Beyonce, It's Okay to Take a Break!

We can say that it’s official; the year of Beyonce is here because as soon as 2013 started she has been everywhere – Pepsi ads, H&M campaigns, singing the National Anthem for the president, her SuperBowl concert, magazines, etc. Fan or not of Beyonce, I think the one thing that you can respect and appreciate about her is her seemingly great work ethic. She seems to be able to push herself as an artist so that she can live and breathe the music that she loves. Between balancing being an international star, new mother and simply living her life as a young womyn, she has to be extremely driven and disciplined.

But, what I realized this week is less about Beyonce and more about the idea of womyn pushing themselves too hard (to the detriment of their health) on their path to achieving great things. This week, Beyonce cancelled one of her performances in Belgium citing exhaustion and dehydration. But, the next night she was back on stage doing the “Single Ladies” dance! She said, she was performing against doctor’s orders but she wanted to be there, she had never missed a performance before last night. Who can relate to that – feeling exhausted, sick or simply pushed to your limit but you continue to press on because you have people depending on you to show up every day? I’m not saying that she needs to take an extended break or you need to put aside your responsibilities, but sometimes you need to give your mind, body and soul the ability to relax and recharge so that you can fully be present to take on whatever you have on your to-do list. I’ve been there, because I’ve always had all these big dreams that I’ve been determined to actualize so I work hard from the crack of dawn to night trying to make things happen. I’ve definitely pushed my body to the max many times. But, I’m also not afraid to take a day to be alone with myself, lie in my bed and read a good book or catch up on movies on Netflix.

Sometimes life can’t be completely balanced but the best advice that I’ve heard is to simply listen to your body, don’t push it too hard. Don’t be afraid to say that you need a few minutes, hours or days to recharge. Beyonce, needs to listen to her body (and her doctors) - take a break! And to you, please take this weekend or even just a couple of hours on Saturday or Sunday to just be alone with yourself (read, take a long bath, garden, sleep! etc) and not attack your to-do list.

Meet me in the comments, tell me what your rest time or “nothing” will look like this weekend?

Artist Profile: Simone of Multimedia Maverick

From the moment that I met Simone of Multimedia Maverick, I could feel her passion and strong work ethic. I always appreciate and respect being around artists who are serious about their hustle and bring a strong level of professionalism.

I had the opportunity to connect with Simone and ask her a few questions about herself, her company and some advice for any of you who are trying to get into the same field. I also made sure to get tips on what to look for when selecting a company to help you with your own branding and multimedia needs! That's often a difficult task to navigate.
 
About Simone

My story is quite long and meandering but the short version of it is, I lived in various countries growing up and currently reside in Canada where I work in the interactive media and television industries. 

While doing my undergrad, I married my hobbies of dance, coding, and video production into an on-demand video streaming service where I would teach people how to dance online. 

Upon graduation, I founded my company and also had my first foray into television hosting and associate producing a dance instructional television show for a specialty broadcast network. I eventually ended up at the Canadian Film Centre which led to working on the interactive side of the television industry.

As time progressed and with the proliferation of video technology, I now work as a multimedia content producer. In other words, anything that has to do with content creation for online videos, television, websites, mobile apps, or video games, I produce it. 

For example if you're creating a mobile app, I ensure that all text, sounds, visuals (photos and videos) are created on brand, on budget, and on time. 

For larger scale projects, this involves corralling a team of writers for copy, co-ordinating and directing voice over sessions and composers four sound, and organizing photo and video shoots for image or visual assets. 

For smaller projects, this involves me writing the copy, scoring, or shooting the videos and/or photos myself.

As a result, my line of work ranges from roles such as coordinating activities like green-screen shoots for live action integration into a video game to being a one-person band shooting videos for online and television segments.

Motivation in starting Multimedia Maverick
Since I tether between the television and interactive worlds, I can see that there is a new frontier to explore and am excited by its possibilities as a producer. Now more than ever, out-of-the-box  and unconventional thinking is required to navigate this rapidly shifting landscape and this prerequisite constantly piques my interest. Having your own business in this particular space is the vessel that is needed to charter these waters.

