Well, we have reached the end of this fascinating and informative series. The talented women we have in RVA go unnoticed too often, and this has been a month dedicated to appreciating and respecting the hard work and time that they put in for every event, show, concert, fund drive, and other endeavors they are responsible for. There are way too many women contributing to the community to write articles featuring them all, but hopefully this series has served its purpose and informed all of RVA that there are women making just as powerful of an impact as any man in the local scene. Here are a few more interviews with some fascinating and inspiring women whose hard work and motivation should be an inspiration to us all..
Sam Reed
Singer/Songwriter/Model
There isn’t a place you can go for live music in RVA and not hear of Photosynthesizers, a local Soul/Hip Hop group featuring one of the most beautiful voices in RVA. This songstress goes by Sam Reed, and in the RVA community she stays active, doing shows with the Photosynthesizers as well as her other group, Beast Wellington. “My objective is to show people here that there is light for music and creativity through the remembrance and evolution of the soul,” says Reed. “Stay well-grounded, ave an open mind to your surroundings, and don’t doubt yourself." Someone she highlights as a positive influence in her life is Jada Pinkett Smith. “She has had an excellent career throughout her life and is a positive person in what she does,” says Reed. Jada Pinkett is a mother as well as a musician, and knowing that Reed is a mother as well, I can understand her admiration. “Music is something I have wanted to do since I was three. I knew I could sing very well, so throughout my life, I saw this as being a defining moment,” says Reed. “I want to provoke thoughts and emotion through sound again, bring the feeling back into lyrics and thought back into word.” Watch out for Sam Reed and her many endeavors throughout our city and nationally.
Positive Words For Women:
“God has given you everything you need to succeed. Just keep going.”
“Don’t Stop”
Links:
facebook.com/samreedmusic
facebook.com/photosynthesizers
facebook.com/BeastWellington
Gaptooth Diva
Blogger/Online Personality/Model
This next woman is one of the most positive people I have met in RVA, and one of the most admired here. She goes by the alias “Gaptooth Diva” a name that explains a lot about her image and persona. “I took a flaw [the gap between her front teeth] and turned it into something positive,” says Gaptooth. “I came from nothing and became a plus-size model [through] being a persistent person.” Gaptooth takes a positive approach to everyone, male or female, who she comes into contact with. She explains why she never belittles people for her own gain. “If you want longevity, you have to have purpose,” she says. When asked about her positive influences, she noted that Beyoncé is the an excellent example of what she herself is about. “Beyoncé Is about her business, and looks good doing it,” notes Gaptooth. “She is a perfect representation." She explains that she feels very inspired when a younger or older female approaches her and compliments her on her positivity and humbleness. She states that it motivates her and inspires her to keep working and being a positive person through her work as a plus size model, radio host, and blogger. Gaptooth Diva is a friend to many in the local scene and an RVA icon in the eyes of a lot of locals.
Positive Words For Women:
“Have faith and believe in you”
“You are perfect the way you are”
Links:
gaptoothdiva.com
facebook.com/Gaptoothdiva
Twitter: @Gaptoothdiva
Marshe Wyche
Co-Owner of Rumors Boutique/Local Fashion Mogul
I caught up with one half of the team behind RVA boutique Rumors, owner Marshe Wyche, who was also recently featured on the cover of Style Weekly for their Top 40 under 40 article. “Being in the position I am in, I feel like it’s my duty to represent and teach women that you can be independent,” says Wyche. “I’ve been setting up punk shows since I was little, so now that Casey Longyear [co-owner of Rumors] and I own our own shop, we can host our own events and have a platform for many others to unify here.” Wyche’s career would have never been as strong if it weren't for her strong work ethic and consistent dedication. “Sometimes you have to give up certain things like your apartment; or eat rice and beans for a month, to succeed,” says Wyche. Someone she notes as an influence in her life is Hip Hop emcee Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott. “I love that she took a risk, created a movement, and made it out of Virginia,” states Wyche. I asked her for a defining moment in her career, and she stated that being noticed for the Top 40 under 40 in Style was such an inspiration, because it showed her that the hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. “I was going to the gym and saw the magazine rack with Style Weekly there and me on the cover, and felt ecstatic,” says Wyche. When she’s not busy traveling or doing business, you can catch up with Marshe at Rumors Boutique, located at 723 W. Broad St.
Positive Words For Women:
“Now is forever”
“Work today as hard as you can”
Links:
rumorsrva.com
facebook.com/MarsheSauce
Twitter: @rumorsboutique
Joe'i Chancellor
Community Activist/Writer/Author/Model
Honestly this next woman wears too many hats to list them all, but one thing I can say about her is that she does everything from the heart. Joe'i Chancellor is co-owner of a social media marketing firm known as The Network Grind, which she describes as a marketing team to connect the industry with everyday people, and the community with everyone. She has worked with some of the best in entertainment, including Teddy Riley of the R&B group Blackstreet. “I felt as though when I was working with Riley on his group’s single 'Boyfriend/Girlfriend' in 1999, and having him confirm that I am an excellent artist, made me know that I can work hard and gain results,” says Chancellor. Success, she states, comes from staying on your grind and knowing your brand. “Money will never define your work,” she says. “It comes from the amount of truth you stick to.” One positive influence for her was Oprah Winfrey, who was also claimed as an influence by Kizzi Henderson in one of our earlier articles. “She is a mogul, and an icon for women,” says Chancellor. “I also respect all of our ladies in RVA, so if I see you making progression, I will compliment you.” She considers it most important to be yourself, and stick with the mentality to be the best. In addition to The Network Grind, Chancellor works on many other programs, including “Heart for the Homeless,” which works with homeless RVA citizens and felons who have been recently released from incarceration. You can definitely respect her grind and her unselfish work ethic, which she uses to make RVA a better place.
Positive Words For Women:
"Stay ready and you won’t have to get ready”
“Remain humble”
Links:
iamthebuisness.net
facebook.com/joei.chancellor
youtube.com/user/joeichancellor
Twitter: @joeichancellor