive resources. HerAgenda, highlights women in a positive light; the website is to empower women in different careers as well as give valuable information on upcoming events and job opportunities that may be beneficial to women.

In the spirit of our 2013 mantra, Loyal To Your Dreams, Rhonesha states that she is 100% focused on HerAgenda.com and growing her brand: “It’s not glamorous, it’s a lot of grit and a lot of work and I also have to motivate myself most of the time to do the work but I believe it will be worth it in the end.” One of Rhonesha’s biggest accomplishments is her website! She has increased her team and has watched her business grow. She believes her website is growing just as she wanted it to and is becoming the voice of the modern day business woman regardless of what her agenda may be. In lieu of HerAgenda growing, she is currently looking for event representatives in the Chicago land area. If you are interested or know someone that may appreciate the opportunity, please express interest via email at: Info@heragenda.com.

Her ultimate role model like many of us here at Aspirations of Life, is Oprah [We love her]; however, she has become so inspired by Lola Ogunnaike . Lola is a freelance writer that is extremely diverse in her career; she can interview ANYONE from our First Lady, Michelle Obama or any of the latest hip hop artist making dashing headlines. Although her and Lola Ogunnaike have only met a few times, Byng aspires to be just as versatile in her career.

On behalf of Aspirations of Life, we would like to congratulate you on your success thus far. We think it is important for young ladies to know that it is never to early to begin thinking about their future. Your dedication to your passion of journalism is very impressive and becoming a business woman as well makes you one of a kind.

Because of Her Loyalty to Her Dreams N.E.S.H.A. …NO ONE EVER SLOWS HER AGENDA

For any additional information of HerAgenda, please visit www.heragenda.com and check out her salute to iconic women in history http://heragenda.com/her-agendas-daily-salute-to-iconic-women/

Today Aspirations of Life shout outs Kamia White, On-air personality and entertainment blogger &  founder of CantholdWater Media, LLC.

Kamia White,  a current MBA graduate student at Indiana Wesleyan entertainment blogger and on-air radio personality currently Loyal to her Dreams in Indianapolis, Indiana . Blogging for the last year and half,  like many young girls, Kamia use to write love songs and keep a journal. However, at the age of 16, she stopped for several years because her mom took her diary and read it–for many years she didn’t write in fear that someone would expose her again. BUT She is back and better than ever before! Kamia White is the founder of CantholdWater Media, LLC. Kamia started her career as an entertainment blogger because she enjoys being the voice and why not a better way than thru entertainment.

In light of being Loyal to her Dreams, Kamia quit her full-time job to pursue her business. “I am passionate about Cantholdwater, I wake up thinking about it….Loyalty for me is growth and that is what keeps me loyal to my dreams.” In addition to that White states that she won’t stop, every waken moment she gets she is actively working to make Cantholdwater better! She is all about improving her brand and her  business. Additionally, she is Loyal to her Dreams by trusting in God’s plan for her [AMEN chile].

She is also a loyal fan of R&B singer Brandy Norwood, and she recently was able to meet her after a number of people campaigned for Kamia to meet Brandy. A social media maverick knows how to make those things happen! Brandy is one of the artist Kamia would love the opportunity to interview Brandy for a feature on her website: . In her position, she remains a woman of great character. I admire that strength…that heart….that humble spirit. And that’s why Brandy is my role model, because over the years, I have LEARNED from her. Kamia would also love to work with other women in her industry such as Celebrity blogger Necole Bit**hie and On-air radio personality Kendra G.

Kamia’s biggest success this year was launching her website www.Cantholdwater.com. Launching her site was a very important milestone, it gave her the chance to see how people would react to her work: “I’ve received emails that people feel they can relate to me or that I inspire them.  That’s what it’s all about! Since launching her site, she is now hosts a radio segment called “The Spill Report” where she gives a “spill” on what is going on in Indiana and West Virginia. Once you are where you are suppose to be, the blessing will follow. Kamia is very excited about the business woman she is becoming. It is always good to see women of color pursing their dreams no matter the barriers. Something most people do not know about Kamia is that she writes inspirational messages in marker on her bathroom mirror as a reminder that she must push forward, her current post says “I AM A FINISHER”.

Lastly, I asked Kamia what advice she has to give anyone who is scheduling in their career. Her answer is quite humble and simple. Seek God and remove negativity.

Get close with God! Seek HIM! Think about what you love doing. Go after it! Remove people from your life who do not inspire and uplift you. Keep your dreams alive and dare to have enough faith to step out and do something you’ve never done in order to get what your heart so desires! Be true to you! Believe in you. You’re one try away….-Kamia White–better known as KamiaCantholdwater

On behalf of Aspirations of Life, congratulations on the launch of your website and much continued success!

