inthespotlight – EllaThought

Jewelry Designer @JLANIJEWELS

You ever meet someone so spiritually lit everything else they do shines, too? That’s Lani, founder of JLANI JEWELS, and every single piece of jewelry she creates. I met her in a perfectly lit room at Calvin Klein, when I worked in the Advertising department and her mom worked in Finance. Her mom had organized a pop up and she was selling the cutest gold rings that said things on them like “love” “prosperity” and “bestie”. I really just liked the girls’ jewelry *shrugs* then I ended up really just wanting to have lunch with her — and that’s how I anticipate tons of people will feel soon enough. Today, those little rings have turned into a collection of masterpieces; gold and silver melded together by beauty, passion and lots of black girl magic. I want y’all to meet Ms. Nesbit today, because you’re sure to love her tomorrow.

Chay Rodriguez, Creator of @GoalsthePodcast on Ups and Downs of Pursuing #GOALS

Written by Brittany Shanwté

Glad to be able to feature another great person out here helping to impact others! If you or someone you know is actively working towards bringing awareness to a cause, promoting self- esteem, or working to make a difference in this world, visit my Features/Submissions page to see how to be featured!

Today, the spotlight is on Chay Rodriguez, entrepreneur and creator of #GOALS, a podcast “that caters to to the dream chaser, risk taker, and goal getter” in each of us. Chay uses the show to highlight the motivating lessons from entrepreneurs, which, in turn, pushes others to be greater and walk purposefully in their dreams and goals as well! When Chay reached out to me about the podcast and her story, I had to know more and then share her inspiring story with y’all.

Singer/Songwriter: @YojiMusic

Written by Brittany Shawnté

R&B/pop singer, Yoji, was raised in London with a family of artists. With the support of her family, Yoji began learning how to play piano at the age of 8, but was trying her hand at song writing even before that. “I used to write songs in the playground with my friend and then perform them to everyone in a big showcase,” she said. “They didn’t really make any sense looking back but it was the best part of my day making music in the breaks.”

Writer & Empowerment Advocate: @MzDeeVa4you

Written by Brittany Shawnté

Today, we have writer Dee “Mz DeeVa” Shields! Raised in the live music capital of the world, Austin, Texas, Dee was born into a family of musicians and writers. “I took on more of the skill of writing, alongside a deep love and appreciation of music from many genres,” the writer stated. Dee graduated in 2000 from Austin Business College with a degree in Administrative Specialization, but went on to study Social Work and Psychology at Central Texas College and the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor. She is also set to receive her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix this spring, and will continue on to receive her masters and eventually doctorate in the field.

Australian Pop/Rock Artist: @TravisMusic

Written by Brittany Shawnté

I absolutely love how many international artists I have had the opportunity to feature on The Spotlight this year! It’s always cool to feature people outside of the U.S. to give you all a little taste of what the outside world really has to offer. It’s also allowed me to talk with a lot of awesome people! Getting back into the swing of things after all of these vacations and whatnot, so I have even more in the works!

Today, we have Australian pop/rock artistTravis Caudle! Travis admitted that he fell in love with music at a really young age. “Dad was always into stereo systems in a big way and buying the latest records and Mum plays piano, so it was always around,” he said, even recalling his first concert experience at the toddler level! “I clearly remember being at a Neil Diamond concert in Perth, Western Australia where I’m from, when I was two or three and wondering why he had red, green and blue hair (the lights!!!). Mum and Dad must not have been able to find a babysitter that night!” he joked.

Only1Spotlight.com’s 5-Year Anniversary!

Written by Brittany Shawnté Wow, FIVE YEARS! The Spotlight has hit a milestone people! I literally remember creating this blog like it was yesterday, bored during my internship and needing something to make myself busy. Little did I know that I would find my purpose that summer of 2009. I still can’t believe it sometimes. I’m not quiteContinue reading “Only1Spotlight.com’s 5-Year Anniversary!”

Artist: A.R. Stylez

Written By: Brittany Shawnté

Today, to bring in the new month, we have hip hop emcee A.R. Stylez (Always Real Stylez)! Hailing from Brooklyn, New York and raised by a single mother, A.R. grew up listen to good soul music from artists like Ben E. King, the Blue Notes, and Ray Charles. He took an great interest in art at a young age, but as he got older, he found that he could “paint pictures through words.” His first performance was at the age of 13 at the historic Knitting Factory in NYC, and it was clear that music was an outlet to express himself. The emcee said of Brooklyn’s influence, “Every day you’re reminded that you’re in the city that never sleeps. Living in the hood, being introduced to violence, poverty, and struggle will make just about anyone what to pursue better.”

“Matrix” by @MsOliviaGilmore

Written by Brittany Shawnté Almost a year ago, I had the great opportunity to feature talented singer Olivia Gilmore on The Spotlight. Now, she has dropped a new song, “Matrix” for us all to enjoy, and I’m loving it! She channeled her pain of infidelity in a relationship into this emotional ballad, writing and producing theContinue reading ““Matrix” by @MsOliviaGilmore”