Thoro Gem Thursday: Joy Newby

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." —Mahatma Ghandi

This weeks thoro gem is Joy Newby. Full time Mother, Nurse and CEO. She's the co-owner of Acute Medical Staffing. This personally makes me proud because she is from my hometown and I love
seeing people I know purse their dreams.

Along with her business partner, Deanna, Joy recently opened up a staffing agency called Acute Medical Staffing based in East Brunswick ,NJ that services the surrounding areas. Their primary goal is to assist registered and certified individuals in the medical field seek employment as well as helping employers  hire qualified healthcare professionals. When Joy initially introduced the launch of her new venture on Instagram, she expressed that while in her 2nd term of nursing school, she and Deanna, starting making plans to become CEO's in the field that they both have a passion for. Within 2 years of graduating, their dream of owning a business came true and they are current hiring.










































I have so much respect and admiration for  people in the health care profession. It's definitely a field of love because aside from the money or professional status you really need to have a sincere concern for the wellness of another human being. That in itself is so beautiful.

Ambitious and beautiful inside and out, Joy, you truly are a thoro gem.

For further info about the agency, visit their website at www.acutemedicalstaffing.com and Instagram @acutemedical

Thoro Gem Thursday: Candice "Unending Battle" Williams

"The one lesson I've learned more than anything about my journey is that you have to love yourself and that includes the good and bad days as well as loving yourself on the outside and inside."- Candice Williams

This week's thoro gem is Candice Williams also known as Unending Battle on IG. I started following her weight loss journey over a year ago. I thought it was interesting that her handle is unending battle, because it's very true. Any type of change requires constant disciple and personal motivation to keep going despite what you feel. Even after you've fought the good fight and achieved your goal or at least a portion of your goal, sometimes it can still feel like you're battling with the old you. She has been such an inspiration for me on many different levels.

#1. Sis lost over 260 lbs NATURALLY. Now I don't judge anyone for any alterations they choose to make on their body. It's their body to do whatever whether that's weight loss surgery, implants, augmentations, fat transfer, ect. DO WHAT YOU YOU GOTTA DO FOR YOU! However, it is good to see someone who decided to take the road of dedication and discipline. #2. I personally know how devastingly stressful and discouraging this fight can be so the encouragement that she gives herself, she also pours into others through inspirational posts.

Candice works a full time job, takes care of three beautiful dogs and still finds time to teach body pump, body flow, and yoga throughout the week. The only surgery she has undergone were 4 excess skin removal surgeries which is understandable when you learn that she went from over 400lbs to 200 lbs. She looks great and her positivity radiates through her. She is totally open and authentic with her story about her physical and emotion transformation and even refers to her followers as "warriors", encouraging them to always push through. You can follow her journey on IG at @unendingbattle and her website www.unendingbattle.com








Doing the work and being an inspiration, Candice Williams you truly are a thoro gem.

Thoro Gem Thursday: Jessica Jenkins

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord should be praised.
                                                                                                                                Proverbs 31:30






I love bragging about all the beautiful things that women are doing around me and in the world but it's an honor when I'm talking about someone that I personally know, admire and love.
My good, good sister-fran Jessica Jenkins moved from Philadelphia to Tennessee with plans to further her education. Through hard work, perseverance and faith that all things are working together for her good, I'm am beyond proud to announce that on Saturday, May 12th my girl will be graduating with her Master's of Divinity from Central Baptist Theological Seminary. And Lord willing, she will later become a Chaplain for hospice care.


I was excited to hear about her move when she decided to go to seminary. Since we first met back in 2013 through Pinky Promise (an organization started by Heather Lindsay) she's always been someone that I can reach out to for anything. Sis will pray for me, fast with me. So in my opinion this move was perfect for her. But I know it wasn't always easy being away from your support system while the stressors of life take no brakes but she found victory over it all trough her faith in God's plan.


Like I said earlier in the post, Jessica is more than my friend she's been like a sister. My worries, stories and secrets are safe with her. I even use to send her excerpts of my book while I was still writing it just to get her insight so you knooooow I trust her.




A writer, A worshiper, a beautiful vessel, Jessica you truly are a thoro gem.

Thoro Gem Thursday: 1X for my girls

LIKE WE ALWAYS DO AT THIS TIME....


Hey gems,


It's Thursday which means I feature one or a few thoro (thor·ough) baddies that are doing it. Whether that "it" is in the office, home, entertainment industry or just a bomb ass woman that is leaving her mark on this world.  I love bragging about and acknowledge women because sometime I feel as though there is a lack of appreciate where honor is due. Some of us are taking care of business in and outside of the home. Wives and mothers. Single mothers. Entrepreneurs. Going to school. Working 9 to 5 jobs and even those of us still getting it together to figure out life. You deserve a moment sis. Having said that, sit back, relax, grab something refreshing to sip on and enjoy.


This week's thoro gem .......is YOU!