Ms. London Brown

Ms. London Brown, 24 is Loyal to her Dreams by pursing science. London is a Stability and Analytical Chemist. She received her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Bradley University.  Since the 4th grade London has dreamed of becoming a doctor; while it changed from Medical Doctor, she has still managed to implement the field of science as a career path. Since her 4th grade science fair project on sickle cell anemia, she has been interested in science. Her ultimate goal is to become a Forensic Toxicologist because she also has an interest in the government.

In light of our 2013 Mantra, I asked London how she has been Loyal to her Dreams.  Brown states she has been Loyal since that moment of interest at the science fair. She works hard to achieve success and while she is still fairly new in her chemist career she says she is grateful for the thing she is learning: “Fortunately for me, I am learning a great deal and my superiors see enough potential in me that they are pushing me towards greater success”.  Brown says there are many times when she wanted to give up, in general life is harder than it appears to be and and she started this path from a rough place–but with much success she is on the right track! There are not a lot of women that are praised as they should be for being in the sciences. Ms. London Brown, we at Aspirations of Life think you are awesome!

I asked London did she have any advice for someone that may be struggling to chose or make it to their career path and her response was something we all need to remember from time to time. Keep calm,there is no reason to stress– there is already a plan.

“Life always has unexpected twists and turns. It is very important
to learn not to stress over what you planned for yourself, and begin
to accept the life that is already planned for you. You will miss
opportunities that you desire and gain others that you never expect,
but the real goal is to utilize those gains to reconstruct new yet
fulfilling dreams”. – London Brown

Much success and congratulations to Chemist, London Brown!

Today Aspirations of Life highlights….AJ Linton

We shout out:

Ms. AJ  Linton, 22 a Columbia College graduate is Loyal to Her Dreams in Chicago, as a brand consultant and philanthropist.  My interview with AJ was very powerful–very driven and dedicated to her dreams. AJ  started her passion early and it has paid off, while in her sophomore year at Columbia, she decided she wanted to pursue the entertainment industry. She discovered her passion by becoming active outside of her class room academia yet active on campus. While only 22, some of  AJ’s biggest accomplishments are dreams for many. AJ has had the exciting opportunity to work with the well-known Wayans brothers, she has worked closely with the branding, development, and planning of the BET television series Second Generation Wayans. “I’ve learned so much working with Craig and Damien Dante Wayans I’m forever grateful to them for taking me under their wing. While Linton is heavily involved in the entertainment industry, [very impressive to us here at Aspirations of Life], AJ has successfully launched “Don’t Kill My Chance” a campaign to stop the violence  here in Chicago, they have partnered with Ndigo.com to launch it. So far, she has launched the campaign here in  Chicago. Please check out the Video and support as you hear children and Ms. Linton speak about Don’t Kill My Chance campaign http://youtu.be/lx1XTB6SaZQ

In light of our 2013 Mantra, I asked AJ how she is Loyal to her Dreams: It seems to be very simple. Strategy and Prayer.

“Wow!! I try to live by this DAILY. I stayed loyal to my dreams by praying and asking God to order my steps. This year I wanted to be strategic in all my moves. So I prayed “Please align me with people you desire for my life that will help take my message and career to the next level.” So with that prayer I make sure I always stay ready because in Entertainment you never know who you’re going to run into who may want to see your resume or portfolio. So let me just say things are looking GREAT for A.J Linton and her team this year.” [AMEN]

She hates telling people her age; however, I commend you–22 and fabulous! Many young women at your age have not accomplished this and you are an inspiration to many young girls that may need that extra inspiration. She admits she can be very silly and would love to work with almost anyone in the entertainment industry; but she would really like to work on faith-based projects and work with industry leaders such as Oprah Winfrey, Tracey Edmond, Mara Brock Akil, Bishop T.D. Jakes and Beverly Bond [US too..WE LOVE OPRAH]... All wonderful and inspiring individuals!

One thing AJ plans on working on this year is becoming more organized! “I have a zillion ideas a minute and I’m so eager to do every single  thing...” she is learning it is essential to learn the necessary steps to be successful. Today we salute you, Ms. AJ! Your drive and determination is impeccable and we give you Kudos this Women’s History Month!

 “Find your voice and what exactly makes you different in your craft. For me its DRIVE.”- AJ Linton

Lauryn, 25, a native of Michigan now Loyal to her dreams in Arizona. Lauryn attended Arizona State University where she received her Bachelor of Science in communication with a minor in business. While on campus, she was a leader in her own right and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She admits that before college, she was a gym shoe kinda girl and it wasn’t until college that she even began to start wearing heels and now she only rocks heels [Werk it hunny]! Upon graduating, Lauryn noticed her passion for fashion and she interned with a celebrity booking agency and television production company; nevertheless, she was accepted and headed to DC to begin Law School at Howard University. Tragically, the day Lauryn was taking her car to the port to be shipped to DC, she was hit by an oil tanker and after two years of recovering from the fatal accident she decided she would begin her own company Lauryn-Ashley Image Consultant Agency. My conversation with Lauryn was very inspirational. Her story is definitely one that many entrepreneurs can relate to, she took a risk to live out her passion. Lauryn’s company specializes in styling, brand management, event coordination, and public relations. Lauryn believes your image is EVERYTHING and can have a positive affect on your professional appeal. She started her company to work with athletes; however, she  loves to work with and for people and now she has begun to style different artists as well as businessmen and women.

