By Jermaine Sain

Before I share my thoughts about pursuing your dreams, I want to briefly explain why I call my supporters and followers "SPEAKER".   It's really simple!  I believe that you have to first SPEAK what you want to do before you can make it happen.  I once heard someone say that when you SPEAK thoughts aloud, your ears will hear it which allows your heart to believe it. This is a concept I've continually tried to apply.  Many things that I've spoken outloud have happened.   I don't know if it's because I've continued to repeat them or if it's soley because I spoke it.  Also, I'm not saying that things have been exactly how I've spoken them or that everything I've spoken has happened.  However, I am saying that I've definitely seen links between what I've said and what's happened in my life.   
 In short, I call my supporters and followers "SPEAKERS" because I'm encouraging you to SPEAK into your life the things that you want, as I do the same.  I'm hoping that my words and personal journey will inspire you to become a follower of When We Speak TV (my dream) and encourage you to pursue your dreams​.

​The simpliest reason you should pursue your dream is because life is short and you don't know how much time you have on this earth but also it gives you a sense of purpose and direction.  When I first started When We Speak TV, my purpose was to meet singers and musicians in the Atlanta area and that was solely the driving force but, as I continued to meet people, I started to realize that it was pushing me outside of my comfort zone and challenging me to develop new skills that I never anticipated.  Through that process of development and growth, came fulfillment and meaningfulness to life. 
Pursuing a dream gives you something to strive for, something to look forward to.  Your journey can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for others in pursuit of their own dreams.

Why do so many of us put our dreams on hold?  I think the biggest reason is fear....fear of judgement, fear of the unknown, fear of failure, but that fear is totally normal.  I can't express to you how many times in a day that I'm fearful about something as it relates to When We Speak TV.  I'm fearful that we wont be accepted into certain arenas because we don't have a huge following.  I'm fearful that people won't like the content that we produce.   To be honest, the list would take up the entire article but I've had to learn not to let my fear dictate my decisions. 
When I think about overcoming fear, I specifically think about something that Jason Lee of Hollywood Unlocked said to me. I'm paraphasing but in so many words he said not to be afraid of the mistakes because the mistakes are part of the journey.
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​It's easy to doubt your abilities and question whether you're capable of achieving your goals. However, it's important to remember that self-doubt doesn't define who you are or what you're capable of. I've been challenging myself to replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations.  When I want to talk about something negative, I challenge myself to end it on a positive.  That goes back to what I mentioned earlier, "when you SPEAK thoughts aloud, your ears will hear it which allows your heart to believe it".   

Although I believe that fear is the greatest obstacle when pursuing your dreams, I also believe that most people don't pursue their dreams because they are trying to do too much at one time.  I'm definitely guilty of that.  It's important to take on smaller tasks that get you to your overall goal.  
When I think of setting goals, I think about eating a cherry pie.  Why a cherry pie?  I don't know!!!
If you decide to eat a whole cherry pie, you don't start consuming it from the middle of the pie and you don't stuff the entire pie in your mouth.  Instead, you slice the pie into portions that you believe are consumable and you eat each slice separately, until you have ultimately eaten the entire pie.  

Just like cutting that cherry pie, break down your goals into smaller milestones and set actionable steps.  Some steps may be greater than others but at least you've laid out the plan which makes it easier to consume and easier to track your progress.
Don't forget about deadlines!  I know most of us don't like them but if you set a deadline for yourself to have something done, it may be easier to hold yourself accountable.  I don't know why that is but it just seems to be better. 
Be realistic and flexible with your deadlines so that it doesn't overwhelm you.  If you know that you can't have something done by tomorrow, then set the deadline for the following day or following week. 
Remember that the ultimate goal is to make your dream a reality, not to get burned out and overwhelmed in the process.

I will be the first to tell you that it can be difficult to stay positive when you feel that your dream is not successful but a positive mindset is essential to pursuing your dreams.  Focus on the endless possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead, rather than dwelling on the road blocks.  
When I first started When We Speak TV, there was a statement that I would say regularly that I now know was essential to my success.  I need to incorporate it more....I call it a "You Never Know" mindset. I call it this because I noticed a few years ago that I would open my mind up to possiblities by saying "You Never Know where this could lead" or "You Never Know, this may allow me to meet other people" or "You Never Know, maybe this is the video that will go viral".
Those are just examples but I hope you get what I'm saying.  Having a "You Never Know" mindset kept me excited about the possibility that what I was doing may open up a new opportunity in the future.  Staying motivated throughout your journey can be challenging, especially when faced with setbacks or obstacles. Find what motivates you and use it as fuel to keep going. It could be a vision board that reminds you of your goals, a playlist of motivational songs, or regular check-ins with an accountability partner.

