I’m a very helpful person…when I feel like it. Most of the time I don’t. It isn’t that I don’t enjoy helping people and how good that makes me feel, it is just that sometimes I think folks’ requests are to me a sign of laziness. Like when people ask me things I can google I feel like why didn’t they just consult the site instead of me?!?! Other times, people ask me for help in areas I don’t feel necessarily comfortable helping out in-namely my job. I know that someone helped me get my first Hollywood gig that paved the way for what has become my career BUT when she helped I was ready. AND I worked my behind off to be a good reflection on her recommendation. Often times people will ask me for help and don’t even have a prepared resume. I used to feel ok turning people down flat when they asked me-I told myself it’d make them stronger if they have to fight for it. That’s not true and I guess deep down I always knew it. Then a strange thing happened. I met a great young lady named Teniesha. At the time, I was in a position to help her YET she didn’t need any help. Like me, she had her stuff together. Then the winter turned to spring and spring turned to summer and by the spring of the following year, it was I who needed help. Luckily when I called upon Teniesha, she didn’t flinch. She was on hand to assist in any way possible. As I peeped her a bit more, I found she was like that for every one. She gets that helping others be successful is a hands on activity. She doesn’t do it from a distance like I was-she puts herself out there to assist others. Teniesha is the epitome of an open heart and gives so much to enrich the lives of htose around her. That is an admirable trait and one of the many things I admire about this young lady. Here’s her story…
NAME: Teniesha Biagas
AGE: 24
HOMETOWN: Friendswood, Texas
CURRENT CITY OF RESIDENCE: New Orleans, LA
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: B.A. in Communications (PR Concentration) Minor: Sales & Marketing
OCCUPATION: Marketing & Sponsorship Coordinator, Rehage Entertainment
AS A CHILD WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP: When I was in elementary school, I wanted to deliver babies. I wanted to be an OB/GYN.
Over the next 15 years I expect my life to drastically change. I want to experience exponential growth and expansion in my entire life (well except physically lol don’t need no growth in this ole’ body lol). Career, spirit, health, well-being, love though, I just want to EXPLODE into the greatness I truly believe I’m destined to step into! My thoughts of my future overwhelm me and I’m grateful I’ve got so many people in my world that support me and my desires, whatever they may be at the moment. When I first read about Oprah’s 50th Birthday Legends Luncheon, I wanted to do something similar for my birthday. This year seemed like the right time. And although every woman who has made an impact on my life couldn’t be there, I think the ladies that did show up symbolized all that I desire to be. The day was simple. I invited everyone for brunch and gave them an index card with a quote, definition, saying and or phrase they had to recite to the group. One by one I had the women who’ve raised me, stood by me, mentored me and worked along side me stand up, say their card then I told a story about them. The intention was pure and simple: to show gratitude for the women in my life. The outcome was one I couldn’t imagine. I let go some long deep seated issues and found peace within myself. I wanted the women who came to feel like they are a special part of my life because without them (and others who could not attend) I’m not sure I’d be where I am. It is impossible to look at me and know my story but know that nothing I am or have accomplished has been a solo endeavor! And that realization alone is BRILLIANT!
Here are the lovely pictures from my event done by L. Kasimu Harris of Vision and Verbs Media-check out his work, dat boy is good! LOL!
Davida’s Brunch – Images by L. Kasimu Harris
Also, here’s a list of the women who were on hand and what they had to say:
- Brandi – “Getting your first job in the business may be the hardest thing you do.” (Brandi got me my first interview for my first gig in good ole’ Hollywood!)
