Monthly Feature: Under 40 & Changing The Game (4)

Who is . . .?

DioMara is a Singer/Songwriter from Brooklyn, New York. She was born to two parents native to Colon, Panama thus having been influenced very strongly by Latinx/West Indian culture. Empowering, virtuous, provocative and stirring the affections and senses of the individual are all descriptive of DioMara’s disposition, sound and image; the qualities of her emotion filled music. She believes in living outside the norm, embracing her flaws as beautiful, and letting her voice be heard despite adversity. DioMara is a fighter to say the least. A budding revolutionary.

What has contributed to your personal growth?

Adversity and failure. I have learned so much about myself over the past 5 years than I'm sure many people do in a lifetime. I have undergone extraordinary experiences that opened my eyes to many things. Not only that dealing with the trials and tribulations of this life as a person dealing with depression, I've been forced to sharpen my awareness and mature at a quicker rate in order to preserve myself. I believe my God has blessed me with everything I need to win in this life and so I am very self reliant. Exploring all of the corners of who I am and taking the time (selfishness I suppose) to hone my talents has allowed creativity to flow. The amount of time I give myself has also contributed to my personal growth.

In the next 5 years where do you see yourself going?

If I remain on this path of self preservation, honing all of my talents and loving as deeply as I want to be loved I see myself being incessantly happy. Having the world feel what I feel in my music/art is also my goal. The platform that music allows will also be a vessel for the messages that I would like to get across and it is my belief that through that I can make my mark on this world and contribute to it being a little better. Outside of that who knows what the universe will bring.

What are the 3 images that best describe your growth?

What message would you like to provide those people who have hit a road block with their personal growth?

Don't be afraid to step away from everything and everyone you know to get you right. I value self preservation. Sometimes the happenings in this world can suck you of all life and happiness and so many feel like they have to stay around and deal with it at all times. Understand that you have choices in this life. Many more than you probably realize and the only person you are obligated to is yourself. Take time for you.

How would you like to be remembered?

For being 100% authentic and true to myself regardless of how it may be perceived. For invoking emotions through my art that many suppress or feel like no one else could understand. 

What are your current ventures?

I am currently working on my EP, which will be released late Spring as well as with a collective called AV8TED to propel creativity and entrepreneurship amongst the youth. The youth being ourselves. Being that example of strong individual brands collaborating to achieve a common goal; success. 

For anything additional visit my website DioMaraD.com !

Monthly Feature: Under 40 & Changing The Game (3)

Who is . . . .?

Lance Sanders but better known as LGburna or Simply Burna

What has contributed to your personal growth?To be honest ,my parents,  my fiance and my mentors. My parents raised me to be self sufficient, although they separated they both taught me valuable lessons to help me develop into a man. My fiance she was able to center my focus on my career and not other trivial things.  My mentors have shown patience throughout my process, weather it be frustrating nights or long phone calls.  I appreciate the kind and harsh words they have given me to make sure i see success! Special thanks to Maurice Harris, Tiwa Works, Phil Fuller, Donyel Stewart, Keithan Watkins and more.

In the next 5 years where do you see yourself going?

5 Years ... I plan to be completely self sufficient in event planning. I want to have 5-7 staple events a year averaging at a minimum of 2,000 people per event.

What are the 3 images that best describe your growth?

A Full Court Press in basketball (I believe you always apply pressure) 

The beginning of The Movie Lucky Number Slevin (Kansas City Shuffle baby) 

Bane from Batman The Dark Knight Rises (Formulate a plan , beat the competition , talk junk while you're doing it)

 
What message would you like to provide those people who have hit a road block with their personal growth?

Losses come with wins. Be able to bounce back from your short comings. Do not compare your journey with anybody else's. Everyone's path is different, don't get discouraged and continue your path. I've lost $4,000 on one event and cried like a baby, I promised myself it would never happen again. IT HASN'T!

How would you like to be remembered?This was a tough one. I'm big on having a positive reputation in business. So that may be it, I want to be remembered for always being a straight shooter.  My business reputation has taken me far, so that's how would love to be remembered.

What are your current ventures?

My Current Focus is my Alma Mater Elizabeth City State University. I would love to be their immediate outsource company for events. As far as events I am Focused on Weekend At Burnas July 27-30th in Durham , NC ! It's growing into a major festival in NC.

Visit us at Www.Full-CircleUSA.com

I Love You but . . .

    I don’t know why people think the word “I love you” can fix anything that was fucked up when it really can’t. Love can only take you so far before you completely have to let go of someone. Love can do so much before it taps you on the back and says ,”Please give it up it’s really over.”

    I mean it’s a great word but it will never make me stay when I am ready to leave. When I’ve already given all I have and ready to leave, those words won’t make me rethink my choice. A lot of times people don’t really love you and just say it to get a reaction. Make you say or do something they want you to do. It use to be something that made you feel warm and fuzzy inside but it’s now being used as a last resort for forgiveness or to keep you around. I was cheated on and she thought throwing this word at me would make me reconsider leaving her. Nope, not at all missy. You cheated on me for about 3 months and assumed just because you said, “I love you” that it would fix our problems. This will never fix your problems and put you back on the same path. Things will never be the same.

    If you can’t tell you did something wrong and assume these words can fix any problem then you are mistaken. We can be so madly in love but I have enough love for myself to know that what is happening isn’t right. Never become a sucker when someone does something wrong and tries to fix it by saying “I love you.” I love you but I love me enough to make sure that I am good and deserve better.