Back To School For The Jamaican Parent

So... I know this is a little late as we are less than three weeks away from the start of the new school year, but better late than never. Plus there is always next year if you find any of the following tips useful. Please note, this is for all parents, no matter your social status or household type; I think everyone generally likes to save money or could do with a bit more efficiency.

First off - what qualifies me you might ask? I am a mom of a six year old and a twelve year old, so I have had about nine years of back to school prep and six years doubling up so I have narrowed it down to a science.

TIP #1: Make a check list in order of what to handle first.
Everything on the list is important, but it is wise to take note of when the sales usually happen, whether you like to avoid the rush or don't mind it, etc. School usually goes out in June so you have two and half months to get it together, so spread out the back to school shopping if you cant get everything at once. Also, getting the stuff in parts also helps you to stay within your usually end of month dance without feeling like you are spending a lump sum on back to school. Get an early start and pace yourself.

TIP #2: Know your shopping personality.
Like me, there are some people who cant handle crowds so if you know you're going to get flustered with a lot of people, long lines and book stores running out of books - again. GET AN EARLY START.

TIP #3: Know your vendors.
After six months of going to Coronation Market, I knew who my vendors were, who had the best produce and the best prices. Not only did I get value for my money but I was able to do market in less than 30mins. In and out. Its a time saver, you know their usual prices and you know what you getting for your money. This same thing applies to back to school shopping.

TIP #4: Uniforms
- Get the uniform thing in motion early, especially if they're being done by a dress-maker. You know by late July she/he is going to be swamped and trust me you don't wan't to be collecting uniforms the weekend before school starts. My mom is a dress-maker so I know. It gets crazy. Even if you are getting them from the school or an outlet ready made - put your order in, get that process going.
- Another thing with uniforms is - you don't have to buy a new set of uniforms every year. If your child has a complete set of uniforms for the whole week and keeps them in good condition, you can just buy one or two new uniforms for the new term (this doesn't apply to students attending a new school), to add to the previous set. Another thing to do is buy a portion before school starts and take your time to get he additional ones to round out the week. Again.. there are many combinations to what you can do to pace yourself and/or save money, just choose the one that suits you.

TIP #5: Books
- We all know book prices can be very exorbitant so this tip can be applied at any level of education. Know your neighbor; in your community, at school (PTA), at church, etc. Why? You can give text books previously used by your child to someone who needs them and also get text books from others who has previously owned them. Even if you decide to sell/buy them from each other it can be at a subsidized price (way lower than the book store). This especially can be done within families, with cousins and other extended family members to help each other out. If you have children that are a couple years apart, you can save them until the youngest comes up so he/she can use them. And don't stress over the fact that the book may have a few dog ears, they are only using it for one year, help the child/children to understand that its not the book but the information inside of it. Who knows, the money you save from getting a book from a previous owner could buy the hip school bag/school shoes that he/she wants. Help them to understand the economics.
- When you shop at the book stores and you get to sign up a leaflet to enter a competition to win money. Do it. You never know - you may just be the lucky winner with JMD50,000 - JMD100, 000 in cash price. It takes three minutes and you have nothing to loose. I don't know about you, but even when I have lots of money, I'm always open for more.

TIP #6: School Fee
Again... you have two and a half months. Pace yourself. If you find that you have challenges paying all the money at once, start putting down certain amounts here and there. Also many financial institutions, for eg. credit unions, give scholarships for all levels of education, even the school itself may offer. So get in the know, do some research and see how you can access scholarships. Also encourage your child to do well in school because this, as you know, is a major factor in accessing scholarships. 

TIP #7: School Bags, Lunch kits, water bootles/igloos
It is better to buy good, durable items that can serve your child for a couple or several years than to buy a whole set of new things every summer. Unless you want to - that's fine. No matter the brand - if you decide to spend a decent amount of money to buy a strong school bag, lunch kit, etc.. these items will last longer than inexpensive stuff (or poor quality that is pricey) that you will have to replace every year.

TIP #8: Miscellaneous (Socks, stationery, lunch bags, etc)
These things are usually inexpensive so no major tip here. Just pick up a few of the small stuff here and there, "one one coco full basket".

Back to school doesn't have to be a stressful experience, a big production, or leave you financially adjusting for the next couple months after school begins. You just have to plan ahead, pace yourself and be active in communities, groups and families that can help each other. MY FINAL TIP is... If you have a surplus, help someone; a pack of pencil, some notebooks, anything is appreciated. As a parent I know how challenging it can be at this time of year so I know others go through it as well. Pay it forward this back to school. One Love.


