Previous Features...
Christina "Tina" Drain
Contact Info:
Christina Drain via Facebook
www.facebook.com/transform-by-tina
Call/Text 309.635.6591
Christina, also known as Tina was born in New Orleans, LA and moved to Peoria, IL at the age of 3. She is one of the best hairstylists in the Peoria area. She has a strong passion for doing hair and she really enjoys making people feel good about themselves. Her favorite things to do are transformations, so she made her very own brand "Transform By Tina". She graduated from Regency Beauty Institute in December of 2013, and she was able to start at a booth rental salon called "Shear Class Styling Salon" in February of 2014. This is where she does all of her clients hair. She promotes her business everywhere she goes whether its church, the store or even dropping the kids off to school; by making sure her hair and make up is always on point. When people ask her about her hair or make up, she hands them a business card or flyer, with her information. Her main advertisement is via her Facebook Page, "Transform By Tina"; all of her work can be found there.
When asked who motivates her the most she answered by saying, "The most important people that motivate me are my husband Ko and my kids. My husband has truly supported me and has gotten me everything that I would need to get to that next step or become better. He has been there to encourage and lift me up when needed. I truly love my other half. For my kids, I want them to know that you're never too old to follow your dream." She has been married to her wonderful husband for 10 years and they have been blessed with 3 beautiful children. She has always known that she wanted to be a hairstylist, it is her passion. Throughout the years her husband has encouraged her to apply for cosmetology school, but she kept running into problems with student loans to help get her started. Then she basically got to a point where she wanted to give up, but a friend of hers who also does hair encouraged her to try one more time. She did and there were no problems, so she knew it was the right time.
Tina plans to stay in this career field forever or until God has a different plan for her, but wants to expand it to something bigger. She eventually would like to have her own salon where she can carry her own hair line. Also, she said that she is looking forward to traveling and appearing in hair shows to show off her talent. She even has a desire to teach later on down the road, whether its hair styling or a cutting class.
A word from Tina, to all aspiring hair stylist out there, "You can't go very far by sitting on your butt. Don't settle for the average, basic hairstylist that only cuts and colors hair. Work hard and practice like crazy to keep up with the hot new hair trends. There is so much you can do as a hairstylist. Let the passion shine through your work."
A favorite quote of Tina's: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
-Roni Davis
Vanessa "Ms. V" Farraher
Contact Info:
Email: warriormom.5606@yahoo.com
Vanessa, more commonly known to the Woodruff Junior Football Family as "Ms. V", started volunteering her time to the organization back in 2002. She is the first female director for Woodruff JFL and has been with the program for 12 years, even without having kids of her own playing since 2004. Most people know Vanessa to be a strong woman that does not let her situations get her down. She keeps on trucking and is known to have an 'it's gonna be ok' attitude. "No sense dwelling on the would'a, could'a or should'as in life, if you're not willing to change yourself to change the situation." -Vanessa.
Ms.V started volunteering with Woodruff JFL to connect with her son, Justin Chapai. They never really had the kind of relationship most mothers and sons have. He became involved in playing football and she had no interest in it, nor did she understand it. So as a way to understand her son and to build a stronger relationship, he suggested she start staying at his practices and watch the boys play. During Justin's third year into playing, she got so good at reading what he was going to do, she started running down the sideline and would meet him in the end zone!
When asked what motivates her, she stated that her struggles of being a single mother of 4 has always been a strong motivator for her. She said, "I know how easy it is to want to give up, but when you have 4 faces staring at you and wanting any and everything, you do your best to provide needs then wants."
Vanessa wants to continue volunteering her time to Woodruff JFL as long as possible. She believes that they can get the program on a path to success...to be like a one city team, such as Metamora or Washington. She also wants to encourage people to volunteer their time whenever they can, she believes that you can inspire someone! You never know who you are touching, and one of the best feelings is being in public and high school kids coming up to her saying "Hey, you're the JFL lady!".
UPCOMING events for Woodruff JFL:
May 3, 10, and 24- Car Wash at Advanced Auto on Western in Peoria, IL
June (TBA)- Car Wash at AutoZone on University in Peoria, IL
June 14- Wal-Mart on University in Peoria, IL
Favorite quotes from Vanessa: "If it don't apply, let it fly." -Unknown "If you expect nothing from anybody, you're never disappointed." -Unknown
-Roni Davis
Lyssa Laird
Comedian
Contact Info:
Lyssa Laird via Facebook
@Doola2008 via Twitter
Lyssa08 via IG
Lyssa, from the mean streets of Matteson, IL has been doing stand up comedy for 3 years now. She loves what she does; working in a beauty supply store during the day and by night she is a very funny comedian vixen.
