The climate for new business ventures has taken a dive.  People are hesitant to invest and indulge in projects and passions that perhaps won't provide a guaranteed return.  The CBD business, however, is booming, and Aashir Jabbar has decided to get his piece of the pie with his entry into this highly lucrative world.  His positivity, drive, and infectious spirit make you stand up and take notice.   Without further adieu let's hear from Mr. Jabbar, and learn more about his business, while educating our minds, bodies, and spirits!  

I couldn't think of a better way to close out an amazing interview series than to sit and talk with this amazingly talented soul.  With a humble spirit and a drive like no other, it's easy to see why everyone loves him so much.  A talented musician, writer, editor-in-chief, driven entrepreneur and CEO, Donovan "Groov" Henderson is someone you should know if you don't already.  So, kick your feet up, learn more about him, support his creativity and get into his Groov...

 ◆ How are you doing on this amazing day?
I’m doing quite well. I have a beautiful wife and five children, my life has been blessed beyond measures. An amazing day indeed.

◆ When did you realize you were in love with the art of music?
You know what, when I think back, I would have to say it was around my early teenage years. I was exposed to a lot of different types of music at the expense of my grandmother and her love for listening to the radio in the mornings. I can remember her always having the local radio playing, in another room, and I could hear it, before getting ready for school. The local radio station would play some of every kind of music, pop, rock, R&B, folk, you name it. Little did I know, it was at that point, that my music palet was being formed and it continued from there. I started recording music, from the radio, on cassette tapes in my room, picking out my favorite songs. I began buying records, turntables, and deejaying became my thing. That’s when I began to really fall in love with the art of music.

◆ As an entrepreneur what has been most challenging?
The most challenging to me is, not having the necessary working capital to really function at the highest level possible. Most of what I do from an entrepreneurial perspective comes from my savings account. I don’t have any investors of any kind. 

◆ If you had to describe yourself in the form of a song, what would that be?
​Tough choice here, but I was able to narrow it down. I would say it’s “So Ambitious” by JAY-Z & Pharrell Williams from the Blueprint 3 album.​

It takes more than a notion to be rare.  Stepping outside of the box of normalcy is a gift in itself and the true definition of someone determined to rise and shine.  She's a President, CEO, journalist, writer, editor, photographer, world traveler, poet, and a trailblazer within the writing community.  Saying she is a force to be reckoned with is putting it mildly.  I am inspired by her work, in awe of her grace, and honored to present to you, Angela P. Moore!  

​◆ How are you doing on this amazing day?
I am fine considering we are going on two years in this pandemic.

◆ Writers are known for having thoughts at any given time.  When do you have your best ideas?
Usually, late at night I do a lot of thinking.  You know when it's quite and no distractions, I can focus better. 

◆ If you had to give a title to the blueprint of your life, what would it be called?
Good question! I have to think about this one... Maybe it should be titled, “A Place Called Love"

◆ Do you remember the first time you brought ink to paper?
Yes, I do.  As a kid, I loved to read and write.  I also remember being on a television show in Pensacola, Florida, because I read so well.  Growing up, I had my own little library.  I loved going to the library to check out books, and we had a mobile library that came to our neighborhood.  How cool was that?  I always loved reading and English classes were my favorite.  I enjoyed writing essays in class.  In college, I majored in Journalism and Photography, so that's when I really got serious and put ink to paper.  My first professional experience was the college newspaper, “The FAMUAN”!  I remember writing editorials on Jesse Jackson running for President, and writing stories on everything happening on campus, from renovations on campus, new businesses in the area, voting, new policies, to photographing the football games on Saturdays.  I was also a photographer for the college newspaper.  So, I wrote my stories and provided photos to go with my stories.  
      

Creativity is a gift that shines brighter than any diamond I have ever seen.  I was leaving a comment on a friend's social media post when I stumbled upon this lyrically blessed genius.  His response was far from ordinary and I knew he had a story to be told.  Rhythmic, poetic, musically inclined, and gifted.  I am excited to share his story with all of you, so without further delay, I introduce, Verso Turner! 