Notable projects or clients

My work is varied in nature but some memorable projects include:

- Working as a writer for McHammer's social media start-up called Dance Jam. 

-Pioneering virtual dance instruction on the internet. 

-Working with companies such as Sundance and Disney on interactive projects. 

-Overseeing content on a variety of children's interactive properties that have gone on to either be nominated or win Gemini/Canadian Screen Awards.

-Interviewing familiar faces such as Maroon 5, Keisha Chanté, Maya Angelou, Rik Emmet, Orianthi

How do you stay motivated and passionate about your work?

To keep motivated, I tend to watch a lot of independent filmmaker videos online. I also read about anything related to technology, design, and music even if it has absolutely nothing to do with television and interactive media. I'm a huge fan of Michael Jackson, Wondaland Arts Society, and Janelle Monáe and it's safe to say that they are inspiring and motivating whenever I experience their work. 

It's difficult to respond to the second part of the question because I have a simple rule:  If I'm not passionate about the work, I simply don't engage with it.

 Advice / tips for aspiring talent trying to get into the multimedia industry

Since most of my work these days are video production and photography, my advice to anyone wanting to be a videographer or photographer is to get out there and shoot. It's easy to live vicariously looking at videos and pictures, daydreaming about the right moment for all of the stars to align to do that concept that keeps haunting your thoughts.  Just get out there and shoot the idea. I'm a big fan of a company called IDEO and there's a line by a guy named Phil Skillman that I love which is "Enlightened trial and error succeeds the trial of the lone genius". In other words, fail often to succeed sooner. Make that your mantra. You'll learn very quickly what works and what doesn't work for you that way.

Also cameras don't take the photos or videos… people do. It's better to do a lot with a little than a little with a lot. Don't' wait until you can afford that super expensive camera to take stunning visuals. Instead, pick up any camera that will allow you to tap into it's manual functions, learn the rules and then break them :-) 

Cameras depreciate fast these days because each year the manufacturers come out with something exponentially amazing. If you're starting out, I'm sure you can pick up something decent in the used pile for a great deal. If you're starting out and shooting with a DSLR, rent the lenses. I've seen amazing visuals done with cameras people wouldn't consider to be "professional" and at the same time I've seen some less-than-average work shot on pro-level equipment. If all you have is a smartphone with a camera, download an app that will allow you to tap into the manual functions of the camera and shoot. The best camera you have is the one with you…. a bit cliché but true.

The other piece of advice I would suggest applies to all paths. Love and respect everyone. It takes all kinds to make the world go round. Be courteous and polite with everyone, great, small, short, or tall and smile! People will always remember how you made them feel. Always. Also, show up early, remember people's names, follow up, and always, always, always, follow through. If for whatever reason you are unable to follow through, give advance notice. The sooner, the better.  Sometimes it's better to say no than to say yes. Don't be afraid to say no. You always have choices and don't let external circumstance determine your well being. Own and claim your happiness. Have some moxie and make your own breaks. Finally, always say thank you… even for the little things, they go a long way.

Best advice for someone who is looking to hire / collaborate with a design company to illustrate their brand through web design or other design work

I would suggest seeking someone who has done work in the style that you are looking to do. Research the companies that excel in the style that you want by looking at their portfolios. Their portfolios should have numerous examples of the style you are looking to have or be within the same family of work.  

Speak with their former clients (approximately 3 if you source them online). This is a surefire way to know what to expect of your working relationship with them.

Be as clear as possible about what you are looking to have made. A company that excels in the style you want, will be easier to communicate with and can help you fill in the gaps describing and illustrating the elements you would like to see for your brand. 

Tip # 5 Last day of the Artist Challenge! Be a student of your craft.