Most people that know Lyssa, know that she has one kid whom she loves to death! You can catch them taking selfies every morning on IG, and they're sure to put a smile on your face. Her daughter and her family are actually the main motivators in her life, "I need to make them proud!" she said.
Inspired by her ex, co-workers, and customers, Lyssa has gained the confidence to keep progressing in her comedy career. Her ex because of the drive he has in his own career. Her co-workers and customers because they think she is hilarious and actually are the ones that pushed her into doing comedy.
Lyssa tries to perform EVERYWHERE, she wants and needs everyone to be familiar with her. Taking comedy all the way is something Lyssa wants to do, she loves to help people all the time and take them away from their 'everyday', she said "that's an amazing feeling!"
She hosts a show every Tuesday night called "WTH" at Pros (18601 S Cicero Country Club Hills, IL), FREE before 8 PM (ONLY $5 after). She also hosts another show on Thursday nights at The Red Pepper (428 E 87th St. Chicago, IL), FREE all night, show time 8 PM.
A word of advice from Lyssa, for other comedians out there: Do YOU and stay true to you!
"Keep it Basic, Simple and Real"-Lyssa Laird
"SHE ROCKS THE MIC RIGHT"-Lyssa Laird (also available on T-Shirts, contact Lyssa for more information)
-Roni Davis
Tyrone "Smokey" Robinson
Comedian
Contact Info:
Comedian T Robinson via Facebook
Email: ty@tyronecomedy.com
Tyrone "Smokey" Robinson is a very funny brother from East St. Louis, IL and he loves to make people laugh. One thing some people may not know about Tyrone is that he has a degree, not like a first or second degree conviction, but an actual college degree.
He started doing stand-up comedy in 2008 in St. Peters, MO at the Comedy Forum Comedy Club. Then just a year later he was voted best comic in the Mid-West. He got his biggest start touring with one of BET's Comic View All-Stars, The Fryman. They toured together for over 6 years all over the United States.
Funny people who are new to the comedy scene, motivates Tyrone to do better. Since there are a lot of good comedians out there, it makes him work harder. His inspiration comes from telling his own life stories and connecting with others through laughter, he said "It's a real high!".
Tyrone performs whenever and wherever he can. He gets shows as they come, but would love to travel doing comedy clubs again. However his target businesses are bar shows, where he can really be himself.
With comedy being like a drug, Tyrone is looking to take that next step, which is California. He wishes he could make things happen here in the Mid-West, but its a little harder. However, the comedy game is a rough path no matter where you try to pursue it at. He just feels that its time to explore into other things. Tyrone said that he loves comedy and once you do it, you're in for life. "I would tell anyone in this comedy game to keep pushing 'cause I am".
A word of advice from Tyrone to new comedians: "Comedy is a dirty game, so keep your friends close and keep pushing. I think networking is the best way to get yourself out there and always keep writing."
-Roni Davis
Willie Mae Lara
Ghetto Vampire Styles
Seamstress/Stylist
Contact Info:
www.facebook.com/ghettovampirestyles
GVSkirts via Etsy
GhettoVampires via IG
Willie Mae from Milwaukee, WI is the very creative and talented mind behind Ghetto Vampire Styles. Her line has a great range of styles from 50's, Pinup, Gothic, Lolita, Steampunk, Costumes, little hats and accessories. Willie Mae is a bright and colorful force of nature, bold and sometimes loud and outspoken. Ghetto Vampire Styles offers custom styles and minor alterations in both men's and women's clothing.
Since she was a little girl she has been sewing and then in her teenage years she began making her own clothes. Her love for fashion and hair started young and stayed with her throughout the years. Willie Mae has been a stylist for 7 years professionally and she officially started her Ghetto Vampire Styles line in February last year.
When asked what motivates her, she had this to say "My family, friends, the joy of making things that really express a part of me and the feeling that people need fashion that's made especially for them in whatever size or style they need. People express themselves through clothes and I know the frustration of not finding something that's really you. I want to break that 'cookie cutter' mindset people still have with color, class, glam and what's in between." Art, music, comics (Manga), animation (Anime), history and her own mind is what has inspired Willie Mae to choose this career path.
You can find most of Ghetto Vampire Styles in the Rockford, IL area at the present time, soon to be expanding to other areas. Her work was recently shown at the local ArtScene in Rockford, IL over the past weekend. You can contact her for more upcoming dates, if you would like to see some of her work up close and personal.