You don't always feel loved or hell, even seen. You get tired and discouraged. Weary at the ways of the world and angry with the injustice. Life may not be going as planned or going at all. You feel lonely at times or maybe unable to get a moment alone to be with your thoughts and just breathe. Perhaps you feel meh. Unsure how to really feel about anything these days. OR, you feel great! Life is lit right now and you couldn't be more grateful than you are everyday that your eyes open. You have major events to look forward to and you're all around happy. Whatever your current state is, I'm here to tell you to tell you to KEEP GOING SIS!! If you don't have a cheerleader then I'll be that for you. If you're preparing, planning and working...keep going! If you're reassessing, resting, resetting...keep going. You're so beautiful. Your soul is so magnetic for love and abundance. Your life is coming together and whether today, tomorrow and a couple months from now, all will make sense. And if you don't now what to do regarding love, life, career BUT you know how you want to feel(peace, fulfilled, love, etc.). Follow that!


In the meantime, know that you are powerful simply because you're a women. You have a birth canal built in you and its in your nature to nurture all that it around you. You don't feel noticeable but you'll always be felt. You're such a thoro gem!!

Being self-aware & Dodging Bad Vibes

So far, April has been a pretty good month for me. I turned 33 on the 3rd, I'm solidifying the details for my first international vacation this summer, Beyoncé killed Coachella, and I released my first book. All beautiful things. On the other hand, I've had to do a lot self reflecting( which is never easy)and releasing of habits and people; both in real life and social media.


Here's the thing, NOBODY  HAS A PERFECT CHARACTER. We all have flaws and to be a person of great action and mature responses should be all of our goals. I don't like to make accuses for my attitude. I know that I have the tendency to be an asshole because if people know they can turn you, they'll roll you like a pair of dice every time but there has also been times where I've been overly mature about a situation that I clearly wasn't wrong in and kept my mouth shut when I had every right to go TF off. I took a look at the drama I created and how my attitude effectives life and those around me. I asked God to help me change and give me grace for people. So when I started turning my ideas into moves and celebrated life instead of having pity parties, people weren't feeling me and it was painfully apparent. What also became clear was their "brand new" attitude wasn't new at all. What was new was the choice I made for myself. I also realized that those bonds were over what made us miserable. Like the saying goes, misery loves company and I just wasn't fun anymore. That's cool though!


NO MORE one-side friendships. NO MORE revolving Ex's. NO MORE letting my fear stomp out my faith. Living my best life and dodging negative vibrations all 2018!

Thoro Gem Thursday: Selena

This week's #TGT post wraps up the celebration to my fav Aries Ladies and coincidentally there is no better way than to bring the season to a close.





I want to wish a special HAPPY BIRTHDAY in Heaven to the late Selena Quintanilla-Perez.

"SELENA NO SELENA!" That Mall scene was one of my favorite parts of the movie. And don't get me started on how bad I wish I knew Spanish whenever I hear Como la Flor.

Selena, born April 16th, was a Mexican American singer. Referred to as the Queen of Tejano Music, Selena bridged to gap between Latino and pop music with her music but especially her hit single " I Could Fall In Love". Unfortunately, this gem didn't even have the chance to thoroughly enjoy her cross over but she will always be remembered and celebrated for her success in doing so.





When I think about Selena, I feel as though she truly embodies the Aries spirit. As an innovator, dreamer and being brave and determined as she was, she had proven in her short life span that there was nothing she wasn't going to do.

Rest peacefully Beautiful, you truly were a thoro gem.

Lima beans and White Gardenia

I was coming off my weekend high after much celebration, laugher, and drinking. The book release on Saturday was beautiful but when Sunday night rolled around, I felt my body giving me an ultimatum; either  you're going to rest voluntarily or involuntarily. So come Monday morning, to say I was beat is an understatement. Despite my physically exhaustion I was on cloud nine. I was able to link my blog and PayPal so I can receive orders for my book and babyyyy those orders came in back to back even from people who I don't know. I was overjoyed which is very different than my regular Mondays.

Once I got home, I tidied up the living and dining room. Lit my new White Gardenia candle from Bath and Body works. Side note, if making love in a field of flowers had a scent, I believed it'd smell like gardenia. I sautéed some raw shrimp with spinach and slow cooked a can of seasoned lima beans( yup, straight outta the can). While dinner was cooking, I poured myself a glass of my homemade sangria and decided to assemble the digital coffee maker I purchased over the weekend. I was getting shit done and felt so accomplished . House clean. Dinner cooked. Feeling like somebody's housewife. LOL

Slightly tipsy from the sangria and full of lima beans, I laid stretched out on the couch tired. By this time the scent of gardenia filled the air putting my mind, body and soul into the realm of relaxation.
Back in the day my mother used to have gardenia scented plug-ins all over the place and I didn't care much for the smell back then. I didn't care much for lima beans either. As matter of fact, I thought they were the most disgusting vegetable known to man. I would preferred a slimy ass piece of okra over lima beans. Now I can't get enough of either. How funny it is that what we use to dismiss can later bring happiness. I thought about the past few days and how it felt good to finally relax from the highs sincerity and the lows that tried kill my vibe. I thought about how blessed am I and how I seem to forget that when dealing with the misery's of life. Whether its circumstances or circumstantial people, I often have to remind myself to be intentionally about my growth and peace of mind. To loosen myself for everything that cuts off my circulation to God and embrace what soothes the soul.

I'm a published authored.
I'm a poet...in my own right. A daughter, sister, friend and god-mother. I'm a women who's aware of her strengths and the areas where growth is needed. I'm not perfect but I'm perfect. I am a grown ass woman that loves lima beans and the smell of gardenias.