Being so young, I spoke to Ms. Lauryn about her biggest obstacle while working in the industry, she states that not having a mentor or working for a company to give her the insight has been her biggest challenge; however, she proudly states her biggest obstacle has become her biggest success– “I’ve done it all on my own“, without the guidance most receive, she  still created her company. In light of Aspirations of Life’s mantra “Be Loyal to Your Dreams” , I asked Lauryn how she has been Loyal to her dreams, she quit her 9-5 to pursue her business full-time;  “Its been a leap of faith and continues to be, yet I refuse to do anything else. The time and effort I put into this will pay off”.  I asked Lauryn  if she could give advice to someone struggling to live out their dreams and she said it…plain and simple: “Find out what your are passionate about. If you would do it for free, make that your career.”

We salute you Lauryn, For being Loyal to your Dreams in 2013! We wish you much continued success with Lauryn-Ashley Image Consulting Services. Please visit her website: http://thelaurynashley.com/ Also follow her on twitter @TheLaurynAshley

Loyal to Their Dreams.

Hailing from Chicago, 25 year old Lauren Akainyah vocalist, songwriter, and producer is definitely a D.I.V.A. Her passion and dedication to her musical career is very apparent! Lauren is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and a 2011 graduate from Indiana University. Lauren and I had a chance to chat for a bit and when I tell you this girl is phenomenal that is no exaggeration! We began the interview by talking about her passion for music and how she got started.

When did you begin your musical career? Well, I’d say “officially” since college, I started pursuing music by producing using an application called garage band and put together some serious instrumentals. However, when I was about 4 years old I started playing instruments and singing but it wasn’t until I was around 14 when I went to my mother telling her I wanted to be singer and asked her to put me in voice lessons. She said she would, but I had to sing for her first. So about two weeks after that conversation, I nervously went in her room and sang “Fallin” by Alicia Keys and well after that, she put me in lessons.

What Artist, if any would you love to work with and why? Definitely Ne-yo, he is one of the best songwriters of our generation–he is so real and unique! I also love Ryan Leslie’s production style and his creative energy [ME too Honey, R-Les is definitely a musical genius].

Being so young and working your way into the industry, what has been your biggest obstacle and  biggest success? My biggest obstacle is remaining humble at the workplace, I am currently working as a Sales Associate for VIP and Special Events for an events management company. I have a job that pays the bills and it allows me space to devote time towards music, but it is definitely not where I saw my career at 25 after college. In general, most don’t take aspiring artists/producers seriously let alone a female, so I just try to keep my head up through all of it. My biggest success thus far would be releasing my project “Facets of Love“. It took a lot out of me to emerge as an artist/producer and publicly open myself up to criticism and get the real deal on what people thought about my music. It has been an amazing journey and I have learned so much since releasing it. I am looking forward to releasing a new project very soon!

Aspirations of Life’s Mantra for 2013 is Loyal to Your Dreams: How has Lauren been loyal to her dreams? This is a great question. The first way is definitely by keeping a day job; there are times when I want to quit and just devote 100% of my time to music but in order to progress with my true passion, I have to have money for my passion. Secondly, I have to find ways to stay motivated and creative. There are instances when I have dry spells and production block–but that is when it is time to meet with other like-minded individuals that can motivate and remind me that we all go through moments like that. I also find it helpful to listen to old music I have made and tweak it –it helps get my mind re-focused.

I’m sure by now you all are wondering how to hear her music! Check her out!  www.laurenakainyah.com

Lauren is very committed to her dream, she also shared a few moments of herself with me. Lauren says she is a natural hair fanatic and anyone that follows her on instagram would know,“when I’m not working or singing, I am somewhere cowashing, twisting and sealing my hair” [I know nothing about this natural hair life--more power to you!]. She also loves video games: “I’m a true life nerd and if I weren’t using most of my time for music I would certainly be on Xbox live playing halo.” Lastly, as any true musician she informed me of her first true love…classical music. She went to school for voice performance so on levels of comfort, opera and classical voice are her favorite genres to sing; “I can listen to Baroque music all day”.

Aspirations of Life is proud to shout out Ms. Lauren Akainyah, during Women’s History Month! Loyal to her Dreams and definitely a D.I.V.A.–A Distinguished, Intelligent, Valuable, and Articulate woman!

Don’t forget to follow her on Twitter: www.twitter.com/LaurenAkainyah