BCF • Fashion Independence Day

Journey to Freedom:
The Talitha Johnson Story
By Wendy M. Reynolds
http://higherheightscorp.com
http://twitter.com/wendymreynolds

Freedom means different things to different people. For Talitha Johnson, freedom means breaking away from the negativity and stereotypes that others tried to define her by when her life took an unexpected direction. For Talitha, freedom means the ability to maintain her dreams in spite of obstacles with the understanding that those very dreams would be the key to unlocking her prison doors.

Talitha, single mother, has faced many struggles on her journey. However, she is proving that her love for her children and her determination and faith to walk in her destiny far outweighs her struggles and setbacks. Allow me to introduce you to Talitha Johnson.
Wendy M. Reynolds: Talitha, please tell the BCF readers a little bit about yourself and your background.

Talitha Johnson: I am 43 year old. I am the youngest of seven children. I was born and raised in South Central, Watts, California. My mom died about 20 years ago and my father died in 2006. My parents were very strict. We had clear limits on what we could do in the Johnson household. My father was a promoter/producer and songwriter. My siblings and I were all singers. At the age of seven, I was already singing and doing shows. If you wanted to see me during grade school, Jr. High, or high school, just come to a show.

Wendy: What was it like growing up in a household of entertainers?
Talitha: It was great. As singers, my siblings and I were broken into different groups depending upon our ages. We traveled as well as went to school. It was great. I had big dreams.

Wendy: What happened that changed the courses of your life?
Talitha: I started having children. While in high school, I dated a guy. I thought we were in love and would be with each other forever. I became pregnant during the early years of high school. We had another child a year later and than one more a year after that. Although I thought my high school sweetheart and I would be together forever, it did not work out.

Wendy: That had to be difficult, especially being so young. How did you manage it? How did your parents handle the news?
Talitha: My parents were furious. I believed I had let them down. They were always supportive of me. I intended on graduating high school and going to college out of state. However, my father told me that I couldn’t go to school out of state. After I became pregnant, they made sure I knew that life was now all about the unborn baby that I was carrying.

Wendy: How did other people respond?
Talitha: People couldn’t understand how this could happen when I grew up with strict parents. Well, it did happen. Lots of people begin to act funny towards me and talk badly about me. They complained about how many children I was having. They even complained about the names that I gave my children. They didn’t care about my feelings. They just judged me. People around me begin to tell me that I wasn’t going to be anything. They told me that I had messed up my life because I have all these kids hanging on my hip.

Wendy: How did that make you feel? It sounds like they expected you to become another negative statistic.
Talitha: I definitely didn’t like people talking about my kids or me. It was never my intention to become a single parent. However, these were my children and I took care of them. I had to break free of the opinions of other people.

Wendy: How many children do you have?
Talitha: I have six children (from ages 25 years old to 9 years old) by four different fathers. In addition, I now have five grandchildren and no, I’ve never been married. Although didn’t take the path I thought it would take, I don’t regret having my children. God made a way for my children and me.

Wendy: How did the course of your life change?
Talitha: Having my children didn’t stop my dreams from happening. They just slowed them down. I never gave up on my dream. In fact, my children served as a source of strength and inspiration for me as I pursue my dreams. I keep following my dreams not just for me but for them as well. I have to do it for them. I love my children. I’m thankful for them. However, we have experienced turbulent times. Life was never dull. I often had to stand back and question was this really reality. We went through things that only seem to happen on a movie screen.

Wendy: What happen and how did you manage those times?
Talitha: Through the years, of course, I had to work to take care of my children. I went to Barber College and years later I started driving school buses. I’m a workaholic. I have worked jobs with great benefit packages but along the way I got injured and couldn’t work for a long time. After losing a job of 15 year, I went on to work other jobs to make ends meet. For example, I worked for a hair care company who never seemed able to pay me when it was time to cash the check. I’d get my check and try to cash it and there would be insufficient funds. I started walking dogs in order to provide for my family.