Stephanie Hava

Let's Celebrate!!!

Whoa!

I'm trying to catch my breath. But what's new?

I never really slow down. My calling is so massive and it's all so very exciting.

Anyway, as a result.. I missed my own anniversary.. lol

I caught it a few days after and this email is even way overdue.

Nevertheless, I hope you will help me celebrate.

CATHARSIS IS ONE YEAR OLD!!

Yep! My sophomore album has seen its first year since release on June 25, 2015.

I will always celebrate this album because of what it represents for me on a personal and professional level. It symbolizes me coming into my own, growing up and shedding that layer of fear and apprehension and stepping out bolder, sexier and more honestly. And to do that through music was extremely "cathartic", hence the name of the album. Its fun, its heavily emotional, its brazenly sexy, its romantic and empowering. There's a song for everyone!! 

This album also legitimized me as a music producer as I was both executive producer and producer working alongside some other brilliant musicians and producers to make this body of music amazing and most importantly commercially viable.

PLEASE HELP ME CELEBRATE THE ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF CATHARSIS!!

Buy:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/catharsis/id1007522521

Stream (A few tracks): https://soundcloud.com/stephsingslove/sets/catharsis

Share on your social media - Tag me!

Facebook.com/stephsingslove

Instagram: @stephsingslove

Twitter: @stephsingslove 

Getting ready to drop the next single so stay tuned... it will be massive!!

Watch Official Music Video Of First Single From The Album 

"Your Love":  https://youtu.be/a7v7eq5H9_Y

MORE!!

MORE

Preview - Taken from Stephanie's upcoming book (Title Withheld)

After the initial assessment of your do-me-right-now, smoking body,

Good looks meet sex appeal come-lay-up-in-me-be-mine-only.

I have to,

Have to get some more.

After standing ‘cross the room eyeing you, thinking what I’d do for a hot steamy night of you.

After wondering how our first time is going to be.

I have to,

Have to get some more.

After biting my lips at the way you walk, caught up in your smile, watching your lips as you talk,

Wondering how it would feel to have them kiss me; sweet and tender, rushed and harder.

I have to,

I have to get some more.

After watching your hands holding that glass of wine, wondering how it would feel to have them roaming down my spine.

All over my body, between my thighs.

Whoa … you’d think that would be enough, but no.

I have to,

I have to get some more.

I have to get more before I let you explore my wonderland.

I have to get more before I gasp at your rock-hardness.

I have to get more before we do it on the floor, in the kitchen, the bathroom, the bedroom for sure.

I have to,

I have to get some more.

I have to get more before I let your kisses roam to places that make me bite and grip and moan.

I have to get more before you make my nipples sore; sucking, nibbling, flicking, and teasing.

Good God……..

I have to get more before I stroke it, feeling it grow.

I have to get more before it slides into my wetness; tight and warm for sure.

I have to,

I have to get some more.

More is your mind; how you think, what you know.

Turn me on, take notes.

Make love to my mind; engage me intellectually, challenge me.

Get me hot, MORE notes.

Give me MORE.

MORE is making me laugh, if you’re fun we’ll explore.

A vivid and colorful imagination is such an aphrodisiac, we’ll never get bored.

More is being driven; with no ambition or goals, your dick has no role.

You have to have purpose and strength, stand on your own to stand up in me.

More is heart, conscience, respect; wanting to know me, support me, appreciate me.

I can lust all I want you see, but if you’re just eye candy, it’s so empty.

Before we take off the clothes, foreplay until we can’t wait no more, lift me unto you and brace me against the wall in this dim lit room.

Before I grab into your flesh from that first thrust and we make dynamic rhythms, make love on every imaginable surface; I arch and contort in pleasure-ridden spasms a few times.

Before your body tenses in anticipation of your explosion and you say my name in utter ecstasy.

Before we lay spent and basking in the euphoria.

I have to,

I have to get some more.

The Search For Me

My dad is black, my mom is light skinned with freckles. I'm a result of the swirl. Love my skin tone. I'm not vain by the way.... going somewhere with this.

Growing up I was bummed about not getting my mom's straight nose and inheriting daddy's round nose, I hated my toes, not to mention my hair. In third grade it was decided that my hair would be 'easier to manage' if it was straightened. I was teased about my nose and my hair all the way to and through high school. My nose was round; I couldn't do anything about that, but we thought my hair issue was fixed by chemically straightening it, boy was that wrong... THANK GOD I COULD SING. LOL. The teasing didn't stop in my adult years, however, it didn't bother me anymore. Being pregnant accentuated my nose (I know a few friends who found this hilarious), and well my hair game was constantly changing with the trends because I was still trying to fit. Natural hair was not cool, only if it was 'pretty hair' (Indian, long, straight or mixed and curly). The growing up into self appreciation, or appreciation of my heritage didn't quite sink in. 

