Where did you grow up and what was your childhood like? Did you have any particular experiences/stories that shaped your adult life?

I was born in Long Beach, CA, and raised there primarily by my father. My parents were divorced, at age nine I moved to live with my mother, in Placentia, CA. I didn’t have the best upbringing. I would say, I raised myself. Similar to a wolf in the woods. However, my mother taught me to be a dreamer, and that got me through… fantasy, imagination, which turned into manifesting. I wrote a book about it: “Embracing My Funny Bone, Even When Shit Happens”.

What is something you wish you would’ve realized earlier in your life? I really believe the timing is as it should be. As a child, I was a bully, but only because I lacked any social skills due to my odd upbringing… but through that, I evolved. I turned a corner at about 12 years old. I found kindness, I hated being mean. And I found it FUNNY. Now, I can’t even kill a fly. I’m Vegan (for good health and because I love all animals). I’m an empath and love helping in any way I can. I have talked about my childhood behavior in previous books. I don’t condone bullying, but we have to learn about both sides of that equation. Hurt people… hurt people.

What are bad recommendations you hear in your profession or area of expertise?

I’m not sure I’ve fallen for any bad recommendations. I’ve spent years focusing on becoming as educated or specialized as I can when it comes to things I love and put out to the public. However, recommendations from parents that say dreams are silly and you can’t make it… are B.S. We all have a gift, we all have a dream, we all have passion and we all have something to bring to the table. GO FOR IT! The money will follow.

Tell me about one of the darker periods you’ve experienced in life. How you came out of it and what you learned from it?

This is a loaded question. I have 3 children. Of course, my oldest going to prison was difficult, but he wouldn’t be the person he is today. My children are biracial (black and white). My son that was incarcerated refers to prison as “black university”. Today he is a talented filmmaker, black activist and speaks to all who will listen. He currently speaks at universities and shares his recent documentary he filmed in Minneapolis after George Floyd was murdered. I’d also like to add, a very difficult moment was also when my other son was involved in a head-on collision – pronounced dead at the hospital, but miraculously lived. As a result of the brain injury, he has epilepsy. It’s been difficult for my son, and my heart breaks for him.

What is one thing that you do that you feel has been the biggest contributor to your success so far? Practice, practice, practice. Whatever it is you want to achieve… Read, learn, listen, push away any fear and go for it! You can learn anything on YouTube. I’ve studied some great masters at their skill and have learned so much. Thank goodness for YouTube. Also, I teach those in my field that are eager to learn. Give back!

What is your morning routine?

I wake up at 8 am. I brew some coffee, make a healthy smoothie, take some vitamins, and drink water. I love to make lists to keep me on track – I read my “to-dos” and get busy. I love all that I do and look forward to completing each idea, big or small. I love creating and collaborating – even if it’s a one-minute comedy video I’m producing, it feeds my soul and makes me smile. Of course, some meditating and exercising are a must-do. My habits continue through the day. I practice piano an hour a day and I study palm reading an hour a day. I write I post on social media, I keep the train moving.

What habit or behavior that you have pursued for a few years has most improved your life?

Mental habits: Loving myself, believing in myself. Also important is eliminating bad habits that keep me from achieving a goal is necessary! I love wine but can’t drink wine every night… so I stay disciplined. Don’t expect the journey to be easy, in the beginning… As we evolve and become increasingly educated in our pursuit/goals/dreams, it does get easier and a lot more fun – but you must put the work in! The payoff is there!

What are your strategies for being productive and using your time most efficiently?

I’m at an age where wasting time is a disaster. Everything I’ve said above is what keeps me directed, productive, and excited about what’s to come. When I’m working on a project, writing a book, or have an upcoming event, it keeps me excited. Looking forward to something that brings happiness. Plan, create, and pursue. Keep husting! I’m a believer that I’d rather complete a goal and fail, rather than never complete it and not know the outcome. Each project, the idea is part of our journey here. Don’t believe anyone who tells you you can’t achieve your dreams. You can and you will… Get busy!

What book(s) have influenced your life the most? Why?

Anything spiritual. The Power of Now, The Secret. I’m a dreamer and have learned the art of manifesting from research, reading, and the art of practicing. I study the things I am passionate about… Palm Reading, Piano, Comedy, Writing, Self-Publishing. For me, I love books that guide me, enlighten me, teach me and inspire me. As a publisher/writer, those are my goals for the reader – and also a good laugh. Humor is healing.

Do you have any quotes you live by or think of often?

My son was incarcerated for 10 ½ years and he would always say “make the days count, don’t count the days” – He didn’t just sit in his cell waiting for his release date to come. He read, researched, educated himself, etc., etc., etc. I have adopted that powerful quote in my life. Another quote I love is “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard”. I taught tap dancing for 25 years and when my students would complain that another dancer was just better than them, I would share that quote. That quote stays with me. I work hard, I practice the things I love and I put that dedication into excelling – at what I enjoy. It makes me happy and I am constantly improving. When I hear people complain about the things they didn’t do or didn’t achieve, my first question is: Did you put the work in? If the answer is no, then it’s no wonder. They must not have wanted it bad enough or didn’t have the belief in themselves. Perhaps they did put the work in… sometimes failure is the universe getting us ready for something bigger and better. We learn more from failure than success. Everything happens for a reason, a lesson, it’s part of our journey here. Keep going, keep believing.