I was looking at some old pictures this weekend and realized that I’ve had a long list of good, actually great friends in my life. When I was younger I’d discount friendships that ended as not being REAL enough to stand the test of time. Today I have a different view on it. People don’t always come into our lives for forever. They can do a whole lot of positive and leave lasting impressions in a short period of time. I’m grateful today for all the people have showed up in my world. My experience has been so enhanced by all the colorful, imaginative, beautiful, creative, intelligent, compassionate and strong individuals I do or in the past have called friend. Today I’m calling in that open spirit that I channel when meeting new folk into my dreams today. I hope to be as blessed in that area as I have been in my social life. With that said, today’s motivational song is the anthem about friendships-the good and the not so good. Enjoy…
On Saturday night the moon was the closest it has been to Earth in over 18 years. 
It was gorgeous but Sunday was the highlight of my weekend.
- My friend Naomi hit me up that she was going to a friend’s house to hang out by the pool. I never miss a chance to hang out by some water so I was game. It was a gorgeous day!!! So so happy I went.
- I was starving after and was kinda feening for sushi. For a while now I’ve been wanting fried rice from Katana but since I’m not in L.A., that’s not so easy of a request. I’ve searched every menu but never do I see the crispy rice. On the way home I randomly tried this place called Little Tokyo. I was expecting the best and I was not disappointed! And they had their verson of crispy rice! HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY!
- Next up I had an appointment for a healing massage at The Healing Place on Canal Street in my new ‘hood Mid City. When I walked in my friend Tori had just finished her appointment. She seemed so at peace and had this glow so I was pretty excited for my turn on the table. It was AMAZING! I’m still floating so to describe it now would do it no justice (I’ll elaborate later).
- I decided to go to Whole Foods to see what they had for dinner and I opted for some soup. It was great and I got a sweet bite treat too!
- Came home and finally got to watch WHIP IT!
What an AMAZING Sunday Funday!!! How’d you spend your day?!?
December 9 – Party Prompt: Party. What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans. (Author: Shauna Reid)
I must admit, thinking of this post made me realize just how much fun I had this year! I’m always so quick to say I don’t ever do anything or I don’t have any friends when that is CLEARLY not the case! 2010 was challenging but there was always time for a good time! Instead of writing about it, I’ll show it. Here are some pics from some of my fav shindigs of the year! I’m blessed to be able to have had some REALLY great times with really cool people 
I so look forward to what 2011 has in store
Kacy's Bachelorette
Cousin Claude's 50thBday Party
My Fab BDAY at Work
Out w/Selam
NOLA Hot Girl Reunion
Me and DanaChanel Essence Party
JerkandJon Heineken Event
Saints SuperBowl Sunday
Saints Playoff Game (09 but K was there!)
Saints Win NFC Championship
Memphis Beat KickOff Party
At Q93 w/K Heart
K Heart at the MBar
Saints Victory Parade
JayElectronica at Republic-Essence
EyeDeeKay Release Party
TSBD Costume Party
Drinks w/Ro
Kacy's Last Free Night
Kacy's Wedding
Jay Electronica Show
Zulu Party at Metro-Qiana Visit
EyeDeeKay Release Party
New Orleans Film Fest
Gameday w/the Fam
Memorial Day
First Fridays (make a face pic)
On Stage w/MJB at Essence
- I brought in my birthday on stage w/Rebirth Brass Band!
- In August I returned to my waitress gig…I felt sucky about it but on the third day, Tyler Perry came in which made me realize I was on the right track.
- I, along with the rest of the world, mourned the loss of legend, Michael Jackson.
- I started a new feature on my blog called “She Makes Me Wanna” and featured ladies who make me want to do things. I also stared “Friend In My Head” about people that I hang out with in my head.
- I fell in love w/New Orleans … HARD! Because I wasn’t working consistently, I had time to really experience some of the cool things NOLA has to offer. I love this place!
- I spoke to the President of the UNITED STATES! President Barack Obama came to town and I had the opportunity to ask him a question – and it was a good one!
- I threw a mixer at a local club.
- I took a class on Final Cut and learned to edit film.
- I was the female lead in a hip-hop video.
- I had a photo shoot where I was a guitar toting rocker chick.
- I got to see Lenny Kravitz at Voodoo Fest and my friend caught his guitar stick!!!
