RASHANTE

“Speak from your future you’s perspective!” This was a vital lesson learned today, inspired by a very talented model/actress friend of mine, Marielle Washington. These words were spoken to me as I was sharing with her a recap of my day and how I may have missed out on an opportunity by placing myself in a box below my worth, once again!

In this instance, I was granted an opportunity to connect with a very prominent and successful individual in my field, in which if the correct words were delivered properly, this could have been a great launch in my career. Unfortunately, I may have dropped the ball because instead of speaking with my future self’s voice and up-playing my current gifts and talents, I took myself completely down to a lower plateau and may have set myself back from all of the current hard work that I have been doing recently. I inquired with this individual about positioning myself in a role lower than what I may have needed to start out in. As soon as I mentioned the role, they become clearly uninterested and slightly annoyed. This is probably because they may constantly get entry-level and immature individuals inquiring about this role everyday!

To be completely transparent, in this instance, I neglected to realize my worth, my value, who I am and who I’m connected to. I allowed the journey and experiences of another individual who took that route to determine my thinking and to believe that this was the only direction, or most common way to achieve success in my field. I allowed myself to be persuaded so greatly and believe that I may have to start completely from ground zero to be great in my aspired role. I forgot that I was unique because I have the favor of God at all times!

From this moment, I can definitely say that I learned my lessons VERY quickly!

Lessons learned:

Know your worth!

Know who you are and whose you are! (I am a royalty and I am a child of GOD)

Understand that everyone’s journey is different

Learn how to discern other’s advice from God’s direction and destiny for your life

Speak and see yourself as the future you

From here on out, I vow to myself to use the voice of the future Rashante that I aspire to be.

I am and will be bold, outspoken, powerful, confident, sharp, fierce, motivating and motivated.

I will speak as though I am.

I will “call those things that are not, as though they were”  - Romans 4:17.

I will do these things because I am who GOD says I am.

Stay motivated peeps!

Fiercefully Yours,

As crazy as this may sound… All of my life, I’ve shied away from consistency. I believe that this may be the artist in me that frowned down upon a structured life because it’s “boring and not liberating or colorful”. I’ve actually had my mind believing at times that “too much structure bogged down my creativity”. I’ve committed to live my life on a whim, taking in whatever may come my way and then trying to make sense out of it after the fact. Not to say that I don’t think before I act, because that’s not the case at all. I very much so contemplate on the possibilities of my actions before I make them. However, my motto has been “I’ll just wing it and see what happens”. That mentality has gotten me great opportunities and fun times, but how much more would it have gotten me if I just prepared and planned a little better for it and actually committed to the process.

Commit! Why is that word so shunned in our society? Society says with commitment in “marriage”, what if it doesn’t work out? How are you sure that’s the person that you’re supposed to spend the rest of your life with? The word commit is used to preface so many negative terms dealing with death and darkness, i.e. “commit suicide”, "commit adultery", “commit murder” etc. What about the commitment to your purpose and fulfilling God’s promise for you? How about committing to spend time with yourself and learn about what you like, what you need, what you can do to help others.

On this day, Monday April 18, 2016, today I challenge myself. I will commit. I will commit to myself. What that entails is: - Commitment to consistency - Commitment to focus - Commitment to routine - Commitment to planning - Commitment to preparation - Commitment to loving me and all of my flaws

No longer will I shy away from stability and consistency. I’m committing to developing a daily routine that involves structure and planning because “failing to plan = planning to fail”. I’m tired of being stressed about the day and getting overwhelmed because my mind is allowing me to think that I have “just too much to do and too little time”. If “time is money” then why not let my time work for me and legitimately add value to my life. I’m ready! Let’s commit to a structured and well-balanced life!

Stay committed folks! FashionabLEE yours,

Rashante Seaborn

I woke up this morning, refreshed! With an attitude of greatness and a determination to re-position myself and transform my life. I finally realize, what REALLY is holding me back from what I define as success. The answer is me! I am the barrier blocking me from achieving my goals and becoming wealthy. GOD has already blessed me with FAR too many resources and a strong network that I don’t utilize properly.

There are 24 hours in a day! How do I use them? How do I prioritize? What MUST I do in those days? Which things that I do are actually a waste of time and perhaps I may need to narrow down or eliminate those things from my life?

What are my heart’s desires? A Wise woman - Dr. Cheyenne N. Bryant told me in a brief conversation with her at a recent networking event, that “When you meditate and "be still” you tap into you subconscious thoughts and your true desires of your heart.“ When you’re always in movement, and busy, it’s easier to get tied up into things that GOD never intended for your life and in return taking you further away from your purpose.

Many say "it’s the little things that matter most” right? So this morning, although to some what I did may be extremely small and minute, but to me it was life changing. So, I change my profile name on Instagram! Now at first listen, it may sound childish because it’s “just social media” right? WRONG! Social media sites like Instagram and LinkedIn, have become platforms for launching and promoting businesses, identifying and maintaining brand awareness, as well as communication with specific target markets and consumers.

Being a recently married woman and finally going through the legal process of changing my name, it is time to transition completely into that life of womanhood and adult responsibilities including names and an identity that I created back while I was in college. A certain scripture comes to mind about my mental thought process which comes from 1 Corinthians 13: 11 and it reads:“ When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” (KJV).

So now when I go to my Instagram page now, I feel lighter and relieved knowing that I am changed. I am mature. I am at peace with my life and the journey that GOD is taking me on. I am now @RashanteLS. I am a wife, an artist, and encourager, and intelligent business woman with strong goals and aspirations to succeed in whatever GOD has to planned for me. I am excited about my future and my destiny.

Fashionably yours,

Rashante Lee-Seaborn

Wardrobe & Beauty Specialist

Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines the word Environment as “the conditions that surround someone or something: the conditions and influences that affect the growth, health, progress, etc., of someone or something."  It has been found that one of the top contributing factors to the successes of many is their environment, including who and what they choose to surround their lives with.

Oftentimes we get so caught up with maintaining and keeping up with our day-to-day tasks, that we allow our home and environment to get cluttered and disrupted, while not taking the time to realize that it’s our very environment that sustains us and gives us a piece of mind to proceed on in our journey of life.

This past weekend on Saturday, April 25, 2015, I was blessed with the opportunity to attend the 15th Annual KJLH Women's Health Forum at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Immediately upon arriving at the intersection, while sitting at the light, I became overwhelmed with joy seeing my beautiful Black sisters crossing the street on a mission to not only have a good time, but to learn valuable tips about life, health, hair and beauty. Being in that environment of thousands of women from all different walks of life was such a refreshing experience.

The highlight of the forum for me was when I turned the corner of the second floor, while searching for room 511 with an expectation of walking into some sort of icebreaker game, which generally occurs at most speaking engagements, but instead I was intrigued at first listen. I was greeted at the door by the beautiful and powerful voice of Oya Thomas. She was singing the iconic and legendary song “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke. I knew as soon as I walked into the room with a motivational speaker bold enough to belt out the tunes of such a monumental song, that I was in for a treat. True indeed, “A change is gonna come," and a change DID come and occurred within me by the end of the session.

Oya Thomas’ breakout session, covering topics from her book “The Five Points for Success,” discussed the five points and key elements including the mind, body, spirit, emotions, and environment. Throughout my life I have strived for excellence in the areas of self-control and patience, and through my strong faith and relationship with GOD, I have learned to maintain strength in the first four points discussed during the session, including my mind, body, spirit, and emotions. However, I believe that Ms. Oya saved the most crucial point for last as the gut-puncher of the session....the Environment! This is the one area that I struggle with the most and also holds the most importance. I have allowed myself to live and work in clutter too often. A key point that Oya made which stood out to me the most was a very simplistic yet impactful statement in which she said, “What you have in your home is what you take into your mind and process every day. From the color walls that you paint your home, to the pictures, posters, statements, and artwork that you hang up, your mind and spirit are taking that into your system and digesting those things.” What are you feeding your mind, body, spirit, and emotions, through your environment? From that moment, I was INSTANTLY awakened and changed. I became completely compelled to go home and make a change in my environment. Everything that I have in my home needs to not only be a reflection of my creativity and taste, but it should be a statement of my purpose and what I aspire to be. I am inspired to maintain an environment that is suitable and prepared for the blessings of GOD that I pray for everyday! It is my responsibility to fill my home with positivity and affirmations that drive me to succeed. From this day forward, I make a vow to invite nothing but peace, blessings, and prosperity into my home. Will you do the same?

Stay hopeful my friends,

FashionabLEE yours,

Sunnies for the Haters

Every now and then you hear a word of divine confirmation, encouragement, and inspiration to completely transform your life for the better and enhance behavioral patterns to drive you closer toward your destiny. Last night, Tuesday, January 27, 2015, I was blessed with an opportunity to observe and listen to the phenomenal speaker, entrepreneur, and powerful man of GOD, DeVon Franklin at ASCEND Bible Study, hosted by Robi Reed and Dr. Holly Carter. Now, typically every time he speaks, I am immediately impacted and those words stick with me for time to come. However on THIS night, he said something so simplistic yet profound that left me stunned, intrigued, excited, and challenged to provide a response in my life for the question that Mr. Franklin proposed to the audience.

He asked, “Why is it that we feel we have to dim our light to make others comfortable?” Why do we live in a world that applauds ignorance and nonsense, yet frowns down upon leadership and shuns the light that GOD has placed in us to produce greatness? So I contemplated on and internalized that question to make it personal for me. Why do “I” dim my light? Although it is not a trait within myself that I admire or wish to remain consistent in my life, it is a characteristic that I’ve adapted along the years to make myself more relatable in an effort to “fit in.” I, personally have dimmed my light so that I don’t come off as intimidating or arrogant. All of these years I’ve been misusing the “fruit of the spirit” – Humility (Galatians 5:22-23) as a crutch prohibiting me from progression and forward movement in creating change that could potentially be a blessing to others.

I completely understand the desire to feel included, and the yearning for acceptance. However, is GOD calling for HIS people to be a chosen generation of peculiar people, who stand out, speak up, and are “fishers of men”, or is HE calling us to be “accepted” and live a life of commonality and mediocrity? No longer do I want to just “fit in” to society’s views of who I should be, but I want to live “FIT” with Faith Initiated Tactics!

DeVon Franklin went on further into his message for the night with an unexpected kick-punch combo statement that made the crowd roar with a refreshing excitement. He declared “I will personally go to the 99 Cent Store to buy out their sunglasses, for any hater who has a problem with my light shining!” He left me speechless and in awe! Never have I heard such a proclamation so confident and considerate but powerful at the same time!

In an effort to keep this message alive, as well as courageous enough to allow GOD’s light to freely shine through, I have compiled a fashionable collection of this season’s hottest sunglasses trends for you to share with your haters who will be blinded by your light in this new year of greatness! So stand out, be bold, and let your light shine!

Stay stylish my friends.

FashionabLEE yours,

Rashante S. Lee

Sunglasses images obtained from:

http://www.fashionisers.com/trends/spring-summer-2015-eyewear-trends/

Selma

More than just a movie –- An experience –- A Movement –- An Awakening -- An inspiration to all, to stand up and speak out -- A call to be bold -- A dare to be different, and a compelling force to change.

As the movie came to an end and the credits began to roll, an applause from a full theater of spectators arose. This was indeed the first and only movie that I’ve ever seen in my lifetime where I knew for a fact that everyone in the theater was impacted tremendously. This was also the first time ever that I’ve seen a film which left me frozen in my seat full of thoughts, numb, but inspired by what I had just viewed. Never have I been on a movie date and seen a film that left both of us speechless. It was complete silence in the car on the ride home, but it wasn’t that awkward type of silence. It was more of a “moment of silence” in reverence honoring the lives of those that were sacrificed for a cause to enhance the freedom and opportunities of my generation and those to come.

Not like the typical cliché of civil rights or history films, Selma took a more realistic approach in portraying the characters in a more “lively” and relatable human form. It showed the flaws, the worries, and challenges that one of the most monumental leaders of our time faced during the most critical years of his life.

Growing up and reading simple bullet points of the accomplishments and awards that Martin Luther King Jr earned is nothing like viewing the life and embodiment of just “Martin” the man. Selma puts you directly into the perspective and viewpoint of MLK. It invites you into his home and gives you the realization that this was just a man. He was (as his character modestly stated in the film) a simple “preacher from Atlanta, GA.” He was a man that fell in love, married a beautiful woman, and had some adorable children just like many relatable men that we all know. He wasn’t perfect. He endured the same day-to-day temptation and setbacks that we all encounter, but what set him apart was his relentless viewpoint about a change that needed to occur within our government’s judicial system

Selma puts us directly in the era of the Civil Rights Movement and finally gave those of us that were not brought up in that timeframe an opportunity to march for our rights and to support a leader that evoked change. This film impacted me directly, reminding me to always stand firm on what I believe, especially if it can impact not only myself but an entire race of people and a nation. It compelled me to be fearless, daring, bold, and unafraid to lead even in the face of opposition and threats. I highly recommended for all races and genders, as well as most age groups to view this film with an attitude of love, gratitude, and open-mind, and you will leave the theater a changed individual.

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.”

- Martin Luther King, Jr.

I was blessed with a phenomenal opportunity to meet and interview the legendary and iconic group Boyz II Men for Bold Magazine Online. I cowrote this article. Check it OUT! 

Boyz II Men Article:

October 20th at Brand at the Americana in Glendale, CA we experienced a surreal moment and opportunity of a lifetime. We had the pleasure of meeting one of the most iconic Male Singing groups of our time. Growing up admiring the smooth harmonies and impressive vocal range of the legendary Boyz II Men, never did we imagine the moment that we would be blessed with a chance to meet them, let alone interview them and gain wisdom along with a better understanding of their drive and passion for music. What would we say to them? What words would measure up to express to this record breaking and multi- Grammy award winning group of how their music has impacted my life and brought about so many moments of joyous memories?

  In that moment, standing there on the red-carpet with remarkable vocalist Shawn Stockman, we asked him a series of questions and were given some amazing responses! Tune in:

  BOLD Magazine: Having a show in Vegas and performing every weekend, what was the motivation behind getting back into the studio and actually getting to work on new music?

  Shawn Stockman: The only way, and we all felt this way… The only way that we were going to go back into the studio, is if we did it literally our way. We didn’t want any pressure. We didn’t want to feel like we had to do this, or we had to do that. We told BMG, just get us music. Just good music.  Please do not put us in an R&B category. Please don’t put us in any type of category. If it’s a piccolo and a banjo and it sounds good; give it to us and we’ll sing it. And that was the only contingency, that they let us do us, and they did.

  BOLD Magazine: So sonically, how would you describe this album?

  Shawn Stockman: Eclectic! You will hear 60s, you’ll hear 80s, you’ll hear guitars, you’ll hear just like… Power ballads from the journey days and all that other stuff like, it’s all of that stuff! Stuff that we grew up on. And you’ll hear 2014, you know, modern day stuff, and we’ll perform one of those today. Just everything! Really eclectic. It’s just a bunch of good sh*t.

  BOLD Magazine: Who are some of the people that you worked with on this album?

  Shawn Stockman: Umm.. I don’t know…like the music and the songs that we did, we did not ask who wrote it, we did not ask who produced it. If we liked the record, we said give it to us! We sang it.

  Bold Magazine: So no features? Just straight Boyz II Men?

  Shawn Stockman: No. Yeah, I don’t know who did the records. I have no idea. They were just good. (as he says with laughter) And I know that sounds weird, and that’s normally a footnote for artists to talk about… I have no idea. Maybe my other group members know, but I don’t.

  Bold magazine: It’s amazing when you say, “the people we grew up on,” because we grew up listening to you all, and you guys are legends with legendary music. The way you harmonize, the melody, and everything it’s just perfection! The vocals and everything is just truly amazing! So, when you all were going through your time period when you were on tour, or taking a break, what were some of your frustrations with the new music that was coming out because you guys have such classic music, with such classic tone and pitch?

  Shawn Stockman Ummm… I’m probably the most open-minded of the group. The other guys will be like “this is GARBAGE!” And I was like alright, let’s give it a shot. Let’s listen to it for a little bit. And some stuff I was like, ok, this is “progressive”. You know what I mean? Like, you can tell the difference between people who are actually trying to push the envelope, and people who are just trying to get paid, and it’s a LOT of that going on. Like I hate musicians saying “music is my hustle”, cause it’s never been mine. Like, I did it because it’s my passion. So, to hear people say that, it’s kind of insulting. You know what I mean? Cause I don’t get in it to “make bread” or whatever the case may be. Yeah, it comes with it, but the point is, I think that is why these people (pointing to the audience of concert attendees) still come, is the fact that they still sense an authenticity. It’s what we do. We ain’t doing nothing on stage for just money! Cause we’re just not phony dudes. Like, you’ll see right through it. (laughs) so it’s just one of those things. Then it’s like I will be into certain songs and certain albums, and then some stuff I just don’t get into. I’ll keep it at that.

  Bold Magazine: We noticed on Spotify that you guys have some type of deal with Wendy’s, and you’re doing promotion with Wendy’s, and you’re making the entrees that they serve sound so delectable and delicious, through the vocals and harmonies, that we don’t know if we should be turned on or hungry! So, how did that come about with Wendy’s?

  Shawn Stockman: (Laughs)Ummm.. Just was kind of one of those managerial things. Kind of connecting some of those dots. They probably reached out to some of the Wendy’s people and were like “that’s a great idea! We got a couple other ideas!” Then he presented it to us and we were like “yeah, that’s pretty cool”. It was funny but it still allowed us to do our thing. It was all good man. We enjoyed it.

  Bold Magazine: Is that one of the connectors that you’re using to reach your audience? 

  Shawn Stockman: Yeah, just little stuff a lot of people wouldn’t expect for us to do, that reminds people that first of all, we’re still here, we still exist, and also to give them something to enjoy, to laugh at, to say DAMN, them dudes is crazy! (laughter). And that was fun for us. We enjoyed that!

  Bold Magazine:  Finally, what are you looking forward to most tonight?

  Shawn Stockman: Ummm.. Getting on that stage, and singing, and uh hopefully the people will love it. That’s it.

  Bold Magazine: Well you guys have done a great job. You’ve touched many lives. You’ve touched our lives. Thank you very much.

  Shawn Stockman: Thank you. Thank you very very much. Enjoy the show!

  Our experience and short conversation speaking to the humble and talented group member, Shawn Stockman along with watching the live performance of Boyz II Men has taught me the following valuable lessons:

·       Always learn from a situation, a conversation, and your environment to enhance your experience of life. 

  ·       Live in the moment.

  ·       Take yourself out of the stresses of the world sometimes to enjoy the fruits of your labor

  ·       Let your passion drive your career not the yearning to make money or make it a "hustle"

  ·       Always be eager to learn a new skill or trade - Shawn was compelled for this album to produce a sound that was authentic, unique, distinct and eclectic, so he studied a variety of guitar artist greats including the infamous Jimmy Hendrix to challenge himself to learn how to play the guitar within only 6 months’ time. The new guitar skills of Shawn and Nathan were put on display during the show as the group so effortlessly shared their own rendition of "American Woman."

  ·       Just keep going! After nearly 25 years of success in the music industry, winning award after award, Boyz II Men has proven that true talent and perseverance always prevails. 

With every song that they create, this group takes you on a journey providing a true experience like good music should. They follow the rules of the legends and the Motown greats contributing an intro, a chorus, a hook, a climax and a phenomenal conclusion with breathtaking vocal runs and falsettos throughout, while putting their own spin on it for an authentic feel and an unforgettable experience to treasure for a lifetime.

  Boyz II Men’s new album, “Collide” is in stores NOW. While none of the guys in the group have a favorite song on the album we here at BOLD can’t get enough of the Journey inspired “Diamond Eyes,” and the seamless blend of classic Boyz II Men coupled with the late 90’s early 2000 pop inspired sound on, “Losing Sleep.” We agree, the album is eclectic and will hold the ears, and most importantly the hearts, of all Boyz II Men fans (classic and newly acquired).