Hosting Krave Magazines Cover Release Party featuring Stevie Baggs Jr.

I pride myself in being a professional business woman. But I would be in total denial not to mention the desire to bat my eyes at some of the fine men I had the pleasure of interviewing at the Krave Magazine Cover Release Party August 12, 2016. I kept my cool and dignity but all I can say is I LOVE MY JOB! 

The event was held at Dream Cafe on Peter St. in Atlanta, Ga. The setting was great and the guest had an amazing time. I had the pleasure of interviewing Cover Model Stevie Baggs Jr. This is a man of many talents. He started off playing professional football in the NFL. He now is the owner of Dream Cafe, star of the hit show Match Made in Heaven, author of Greater Than the Game, City of Atlanta's Health and Wellness Ambassador, Father, and so much more. 

His cover shot for Krave Magazine was revealed and it was absolutely stunning. I also had the pleasure of interviewing Christy Luxe, Editor and Chief of Krave Magazine and also the manager of Stevie Baggs Jr., actor and model Travis Cure, beauty expert Sheldon G. Horton, Grammy Nominated D'Vante Black and many more. 

Hopefully I will have the pleasure of hosting more Krave Magazine events in the future! I like being surrounded by beautiful people. LOL

Maria Wills 

My first segment on Time 2 Shine Radio

This year I came to the conclusion that I wanted to get into radio. If you know anything about me then you know once I set my mind to something It is a done deal! I honestly didn't know exactly where to start, but I knew I had to get the ball rolling some how. 

For roughly six months my event Spotlight Tuesdays was sponsored by Time 2 Shine Radio on worldstarhitradio.com. So I decided to give radio personality MuLegend a call and pick her brain. Gratefully, Mu had some great advice and also invited me to be a part of her show! 

This was a perfect start for me to get my feet wet. I am a firm believer in walking through all doors that come my way. You never know what opportunities come out of each experience. So MuLegend offer me the position to handle her celebrity gossip every Friday. 

August 6, 2016 was the first Time 2 Shine Tea with Maria Wills and it was DOPE. I hit on the Keisha Knight Pilliam (aka Rudy) and Ed Hartwell scandal, our current election, and Dylann Roof from the Charleston Church killing getting his butt kicked in jail. 

I ended up staying as a co-host interviewing recording artist and songwriter Major Myjah. This young man is crazy talented. I also had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Angel the Star. She is a unforgettable talent who sang background for years and is finally doing her own things. Not to mention I was able to give feedback on new music with Antonio Reid Jr.! Winning! 

I look forward to all that is to come in RADIO! You never know who is going to be able to bless you in your career. 

Maria 

Hosting at the African American Festival

COMMON! That is all I had to hear to say YES to hosting the Empowerment Pavilion at the African American Festival this 4th of July weekend. I was so excited for the opportunity! The event was out of this world and with all that is going on in our nation it was full of Positive energy. The Empowerment Pavilion was sponsored by Metro Transit, Maryland Chamber of Commerce, Black Girls Vote, Nicola Jackson, and Prudential. Each Sponsor had their own vendor section for guest to visit.  

Day 1:  

I was so ecstatic about all the people I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing. The event started around 1:00pm We started with a One on One with Matthew Knowles. He spoke on the music industry and his new book The DNA of Achievers. Everyone in the audience was all ears (trying to get that Beyonce' fame lol)! SVP of Black Enterprise Alfred Edmond Jr. was the interviewer. 

We followed up with a session on Hip Hop Health with Philadelphia Freeway and Dr. Dorry Segev. This segment was very inspiring. Hip Hop Legend Philadelphia Freeway spoke on all for his current health issues, including being on dialysis currently, and how that effects his music career. He brought a lot of awareness to kidney failure and what should be taken seriously. The Dr. touched on health awareness and preventative measures. 

One of the most unforgettable segments was with Author Zane, interviewed by Kwame Jackson. The question most people want to ask Zane is, "Are you a fictional writer?" With no conviction her answer is NO. Zane and Kwame got down and dirty about SEX, business, and her journey. 

We ended Day 1 with Next Level Employment Opportunities featuring Metro and the Army Reserves. 

Dress and necklace: BCBG                     MUA/Hair: Tierra Toggle

Day 2:

The last day at the Empowerment Pavilion was just as successful as the first. The day began speaking with self made Millionaire Nicola Jackson. Her insight and advice about business was PRICELESS. We also had interviews with Love & Hip Hop NY star Tara Wallace. She spoke on her new book and dealing with social media. The next segment was the "Grown Zone" with Jonathon Slocumb and Alfred Edmonds. They were interviewed by radio personality Marsha Jews. They spoke a lot on our Nations current state and the issues within our community. The day ended with a powerful speech by Pastor Jamal Bryant. 

Dress and belt: BCBG                     MUA/Hair: Tierra Toggle

In conclusion, I hope to have the opportunity to come back next year and Host at the African American Festival. I had too much fun! 

The Fine Men of Secrets the Movie!

This past weekend I covered the private screening and panel for Secrets the Movie and I must say I had a great time interviewing the handsome men from the cast. The private screening was held at the Haven in Atlanta, GA. I was happy to see so many familiar faces. I ran into recording artist Tobias Tate and J. Morris of Hot 107.9. I was able to meet the brains of it all Ms. Tamika Newhouse. She was a bundle of joy to meet. She patiently waited for everyone to get their red carpet picture with her and then moved through the crowd saying hello and thank you for coming. I enjoyed meeting her.

I was able to interview all three actors on the panel Deric Augustine, Harold “House” Moore, and Dennis White. I am not sure if I mentioned it, but these men are fine. I held my composure and kept it professional while prying into their careers and involvement in the movie. They all had similar advice to upcoming actors; Make sure that you are passionate about it. If not this is not the business for you. Leading man Harold “House” Moore from Single Ladies was fun to watch on the screen and hear on the panel. When the other actors explained that the sex scenes are awkward and uncomfortable, House said his are as amazing as they look (lol). Publisher & Producer Tressa was beautiful and brought a good feminine touch to the panel. She said she enjoyed making the movie.

This was a successful event and I cannot wait to see Secrets the Movie when it comes out. 

Maria Wills 

The 2016 AAMBC Literary Awards hosted by Cynthia Bailey

I was excited when I got the news of covering the 2016 AAMBC Literary Awards hosted by the one and only Cynthia Bailey. I found the event intriguing and much needed. There are a lot of amazing writers who should be recognized for their art.

The event was held on GA Tech's campus in Atlanta, GA. It was a great crowd with a red carpet at entry. The honorees were hard to identify because authors and writers are rarely known by face. But once they hit the red carpet you got a good idea of who was who. The creator of it all, Tamika Newhouse looked ravishing. The event opened with an amazing 3 piece band that set the mood. Then performing artist J. Morris did a selection. The categories included Reader’s Choice, Urban Book of the year, Screenwriter, Blogger of the Year, and many more. It was great to see these amazing writers acknowledged.  

As an inspiring writer myself I hope to have the opportunity to be a part of these amazing awards one day soon.

Maria Wills