Educate yourself; find out what other people are doing in your industry! I'm always shocked when people who are in theatre express that they don't go out to theatre related events. Or painters don't go out to gallery openings, or film makers don't watch films! When my artistic coaching clients inform me that they don't attend arts related events I'm in utter dismay! 

Always be a student of your craft! Once per week I either watch a movie or go out to see theatre. I also spend money on buying books on the industry, attending workshops to educate and empower myself. I'm an avid learner. A life time learner. I never believe I know everything! 

Grasp every opportunity to learn and to delve more into the industry! I've met some wonderful people in my career because I have attended industry showcases, poetry shows, monologue 

                                                                                      slams,  openings of various films, or gone to networking events!

At the workshop I will share an invaluable tip on how to network effectively. That's why I strongly encourage you to attend the Millionaire Artist Workshop, so you can learn, share, and network!

Some great events are going on in the city this month and next month, include Dwayne Morgan's, When Sisters Speak, Warren Salmon's First Friday, and our amazing panelist Olunike Adeliyi is hosting a monologue slam! Be sure to check out these events and the many others! 

And of course, I hope to see you at the Millionaire Artist workshop! Register now, email me at info@treyanthonystudios.com to give me feedback on the Millionaire Artist Challenge this week or facebook or tweet me! Good luck! 

The winner of yesterday's Millionaire Artist Challenge is Carol Allen! She was the 7th person to facebook me yesterday, stating she wanted to get paid and paid damn well! Carol, you have 24 hours to claim your prize! 

Want to be today's winner? Be the 10th person to facebook me and name one event that is going on in the city this month or next that I mentioned. It's that easy! 

Day 3 Millionaire Artist Challenge: Does Your Workspace Inspire You to Create Your Best Work?

Today evaluate your work space. Does it inspire you? Where do you do your BEST work from?  When I first bought my home I made a big deal about ensuring that I had an efficient working "office." So, I made sure I had a big desk top computer, a fancy desk, a "proper" office chair and a humongous filing cabinet! 

Yet, I never did any work in my fancy office!  I was much more comfortable sitting in my living room on my big comfy couch with my lap top on my lap!  I rarely went upstairs to my "office" unless I had to grab a file. Eventually it dawned on me that the reason why I liked working in my living room was, this was the space in my home that received the best direct sunlight. My living room has huge ceiling to floor windows. The windows also face the trees. And each morning while working I could watch the sun rise. I'm a morning person and I love feeling the morning sun on my face while I work! I also like sprawling out on the couch and having all my files and books nearby.

However, my original "office" upstairs, got no natural sunlight and  the 'view' was the brick siding of my neighbor's house! I'm now currently converting my screened in sun porch to become my new home office because it gets lots of sunlight and faces the trees. In order for me to be creative I need bright, airy, well lit spaces! I also prefer big chairs with over stuff pillows than fancy stiff office chairs and I like my lap top in my lap!

So, figure out for yourself where do you do your best work? Does your work space truly inspire you? Are you a morning person or a night person? Are you a person who needs to sit at a desk or do you prefer a big comfy chair? And remember if you want to be very effective, ensure that everything that you need is at your finger tips  including all your files! Don't waste valuable time like I did running up the stairs to grab files, pens etc! * I will give more office tips at the workshop on Feb 2nd.

Drum Roll please...The winner of Monday's Artist Challenge is Jordan Clarke who posted my Artist tip #1 on her Facebook page on Monday morning! Jordan please contact me via Facebook to claim your free ticket to the workshop!  You have 24 hours! 

Remember if you want to be a winner, it's easy either share the Millionaire Artist flyer on Facebook or Twitter, respond/comment on this blog post, and share it with friends, or change your status on Facebook to state, "I'm going to trey anthony's Millionaire Artist Workshop on February 2nd!" Remember to tweet or facebook me to let me know. It's that easy to WIN!!! 

Register for the workshop here: www.millionaireartist.eventbrite.ca

The Millionaire Artist Challenge Day 2: Which Route Are You Taking To Success?