​Something else that has been beneficial in maintaining my "You Never Know" mindset has been celebrating my wins.  Its easy to forget how far you've come when you are only focused on where you're going.  It's important that you celebrate your progress along the way.  No matter how small.   
That doesn't mean that you have to throw a party everytime you succeed at something.  Sometimes that may only be that you take a moment to look back at how far you've come.  A personal practice of mine is, I like to go back and watch some of my previous episodes and I remember the struggles that I overcame.  It also ignites me to remember the obstacles that I've already tackled. 

​I hope this small article has encouraged you to pursue your dream.  No matter what that dream is.  I truly believe that the pursuit of your dream is a journey worth taking. It requires what one of my favorite artists would say, "Strengh, Courage, and Wisdom".  That's India Arie, in case you don't know.
Take it one slice at a time and maintain a "You Never Know" mindset and it will help you immensely along your journey.  Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination.
So, SPEAKER, it's time to pursue your dreams. SPEAK them outloud, hear the words you SPEAK, believe what you SPEAK, and take that first step. The world is waiting for you to make it happen.
What Do You SPEAK?

If this article has inspired you in any way, I would like to encourage you to share it with your friends or someone that you feel would be inspired by it and also follow When We Speak TV on social media. 
​We can't wait to SPEAK with you!!!

SUBSCRIBE TO WHEN WE SPEAK TV ON YOUTUBE
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​Atlanta Black Pride Weekend is an annual event that brings together members of the LGBTQ+ community, allies, and influencers from diverse backgrounds to celebrate love, diversity, and empowerment.
​As part of this empowering weekend, an influencer dinner was held, acting as a platform to unite and uplift those who have made a significant impact within the LGBTQ+ community.

The 2023 honorees include: EJ King, Saucy Santana, Simone Tisci, Dedrick Tillerson, Earl D. Fowlkes Jr., Tori Cooper, Derek J, Officer King, Dr. Alie Redd, Michael Jonvier, David Graves, Gocha Hawkins and Reggie Thomas.

The Local Peach, located in Norcross, Georgia, is not only a great place to get meals and delicious treats, they also provide a locally sourced market.  The market is over 90% women owned and over 50% minority owned. 

The Local Peach is committed to helping preserve the environment by reducing waste and developing lasting relationships by supporting live music events in Norcross, such as
Jazz In The Alley, a free live jazz concert series.

Website:  thelocalpeach.com
Instagram:  TheLocalPeachGA
Facebook: TheLocalPeachGA

​Atlanta has a new hot spot, Gocha's Tapas Bar, is offically open. 
​Along with friends, family, and city officials, When We Speak TV attended the grand opening of Gocha's Tapas Bar, the next step in Gocha's budding food empire which already includes Gocha's Breakfast Bar in two locations.

​Gocha’s Tapas Bar includes options such as shishito peppers, lamb chops, shrimp ceviche, fried green tomatoes with crab salad, taco trio, tuna tartare, lobster rolls, and more.  

What Do YOU Speak? is a documentary style segment on the When We Speak TV network that explores the beliefs, inspiration, and motivation that contributes to the guest's goals, aspirations, & purpose.  

KEYWORDS
kelli ferrell - chef kelli ferrell - nana's chicken and waffles - shameia crawford tiktok - bella rose passion - how to become a successful black business woman - most successful black female entrepreneurs - When We Speak TV - Jermaine Sain - speak atlanta - entrepreneur tips - entrepreneur tips for success - successful entrepreneur tips - business tips for beginners

Nana's Chicken & Waffles adds a second locaton!!!
When We Speak TV was honored to be invited to the grand opening of the Nana's Chicken & Waffles in McDonough. 

If you have been to the Nana's Chicken & Waffles location in Conyers, GA, you know that it stays busy because the food is absolutely amazing, well we can tell you that McDonough better get ready because they are definitely bringing the same delicious food to the menu.

So when you are in the Atlanta area, check out Nana's Chicken & Waffles!

