Spotlight Diva Archive

 

What do you call a woman who goes after what she wants in unconventional ways; a woman who is forward thinking, smart, and savvy? A Get ‘Em Girl’, why of course!

Meet Shakara Bridgers, Jeniece Isley and Joan A. Davis, the fabulous trio that make up The Get ‘Em Girls’.  With the release of their second cook book (The Get 'Em Girls' Guide to the Perfect Get-Together) these 3 Divas are showing no signs of slowing down. 

The idea for their first book (The Get ‘Em Girls Guide to the Power of Cuisine) was born when Shakara was  interested in a man and  reached out to friends Joan and Jeniece for help in cooking for him.  Together these 3 Divas created more than just recipes for spicing up ones love life, they created a recipe for success and they did it on their own terms.  The ladies opted to self-publish their first book in order to maintain 100% creative control…that just screams Get ‘Em Girl’.  We sat down with the Get 'Em Girls' to find out about their latest cook book, newest ventures and future projects.

 

Divas in the City: What inspired you ladies to launch Get 'Em Girl Inc.?

Get 'Em Girls': After Simon & Schuster acquired the Get 'Em Girls' Guide to the Power of Cuisine, we wanted to expand on the brand so we launched Get 'Em Girl Inc. Get 'Em Girl Inc. is an innovative multimedia company dedicated to celebrating the unique voice of the modern chic multicultural woman. The Get 'Em Girls' Guide series, Girls' Bite Out events, Get 'Em Girls' Catering, and GEG Television

DITC: Your first book The Get 'Em Girls Guide to the Power of Cuisine included recipes for spicing up your love life. What can readers look forward to from The Get 'Em Girls Guide to the Perfect Get Together?

GEG: In The Get 'Em Girls' Guide to the Perfect Get-Together: Delicious Recipes to Delight Family and Friends, we pick up right where we left off, dishing the secrets to creating mouthwatering, unforgettable meals that don't require hours of planning, dicing, and fretting! Birthday, family reunion, picnic, baby shower, dinner party, holiday feast, or just poker night-whatever the occasion-The Get 'Em Girls' Guide to the Perfect Get-Together has you covered from tips on organizing to setting the mood for a party and more than 140 easy and delicious recipes.

DITC: You ladies have 2 great books under your belt, your signature networking event (Girls' Bite Out ) and a catering operation (Get 'Em Girls' Catering); what else can we expect from this fab trio?

GEG: We have a great website www.getemgirls.com. The GEG social network offers an authentic and distinctive combination of community and original daily content from contributors on food, entertainment, fashion, health, parenting, style, beauty, environment, and relationships. So whether you need to know where to find the latest must-haves in fashion, how to pick the perfect peach for your delicious cobbler, how to tell if it's time to dump the zero you've been dating, quick-fix tips on your new home repairs, we've got you covered. In July we will also began working on our next book, The Get 'Em Girls' Guide to Eating Great and Losing Weight. We will be blogging about our weight lost experience so definitely stop by the site and check us out!

 

DITC: Are there any upcoming GEG events or projects that you would like to let the Divas know about?

GEG: We just recently re-launched our signature Get ‘Em Girls’ Bite In Salon Edition and Get ‘Em Girls’ Bite in Home Edition.  So if any of the Divas are interested in hosting a Girls ‘Bite In event, and they are in the NYC/NJ/CT area, we can bring the Get ‘Em Girl’ experience directly to them in an intimate setting complete with cocktails, food and great conversation.  We will also begin hosting monthly classes in the NYC area soon so be sure to keep checking for updates.

 

For more information you can check out www.GetEmGirls.com.

 

Name: Sabrina Easley

Hometown: Bronx, NY

Current Residence: Jamaica, Queens, NY

 

 

What is your professional Background?

I have worked in the financial institutions arena for over 13 years. Previously I was the Co-Manager of Technical Training at Bears Corporation. Currently I am a freelance website designer, graphic artist and technical trainer for my company Presentation Guru

What did you want to be when you grew up?

After I trashed the doctor idea since it involved blood, I decided that I wanted to be a lawyer.

 

What you are now?

I am a technical trainer, blogTV show host, singer, songwriter, spoken word artists and web/graphic designer. Wheewww... That was a mouthful lol.

Tell us about your startup:

I am "Jill of many skills" and I have several businesses. My first endeavor daCollective LLC(tm) / Presentation Guru (www.presguru.com) was started in 2001 is my graphic design house. My next endeavor, Triangular Greetings (www.triangulargreetings.com) was started in 2004 is my christmas greeting card company. In 2008, my old work buddy and friend Rondie Pottinger launched HoodRadio (www.hoodradio.com) and I started the SensualGeekNY blogTV show (Fyi, hood stands for help others overcome depravity). While my lastest endeavor for 2009 is the music production and artist promotion company, JQ Music Productions LLC (tm) (www.thefaclessproject.com and www.jqmusicproductions.com) which was co-founded with my producer and bff Jaime Quiles.

What inspired you to launch your companies?

Completeness... I never really feel complete unless I am creating something or doing something new. I have been blessed with so many talents and I feel it would a shame if I did not share them with the world. If I can make the life of one person better then I have done my job.

What steps did you take to prepare for the launch of your company?

For daCollective and JQ Music, I searched the state and federal business databases for name availability. Next I filed for business incorporations and trademarks. Next I researched various website options and then developed and designed the websites. For the JQ Music, we filed artists and publisher applications with ASCAP and then registered the Faceless Project albums and maxi-singles titles so we can collect royalties.

How long have you been in business?

In total, I have been in business for over 8 years

How did you fund it?

By working overtime and taking additional freelancing gigs. I have tried to stay way from acquiring credit debt.

Do you belong to any professional organizations?

National Association of PhotoShop Users and the Freelancers Union.

What are your current business challenges?

My greatest challenge is trying to find time. I wear so many hats that sometimes it can be chaotic.

What are you doing about it?

Well I have been investigating cloning options lol. Seriously, I have started to allocate more tasks to my business partner instead of me trying to wear the cape all the time. I have also been learning to make the most of my time so I don't stretch myself too thin. Additionally, I have created a to-do list on my phone and that helps out greatly. Lastly, I have learned to take a timeout when I need it.

 

What obstacles have you faced since launching your business, and how did you deal with them? Marketing is my biggest obstacle. I have never been good at marketing... I am a project manager, behind the scenes type of chick. However, I have been learning to be more relaxed about marketing my products, by slowly shedding my timidness.

What are you most proud of?

I am proud of the fact that I continue to evolve and grow. Whenever I look back, I can confidently say, "I am better woman than I was yesterday."

What advice would you like to offer other Divas looking to start their own business?

My single piece of advice to fellow Divas is, "there is always a way". As long as you have the resilience, dedication, a positive outlook and belief in yourself, things will always work out.

 

Bonus questions:

 

What is your favorite motivational quote?

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. ~Harriet Tubman~

 

What is your favorite book? Conversations with God by Neale Donald Walsh