Here comes my first daughter mixed with Indian; curly 'pretty' hair, "Thank God she never got your hair Stephanie" *insert laughter* - 'Cause its meant to be a joke. That followed the "She pretty eeeh!!" But that further perpetuated a false sense of image without being intentional. Ironically my daughter is annoyed by having so much hair. Then came my second daughter with grey eyes which went through a series of changes before coming to its beautiful brown, borderline hazel eyes... Ooh now we went gaga over that, because she possessed something that wasn't inherently black. 

For a great part of my life I had been socialized and trying to look like someone else. I think back and sometimes I want those years back so I could ‪#‎choose‬ to proudly be who I was physically. But more so other than appreciating my heritage, another dimension was added to my dilemma. I fought to keep those insecurities hidden, because by default of my beautiful voice I was a popular girl, how could I display these insecurities, so I shut them in a box that I played with when no one was looking. I found myself in many leadership capacities but always comparing myself to the other girls/women, not realizing I was great, I was doing things and going places off of my Gog-given gifts and merit and not necessarily on how I looked. Those insecurities have also lead me into some unsavory situations with the opposite sex. I sought validation, comfort, solace, love, while they sought sex. I'm keeping it real!! I was caught up with my hair, nose, how to look like I fit in with other other females with how I dressed, etc.. and they just cared that I had a vagina. So I was fair game. And no, my mom didn't fail me, she was busy trying to keep food on the table. But no one was preaching LOVE YOURSELF, YOU ARE ENOUGH, YOU ARE NOT YOUR HAIR, etc. The messages, though just as sound and relevant were variations of "tek you education" (stay in school), "don't breed" (don't get pregnant). Coupled with the peer pressure of having things and looking a certain way to fit in. Then I went to church and felt like a condemned sinner for NOT having natural hair, or having my ears pierced. It was all so confusing, deciding who to be physically. 

But I beat the odds, and borrowing a line from a song Michael Holgate wrote "I always knew something else was guiding me." I still managed to stay on top, I excelled. It's amazing when I think back how I navigated myself through all that...and to think, it all started with my hair as child. I unknowingly began the search for who I already was.

I cringe at the thought of my girls having to go through all that to discovering who they are in truth. But a shift has been happening and I'm happy. The narrative is changing, but I know the narrative that I create for them is vital.

I get it.. That journey, that lesson had to be massive. Because I have the responsibility of teaching these two young ladies to love everything about themselves, to love everything about mommy and daddy that came together to produce them in the physical sense. And MOST IMPORTANTLY, what you look like is not who you are. Beauty is what's inside, its the essence of you that makes what you are physically beautiful. We are enough! We are Queens! We are beautiful just the way we are!! Girls need to hear this from the day they take their first breath, they need to be imprinted with this truth, we need to awaken within them what is already there. Beauty!!

Catharsis - Breakdown Pt. 1

Music showed up in it's fullness and offered me a healing that was amazingly freeing.

I called it "Catharsis", cause that's exactly what is was.

And it became my long anticipated sophomore album.

With every word written, every melody created, every note sung, the layers broke away.

It was amazing how without being too graphic with my graphic artist Vennessa Hanshaw, she captured that on the album cover to visual perfection (Additional credits to Jordache Jones on photography and Travis Paul on makeup). And the colors that represented that was red; the flame that burnt away all that I released, white; that purified me and black goes well with those colors lol. I not only gave birth to a new musical project but to myself. Suffice it to say this is my most personal project to date. The Script has a line from one of their songs that goes "Take that rage, put it on a page, take the page to the stage, blow the roof off the place", so I did. I took my pain, fears, heartbreak and subsequent empowerment of self, coming into my own as a woman and embracing my sensuality, renewed faith in love and yes discovering love all over again and put it in fifteen (15) songs. Sought out some of the best producers, and musicians I knew and set out to make a project that was REAL, relatable, and of course commercially viable. And although some of the material was already a work in progress, Catharsis matured in the space of six (6) months: Album Season.

 https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/catharsis/id1007522521

Track 1: You On Me

Track one is really an intro to the album and the vision I had for that was testimonials from some of my friends and colleagues; impromptu an honest. I reached out to said people on my whatsapp and asked for one liners, just their take on me in the form of voicenotes....yes I wanted it very unrefined and on spot, in the moment. Called up Koriq and asked him to put it together for me, mind you this was the day before the album was due to be mastered. So the night before my mastering deadline we created a skit-like intro of the testimonials overlapping over crowded chatter. 