CONYERS LOCATION
1040 Flat Shoals Road SE,
Conyers, GA 30013​
(770) 285-6591

MCDONOUGH LOCATION
1500 Highway 20 W #130,
McDonough, Georgia 30253
(470)8781307​

If you live in the Atlanta area and you have not been to Nana's Chicken N Waffles, you are missing out on some seriously good food.  

Food Network multiple Cutthroat Kitchen star, Author, Speaker, Personality, and Radio Host, Chef Elliott Farmer, an Atlanta native, is honored to share his passion for cooking and his childhood collection of signature recipe tips with the community. 

City officials, family and friends, celebrities, and media outlets came out to celebrate the grand opening of The Breakfast Boys, the metro's newest breakfast and brunch restaurant, located in College Park, Georgia.

KEYWORDS
Nana's Chicken and Waffles - nana's chicken and waffles new location - nana's chicken and waffles locations - kelli restaurant - kooking with kelli - chef kelli ferrell - nana's chicken and waffles owner - Nanas Chicken and waffles McDonough GA - Jermaine Sain - When We Speak TV - speak atlanta - Nanas Chicken and waffles Conyers GA - nana's chicken and waffles menu - celebrity chef - delicious restaurants in atlanta - best brunch in atlanta - atlanta bruch restaurants - atlanta breakfast restaurants - mcdonough breakfast

Hey Speakers, It's Jermaine Sain of When We Speak TV at the GBC Met Gala and Icon Awards Dinner, celebrating the 5 year anniversary of Gwen's Business Corner with Deonta B. honoring past show guests as well as, business and entertainment industry icons who have had continued growth and success in their industry, such as Jason Lee of Hollywood Unlocked and Tamika Scott of Xscape. 

Bravo’s newest series follows the heart and soul behind the Atlanta restaurant Old Lady Gang (“OLG”) when “Kandi & The Gang” premieres on Sunday, March 6 at 9:00pm ET/PT. In the heart of the city, Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker run an ever-evolving restaurant empire. Their Southern-eatery, OLG, named after the ‘Old Lady Gang’ consisting of Kandi’s mom, Mama Joyce, and Aunts Nora and Bertha, is busier than ever. The restaurant has been a fan-favorite with lines down the block and classic Southern dishes, but peeling back the curtains on this family-owned and operated restaurant reveals that mixing business and relatives can sometimes create a recipe for tension.

“Kandi & The Gang” chronicles Kandi, Todd, and OLG’s dynamic staff as they face a much-needed change at the restaurant while juggling their career ambitions, larger-than-life personalities and personal lives. After being hit with a myriad of obstacles, Kandi and Todd step in with a plan to turn the tide. With tensions rising as family members don’t perform up to standards, a little tough love and a lot of restructuring will shake things up with the staff, whether they’re ready for it or not.

“Kandi & The Gang” is produced by Truly Original, Kandi Koated Entertainment, T Tucker Productions with Kandi Burruss, Todd Tucker, Steven Weinstock, Glenda Hersh, Lauren Eskelin, Lorraine Haughton-Lawson, Julie "Bob" Lombardi, Camilo Valdes, and Ronica Wynder serving as executive producers. ​

About Bravo: 
Bravo is the premier lifestyle and entertainment brand that drives cultural conversation around its high-quality, interactive original content across all platforms. The network features a diverse slate of original programming, including Emmy Award-winning “Top Chef” and “Project Runway,” fan-favorites “Vanderpump Rules,” “Below Deck,” “Southern Charm,” and the highly popular “Million Dollar Listing” and “The Real Housewives” franchises. Bravo also boasts the only live late-night talk show on television with the critically acclaimed “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen,” which has become a nightly destination for A-list celebrities. Bravo is part of the NBCUniversal Television and Streaming portfolio, which includes NBCU’s broadcast, cable and streaming platforms: NBC, Bravo, E!, Oxygen, SYFY, Universal Kids, USA Network and Peacock.
​For more information, visit BravoTV.com.  

Hey Speakers!
We still have not confirmed with Kelli Ferrell about the opening of a Nana's Chicken N Waffles in Atlanta but we are super excited to share with you that she has opened a new Nana's Chicken N Waffles in McDonough, Georgia.  So now she has 2 locations.....One in Conyers and one in McDonough!!!  
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When We Speak TV would like to send a huge congrats to Chef Kelli Ferrell and the entire Nana's Chicken N Waffles family!!!!