Willie Mae definitely wants to continue in this line of work. She said that it is too much fun and excitement not to. She is actually doing something she loves, something she's always wanted to do and getting the attention she loves, is a nice plus.
A word of advice from Ghetto Vampire Styles', Willie Mae, for other up and coming artists. "Go for it! Do what makes you happy and feels right to you. Overlook anyone that tries to shut you down. For me, being around other artists really helps fuel my love of the art. I always stay true to myself and what I want in life."
-Roni Davis
*The 5 people above were featured in the first ever issue of Straight UP Magazine. (4/13/2014-4/18/2014)
Dandrell Scott
Comedian
Contact Info:
Dandrell, from Harvey, IL has been doing comedy since 2004. He began his career by being involved with talent shows, local competitions, and open mics. Then in 2012, he started performing more frequently and getting paid for his work, that's when people began to consider him a professional comedian.
Dandrell is known for his stand up comedy and also his comedy music. He is also known to be a proud father of one daughter, whom he speaks of often. What a lot of people don't know about Dandrell is that he grew up shy as a child, he rarely spoke to anyone, but he was very observant. He claims to still have his shy moments.
When he sees other Chicago comedians rocking shows or making big moves, it really motivates him to want to do the same. He also is extremely motivated by his daughter, "because she is so excited to see me excel", he said. Dandrell also mentioned that he would love to pass down the wealth of his talent to her and her children one day. Inspired by one of world's best comics, Dave Chappelle, he felt that his jokes, stage presence, and TV show really fit his personality and he wanted to capture people the same way Dave did.
Dandrell said that he definitely plans to continue with comedy as long as he is still breathing. He also stated that he would love to expand into TV shows, movies, books and tours. "I believe your personal gifts should be shared with the world. My gift is making people laugh. I can't stop now!"-Dandrell.
You can catch Dandrell on stage at Joke and Notes Comedy Club regularly, whether it's a paid gig or an open mic, because he loves being there. He said that it feels like home, and the crowd loves him. His comedy music will also be featured on Pandora. There will also be a music video of "Train and Bus (That's all I ride)" on MTV, stay tuned for that!
A word of advice from Dandrell, "Keep working!!! Success doesn't go to the MOST talented. It goes to the HARDEST worker. You may not have all the talent, but keep pushing. All that work will create opportunities, and you will be successful!"
"Nothing beats a try. So keep trying!"
-Roni Davis
Hair Architect at HeadPoets BarberShop
Contact Info:
309.922.9811
Tavaras, born in Minneapolis, MN and raised in Peoria, IL is an incredible barber, or as some would call him, a 'hair architect'. He currently works out of a barbershop called Head Poets, located at 1310 W FORREST HILL in Peoria.
Most people that know Tavaras, know that he absolutely loves what he does. He has been cutting hair since 2006, but became a professional barber in 2010.One thing people may not know about him is how far he plans to go in this business.
Tavaras said that he's not sure what actually inspired him to pursue this career, but he thanks God for revealing this gift. Since he is doing something he never thought he'd do, he said it was like 'love at first sight'. Once he started pursuing this line of work, the 'barber elders' in his area inspired him to keep going.
Motivation for Tavaras comes from a lot of people in different ways, as well as different cultural styles. His mom, family, certain celebrity success stories, amongst many other things motivate him.
Tavaras plans on chasing this career until he's long gone. This field is constantly changing and is always challenging him to be creative. He said he has so much fun taking his clients' ideas on what they want their hair to look like and then 'nailing it on the head'. "To see the confidence a good haircut brings, brings me so much joy. To know you appreciate my talent so much, that you're willing to fulfill my request of payment." He said, that he doesn't know how else to explain that feeling.
A word of advice from Tavaras, to anyone in pursuit of their career: "Never get discouraged, have patience, be humble, and be better than great. Push your talent to its maximum potential and then push harder. You control you, so you control your destiny."
-Roni Davis
Sarahbeth Wood
HairStylist/MakeUP Artist/Nail Tech.
Contact Info:
Lift Studio Bloomington, IL
309.663.0509
Sarahbeth from Shirley, IL is a professional hairstylist, makeup artist, and nail technician at Lift Studio in Bloomington, IL.
She started doing hair in high school and college for her friends, but her professional career started in 2009. Sarahbeth loves doing her job and making people feel beautiful. One thing some people may not know about her is that she is a grill master! She can grill anything just as good as she does hair!
Sarahbeth's motivation comes solely from her salon owner. She said that her chair is full everyday, she does amazing hair, and is an all around wonderful person. The salon owner inspires her by the way she balances her own life. She also encourages Sarahbeth and pushes her when she knows she needs it the most. The motto at the shop is: 'The best way to lift yourself is to lift someone else!'