Track 2: Catharsis

catharsis

kəˈθɑːsɪs/noun

noun: catharsis; plural noun: catharses

1.

the process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions.

Now.. apart from being a close friend of mine, Michael Sean Harris is a musical force I admire greatly and I really wanted his stamp and style on Catharsis, which turned out to be the title track. Funny enough, Catharsis wasn't meant to be the title track, but the process in making the album brought us there. That's what I love about music and natural processes, flowing with and being in alignment with destiny. And on  a side note I have to give props to A-Game who, after a great conversation convinced me why I should go with Catharsis as the name for the album instead of supm more cliche, which I'm glad I did. But back to collaborating with MHS on this track. There are a handful of producers and musicians in Jamaica that produces foreign genres very well and Michael is a beast at capturing sounds and styles that are not indigenous to Jamaica. I sent him a lyrical skeleton and left the rest in his hands. He reworked, rewrote what I had sent and by the time we got to the studio it was such an effortless process. Catharsis was born. Catharsis paid tribute to me denouncing the ills of a bad relationship and freeing myself. Yayyyy .. I have worked with the great Michael Sean Harris. Can't wait for more collaborations. https://soundcloud.com/stephsingslove/catharsis

Track 3: Battlefield

Battlefield is the only cover song on the album and is originally done by Lea Michele and co-written by one of my writing icons Sia Furler. Talk about the stars aligning. I wasn't planning on having any cover tracks on this album but one night I stumbled upon this masterpiece called 'Battlefield'. This song made me buckle at my knees, it unstacked me and showed me the innermost depths of my feelings as it related to the past four years prior to. There were many songs I had heard in my lifetime that I could relate to, but this song was everything I wanted to express at this point in my life, and Sia Furler became bigger in my eyes, not to mention Lea Michele's raw and honest vocal performance. It scared me at first to think about covering such an awesome song. I wanted to do it justice, but I also wanted to tell MY story as well through this song I believe others had also loved. I decided on a a different musical interpretation and called up Elton 'Elly B' Brown (guitars), Stephaun 'Maxx' Samuels (bass) and Mijanne Webster (violin), went into One Pop Music Studios and with Rorey Baker and Paul 'Patchy' Wright at the controls created 'Battlefield'. I broke down recording the vocals for this song, the grit, just the raw emotion just unraveled me. I mused that after recording the song I will never sing it again..lol. Truth is .. recording that song freed me a great deal. Now each time I sing it, my wings get bigger. https://soundcloud.com/stephsingslove/battlefield

Track 4: Closure

All the tracks on the album are pieces of a puzzle, together they take you on a journey and complete the picture. If you listen from the beginning to the end, its a lovely and riveting story. Closure at first impression would appear to be the last track on the album but in order for the story to progress, in order for the plot to thicken 'Closure' had to happen at this point. Now the biggest irony of this album is Closure.. because it is co-produced by Stephen Maxwell; and only those who have the inside scoop will understand that statement ..lol. Or if you listen closely you'll figure it out :). Nevertheless, making music with Stephen has always been an organic process so major props due. Closure was actually a song I had started writing some years ago and Stephen had laid a three instrument track that I thought up to the time of the album was an unfinished track. After receiving the files from Stephen which was just a single piano, percussions, bass and oh yes some minimal programmed drums. I finished writing the song and laid the vocals with all intention of doing some overdubs. I listened and listened but I couldn't hear anything else that I could add to make it better than it was. I had Llamar 'Riff Raff' Brown; a musician and producer I have great respect for take a listen and he agreed, the song was complete as it was. The additional magic he said was now in the mix and the mix could make or break the song. Whoa... way to put on the pressure. Back to being in alignment, all just flowed seamlessly when Patchy, who had produced the vocals ended up mixing this song. The song vocally and lyrically was strong and it didn't need the frills, just a magical touch and that's what it got. https://soundcloud.com/stephsingslove/closure

TO BE CONTINUED

Coming up - Catharsis - Breakdown Pt. 2 - 'The Power'

People mentioned appears as follows:

Vennessa Hanshaw

Jordache Jones

                                      