Money was tight and ran out. About two years ago, we were evicted and had nowhere to go but to the streets. That was a first for my family. My family had to split up. My younger children, my first grandson, and I stayed on skid row not knowing what the night or day would hold- not knowing what the next step would be. They were scared and all I could do was say, “It’s going to be alright.” We eventually went from motel to motel; push starting our car to keep us going from school to work. Eventually all we had were the clothes on our backs and one week of work clothes. Somehow I kept believing that in spite of everything, that God was going to bless us and restore to us everything we lost.

I have overcome many obstacles as a single mother of six. I have been through the storm. I have had many ups and downs. It is because of God’s grace that I made it. I knew change would come and opportunity would present itself- and it has.

Wendy: What are you doing now?
Talitha: I work for Grand Land Entertainment. CEO Jeffrey Valantine, also known as “The Truth,” launched it Jun 17, 2010. Mr. Valantine saw me as a diamond in the ruff. He gave me a chance to do what I love to do. He has been such a positive influence in my life.

Wendy: Wow! What do you do there?
Talitha: I am the A & R Executive over marketing and promotions. I go by the name of “Queen T.” In addition, I am also “Aunt T, the Queen of birthday shout-outs,” on the 24/7 radio show. It can be found at http://www.247enterprise.com. I also cast for FalconQwest’s “Get Thee Behind Me.” It is a plot driven series that airs locally on Ion channel 30 @2pm every Saturday. Sid Burston is the show’s Executive Producer.

Lastly, I manage all my children. They either sing, model, or design fashions. Keep your eyes open because they are up and coming!

Wendy: Amazing! It sounds like you love what you do? You kept pressing. In spite of the rough times, you never gave up. It seems that opportunities are everywhere for you!
Talitha: I do love what I am doing! As a child growing up in the entertainment world, my dream has always been to work in the entertainment industry whether it’s in front of an audience or camera, or behind the scenes. In spite of the tough times I’ve been through, I’m now watching my dreams unfold.

Wendy: I love it! What does the future hold?
Talitha: My plans are to work hard with Grand Land Entertainment. I’m committed to putting forth my best efforts and help Jeffrey Valantine see his dreams manifest. In addition, I am a writer. I write poetry and stories. I want to become a published author and eventually see my stories on film. I have always been a creative person. Before, I had my children to raise and I didn’t have a lot of support. I couldn’t go out on auditions and stuff like that. But I held on. Now I am ready to take my career to the next level. I ready to live my dreams.

Wendy: I love your excitement!
Talitha: I feel like I am breaking out of prison and running free. I finally understand this journey I have been on. I have a lot to share and I’m ready to share it.

Wendy: What advice can you offer the young ladies who are coming up after you and are starting to make life decisions about going to school, dating, or having children?
Talitha: Life is not easy, especially when you are trying to raise children alone as I did. They do not have to take the route I took. They should get their education and learn life skills before they take on the responsibilities of parenthood. I would tell them to have goals and don’t limit themselves.

If they have children, take care of them. Realize those children are not baby dolls. Learn how to be a parent. It can be difficult but they have to do it. They have to learn how to motivate their children and themselves. In addition, don’t let people make you think your life is over. You can still reach your goals and live your dreams, if you trust God, learn to make good decisions, and don’t give up!

Wendy: Talitha, we always ask the fabulous ladies we interview this question “What does beauty mean to you? “ So what does it mean to you?
Talitha: Beauty to me is the revealing of one’s real heart and soul. What does your heart really have to say because it never lies?

Wendy: Talitha, do you have any final thoughts or words of wisdom?
Talitha: Dreams don’t die, people stop dreaming. Do not stop dreaming and while you’re dreaming, believe and have faith. Keep God first. Stay focused. Tomorrow is not promised to you, so live today.

Wendy: Talitha, thank you so much for taking spending time to share your story with Beauty Come Forth. We appreciate your transparency. You are proving that the journey of life can still work out in your favor in spite of unexpected turns, struggles, obstacles, and the negative expectations of other people. Thank you for telling us that those things don’t have to imprison us. Beauty Come Forth wishes you much success as you continue to pursue your dreams.
Talitha: You are welcome. Thank you for having me!

