While on bed rest 15 years ago, Tressa Azarel Smallwood — who at the time was a teacher — established Life-Changing Books, her own publishing company that has gone on to release more than 100 titles and become one of the most respected independent trade...
After being inspired when she was younger by a television segment on the Today show, Dr. Renee Matthews knew exactly why she wanted to obtain her medical degree as an OB/Gyn. To be on television, of course! Today, Dr. Renee, as she is known, is a medical doctor and a...
Actress, dancer and comedienne Mo Brown is done asking for permission. After having worked in the creative arts space for many years and performing with companies, such as Alvin Ailey, she decided that waiting for someone to “choose” her and say...
For years, actor and voice over artist Joan Baker resisted the calling to become an entrepreneur. It wasn’t until she met her future husband and business partner, Rudy, in 1994 that she began to think differently. Together, the duo later created a series of...
Allyson Scrutchens knows what it means to beat the odds. The Southside of Chicago native was born to a mother who was, at the time, addicted to crack cocaine, yet Allyson didn’t have any symptoms or medical issues at birth. She and her mother, who...