 Day 2: MILLIONAIRE ARTIST TIP - Always create a mini schedule for your day.

Always have a road map to where you are going and what needs to be done!  Before I check email, go on the phone, write or do anything I create a schedule for my day every day! * I will go into more details at the Millionaire Artist Workshop on February 2nd on how to do this and how to avoid procrastinating on facebook! 

An artist must always have a road map! Have a plan for your day and have a sense of what you wish to accomplish and the time frame to do it!

And remember to turn off your phone, allot a certain time in your day to respond to and answer the phone!

Remember to register for the Millionaire Artist workshop on February 2nd go to www.millionaireartist.eventbrite.ca spaces filling up quickly!

Remember to tweet, or facebook me to let me know how the challenge is going for you! If you missed Day 1 check it out here. Join us!

In Her Artist Shoes: Actress & CTV Flashpoint's, Oluniké Adeliyi + My Challenge Inspired By Jay-Z

Canadian born actress, Oluniké Adeliyi is a truly talented womyn and actress. With an impressive resume that includes starring in CTV's successful series, Flashpoint; a film role in Saw 3D (2010) and a television appearance on The Listener. Her story proves that success will come if you believe in yourself and work hard to master your craft. I'm so happy to have her as a panelist at my Millionaire Artist Workshop! I know that this womyn is filled with so much valuable advice to share with all of you.

Here are 3 things I learned about Oluniké:

On discovering her passion

I was an actor straight from the womb. I began to pursue it professionally after an encounter with Denzel Washington on the set of "John Q". He took a special interest in me and lectured me daily with fantastic advice on how to approach the industry. He suggested studying theatre in NY and I did it. He suggested fine tuning my skills daily and I continue to do so. He told me to never think about the money and I haven't. The main reason I followed my dreams was for my daughter. She has watched her Mom face obstacles and overcome them. She is now following her dreams, because I showed her it was possible. In turn my daughter became my biggest motivation to continue knocking doors down.

The circle of powerful womyn she looks up to

I look up to Viola Davis. She is looking to pass the torch and I'm working hard for it to be me. She blows my mind the way Cicely Tyson, Ruby Dee, Angela Bassett did and still does. I want in on that circle of talented women. So I'll work my butt off daily living and loving.

Best advice

"Always maintain your grace." Phylicia Rashad gave me that advice personally at theatre school. I had the pleasure of being in her presence. I've never forgotten her words to me and I have been tested many times in this industry and life since then, but my grace is always in tact. My grace is always remembered and re hired :)

Make sure you secure a seat at the workshop - limited spots available! Register here: www.millionaireartist.eventbrite.ca 

And, My Artist Challenge to You All - Are You Ready? 

I do difficult in an hour--impossible in a week! 

The running joke with several of my colleagues is that every one else has 24 hours in a day, and I have 32! Needless to say my favorite Jay Z quote is,  " I do difficult in an hour, impossible in a week!"

People ask me every day how do I get so much work done, how am I able to be so productive in my career, life and personal life? How can I balance writing, producing, acting, coaching, and public speaking plus just every day living! So I'm going to give you a few tips!

On Monday, we will begin the seven day Millionaire Artist challenge!  For seven days I will post one simple tip for you to follow to increase your productivity as an artist. Let me know you are up for the challenge by any means of social media!  I will be giving away five tickets in total through out the week  to people who make a comment on either their facebook page, twitter or my blog, about doing the Millionaire Artist Challenge. Let me know how it's going for you, are you learning anything? Doing things differently? 

Remember to tag me or tweet so I know you're doing it! You never know which day I will pick a winner so it's always good to post your comments pertaining to the challenge! Remember  the Millionaire Artist Challenge starts on Monday! I'm looking forward to giving away some tickets! See you soon! 

Invest in YOU: Back by Popular Demand, Excited to Announce Details For the Millionaire Artist Workshop!

Psst!!! Hey you! Yes, I'm talking to you!  