◆ How are you doing on this amazing day?
I'm great, but communicate better in rhyme
so I'll answer every question as a poem of mine
ya see, we all gotta talk the way that God had us designed
instead of formulating sentences... this poem is mines

◆ Writers are known for having thoughts at any given time.  When do you have your best ideas?
After I meditate, or listen to music
or talk to my spouse, she is someone I can muse wit
or any day that I pray and speak to that higher power
writing now takes a minute when it used to take an hour

◆ If you had to give a title to the blueprint of your life, what would it be called?
Life Path No. 9

What a great day it was to spend a bit of time stepping into the mind of Bryan Stubbles.   We met in the bizarre, fun, and often times insane world of Twitter.  Since then, I have been amazed, inspired, and encouraged by his gift of creativity and his sincere support within the writing community.  An accomplished playwright, and an amazingly talented writer with an infectious personality to match.  It's safe to say, I am a fan.  Take a peek at what he has to say and I'm sure you will be too!   

◆ How are you doing on this amazing day?
Pretty good. Thanks for asking. 

◆ Writers are known for having thoughts at any given time.  When do you have your best ideas?
When I’m not too burdened with real-life responsibilities. 

◆ If you had to give a title to the blueprint of your life, what would it be called?
The Case of the Missing Blueprint

◆ Do you remember the first time you brought ink to paper?
Kind of. I remember drawing a comic strip about a mouse traveling down a river when I was like 6. I may have written stuff earlier, but this is what I remember. ​

◆ Other than writing, tell us what else you love that gets your heart pumping.
A wee bit of everything. History, music, theatre, film, languages, cooking, exploring, volunteering...pretty much anything involving creativity and/or helping others. An office drone job would stop my heart from pumping and that would be sad. 

◆ The writing community is a huge network of authors, creators and so much more, do you ever feel pressured to perform based on what others are doing?
No. I love seeing other people’s success, too. We are in the same boat. 

◆ Have you ever googled yourself?
Yes. And I think I’ve googled you, too (gasp!).

She's an award-winning, published, and produced writer, author, performer, educator, comedian, accomplished playwright, and the list continues on.  Her dedication to the fight for social justice is heard and seen while making sure you laugh along the way.  Lucy knows the importance of reaching the younger creative minds and spends time writing to inspire and lift the youth to new heights.  It goes without saying, Lucy is an amazingly spectacular creative soul and one to watch!  By all means, see for yourself...

◆ How are you doing on this amazing day?
It's a glorious day, full of possibilities.  The sun is shining, I've fueled up on two cups of coffee and I get to speak with you.

◆ Writers are known for having thoughts at any given time.  When do you have your best ideas?
Pre-Covid, my best ideas often came to me at the gym during my workouts.  That fact kept me motivated and fit.  These days I find my best ideas come to me when I step away from the desk and go outside.  Go for a walk, garden, explore.   

◆ If you had to give a title to the blueprint of your life, what would it be called?
Resilience, sung to the tune of "Tradition" from the musical Fiddler on the Roof.

◆ Do you remember the first time you brought ink to paper?
I can't remember the exact date, but I know it was early. I grew up in a household where children were seen, not heard.  I discovered I had a voice through writing, and it was my big secret superpower.  I do recall one of my first stories was about a girl with supernatural abilities which I enacted with a blue globe agapanthus as my scepter.  

◆ Other than writing, tell us what else you love that gets your heart pumping.
Playing the piano.  Dinner with friends.  Traveling.   
​

I have met so many amazing writers and creators on my writing journey who have not only been inspiring, but enlightening and supportive within our writing community.   J.C. Maine, an author from Virginia is all of that and more.  Had the sincere pleasure of talking with him to learn more about his creativity, what makes him tick, and what he has in store for all of us.  See for yourself!

◆ How are you doing on this amazing day?
I am doing wonderful.  I am so honored to be doing this interview with you.