Photography: Samuel Whitworth
Make-Up: Georgette Holmes
Styling: Sunshine
Hair: Seamless 7





Join BCF Networks!		Journey to Freedom: The Talitha Johnson Story By Wendy M. Reynolds http://higherheightscorp.com http://twitter.com/wendymreynolds Freedom means different things to different people. For Talitha Johnson, freedom means breaking away from the negativity and stereotypes that others tried to define her by when her life took an unexpected direction. For Talitha, freedom means the ability to maintain her dreams in spite of obstacles with the understanding that those very dreams would be the key to unlocking her prison doors. Talitha, single mother, has faced many struggles on her journey. However, she is proving that her love for her children and her determination and faith to walk in her destiny far outweighs her struggles and setbacks. Allow me to introduce you to Talitha Johnson. Wendy M. Reynolds: Talitha, please tell the BCF readers a little bit about yourself and your background. Talitha Johnson: I am 43 year old. I am the youngest of seven children. I was born and raised in South Central, Watts, California. My mom died about 20 years ago and my father died in 2006. My parents were very strict. We had clear limits on what we could do in the Johnson household. My father was a promoter/producer and songwriter. My siblings and I were all singers. At the age of seven, I was already singing and doing shows. If you wanted to see me during grade school, Jr. High, or high school, just come to a show. Wendy: What was it like growing up in a household of entertainers? Talitha: It was great. As singers, my siblings and I were broken into different groups depending upon our ages. We traveled as well as went to school. It was great. I had big dreams. Wendy: What happened that changed the courses of your life? Talitha: I started having children. While in high school, I dated a guy. I thought we were in love and would be with each other forever. I became pregnant during the early years of high school. We had another child a year later and than one more a year after that. Although I thought my high school sweetheart and I would be together forever, it did not work out. Wendy: That had to be difficult, especially being so young. How did you manage it? How did your parents handle the news? Talitha: My parents were furious. I believed I had let them down. They were always supportive of me. I intended on graduating high school and going to college out of state. However, my father told me that I couldn’t go to school out of state. After I became pregnant, they made sure I knew that life was now all about the unborn baby that I was carrying. Wendy: How did other people respond? Talitha: People couldn’t understand how this could happen when I grew up with strict parents. Well, it did happen. Lots of people begin to act funny towards me and talk badly about me. They complained about how many children I was having. They even complained about the names that I gave my children. They didn’t care about my feelings. They just judged me. People around me begin to tell me that I wasn’t going to be anything. They told me that I had messed up my life because I have all these kids hanging on my hip. Wendy: How did that make you feel? It sounds like they expected you to become another negative statistic. Talitha: I definitely didn’t like people talking about my kids or me. It was never my intention to become a single parent. However, these were my children and I took care of them. I had to break free of the opinions of other people. Wendy: How many children do you have? Talitha: I have six children (from ages 25 years old to 9 years old) by four different fathers. In addition, I now have five grandchildren and no, I’ve never been married. Although didn’t take the path I thought it would take, I don’t regret having my children. God made a way for my children and me. Wendy: How did the course of your life change? Talitha: Having my children didn’t stop my dreams from happening. They just slowed them down. I never gave up on my dream. In fact, my children served as a source of strength and inspiration for me as I pursue my dreams. I keep following my dreams not just for me but for them as well. I have to do it for them. I love my children. I’m thankful for them. However, we have experienced turbulent times. Life was never dull. I often had to stand back and question was this really reality. We went through things that only seem to happen on a movie screen. Wendy: What happen and how did you manage those times? Talitha: Through the years, of course, I had to work to take care of my children. I went to Barber College and years later I started driving school buses. I’m a workaholic. I have worked jobs with great benefit packages but along the way I got injured and couldn’t work for a long time. After losing a job of 15 year, I went on to work other jobs to make ends meet. For example, I worked for a hair care company who never seemed able to pay me when it was time to cash the check. I’d get my check and try to cash it and there would be insufficient funds. I started walking dogs in order to provide