Remember your new year's resolution to finally pursue your artistic dreams? To FINALLY take your art more seriously? To FINALLY start getting paid for your creativity? Well this workshop is for you! Back by popular demand! My 2nd Millionaire Artist Workshop! 

Register now, spaces are limited! 

We have a power house line-up of speakers that will definitely get you excited and give you the information to make 2013 YOUR YEAR OF ACTION! 

Register now before we sell out! 

For more information and to register, click here: www.millionaireartist.eventbrite.ca or call 647.771.7086

MONDAY MOTIVATION: Money Talks

In 1993, Jay Z and his friend Damon Dash sold his record out of Dash's car.... and well the rest is history! Tyler Perry spent his life savings to make a musical that people did not attend!  He was homeless for a time and spent many months living in cheap motels and his car!   Finally in 1998, he was successful and never looked back! 

What Jay Z and Tyler Perry have in common is that they didn't give up and they also invested in their own dreams, spent their own money to make things happen!  By investing in their dreams both of these men have changed the face of the entertainment industry. Yet, by  having the support of the black community they also have changed the way in which urban culture is viewed by the mainstream!  The only way we can make changes is if we as artist choose to invest in our own projects, but also reach out to our various  communities  to support our projects.

I have invested thousands of dollars in my own productions and some have been very successful ventures and some have lost me money but I still kept/keep going, because I believe in my work, believe in my talent--Believe that I have something very important to offer this world!Lately,  I've been really impressed with the numerous innovative ways that artists are now choosing to invest in themselves and their work, and their dreams. 

My brother, Darren Anthony recently started his own indiegogo campaign to raise money to turn his successful play, Secrets of a Black boy,  into a short film entitled THE REC, with the hopes of eventually making it into a feature.  He is a few thousand dollars away from his dream and I would encourage you to support him!  We need to support artists who are changing the "game." To find out more about THE REC and to support Darren's work check out this video. 

I recently had the pleasure of meeting playwright Katori Hall, one of the few black womyn to have her play on Broadway. Hall shared with me that director Kenny Leon was instrumental in going to the community to raise 3.1 million dollars in order to bring her play to Broadway!! Wow! 

As I'm currently embarking on my own initiatives to raise money for my own production of 'da Kink in Atlanta, I was inspired by Kenny Leon's tenacity to raise such a great sum.  Suddenly, my own efforts to balance 'da Kink budget didn't seem so daunting and I realize I just have to raise the money, one dollar at a time!  

So,  trust me folks in the next few weeks I will be rolling out an initiative to get donors, investors, and supporters on board and yes I will probably be clearing out all my life savings once again to make my dream of bringing 'da Kink to Atlanta happen!  I believe money talks, money changes the game and money changes the way we are able to tell our stories!  I strongly urge you, if you want to see more diverse stories on stage, on television and in the media, it's time you put your money where your mouth is! Let your money talk! Invest in your artists! And also invest in yourself! If your dream is important to you spend your own money as well!

Please also remember to donate to Darren Anthony's production and help him actualize his dream! In the next few weeks I will be using my blog once per week to highlight various artists who need our community support to make their dreams come true! If you have an initiative please feel free to contact me and I will try my best to support it and help you spread the word!  Every penny counts, donate even just $5 and if you've got it, donate MORE!!! Let your money talk! 

Waiting to Be Pretty: Has the Pressure to Be Beautiful Stopped You From Chasing Your Dreams? (Guest Blog by Safia Bartholomew)

We've all had that moment when you walk into a job interview, audition or meeting and suddenly the outfit that you carefully picked out days before makes you feel less than beautiful and not so confident. You start combing through your curly ‘fro wishing you had taken your friend’s advice to flat iron your hair or you can’t help but notice people staring at your more than bee-stung plump lips. Maybe you haven't even made it to the audition because although you dream of becoming a singer the only examples of successful singers that you can think of look like Beyonce with coke bottle slim figures and you are this close to being a not so few pounds overweight.