More inspiration for Sarahbeth comes from when she was 7 years old hanging out in her aunt's salon and watching her work. She said that she really took an interest in makeup as she got older, and her aunt always said she should pursue this career. Now that Sarahbeth is out of school, she said she really appreciates her aunt's ability to make this a career.
Working in this field is something that Sarahbeth plans on doing until she is ready to retire. She loves doing her job and making people feel beautiful. "It's a wonderful place...who doesn't love the salon!"
A word of advice from Sarahbeth, for other hairstylists like herself, "Dress the part and truly enjoy the people who sit in your chair. They will share some of the happiest and saddest times of their lives...funerals, weddings, holidays, etc. A talent for hair is necessary as well as a love of your clients."
-Roni Davis
Wesley 'Mr. Yup' McCloud
Defensive End/Middle Linebacker for
Peoria County Hawks Football
Contact Info:
Wesley aka 'Mr. Yup' is a sports figure for the community in Peoria, IL. He started in 2011 and is the defensive end and middle linebacker for the Peoria County Hawks.
He is known to be the type of guy that would give his all and his last just to help someone out. In doing so, it helps ease the pain he feels when he sees other people doing bad or wrong, most people don't know how bad it hurts him to witness that.
Life in general motivates Wesley daily, but more specifically he's motivated by God, his family and his kids. The inspiration for what he does comes from the careers of Ray Lewis and Michael Jordan. Wesley said that those two men showed him that nothing is impossible.
Wesley really enjoys what he does, but unfortunately he is getting older and that has an impact on a person in this career. However, he said that he has about 5 more good years in him, so he won't be retiring just yet. He also mentioned that its time to start teaching his kids (and others) the game.
You can catch Wesley and the other Hawks in the league playoffs this year; by the way they are #1 in the league! Playoff Dates: 1st Round- 5/4/14, 2nd Round- 5/11/14, and the Championship- 5/18/14.
Some words of encouragement from Wesley, "Never give up or give in, only you can make your dreams come true. There are no wrong turns when you're on a straight path, follow your goals, never give up."
-Roni Davis
Michael Shields
MSPN Entertainment
Comedy Promoter
Contact Info:
Michael is a comedy promoter, known to most people as 'Mikey Mike' on the mic while hosting all his own shows. He sells cars for a living but really has a passion for comedy. When he does his local car commercials he throws a little bit of comedy in there to make people laugh. Raised in Champaign-Urbana, IL but currently resides in Midland, TX; he started in the comedy business back in 2009, he had his very own club called The Velvet Room ( which can be seen in the pictures above, in blue and red settings). The Velvet Room was a hot spot for 3 years, in the Midtown Hotel in TX. Then the hotel was bought out by another company and the new owners decided they didn't want to leave the club up and running, so that is when Mike became a comedy promoter. He decided to venture out on his own and has held comedy events where ever he can find a great venue. The most profitable areas for his events became the city he resides in, Midland. Then he began to venture out further and has done shows in Big Spring, TX, Odessa, TX, and Lubbock, TX. Michael has even went back to his hometown of Champaign-Urbana, IL to host some events; which he plans to do more shows within the near future and beyond. Since then he's added another city to his venue list, Monahans, TX; you can catch one of his events there on 5/30/14; you can also check out his website (www.mspn-entertainment.com) to find out about more events.
In this line of work he's been privileged to meet and work with some great celebrity comedians and other great pro-amateur comedians. Various comedians such as DL Hughley, Eddie Griffin, John Witherspoon, Jimmy 'JJ' Walker, Steve-O, Tommy Chong (and his wife), just to name a few (most of these people are seen in the pictures above).Getting the chance to make people laugh and watching other comedians work their niche is what motivates him. He really enjoys the different styles each comedian has. Growing up watching great comedians like Redd Foxx, Richard Pryor, Steve Martin, Carol Burnett and Tim Conway really helped him set the goal of maybe one day he could be like them or at least have a part in the business.
Michael says that he definitely wants to move forward as much as possible in this business. He really enjoys the possibilities of meeting new people and his contact list of comedians is unreal and constantly growing.
A word of advice from Mike to up and coming comedians, "Don't let your family and friends who support you, tell you you're funny, because to them you are. If you want to see how funny you can be or what you need to do to change your routine, perform in front of strangers. They set your path and they let you know what works and what doesn't. From there, you adjust your material and the success you hope for will follow. Just stay on the course and don't give up."
-Roni Davis