for my family. Money was tight and ran out. About two years ago, we were evicted and had nowhere to go but to the streets. That was a first for my family. My family had to split up. My younger children, my first grandson, and I stayed on skid row not knowing what the night or day would hold- not knowing what the next step would be. They were scared and all I could do was say, “It’s going to be alright.” We eventually went from motel to motel; push starting our car to keep us going from school to work. Eventually all we had were the clothes on our backs and one week of work clothes. Somehow I kept believing that in spite of everything, that God was going to bless us and restore to us everything we lost. I have overcome many obstacles as a single mother of six. I have been through the storm. I have had many ups and downs. It is because of God’s grace that I made it. I knew change would come and opportunity would present itself- and it has. Wendy: What are you doing now? Talitha: I work for Grand Land Entertainment. CEO Jeffrey Valantine, also known as “The Truth,” launched it Jun 17, 2010. Mr. Valantine saw me as a diamond in the ruff. He gave me a chance to do what I love to do. He has been such a positive influence in my life. Wendy: Wow! What do you do there? Talitha: I am the A & R Executive over marketing and promotions. I go by the name of “Queen T.” In addition, I am also “Aunt T, the Queen of birthday shout-outs,” on the 24/7 radio show. It can be found at http://www.247enterprise.com. I also cast for FalconQwest’s “Get Thee Behind Me.” It is a plot driven series that airs locally on Ion channel 30 @2pm every Saturday. Sid Burston is the show’s Executive Producer. Lastly, I manage all my children. They either sing, model, or design fashions. Keep your eyes open because they are up and coming! Wendy: Amazing! It sounds like you love what you do? You kept pressing. In spite of the rough times, you never gave up. It seems that opportunities are everywhere for you! Talitha: I do love what I am doing! As a child growing up in the entertainment world, my dream has always been to work in the entertainment industry whether it’s in front of an audience or camera, or behind the scenes. In spite of the tough times I’ve been through, I’m now watching my dreams unfold. Wendy: I love it! What does the future hold? Talitha: My plans are to work hard with Grand Land Entertainment. I’m committed to putting forth my best efforts and help Jeffrey Valantine see his dreams manifest. In addition, I am a writer. I write poetry and stories. I want to become a published author and eventually see my stories on film. I have always been a creative person. Before, I had my children to raise and I didn’t have a lot of support. I couldn’t go out on auditions and stuff like that. But I held on. Now I am ready to take my career to the next level. I ready to live my dreams. Wendy: I love your excitement! Talitha: I feel like I am breaking out of prison and running free. I finally understand this journey I have been on. I have a lot to share and I’m ready to share it. Wendy: What advice can you offer the young ladies who are coming up after you and are starting to make life decisions about going to school, dating, or having children? Talitha: Life is not easy, especially when you are trying to raise children alone as I did. They do not have to take the route I took. They should get their education and learn life skills before they take on the responsibilities of parenthood. I would tell them to have goals and don’t limit themselves. If they have children, take care of them. Realize those children are not baby dolls. Learn how to be a parent. It can be difficult but they have to do it. They have to learn how to motivate their children and themselves. In addition, don’t let people make you think your life is over. You can still reach your goals and live your dreams, if you trust God, learn to make good decisions, and don’t give up! Wendy: Talitha, we always ask the fabulous ladies we interview this question “What does beauty mean to you? “ So what does it mean to you? Talitha: Beauty to me is the revealing of one’s real heart and soul. What does your heart really have to say because it never lies? Wendy: Talitha, do you have any final thoughts or words of wisdom? Talitha: Dreams don’t die, people stop dreaming. Do not stop dreaming and while you’re dreaming, believe and have faith. Keep God first. Stay focused. Tomorrow is not promised to you, so live today. Wendy: Talitha, thank you so much for taking spending time to share your story with Beauty Come Forth. We appreciate your transparency. You are proving that the journey of life can still work out in your favor in spite of unexpected turns, struggles, obstacles, and the negative expectations of other people. Thank you for telling us that those things don’t have to imprison us. Beauty Come Forth wishes you much success as you continue to pursue your dreams. Talitha: You are welcome. Thank you for having me! Photography: Samuel Whitworth Make-Up: Georgette Holmes Styling: Sunshine Hair: Seamless 7

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