Are you the type of woman who will check your insecurities at the door and carry on giving the best performance of your career? Or, are you like too many of us who are sitting on the sidelines letting our dreams pass us by because we are waiting to be prettier?

It is no secret that the media and Hollywood dictates our perceptions of beauty – showcasing images of the same type of girl over and over again…we get it!

This past weekend I was looking through the recently launched blog of Tracee Ellis Ross, most known for her role as Joan Clayton on Girlfriends. I have always admired her unique beauty and style. While in some ways she fits the universal mold of what Hollywood tells us is pretty (light skinned, tall and thin), what she is most known for are her unique features – wide toothy grin, Diana Ross’ eyes, and a beautiful ‘fro of massive curls.

In her recent blog post titled “A Culture Confused By Fake Boobs” Tracee describes the trickle down affect of our culture’s expectations of a woman’s body. One that is not a reflection of the everyday woman but of a body that is augmented and modified. While I personally never took note of Tracee’s breast before, she shares that on numerous occasions on auditions and with her management team the issue of the perkiness of her breast (or lack there of) became a focal point as she was encouraged to wear a push up bra. As she describes, “I felt hurt, reduced to an object, a pair of tits – tits that were, apparently, un-cast-able”.

We all know the old adage “You have to look the part to play the part” but where does this concept go too far? How much do we have to modify our appearance to “look the part” and be accepted, be successful?

There are many women who are willing to nip and tuck a little or put in a few extensions to have the long and flowing hair that is perceived as beautiful to get as close to their ideal as they can (which is absolutely fine if that is their choice). But, plenty more women are allowing rejection to knock them down. There is something about being rejected for your looks that can make even the most confident woman want to sit out and stop fighting.

The thing is, there will always be someone more talented, intelligent and prettier than you. The problem is that as soon as you change yourself to meet someone else’s standard, that standard can easily and suddenly change. So, you might as well learn to like what you see and focus on building your faith in yourself, persistence and confidence. Work on your craft!

Get used to hearing the word “no” from people and don't let it affect you. Even Halle Berry, who has become the prototype of beauty in Hollywood, has heard more than a few "no’s" in her career. There are so many examples from all industries of women who are at the top of their game but are not known for their looks. If they made it through the door, so can you.

There is nothing wrong with doing little things to make yourself feel pretty so that you put your best foot forward, but do not stay stagnant waiting to suddenly transform in order for you to go after what you dream of.

I applaud Tracee and other women who are pushing to defy the mold. I applaud YOU for taking the steps in seeing the beauty in yourself, recognizing your flaws and pursuing your passion anyway.

trey will be sharing her own struggles with learning to defy the beauty standard at The Artist Millionaire Workshop. There is only less than two weeks left until the workshop! If you haven’t registered yet please click here to sign up.

What beauty struggles have you had to resist in pursuing your dreams? Please leave a comment and let me know!

- Safia

   Xo

Why Awkward Black Girl Creator Issa Rae's New ABC Sitcom Is a Win For All Artists

When the Awkward Black series hit the net, I immediately liked the smart and funny content of its episodes and felt inspired by creator, Issa Rae's persistence at doing what she loves on her own terms. There aren't too many opportunities in tv land for a young black womyn to write and co-produce for a major network television show. But with this week's announcement, Issa has shown us all that it is possible.

In collaboration with Shondra Rhimes' (Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice) mega successful production company, Shondaland, Issa has sold a comedy called "I Hate LA Dudes" to ABC. I couldn't help but yell out "yes" with a wide grin on my face when I heard this news. It is not only a great opportunity for Issa but a win for all us artists and a reminder to keep focused because your own opportunity will come soon.

Issa had a passion and a very specific vision of what type of show she wanted to see on television. When Hollywood wasn't knocking on her door or even creating the content that she believed should be shown, she took things into her own hands and created her own series in an unconventional format. She did not wait for the right opportunity to come to her, she made her own. She is a great example of designing your own future.

