Category Archives: Life after.

On the Rise: Jereshia Hawk

Posted in Career, Empowerment, Fashion, Finance, Life after., On The Rise by

IMG_2522Denis Waitley, a well-known motivational speaker and author once mentioned that “There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept responsibility for changing them.At the age of 10, Jereshia Hawk was placed in an uncomfortable situation. Growing up without both of her parents, she knew early on that she couldn’t let her negative circumstances consume her. At 19, the only family member that was providing for her passed away and left Jereshia with much more than grievance, but a five-year old son and a grandmother to take care of. From modeling to owning a successful online fashion store, Jereshia made it her duty to strive for success while taking care of her family. She recently launched Empoweryoudaily.org, a website designed with aspiring others to reach their full potential despite the obstacles they might face.Let’s learn more about Jereshia’s journey.

Where were you six months after college?

I was very fortunate to have a job waiting for me. At the time, I was part of an Engineering Developmental Program which offered me the opportunity to learn about the company through their rotations. Being part of the program helped me figure out what I wanted out of my career as an engineer.

What attracted you to civil engineering?

Growing up I loved playing Sims and building houses. While in high school, a teacher recognized my curiosity and exposed me to engineering and architecture. I attended Iowa University for Architecture, however after my aunt passed away, I knew I wouldn’t be able to provide for myself and my family, so I returned home to West Michigan University and majored in Civil Engineering.

How did you balance your entrepreneurial journey (modeling, acting, business owner) while you were pursuing your education?

I love being busy, it keeps me going and alive. During those times, I relied heavily on time management. I was strategic about every step of my life because not only did I have to further my education, I also had to provide for my family who were depending on me. From Monday to Thursday I was focused on my education; Thursday evening to Sunday night I was on the road.

At the end of the day my motivation came from losing both of my parents at a younger age but also providing for my little cousin and grandmother. I had to create opportunities for myself.

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Melody Asherman, The Woman Behind Everrything RRouge

Posted in Career, Empowerment, Fashion, Life after., Out and About by

Industry: Fashion

Hat:  Designer of Everrything RRouge

School:  Tuskegee University

Major: B.A, Psychology

IMG_7105Melody Asherman’s path to being a designer was not an easy one. In fact, all the road blocks she encountered throughout her journey were only preparing her for the greatness she was destined to obtained. A native of Newark , New Jersey of Liberian descent, Melody’s love for passion peaked when she first designed her prom and graduation dresses in high school. Her willingness to go against the odds is a demonstration of  this well-known quote “If Plan A doesn’t  work, there are 25 more Letters in the alphabet.”Find  out more below about the Designer behind Everrything RRouge.

Where were you 6 months after graduating from college?

Couple months after graduation I was back home in NJ working  at Lane Bryant, that was the only thing I could find in at the time.

What is one thing that you’ve find out about yourself once you graduated from college, that helped you grow?

I’m very determined and ambitious. When I put my mind into it, I will do it. It doesn’t matter how long it will get me to achieve my dreams.

unnamed-5As you are aware, the blog focuses on one’s personal journey to success, have you ever encountered some obstacles and how were able to get over them?

Absolutely, 2011 was the worst year of my life. We are sold this dream that we are guaranteed a job after college. When I realized that I wasn’t able to find a job, I applied to a fashion school in Atlanta, that didn’t go according to plan, I got rejected. I was upset, but I didn’t let this erode my drive. I went forward with my plan B and I invested in myself by taking sewing classes in at Parsons. This helped me tap into my creativity and also helped me meet people in the industry I wanted to be in. In the beginning of the year, I told God that everything was going to be great because I knew that my troubles was not going to last forever. Couple of months later I was working 2 jobs. By putting God FIRST, remaining humble and trusting God, I watched my vision become reality.

My advice for anyone having a tough journey is to trust God and focus on your journey.Our generation tends to compare their lives based on what others post on social media. Though it is very easy to fall into that trap, we may never know what people are going though.

What does the phrase ” Freshman Year of Life means to you?

Freshman Year of Life is investing  in yourself while still learning from the process. It’s being able to learn from mistakes and let the one above plan your journey.

Who do you think is the ER Woman? What defines the Everrything RRouge woman?

Everrything RRougge woman is bold, unapologetic and very confident. It doesn’t matter whether she’s 65 pounds or 365 pounds, when she walks into a room she commands attention and respect.

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I Get it from my Mama: 12 Things I’ve Learned from Her

Posted in Life after. by


I get it from my MAMA! Her smile, her walk and her intelligence. As we spend today celebrating our mothers, I want to take this time to highlight a few things I’ve learned from watching my mother work her magic over the years.

1. Dance when you’re happy, dance when you’re sad.

Dancing is rejuvenating and I’m glad my mother taught me how to move my feet. When was the last time you came across an angry dancer!? Think about it

2. Treat everyone equally and with respect.

I mean from the President to the homeless, everyone deserves respect because everyone is a human being.

3. Have 1 on 1 time with God.

I was raised in a religious home. However, my encounter with God didn’t really take place until I was in my late teens; that’s when I realized that I was not in control of my life as I thought I was. Whenever I’m in doubt, I just reach for my Bible just like she taught me.

4. Be Grateful and don’t  apologize for your blessing.

Know when to say please and thank you. My mother has taught me, that no matter how big or small the gesture may be, you must always say thank you.

5. Tunnel Vision 

She’s always reminded my sister and I to focus on what we’re doing, and not what everyone else is doing.

6. Have YOU Time

Treat yourself, take care of yourself and make sure you enjoy your company. If you don’t, who will?

7. Sacrifice is part of Life

I’ve watched this woman go from having an Engineering Degree, a successful  career in NGO’s, and switch over to the Medical field when we moved back to the States.  She manages to keep both her professional and  family life in line. She’s always been about the next move and as I’m writing this, she’s currently planning her Bakery Business Plan. (Need I say more?)

8. Be Optimistic

No matter how bad things may seem, there is always a new day around the corner.

9. Wear the dress, don’t let the dress wear you.

It doesn’t matter if you bought the most expensive outfit or the cheapest, it all depends on how you let your personality shine through it.

10. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

Both my parents believed in me and taught me to believe in myself and I love them for that. When I had trouble in school, my mother found a way for me to remember my citations by singing them to me.

11. Do not let anyone else dictate your happiness.

“Nope not even your mama!” she will say.

12. Be Classy at All Times

When people compliment me on my sense of fashion, ambition, poise and craziness, I say thank you but in reality, I want to tell them to thank my mother and all the beautiful women that raised me.  From time to time I would peruse her album and get ideas, asking her,  “ Why didn’t you save these dresses for me?”

A holiday cannot begin to compensate for all the sacrifices our mothers have made, so remember to always celebrate your loved ones, not just on holidays but everyday.