Time for another update about a friend and supporter of When We Speak TV!  
Our friend Kelli Ferrell confirms that Nana's Chicken-N-Waffles is expanding to downtown Atlanta!!!

Recently, Kelli shared the news on her social media on October 20th.

Nana's Chicken-N-Waffles is currently located at 1040 Flat Shoals Rd SE, in Conyers, Georgia. 
​The additional restaurant will be located at 342 Peachtree St. in Atlanta, which most Atlantans will remember as the former Army Surplus.

When We Speak TV is excited for this beautiful expansion and super anxious to support Kelli's new restaurant location..... We can't wait to order our personal favorites....Peach Cobbler Waffles with Chicken Strips and Cajun Grits!!!!

​Enjoy delicious southern meals every day of the week with Kooking with Kelli’s simple to prepare mouth-watering dishes. In this collection of recipes, you will learn to cook soul-satisfying homemade food, with most requiring short preparation and cook time. Kooking with Kelli is infused with inspiration and recipes, that have been passed down from generation to generation, and includes signature dishes.

If you live in the Atlanta area and you have not been to Nana's Chicken N Waffles, you are missing out on some seriously good food.  

​Food Network multiple Cutthroat Kitchen star, Author, Speaker, Personality, and Radio Host, Chef Elliott Farmer, an Atlanta native, is honored to share his passion for cooking and his childhood collection of signature recipe tips with the community. 

City officials, family and friends, celebrities, and media outlets came out to celebrate the grand opening of The Breakfast Boys, the metro's newest breakfast and brunch restaurant, located in College Park, Georgia.

KEYWORDS
Kelli Ferrell - black owned restaurants in atlanta - top black owned restaurants in atlanta - nana's chicken and waffles - nana's chicken and waffles menu - brunch restaurants in atlanta - chicken and waffles restaurants in atlanta - best restaurants in atlanta - atlanta restaurants downtown - best restaurants in atlanta 2022 - When We Speak TV - Jermaine Sain - Speak TV - Atlanta Chefs - famous chefs in atlanta - atlanta top chefs - celebrity chefs - black private chefs in atlanta 

Today, we see Black culture recognized like never before in music, film, fashion, TV, sports, and more, however, that very same cultural recognition remains less credited in culinary arts.
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OWN has partnered with discovery+ via the original series, “The Great Soul Food Cook-Off,” in a cooking competition that finally spotlights the culinary contributions of Black chefs with challenges designed to highlight the past and present of soul food.

Eight chefs will go head-to-head throughout the show in this high-stakes, spiritual, and emotional competition, but only one competitor can take home the grand prize of $50,000. 

The Great Soul Food Cook-Off,” a first-of-its-kind soul food cooking competition series celebrating Black chefs and the Black culinary traditions that are the cornerstone of American cuisine. The six-episode, one-hour series debuts on discovery+ on Saturday, November 20th, with new episodes every Saturday through December 18th

“The Great Soul Food Cook-Off” is hosted by acclaimed chef and television show host Kardea Brown. Brown will be joined by some of the world’s best chefs, Eric Adjepong and Melba Wilson as they critique the chefs’ weekly creations.

​Additional judges that will join Adjepong and Wilson include:
·    Tanya Holland - (Episode 1)
·    Alexander Smalls - (Episode 2 & 6)
·    BJ Dennis - (Episode 3)
·    Tiffany Derry - (Episode 4)
·    Millie Peartree - (Episode 5)
·    Kwame Onwuachi - (Episode 6)
 
“The Great Soul Food Cook-Off” contestants are:
·    Chris Scott, 53 (Chef/Owner, Butterfunk Biscuit Co. - Harlem, NY)
·    Dorian Hunter, 47 (Chef/Caterer, Elevated Soul - Atlanta, GA)
·    Fred Fluellen, 32 (Private Chef/Caterer, Fluniversity - Atlanta, GA)
·    Jamarius Banks, 28 (Private Chef - Atlanta, GA)
·    Jermaine Smith, 48 (Chef/Owner, Henry's Soul Cafe - Washington, D.C.)
·    Razia Sabour, 40 (Private Chef/Caterer, Fuller Foods - Atlanta, GA)
·    Shacafrica Simmons, 47 (Private Chef/Caterer, Southern Fusion - Tallahassee, FL)
·    Tirzah Love, 38 (Chef/Owner, Saturday w/ Tirzah Supper Club - Oakland, CA)