Travis Paul

Koriq

Elton 'Elly B' Brown

Stephaun 'Maxx' Samuels

Mijanne Webster

Rorey Baker

Paul 'Patchy' Wright

 

Stephen Maxwell

Self FIRST is NOT selfish. An empty vessel has nothing to offer, a frustrated countenance not only gives off frustrated responses or reactions but it also attracts more frustration. Ever notice that the flight attendant instructs you to secure your mask first (in the event of danger) before assisting others? Yes, you should top your list of priorities. When you are happy, financially stable, emotionally and mentally sound, etc you are not only in a better position to help others in all those areas but you inspire others to want to step up their own state of well being. .... This is especially true with more personal relationships, for eg. Parent/children relationship. When you are your best self as a parent you have so much more substantially to give to your children materially, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. You create a much more conducive environment for their growth and development. They are also modelling the qualities of your character and prove to be better at handling life's challenges as they grow up based on how they've seen you handle things, even when you think they aren't watching. The ripple effect of putting yourself first is real and big. So choose you and you choose the best for everyone else connected to you.

Growth Can Be Messy

Truth is "growth can be messy" and hard and dark. Take the caterpillar's process to the butterfly; the caterpillar forms a cocoon, digests itself, transforms and emerges as a beautiful winged creature. Sometime we find ourselves in a "cocoon" experience and it feels like we wont emerge. All the phases of sadness, depression, pain, confusion etc are all transformative things. We want to speed it up, we want to press "skip and continue" but sometimes in order to emerge with wings to soar we must undergo some level of discomfort. It's never really over until you decide it is. So I'm telling you that its going to be OK, see it through. I want to pass you fluttering through the sky, living your best life. The only time I want to say "told you so". Hold on to yourself! Growth can be messy but with each level of life you move up you'll be glad you stuck it through

What If You Fly?

Stepping out in faith for some is a hard thing, others live for the thrill o

f being brave in their pursuits, and some really don't think they were meant to fly (like its only for a chosen few). We are all meant to soar, its coming to the realisation and subsequent acceptance of that, that makes us counted among the "chosen"...cause truth is the choice is ours! Its really up to us. The One who made you has declared many a great thing over your life, crowned you, called you good!! Once we get in alignment with our true nature we most certainly will fly. And maybe not at first few attempts, sure we will fall sometimes as you master life's lessons.. But you were not built to break, you were made to learn and grow from strength to strength. Accept this as your truth and watch yourself soar. What if you fly?

Stephanie Announces NEW ALBUM ..and more!

It's official!

Stephanie has been hinting for some time now on her social media pages about an album in the works, and it's true.

The singer, songwriter will release her sophomore album "Catharsis" on June 3, 2015.

"The album is sexy for sure, grown up and sexy. It's personal.. there are moments of great pain and moments of sheer joy; very relatable.  I think more than anything, I push the envelope; bold truth, bold sexy. Definitely everyone will find something  to relate to on this album and I embrace the dynamics of myself on a whole new level. I work with some of the best producers on this album; Anil "Phantom" Montaque from Switzerland, Dennis Biello and Dan Grossman from the US, Ranoy Gordon, Delly Ranx, Rorey Baker, Michael Sean Harris and Stephen Maxwell. The visuals..oh the visuals will be off the chain, head turners..I'm excited" ......

said Stephanie whose label Havatio Music is the executive producer for the album. Stephanie has four collaborations on the 15 track album which span young artists to veteran heavyweights... surprises .. but if you want sneak peeks keep it locked to her social media. See links below.

IN OTHER NEWS

Stephanie, under her Havatio Music label just completed a successful first season of the new live entertainment show Soul Sessions. Soul Sessions is a unique entertainment product that combines live music with candid conversations .."getting to the heart of the ART". Season one featured a wide cross section of recording artists, songwriters and producers. The Jamaica Gleaner was present at the season finale and offered a great review. Read here: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/entertainment/20150420/strong-close-soul-sessions-first-season.

Also check out http://www.facebook.com/SoulSessionsJa for a look back on Season 1 and for info on the second season.

For interviews, exclusives and all other media related inquiries please contact Havatio Music : havatiomusic@gmail.com / stephaniemusicbiz@gmail.com or call (876) 438-3806.

Follow Stephanie on

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/stephsingslove

Soundcloud: http://www.soundcloud.com/stephsingslove

Instagram/Twitter: @stephsingslove

You Asked - I Answer - Stephanie Tells It Like It Really Is!!

