YOUR STORY IS YOUR SUPERPOWER PDWMAG.COM
SHARE YOUR STORY WITH US VISIT PDWMAG.COM
Publisher Kimi Johnson
Cover Design Graphic Designer: Brittany Rockwell Photographer: Damon Gordon
Contributors
Dr. Teresa Slade Kiawana Leaf Nicole S. Mason, Esquire Tarnya Coley Pavielle Bookman Teraleen Campbell Carleeka K. Basnight-Menendez Danyelle Scroggins Rhoda Whitfield Christina Malloy
Cover Features Carla R. Cannon Anna Nyakana
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Purpose Driven Women Magazine is the woman's guide to connecting to and thriving in their purpose. We are a bi-monthly digital faith based magazine designed to provide inspiration for women on their purpose journey.
OUR MISSION Imagine a world where every woman knew exactly why they were created. Despite their economical background, past failures, trials, or tribulations they believed they were more than enough to thrive as the person God created them to be with ease and flow. Our Vision is to create an international publication that creates unification and connection amongst women from different walks of life, giving them an opportunity to uplift each other by sharing stories, resources, products, and expertise.
Share My Story Features Kathy Lofton Mayren Corpuz
Purpose Driven Women Magazine is a publication of PurposePals, LLC. The information in this publication is presented in good faith. The publisher does not guarantee accuracy or assume responsibility for errors or omissions. Copyright 2021 © PurposePals, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in part or in whole, without expressed written consent of the Publisher is prohibited.
4 PDWMAG.COM January 2021
OUR VISION Purpose Driven Women Magazine’s Mission is to inspire and encourage women to discover and surrender to the plan God has for their life. We give everyday women a voice and platform by means of testimonials, interviews, training, resources, and informative articles to share stories of how their faith helped them to overcome hardship. EBSITE: pdwag.com
CONTACT INFORMATION PDWMAG.COM EMAIL: HELLO@pdwmag.com
Table of Content COVER FEATURE
Carla R. Cannon Wealth & Prosperity 22
GETTING COMFORTABLE WITH WEALTH
24
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT BEGINS WITH SELF REFLECTION
Love & Relationship
Birthing Purpose
12
27
DON’T FORGET THE BASICS
28
JUST SIMPLY SAYING: FIGHT FOR YOUR MARRIAGE
30 SHARE MY STORY: I FOUND GOD, I FOUND LOVE, I FOUND YOU
ON THE COVER
Spiritual Inspiration 19 20
HEALING THE SOUL
21
CHALLENGING TRANSITION
FROM BUCKLING UNDER PRESSURE TO BREAKING THROUGH TO GOD’S PROMISES
Anna Nyakana
40
Wealth & Prosperity
22
Love & Relationship
26
Poetic Purpose 31
KNOW
Beauty & Wellness
50
Health & Fitness 33
MENOPAUSE WON’T LAST FOREVER
Family 36
A FATHER’S VICARIOUS TEACHINGS TO HIS DAUGHTER
Beauty & Wellness 41
6 PDWMAG.COM January 2021
REST IS A WEAPON
From My Heart to Yours
Hello 2021!
We made it! Despite the numerous challenges 2020 presented, we made it through! Being purpose-driven requires determination! Nothing can stand in the way of a determined mind. Paired with faith, it is the strength we need to overcome any obstacle that comes our way. Luke 21:19 tells us to “Stand firm, and you will win life!” Our cover girl Carla R. Cannon knows what that means. Faced with mental and physical abuse, labels, and devastation Carla knows first hand what it’s like to push through life’s disappointments and birth purpose. Affectionately known as the “Trailblazer,” she is living her best life as the owner and operator of a multi-faceted enterprise that consists of Cannon Coaching & Consulting, Cannon Publishing, Trailblazers University, and Women of Standard Network. Like most success stories, her victories did not happen overnight. But despite the hardships, she kept pushing through. In her interview she shares her inspiring story. This issue also highlights Anna Nyakana, an Award-Winning and Bestselling Author, Motivational Speaker, and Business Owner of Niyah Zuri Books and Niyah Zuri Studios. Anna shares why it was important for her to change the narrative of children’s books and how this desire led her to write her best selling children’s book, “Niyah Zuri and The Pharaoh’s Throne.” In addition to our cover features, we also share the compelling stories of Mayren C. Corpuz and Kathy Lofton accompanied by page after page of heartfelt articles from our amazing team of contributing writers. Needless to say, the heartfelt work that goes into each issue is to share stories that demonstrate the resilience of women, who even in the face of opposition, are passionate about living out their purpose. Simply put, we strive to be the fuel that inspires you on your purpose journey. The content in this issue is no different. I invite you to get comfy, grab your favorite drink, and dive in because it’s going to be good! As always, thank you for reading. Kimi Johnson Publisher January January 2021 2021 PDWMAG.COM PDWMAG.COM 11 January 2021 PDWMAG.COM 77
Kathy O. Lofton is a writer, photographer, and indie filmmaker. To-date, her film works have screened at festivals in Nashville, Los Angeles, Atlanta, the UK, India, Germany and Memphis, TN, which she calls home. She freelances under her small business, Lofton Media and has been awarded category winner at three film festivals. kathyolofton.com
Dr. Teresa Slade is an ordained Pastor at Potter’s House Ministry alongside her husband Apostle Alzo Slade, Sr. She has been active in ministry for over thirty years which includes conducting women’s conferences, leadership training and marriage seminars. She is the founder of Women to Women Ministries and a mentor to many women. facebook.com/drtwtw
Rhoda Whitfield is a columnist for “Just Simply Saying” where she gives raw and relevant straightforward marital advice to help couples cultivate a successful and loving marriage. She is a co-author of the book A Well-rounded Love Affair “More than Between the Sheets,” with her husband Danny Whitfield. After the death of her son, she was driven to write “Where Did You Go?” to assist children that are having a difficult time with the loss of a loved one. dannyandrhodawhitfield.com/
8 PDWMAG.COM January 2021
Nicole S. Mason, Esquire is an attorney, mentor, international best-selling author, speaker, and Success Coach. She is the recipient of the 2018 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading Award, 2019 Faith Based Speaker of the Year Award and the 2019 ACHI Woman of the Year Award. nicolesmason.com
Pavielle Bookman is the host of The Purpose Collective podcast where she dives into mistakes made on the journey to discover purpose, dating with a purpose, and how to overcome roadblocks like fear, imposter syndrome and focus. She is a native of Jacksonville, Florida and a practicing attorney.