- I saw Avatar which was amazing to me-visually stunning and it made me fall in love w/3D.
- I got to be assistant to amazing director Clark Johnson on the pilot of Delta Blues, which was written by Liz Garcia and Josh Harto, old friends from L.A.
- The New Orleans Saints won the SUPERBOWL!!!!!!
- I became ok w/the fact that my career had changed forever – I no longer need a M-F, 9-5 existence-I see that my success will come with a whole lot less stability.
- I began doing freelance PR work.
- Josh and Liz’s show got picked up by TNT and I went to work on the show in March.
- My new boss at the job is amazing and she set me up with my next gig starting Aug. 2-directly after this one ends on July 30.
- I organized a community service event for Kourtney Heart called Kourtney’s Little Princesses.
- I worked on the planning and organization of NOLA Summer Jam 2010.
- I began work on a documentary focusing on the hip-hop community in New Orleans. It has fallen apart but I got invaluable experience in case I decide to pursue it on my own.
- I had a reunion with my bestest friends from Indiana!
- I had a fab time at Essence and the highlights were seeing Janet Jackson and watching Mary J. Blige FROM the stage!!!
So yes, the year of 33 was great and full of extreme highs and lows. I’m excited about what is to come in the year of 34! I got a feeling this is going to be a hardworking but fruitful one!
How’s it safe? Well,the thing about Hollywood is it is the one place where no one really wants to be the person who can officially say yes…until they know that yes is going to pay off. I mean imagine being the guy who says yes to a $100,000 budget to a movie that flops! It can be a scary thing. Ironically no one wants to say no either – lol the agent who turned down Julia Roberts has a great career BUT no longer as an agent! Starting a business there is damn near impossible unless you are independently wealthy and that still doesn’t guarantee anything. Being a great assistant is like a safety net – everyone is always looking for one. You get all the perks with fewer risks (you get everything your boss and their clients get and you have an entire network of people just like you!). Yes you do have to protect your boss at all times but that boss is the one who has to make sure the bills get paid and the lights stay on. Talk about pressure-making sure you, your clients, your family and your employees all eat and do well is MEGA pressure.
Staying in that assistant lane is very tempting but after the monotony of it, I felt myself ready to branch off. The average amount of years an assistant is an assistant before making the leap is at least five. The recession made that amount of time become unpredictable. In general, you pay your dues learn the biz for that allotted time and you’ll eventually move up. I was quite frustrated because once I’d master the desk, I’d get so bored. (And after doing it for a while, it didn’t take much time to master a desk.) I vowed when I came to New Orleans, I’d be an executive NOT an assistant. But my pattern was the same.
I find as I pursue my goals, it is easy for me to want to work for others. Instead of saying, “this is what I can do,” I generally ask, “how can I help.” Many folk I’ve attempted to “help” didn’t get it and the situations didn’t work out. I’m extremely fortunate because one of the people I wanted to “help” and work “for,” was instead looking for people to work with to achieve his goals. That situation taught me to switch my question to “how can I work WITH you.” That type of attitude is providing many great opportunities across the board and exciting things are happening!
Things are looking better!
Here’s the link: http://www.girlslife.com/StandingOvation/Voting.aspx
During the month of May, I committed to getting my stuff together. I’ve been putting in WORK! I worked on my eating habits, worked out more and got my affirmation and meditation game RIGHT! I’ve never been this focused so I thought it was time to release my alter ego (she’s been acting up trying to get out!). As a symbolic welcome that inner me, I got a huge makeover. Watch …
(Dana Chanel is my hair stylist and she ROCKS! Jonathan Hamilton did my entire look for the night – makeup, hairstyling (styling the hair Dana made look like it grew from my roots!), AND he designed the dress IN ONE DAY! Without ever putting a tape measure to me! No wonder his fashion line JerkandJon is on its way!! I love my people!!! They are so talented and amazing! I’m grateful they are in my world!!!)