First of all, I

loved the questions.
Some had me laughing, pensive, reflective, etc. It was just awesome. And i can't wait for you to read the  answers to your questions

So in an effort to share more of my artistry for eg, what inspires me, etc I thought why not let you guys interview me. And i must say you guys are quite good. So i drew from my Bbm, Whatsapp, Facebook, and Twitter community.  Here are your questions and answers:

Handel, Alexx Frass, Philleta: Who is Stephanie? / Tell me about yourself.
Stephanie: Stephanie is " the crowned one" as my name means; i believe my life and my purpose is not ordinary, I am confidence; soft yet assertive, I am a nurturer; It comes naturally for me to care for others, I am a lover; fiercely and passionately, I am a dreamer, I dare; tell me I can't and I'll devote my time to doing "it" and being successful. I take myself too seriously sometimes but I know how to have a good time with the right people. I read and read and read some more....lol, and I love TV(Anything Oprah, talk shows and everything on Bravo and E - yes I'm unapologetic about reality tv). To top it all off music and family encompasses my life.

Andre Hudson: How on earth are you so sexy? Where did you get that stunning voice from? How early you started in your career? Where from here?
Stephanie: Andre never hear say is just one question? Lol. K Dre if you must know a) I think I got it from my momma :), b) I was born with it, the Almighty set it, c) I started as early as third form (9th grade) doing cabaret on the north coast, d) From here its world stages as Stephanie, not as a bgv..but with my own music, own band, own mission. The next chapter begins!!

Kedron "Blueprint", Djenne: Why Music?
Stephanie: I'm going to go cliche with this one and say music chose me. But its true! I accepted and no matter what else i did outside of that or whatever else i tried it all came back to music. Match made in heaven :).

Rudy: With the music business so difficult to make it especially for woman. Why bother to go into that field?
Marlon C: Why music? There must be an easier way to make a living.
Stephanie: Easy is for those who don't dare to dream. Besides music is where my joy and passion lies. In a sense it is easy.

Nikki: Are you a man or a woman? Lol
Stephanie: I'm all woman!!

Michael H: How come you nuh buss bigger than this yet - and you're more talented that what's out there?
Stephanie: Mikey that's a big compliment. And I wont go on a rant about how the music industry this and that. I'm putting this one solely on myself. I have a product that's international-esque, a fusion of various genres but with reggae and dancehall as the common denominator. There is a unique way to market my product and i think I'm just catching on to what really works. Still trend-setting, no compromising. Staying true to my musical identity but learning along the way what "works" best so bussing in the very near future Mike :). Btw mi already buss in my mind...hehee

Marlon-Anthony: How do you handle motherhood, being a wife and being a recording artist full time? Amongst the other projects you coordinate, and still have time to always look your best and maintain a great body?
Stephanie: Mar Mar are you hitting on me? lol. Hmm well i think I answered this partly with the answer I gave Tha Future but additionally i will say this its hard work. I love motherhood, i love music and i love everything else i do in my life - so while its hard work, i enjoy it all so i don't complain. Looking my best is a result of fulfillment, I truly feel great with where my life is going, I'm living my dream and i believe it reflects in the physical. But even that takes effort you know...want to keep his eyes on me, you know what I mean *wink*...lol. I look good when i feel good, and I feel good when i look good.

Cali: If you get one chance to create a  new genre of music out of all the different types and styles of music you love, what genres would you blend to get a new sound/music?
Stephanie: I love this question. Well i already do fusion music but i think and interesting blend would definitely be Reggae and Bollywood (Indian-culture influenced) music. We could call it Reggae-wood...hahaaaa...lol.

Tha Future: How do you balance your family life and career? And how prepared are you for the busy times ahead?
Stephanie: I take everything one step at a time and focus on one thing at a time. I don't try to juggle. So that's how i achieve balance. Well i just sent Madison(my youngest) off to pre school because the busy times have started and there is a shift happening. My family life is definitely adjusting to facilitate an expanding career.

Wayne Lyrics: What made you such a brilliant singer?
Stephanie: First of all thank you. My voice as come a long way. I was born singing but I haven't always known my instrument and its ability. I used to think everyone should belt and have rasp and other powerful and unique things the voice does and if you couldn't do those things then you're not a singer. But then i started to discover Norah Jones, Dido and others and realised no two vocal instruments are the same, we all have our own sound and a different product to offer the great big world of listeners. Then i started to explore myself, my voice to find my musical identity. I feel once a singer knows his/her instrument very well they can achieve a level of brilliance. But I am still growing vocally and believe the world hasn't heard the best of me yet, we've just tipped the iceberg, the album will tell.