◆ Writers are known for having thoughts at any given time.  When do you have your best ideas?
About 5 o’clock in the morning. That’s the time my mind is the clearest, and right around the time I drink my first cup of coffee. ☺

◆ If you had to give a title to the blueprint of your life, what would it be called?
Never stop believing in yourself.  If you think you can accomplish something, you should pursue it despite how the current circumstances look.  In my opinion, it only takes one major opportunity to become successful.

◆ Do you remember the first time you brought ink to paper?
Around 2017 when I started my first book.  It was a nonfiction, and it was a learning experience for me.  It's not for sale, but you can read pieces of it on my blog site, A Better Tomorrow.
​

◆ How are you doing on this amazing day?
I’m doing fantastically well, AJ! Thank you for asking! And since you mentioned today, it’s appropriate that I note that I took the liberty of filling my gut with a couple Oreo cookies, a few cherry sours, a reasonable portion of Starburst jellybeans, a Cella’s chocolate covered cherry, and a slice of cheesecake. So, the best part about being fantastically well on this amazing day is that, remarkably, no part of it was tarnished by a stomachache.

◆ Writers are known for having thoughts at any given time.  When do you have your best ideas?
I’m plagued by my own creativity. Ideas are constantly tumbling off my conveyer belt with me trying to catch them in my left hand while working to bring the ones in my write hand to life. I know an idea’s the best one when it encourages, inspires, or impacts someone else in a profound way.

◆ If you had to give a title to the blueprint of your life, what would it be called?
Bruised: The Black and Blueprint.

◆ Do you remember the first time you brought ink to paper?
No. I do, however, remember creating written and illustrated storybooks for my classmates in kindergarten.

I had the true honor and pleasure of chatting with my friend, Mr. Richard Wilford.  He is not only an amazing writer, author and creative soul, he is a respected pastor, motivational speaker, Army veteran and the list goes on!  Take a look for yourself and get to know him, he has a lot to say.
​

◆ How are you doing on this amazing day?
I’m feeling great, and I am super excited about sharing this moment with you. 

◆ Writers are known for having thoughts at any given time.  When do you have your best ideas? 
I agree!! It’s at any given moment. My writing moments seem to come between the hours of 3am- 6am.  Six years later and four books later, it’s still the same and like clock work and without an alarm clock.

◆ If you had to give a title to the blueprint of your life, what would it be called? 
Finding my way!!! I often say, If any of us had to draw the path of our life on a graph, the line would consist of ups, downs, twist, turns, loop to loops, several steps forward and too many steps backwards. It seems as if it has been a long search for who I am and what I am supposed to be doing. ​

◆ Do you remember the first time you brought ink to paper?
I didn’t get good grades in school, but English was my favorite subject. The first book I started to write was called, “What to do when it’s not your turn!!” It stayed an idea for almost 15 years later when I published it.​

◆ Where do you pull your inspiration from? 
​Everywhere!!! I travel, read, and surf the internet and for it. I sit on benches and people watch for it. I watch documentaries of people who have pressed their way through life to be great. I absolutely love seeing people flow in their passion and gift. Just this week, I randomly asked a lady at my job, “What is your dream job?” It was almost as if I had woke her up out of a trance.  It startled her, but she rattled it off so fast that you could tell, she knew it. She said, “I want to open my own cafe. I want to know all of my customers on a first named basis and I want you to be able to walk in and smell that warm cup of coffee brewing.” This is what I am talking about!!! People are walking around day after day like zombies daydreaming about places they would rather be and what else they would prefer to be doing.  It always unctions me to seek harder to find the things that I love and am good at. There is no greater feeling than doing what you love to do and it pays for your lifestyle and the ability to continue doing it. I think those who have found and operate within their love, gift and passions, should be extra loud advocates for pushing and challenging the rest of the world to find their place in this world. The world would be a better place if everyone was doing exactly what they were designed and purposed to do in this life.​ ​​​