Kiawana Leaf is a God-made entrepreneur, author, actress, and inspirational speaker, Kiawana aspires to inspire and empower women who are survivors of domestic abuse, both men and women masking their truth, oblivious to childhood trauma, and the brokenhearted through her first business venture, Empower Too Inspire LLC®.
empowertooinspire.org
thepurposecollective.co
Christina Malloy is an author from Fayetteville, North Carolina. Writing letters and poetry helps her release the stress in her life. She is currently working on her upcoming poetry book “Can You Hear Me?” which is a compilation of love letters to God and prayers to help her make it through. christinamalloy@yahoo.com
January 2021 PDWMAG.COM 9
Carleeka Basnight-Menendez is an author, award winning life coach, and a prolific speaker with global appeal. She is the creator of the F-IT Method, The A.V.E., and Menopause and Mimosas. Through these platforms she offers new and aspiring Christian female entrepreneurs, the skillsets needed to increase visibility, earn a solid income, and impact the world from the dimension of their purpose. carleeka.com
Teraleen R. Campbell resides in the DC metropolitan area. Teraleen is a minister, speaker, author, and coach. She released her first book, From Carefree to Caregiver in the Fall of 2018. Her most recent release, Embracing Your New Normal was released in April 2020. Teraleen has also co-authored four books. teraleenrcampbell.com
Tarnya is a Les Brown motivational speaker. She is regarded as a respected and influential speaker. She has over 17 years’ experience speaking on many platforms. She is a selfpublished author. Her bestselling book Open Doors is rated ‘an inspirational book’ by many readers. Tarnya is also a personal development coach who specializes in helping her clients make their goals become a reality. ibelieveican.co.uk
10 PDWMAG.COM January 2021
Danyelle Scroggins MRE is the pastor of New Vessels Ministries in Shreveport, Louisiana and is the writer of both Christian fiction and non-fiction books. Find out more about Danyelle Scroggins, MRE at danyellescroggins.com.
Letter From The Editor
I want to start by saying thank you to Kimi Johnson and the Purpose Driven Women Magazine staff for allowing me to take part in this journey, along with our audience, and trusting me to be a part of this family. I see big doors opening for each one of us this year. While each New Year brings a time of reflection of the year that has passed and anticipation of the year to come, 2020 was a year no one will ever forget. I believe it has shown us that we must trust God more than ever before. Celebrate because you made it out of 2020. I see God pushing people into their purpose in 2021. If 2020 taught you anything at all, I hope it directed you to know your purpose, pursue your purpose, and to walk in your purpose. This magazine is here to uplift and give you hope for your future. I pray that as each woman reads the pages of each issue this year that you become inspired, encouraged, excited, and motivated about life, love, family, business, and your faith. Thank you for trusting us to bring you that empowerment. “Expect It, Believe It, Receive It.� Carmelita Mcroy Editor-In-Chief hello@pdwmag.com
January 2021 PDWMAG.COM 11
Photographer: Damon Gordon
Cover Feature
Carla R. Cannon: Birthing Purpose Carlacannon.com carla@womenofstandard.org Follow Carla on Social Media @carlarcannon
As
I logged into the Zoom appointment for a highly anticipated interview with Carla R. Cannon, affectionately known as the Trailblazer, I was embraced with vivacious energy, confident style, and a smile that immediately assured me I was in for a special treat. The chemistry was high, and sisterhood was in the air.
From a little girl who was labeled everything but a child of God to an anointed minister and the owner of a multifaceted enterprise, Carla's success required the tenacity of a strong mind and a determined soul. Her toxic and painful childhood included physical and mental abuse, being labeled as Behaviorally Emotionally Handicapped & ADHD, teenage pregnancy, promiscuity, and memories of repeated devastation. None of which defined who she would become. She has evolved to be an Activator, Cultivator, Catalyst, Trailblazer, and 9X National Best-selling author and entrepreneur whose mission is to unlock, unleash and activate women into their purpose from the pulpit to the marketplace! Now, this amazingly resilient woman of God talks about her past with rejection and abandonment and how she uses these experiences to help coach women in similar situations to overcome barriers and restraints that prohibit them from living life authentically and unapologetically. Cont’d on next page
January 2021 PDWMAG.COM 13