Steve: Are you a model?
Stephanie: I used to briefly when i was younger, not now. 

Colleen: What can you offer us here to improve the business?
Stephanie:  I seek out various opportunities in music such as licensing for record companies, tv shows, international ad campaigns, movies, ect that are alternate ways of earning in the music industry that Jamaica has not caught onto yet in a big way. My current and future successes in this area will def prove that there's more to our local music business than clashes and stage shows and payola, etc. That i believe will change the atmosphere of our "music business" and put more structure in place.

Mark: What do you like about your work?
Stephanie: I love that it flows so naturally for me, I'm not trying to do it you know - I'm meant to do it. I love that I'm fully and wholly myself when I'm doing music. It frees me! 

Roel and Damian:  Are you single?
Stephanie: Hahaa, no I am very much married.

Mario E: Is your journey what you envisioned it to be, and would you change anything about how it has unfolded?
Stephanie: Nothing like it..LOL...but seriously I've had my dreams and goals which keep evolving as i mature and my consciousness grows but I must say a lot of opportunities and experiences have come into my life that I never envisioned on the surface it seems. But with a closer look i realize that it doesn't look the way I thought it would but its definitely producing the desired result. For eg. living in Spain and touring the world with Fermin Muguruza and Groundation, I have definitely already traveled the world and have performed in front of massive sold out shows, where i can't even see where the people end. My two girls weren't planned, and didn't expect to be married at 25 but I so wanted a family, and to be in love. My life has been an exciting ride with big dreams but never a clear outline of when. I know the planners may go hmmm...you have to plan your life and I'm not saying i don't plan but it mostly goes how the Almighty sees best and I'm ok with that. I just continue to ask for divine guidance and continue on the staircase in faith even though i may not see the next step sometimes. B) I wouldn't change a thing, I am who I am today because of how my life has unfolded so far and I look forward to how it will continue to.

Lisa: What is your passion?
Stephanie: Life; God, music, family, friends.

Sanya: What/Who inspired you to start a career in music?
Stephanie: Well as far back as i can remember all I know is myself singing. It's literally like I've always know that's what I was born to do. But Celine Dion definitely sent it home for me. She sings so powerfully and whenever I hear or see her sing I always feel like "I want to do that, what she does."

Yelluh: What's the purpose of your life?
Stephanie: I believe my life's purpose is to multiply love. I do it in my music, my nurturing nature, and my charity work for eg. Books For Change and Classic Duets. Love is all i know how to do, even when I'm being hurt.

Jesse: How would you set yourself apart from everyone else?
Stephanie : Musically speaking - I have a song for everyone. I'm not just a reggae or r&b singer. I have a song for everyone. Generally - I am a die-hearted lover. Nothing can shake my belief in true love.

Natasha: Why should i hire you for a job, what makes you different, what do you bring to the table?
Stephanie: I am very dedicated and i commit my 100% energy to any task at hand. I do whatever i need to do to learn how to be better at what I'm assigned to do and apply myself.

Paul M, Stratdon, Shauna-Kay Renee, Jahvy, Billy Boy, Phan: What inspires your music?
Stephanie: My music is inspired by all my experiences in life and love. Past and present. I'm also a big dreamer, i use my imagination a a lot. And what most people call fantasizing or daydreaming is what I used to put myself in a desired situation and soak up the way it makes me feel and translate that in song. I also find inspiration from the lives of my friends and family. I'm big on TV, especially now that i write for tv show placements. I'm a sucker for romance and love, so movies along that line move me to lyrics. In essence, I find inspiration in everything!!

Keiton: Are you from heaven cause they missing an angel?
Stephanie: You crazy!

Panceta: What's the one thing that keeps you going?
Stephanie: I can give you three. :) God's grace and mercy, when my family is happy, the fans' reaction to my artistry.

Michael Sean: What would comprise an ideal year in the life of Stephanie?
Stephanie: Wow that's a loaded question Mike. Well right now I'd say releasing an album, at least three music videos, tour for six months(not necessarily back to back), two major collaborations, take a family vacation, help stage a grand and successful Gungo Walk Festival, land a few major song placements, continue to grow in parenthood/wifehood, expand my label Havatio Music to include other artists/productions,.........wooii i could go on, but there are only twelve months in a year..lol. The only thing I'll add is to keep a disciplined spiritual regime to always remain grounded, grateful and guided

Jah Prince: How do you feel about some dancehall artists 'sang-ing' their chorus instead of getting a vocalist to SING it?
Stephanie: Well i wont take anything away from anyone, it's their song so they can do as they please. But for want of an opinion, I think some artists just don't like to share the spotlight, and that selfishness hurts the product. I say lets create more music together and highlight ours and each others strengths.