With relentless belief in herself and her vision, she proved that when you maintain faith and focus on your dreams, money and opportunities will soon follow - but not the other way around. You have to stick it out and be resilient. The right people will evenutally notice, even when they previously doubted you before.

With this news, I refuse to hear anymore "but trey, womyn/people of color/someone my age has never done this before". Go out there and get what you want! No one is going to hand you an opportunity, until you prove yourself and your vision first.

Keep this win for us artists in mind this long weekend as you have time to rest and re-group. Think about all of the dreams that you buried deep inside because you never believed it to be possible. Start planning the steps to make it happen.

If you haven't already, I highly suggest that you look up and watch her original series "The Misadventures of an Awkward Black Girl". It's perfect for a good belly laugh!

Congrats Issa!

I know I will be tuned in when her new show debuts. Will you be watching?

Don't forget that this weekend, October 6th is The Artist Millionaire Workshop's early bird sale with a 2 for the price of 1 promotion!

To register please call: 647-771-7086 or email info@treyanthonystudios.com

Click here for more details

Have You Deferred Your Dreams to Pay Your Rent??

LOVE this!! Saw this post on Facebook a couple of days ago and I had to share with you all. Doesn't this ring true for so many of us?

There are too many of us that continually defer our dreams because reality keeps knocking us back down on our feet, or because we are waiting for the right opportunity/circumstance. We tell ourselves, "I'll just wait until I save up a little more cash, then..." or "2012 is gonna be my year!" only for the year to pass and you have yet to act on your dreams.

What about those of us who are pursuing our dreams but often end up selling ourselves short to pay the rent or just "get-by". We say that we are just going to take "one more" free gig or take that job we know we deserve to get paid more for but are afraid to ask. In order to grow into our dreams we need to recognize our VALUE and WORTH. Do not short change yourself, you deserve so much more!

Providing for yourself and/or your family is an important responsibility but loving yourself enough to pursue what is in your heart is so important too. Life will provide a lot of roadblocks and awful realities but anyone who's successful will tell you that they went through the same and more to get to where they are. Having faith in yourself, in your talent and in your strength will help you to somehow find a way to make it happen. Trust me, I had no idea that I could achieve all that I have as a girl from Rexdale but I did because I persevered and I believed.

Real success is waiting for you OUTSIDE of your comfort zone- take a chance! No more timidly dipping your toes in to test the waters. Jump in, get that hair wet! See what happens, I bet you won't regret it.

If you haven't already, check out details on my Artist Millionaire Workshop here. This one day workshop will give you real talk advice on how to plan for and live your dreams.

To register please call: 647-771-7086 or email info@treyanthonystudios.com

I want to hear from you! Tell me what your BIG dream is and what step you are going to take TODAY to achieve it?

Janelle Monae Is The Newest CoverGirl!

I'm sure some of you have seen this by now.  CoverGirl has recently announced it's newest spokesperson: Janelle Monae.

You probably haven't seen many of her videos, unless you are a fan. But I'm sure you've heard her song 'Tightrope' either on the radio or on TV (it was the soundtrack for one of Chevy's commercials).  She is a force to be reckoned with.  She is an incredibly talented artist who is vocally talented and ridiculously creative.  And she's only 26.

Her hit single 'Tightrope' was from her 2010 album called "ArchAndroid".  Take a listen:

I'm glad that CoverGirl decided to use Janelle as a representative of the brand as she isn't their 'usual' type.  She is usually donning her signature 50s hairdo, tuxedo, tie (either bow tie or regular tie) and saddle shoes and has a quirky wit about her.

I have also noticed that CoverGirl has been including different types of 'divas' in their recent campaigns (the ads and commercials with Ellen make me laugh) and that is to be celebrated.

I love these pictures and her style.  More girls need to see that you don't need to be half naked to get your point across.  Just be you!  Rock what you've got! and celebrate your personal style and sense of fashion!

Also check out the behind the scenes footage: