Giving You What You Want

My latest newsletter for ya!

I issued it last week, includes information about recent performances, future events and a food/wine article of mine from Deevah's Cravings. Click here to view it properly in your internet browser.

All this marketing is no joke people let me tell you and this is coming from someone who works in media. I can promote a film or an event all day long but to promote myself has taken a whole lot of elbow grease lol. However, the positive feedback and demand from fans of my work makes it ALL WORTH-IT.

I'm happy to share with you as long as you are happy to receive. No innuendo intended.

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Alternatively there is always social media; Miss Lauren Kaye on Facebook, @LK_ReelDeevah and LinkedIn.

Have a great weekend peeps.

         

SAVE THE DATE

I have an announcement to make....

Further details will come to those who are keen to learn more so join my mailing list for more info.

In the meantime, all you need to know is that the date to save is SATURDAY 15th AUGUST and that it will be for a very special GUEST LIST ONLY event hint-hint ;-)

#WomanOnAMission

For Father's

There is something incredibly sexy about the loving visual of a man with his children, many women agree and I am sure that many men have used that to their advantage not that I blame them. It is enduring and just simply adorable, but as a fellow Poet Prentice Powell made his point in his video 'Good Father,' this should not be praised as he is just doing what he should be doing. True, however as life has it, it is debatably uncommon to see loving, responsible, consistent relationships between men and their children. Which only makes it that much more appealing and inevitable of praise when we do see it.

I wish it was the norm but it's not, I am glad to have noticed and witnessed an increase in fathers (single dads as well as dads within an unbroken home) holding hands with their children, playing with their children, holding the baby or pushing the pram while going about their day. I didn't see much of this growing up so I am loving all this. I hope the trend continues which is interesting considering the changes and current debates of modern society.

Side note; I nearly fell off my chair when I was watching Mob Wives and I saw Drita's incarcerated husband call up in the evening to do his daughter's homework with her over the phone!! I know that many children particularly boys, have lost out on having a relationship with their dad due to incarceration but what I saw on Mob Wives just showed that it is down to the responsibility of the individual to beat the odds in such situations as opposed to just allowing you and your family to suffer from it and that was beautiful to me.

I was really bothered a couple of weeks ago at the fact that leading up to Mother's Day I had tons of enquiries and orders for Mother's Day cards and yet leading up to Father's Day I had practically no orders! This was a concern of social ethics as opposed to profit. I know there are some good fathers out there that are deserving of a special gift such as what I have to offer with my Custom Poetry Greeting Cards. I can actually think of some friends of mine who would be ideal recipients due to their admirable 'hands on' parenting. It is a damn shame that the unquestionable difference in the customer behaviour that I have observed is merely a social reflection of most people's relationship with their fathers, if any relationship at all. This bothered me so much that I voiced my opinion on Facebook while giving a shout out to some of those male friends of mine that I admire.

I will not deny that many men have been absent or flat out deplorable as parents however, I have met some wonderful men that are the complete opposite. I personally know men that have raised children that weren't even theirs, lovingly as if they were their own. I also know of some men that have voluntarily been a father figure to children within their communities, uncle's that have taken on a commendable father role to their nephews and nieces and even godfathers that have more than taken their role seriously.

Men seem to automatically have a bad reputation as parents and guardians due to the negligent actions of many men prior, so it is easy for fathers to get ignored on the larger scale of things or have people be quick to bash as oppose to praise but I would like to praise all the good dads out there. I wish that the paternal instinct was stronger in general or that effort in relationships from father to child/child to father were stronger but that is just not within my power. However, what I can do is encourage it like I am doing right now.

Another person encouraging this or least trying to give young men a positive experience of a father figure is Comedian and Host Steve Harvey. He actually has a Father's Day weekend that I heard of where he runs a mentoring programme (spelt as 'program' for my American readers) for fatherless young Black men and takes them to Disney World, something like that. Check his website for more information, hopefully it'll take place this year and continue to thrive as a foundation and initiative. If you really want to have an idea of what his children think of him as a dad watch this tear-jerking video clip.

If you have a father figure in your life who you happen to have a good relationship with and would like to let them know how much that means to you then show it! It is important to say and show someone how much you value them. As much as some people think that celebrations such as Father's Day or Mother's Day are unnecessary, they so serve a good purpose. For some parents it is the only time that they can expect to be spoiled per se by their children or even spend quality time with them.

The greatness of my Custom Poetry Greeting Cards is the impact that it has on the recipients. It comes totally unexpected to them as it is an unusual gift therefore, I would suggest a sentimental, fun, loving card custom made by yours truly. Then again in saying that, not all men appreciate cards so if you don't think that your recipient will then that's ok all is not lost. Alternatively, just remember that the best things in life are FREE and there is really no better gift than just giving your time and attention.

If you are in London and stuck on where to take your father or father figure for a nice day together, then here is another little something; 'Father's Fun Day Out' which is a family event taking place Sunday 21st June 2015 1pm-6pm at Poplar Grove Community Centre, Wembley, Middlesex HA9 9DB.

CLICK HERE to order your CUSTOM POETRY GREETING CARD for Father's Day. INTERNATIONAL ORDERS ACCEPTED!

4th One Rolled Out, Join My Movement

So I published my 4th newsletter today promoting my poetry and various writing/work activities. Remaining consistent since the start of the year in regard to my increase in self-promotion, enthusiasm to share more of myself and my creative work that I would have kept private otherwise or just for the selective few and it actually feels good. Time and money well spent.

It feels like a movement for me, it is a movement for me. A mini one of course but that's just for starters as this is just the beginning of many more BIG  things to come from this Mini Mogul in the making. It's not just me speaking about myself by the way or flooding it with pictures of selfies (no offense to others that do- do your thing!). Yes, its main purpose is to promote me and what I do but I also promote any topic or event that I want to bring to your attention such as what I do with my actual blogs.

In this edition I mention the greatness of the Black Girls Rock organisation....read more.....Offer discounts and direct shopping (PayPal) links to my Exclusive Luxury Greeting Cards....read more....Offer you the chance to have a 'Lauren Kaye Original' custom order of mass produced cards or invitations....read more....Share foodie pics and articles from my food blog, and as always I like to close with an inspirational or thought-provoking quote as food for thought. See the full newsletter for yourself.

Join my movement and jump on my Mailing List

I look forward to infotaining you.

Lauren Kaye

Xmas Already

Last year I made a few Christmas cards which were both custom orders as well as personal gifts of mine for others. A business owner (the company shall remain unnamed) saw two of them and has since commissioned me to write and design a Christmas card for their customers!

That's a good look right there! It's funny because one of my grandmother's suggested that I make a Christmas card and mass produce it, it's big business as we know but I just wasn't interested at the time. One-off custom orders was my main focus but as you have seen from my recently introduced Exclusive Luxury Greeting Card range, that has now changed. In saying this, I am willing to take on more mass orders so if you would like for me to make an original card or invitation for an audience of yours then by all means get in contact with me.


Lauren Kaye
@LK_ReelDeevah
LKsamuels@infinitipromotions.co.uk

I'm a Black Girl Who Rocks! (video links)

I was watching Black Girls Rock on BET and it was so elevating, yet again. Nadia Lopez & the young activist/entrepreneur M.A.D girls are the individuals that moved me the most. Then it was the speeches that just had me in awe, full of pride and emotion.

Like I said on Twitter Ms. Nadia Lopez's journey & speech brought me to tears "...she is significant, she is heroic, she is exquisite."

The presence of Michelle Obama was everything. Controversial I can imagine but she served a tremendous and fearless purpose in doing so. Her speech....WAS EVERYTHING. Particularly when she emphasised the need, value and pride in educating yourself. It was also good for her to share with the young women in the audience that for her, when she was young "being smart and raising her hand to ask questions was cool." I struggled with that 'afraid to show off my intelligence' nonsense during my puberty age, I am completely ashamed of that shallow behaviour now but thank-goodness I came to my senses and fixed up. Raise my hand yes! It is never cool to dumb yourself down for anyone, they do not carry you through life, support you or pay your bills KMT.

I have always preached, protested and cheered that 'knowledge is power' so it is music to my ears when such messages are repeated by an influential person to a similar audience. Michelle Obama is a great Speaker and I expect that side of her career to continue to soar when she moves out of the White House. Now that I have long left school and am starting out as an Entrepreneur it was effective to me when she said "Challenges and failures are key components to success." Ain't that the truth.

Dr. Helene D. Gayle whose social humanitarian and public health work I was unfamiliar with, was very much inspiring. Much like with the tremendous work of Dr. Johnetta Betsch Cole who was an honouree of this year's BET Honours. I personally loved when she said that she and her organisation want to teach girls that "It is ok and necessary to live, to learn and earn" and that, that is the way that "we can have the best and longest lasting changes in our community." Her point about living, earning and learning is so vital as girls and women around the world are often told otherwise. We still see adverts here in the UK about the horrific lives that little girls are living in developing countries with the common culture and mentality of a complete disregard for female lives. In many cases they are not to be born! I have spoken about this on many occasions, as seen in my last interview and in my poem 'W.O.M.A.N Means...'

It is completely astonishing that in this day in age, the day of gay rights, cloning, surrogacy, smart phones, machines, the increase of female Presidents and the demise of monarchies, we still see or hear of girls having their human rights being denied. The right to work, drive a car or receive an education or even have their foetus reach full term. Still in many countries today foetuses are often aborted at the 'horror' that they are not male!!!!!!!!! If only you could hear me now......
I love that Dr. Gayle is being recognised for working towards greater justice and continues to dedicate her life to doing so. "When girls and women gain a voice, they become empowered." She also made a great point about us holding onto our passion, since I have been falling out of love with Film as some of you know, it was helpful to hear that.

Being the Filmmaker that I am I naturally understand the obstacles and expectations or lack thereof, that comes with being a female Director let alone a Black Director so Ava DuVernay's speech resonated with me a whole lot. I understand the fear that comes with the great deal of responsibility when on set, it must be completely overwhelming on a large studio production with people like Oprah Winfrey working with you no doubt. Either way I appreciated her sharing her fears, her methods and personal triumphs in the business. I am sure that Black female Director's everywhere were impressed when she gave props to her predecessors and rightfully listed out other women who may not have been recognised for their work "We're a small but mighty tribe." One woman’s success is every woman’s success really. Another great thing that she said was "You don't have to be an Actress, Director or famous to be a star, you can be a star in your own lives my sisters."

Founder Beverly Bond really struck a chord when she said "Growing up as a girl & Black you quickly see the privileges that come with race & gender.....Black Girls Rock was created so that Black girls can claim themselves boldly and unapologetically....'Black Girls Rock' is not just an ornamental phrase to cloak ourselves in vanity it is a critical and necessary affirmation." Well said.

The three young and truly inspirational girls Making A Difference (M.A.D Girls) had me full of so much pride. They are one of the many leaders and pioneers of the future people I'm telling you. Writing books at 10 years old, starting charities and raising awareness in their teens and starting businesses dammit! I am no stranger to hearing of children and teens doing prolific things like making apps, starting businesses or writing books but I know that many people are not, especially in regard to Black children so I am more than happy to spread to the word. Furthermore, I know that we often hear about these gifted individuals or such opportunities typically coming from America but I am proud to say that there are 3 young Black children; boy 14, girl 12 and another girl 11 who I know personally from England who have written books and are SELLING them online. BIG UPPP!

Performance wise; Fantasia brought the house down when she closed out the 'Pillars of Justice' melody. I think she looks like a baby Pattie LaBelle when she sings do you see it? I wish she would've covered up her thighs a little bit more with that church song but she did rock that dress as she rocked the house with her vocals. Sheila E (Drummer) introduced the show very well, I love, love, love, drums, bass and specifically the electric guitar. And yes I think women look better at it, like when Michael Jackson would perform with his female Guitarists in the 90's. Estelle performed a very uplifting song, I have to give it up to the longevity and transformation of her career.

LOLLLLL Tracee Ellis Ross and Regina King were spot on with their skit! Any contemporary performer at open mic's or those that are heavy on social media (YouTube, Myspace & Soundcloud) are fully aware of the characters or persona's should I say, that they were portraying as Queen Floetic and T-Murda. Hilarious! I have seen and met people just like that. They were completely taking the p*ss, especially Tracee but they do exist. Tracee is underrated as a Comedian I must say. I never checked for her on Girlfriends as I just was not a fan of the writing on the show or Reed Between the Lines (BET sitcom) for that matter but she is funny. Her characters on Kanye West videos show it best.

The whole purpose of the Black Girls Rock organisation is to elevate, encourage and motivate young Black women to believe in themselves, educate themselves, maintain a strong self-esteem and basically support one another in a world that may not do so otherwise. Believe it or not this organisation is beneficial, very much needed and necessary. I do hope that they continue to do great and greater things while serving their original purpose. BIG UP BEVERLY BOND!

If you didn't see it already please watch the video clips that I attached links to. Before you do that and get distracted, go to the Black Girls Rock website, get familiar and if you can, donate.

#BlackGirlsRock #NewLeaders #WomenRiseUp

Pour Les Mères

Pour Les Mères means 'For Mothers' and I found that title to be fitting because I speak French as one of my 3 languages learned and it goes hand in hand with what you are about to see. It also seems very fitting to have Mother's Day in March 'The International Month of Women' doesn't it? That only applies to the UK and maybe some other places, as other countries celebrate it at different times of the year but it still makes appropriate sense.

I have been fortunate enough to have had many sales from my beloved Custom Poetry Greeting Cards for Mother's Day. I made many mother's happy with the inspiration of their children (my customers) and personal (strictly confidential) information that only they would know and appreciate. It was an honour. Here are a few of the cards that I made:

For this one I reached out to someone who I knew just had his first child with his wife and with my suggestion he said "You're a godsend." Warmed my heart that did, third time I've heard it but it'll never get old and I love to help people. This card turned into more of a booklet as it is 10 pages long, with many pictures, a long and very personal poem to why I will not upload any images of the inside. It's actually the third card I have made that is 10 pages long, awkward to make so needless to say that it is not cheap. I really wanted to make a card for a new mother as I can only imagine how amazing, new and overwhelming that entering motherhood must feel. I haven't seen a Mother's Day card catered to a new mother before ('New Born' cards do not count) so I was happy to take on that task. I was told that his wife was "speechless" when she read it. Mission complete!

The fact that this card and the one before are both purple is purely coincidental as both customers told me that their recipients favourite colour is purple. Also, both customers wanted a personal photo on the cover so I obliged. I really like this one because it is simple yet elegant. The look that I was going for was a 'Swarovski picture frame' since my customer's mum is a lover of the jewellery brand. I attempted that the best way that I could. The Swarovski Swan alone took hours upon end, this is because not only did I hand place each individual crystal, which were a specific mix of shades according to the logo itself by the way, but I had to do it twice! Really. My attempt came off better the second time so I'm not complaining. 

I was told that his mother "loved it" and that his siblings were "a little jealous" so again that left me feeling good. Great infact, knowing that I made another mother and customer happy by giving them what they both wanted if not more. It was a fun project to take on.

Now I put my heart and soul into everything that I commit myself to whether my product is for a stranger or someone close to me but in saying that, naturally I went the extra mile for my mum. Each card took 16-20 hours to make (no joke) but making Mum's card came with alot of sacrifice as I was running out of time and was exhausted from making all the other cards beforehand. At the end of the day, I gave it to her in time, the words were meaningful, sincere and emotional enough to make her tear-up furthermore, it came with an over-the-top beautiful design that she kept asking for as my cards having been getting better and better with each one since I started this business. I.e. Better than the first card I made for her which coincidentally was for Mother's Day last year. Although appreciative of the first card, she became jealous of my later creations made for other people is what I'm saying.

For those extremely observant readers/fans of mine, you may notice that I have used a similar gold (clothing) design in the past and you are right I have. That was for my infamous 'Salsa card' that I made last year, everyone loved that one but Mum really loved it and repeatedly asked for something similar if not the same thing and this 'Mother, Daughter' card is the result of what she asked for and more. There's a private joke to it also that only she and I will understand. I am very proud of this one myself, I've had this idea in my head for the longest time and it finally came to life. Mum absolutely loved it which meant a lot to me. Everyone's happy, I'm happy, this is a 'happy' time and I don't get to say that often so I'm going to live in the moment.

Like I said on Facebook and Twitter #BigUpMums whom are loving, caring, encouraging, educating, sacrificing and just wonderful with their children. Including women who are maternal and loving to those who are not from their own blood.

Miss Lauren Kaye