Robin , Travis: Where do you go when you are singing?/ What does music do for you?
Stephanie: This one is deep Robin, but I totally expect this from you :). I go where no man has gone before.....dwl. Ok seriously - this answers Robin and Travis; singing frees me from all the concerns of the moment, Its not an escape(not for me), its therapy. I go in my zone; peace, freedom, pleasure, release. I know the last two sounds kinda naughty....lol... but Its just that i let it all go in the melodies. I'm free.

Cathy/ Lymie: What drives you to be who you are now?
Stephanie: Waking up every morning to experience God all over again, that's all I need. Experiencing God is all that I am and do!! It's in my family, my music, my interactions, everything i see, feel, breathe, touch,etc. Everyday is a miracle.

Xan: How do you want to be remembered?
Stephanie: That I dared to dream, that I inspired, that I helped someone in anyway to live a happy, healthy and prosperous life.

Richard: If you had to choose one...family or career, which would you choose?
Stephanie: Richard you play dirty trust me....lol. Instinctively I'd say family. But family is not family if it doesn't support your dreams and encourages you to have something for you. So there's really no choice, in a sense.

Kay "FancyMadame": Who influences your style of music and do you think we've lost "love" from our Jamaican music?
Stephanie: There are so many but I'll name a few; Alton Ellis, Jill Scott, India Arie, Beyonce, Sam Cooke, Brandy, etc.... trust me everyone I listen to influences my style at some given time but the above mentioned really stands out to me. b) We haven't lost love from our music, but the people responsible for bringing the music to us have dropped the ball big time in what they feed us on. Because there are so many artists who are pushing the message of love and oneness. And we as a people should take part of the responsibility cause if we filtered more carefully what we support, there will definitely be a shift in what they give us to listen to predominantly. That's my two cents, some may not agree.

Kathy:  How surprised are you (if at all) about your life today both professionally and personally?
Stephanie: When I really stop to look back at what my 27yrs have produced it really blows me away. Even looking at my 8yr old takes me aback sometimes. So yes it still does amaze and surprise me. And to think that there's sooooo much more in store. I have just brushed what is possible for me. 

Joy: What are your plans for the future?
Stephanie: Joy, you just want to done the page and don't leave any space for any more questions...lol.
So many! But for now I'll just ask that you expect only the best. I can't give it all away. But its all about growth and newness and excellence.

Harold Jes: What kind of make up u use to be so cute and lovely"BLACK IS BEAUTIFULL"
Stephanie: Well I'd like to believe that I have most of it naturally..:)...but in the make up department its all kudos to Tamika Nelson(Mirabel)

Stephanie lands song placement on Lifetime TV's "Dance Moms" reality series/ New Release date for Debut EP

Dance Moms Miami

Recording artist Stephanie has landed a song placement on Lifetime Tv's "Dance Moms" reality series with "If This Is Real"; an emotionally driven ballad questioning real love in light of one lover's tainted past. The artiste's song writing prowess caught the attention of production company Rebel America Inc. out in Houston, Texas in 2010. She then became a part of the company's roster of songwriters, being the only one hailing from the caribbean region. "Dance Moms" marks Stephanie's second placement since joining the RAI team. The first being a collaboration done with rapper ET that was picked up by the UK's "Jeremy Kyle Show" for their Intranet Web Ad.



Stephanie

With no sign of slowing down there is no doubt that 2013 will be an amazing year for Stephanie who recently announced the release of her debut EP "Real Woman" that was set for January 31st. Due to a few technical glitches the release date has been moved up to FEBRUARY 13, 2013.


Rebel America Inc.
 

"I want my brand to be synonymous with quality and so as a team we have to ensure that the EP represents 100%. I know a lot of people have been looking forward to it but it'll be worth the wait." -Stephanie.

Please feel free to hop on over to Stephanie's Blog, FB, Twitter Reverbnation, and Youtube accounts and drop a line, get more familiar with her music, etc.
http://stephaniemusicent.blogspot.com/
Facebook.com/stephsingslove
Twitter.com/stephsingslove
Reverbnation.com/stephaniemusicpage
http://www.youtube.com/PrncessStphie

For interviews, and other business related issues please contact stephaniemusicbiz@gmail.com / stephsingslove@gmail.com or call +1876-438-3806.