CategoryInspiration

motivation

Posted April 28, 2019 2019

This Mom Stayed In Shape After 5 Kids!

Meet Venus Tutu! We stubbled across her after the picture below went viral!

Of course curiosity flew around wondering how in the world did she manage to do it! Most women are concerned about how their body will bounce back after pregnancy. Their bodies endure so much between weight gain and the stretching of the skin. So I asked Venus what her post pregnancy secrets were. This is what she revealed.

Venus was born in Liberia but moved to the states and was raised in Philly. She had her first child at the tender age of 17

“It was a drastic change for me, especially from my native background beliefs. Due to me having a baby so young and out of wedlock I became an outcast to my family. I went from having a roof over my head to being homeless/sleeping in laundromat bathrooms. I was still in high school, raising a baby with no knowledge of how to do so. I struggled a lot but my son kept me sane and pushed me to better both of our situation. He’s literally my life.”

Being so young, Venus felt like her body didn’t suffer much. She bounced right back into shape. She humorously replied “My breast didn’t get the same memo”. It wasn’t until her second child where she actually started to take fitness seriously.

Venus explains that after her second child the “gym” was a trending thing at the time. It just so happens that it helped her stay in shape. Her wanting to workout in hopes of bouncing back after pregnancy didn’t happen until after her 3rd child. She explains how she focused on foods she saw the best weight loss results from

“After my 3rd baby my snap back wasn’t as quick. I still had some weight left on me. Once I noticed that I started going to the gym more and changed my eating habits(not entirely). I also discover the foods/drinks that made me drop pounds in days”

Venus’s grandmother birthed 14 kids and her body was amazing afterwards so she feels a lot of it had to do with genetics mixed with hard work. She says she loves her body. She lives to show it off as much as she can. She inspires the be a model at some point in her life.

Her latest test was recovering from having twins! Especially since the previous child wasn’t even a year old yet.

This took a real tool on her over all energy levels. She’s explains thats the hardest part about staying in shape,at this point, was simply getting up.

Venus understands the struggle of parenthood. Especially being a single parent. These are her words of advice.

“Take them kids with you ! Find a gym that has a daycare center inside and go workout ! Most mothers want to workout but can’t due to them not having anybody to watch their kids. So find a gym that has a daycare center and go ! You may not see results in days or weeks but don’t give up ! Pick certain days to work on certain things and stay consistent! You know it’s working when it hurts. Pain should encourage you even more! Build up your confidence and kick ass when you’re working on your body goals ! Please don’t go to the gym just to post pics on social media…focus on the goals you set”

If you want to reach Venus for business inquires contact her at

venusktutu@gmail.com

Venus Tutu on FB & IG

Written by Bruce Walton Jr

Posted July 24, 20181 Comment 2018

Community revival, just in time for the back to school season.

Parents if you’re looking for a positive back to school gathering then this is it! The community revival is hosted by the PPG Pastor Prayer Gathering Group, Black Alliance Group and Associate & Leaders. The revival will be a 3-day event beginning on August 1st until August 3rd. The group will unite together for youth prayer at 6:00 PM and the Community Revival will begin at 7:00 PM.

Everyone is welcome to come in unity to pray for our youth before they return back to school. The Panel will speak on matters regarding domestic violence, crime and other issues happening in urban communities. They are already getting a great response from the communities and many members have sent their commitment stating they will be a part of the event.

Minister Sammy L. Jackson states, “People are asking for these types of events here and in other cities. The time is now, we need this in our communities. We are working on our tour and are currently accepting request from individuals who want to have a revival in their community. God has a lot to share with his people who have ears to hear his voice.”

By: Keidra Ponder

Posted January 24, 2018 2018

Deborah Branch, Owner of Lil Mama’s kitchen, credits God for sudden buzz and success

Deborah started off as any other kid. She developed a dream from simply watching her surroundings. This so happened to be watching her mother cook some of her favorite meals. For Deborah, cooking gave her a place to escape. After graduating high school she made a firm decision to pursue cooking as a career.

She decided to move from her home town of Gainesville,Fl to attend Daytona State College in 2012. Daytona State College had a great culinary school and it was fairly close. This is where she met her current friend and mentor Andra Chishlom. Andra has had some great success in culinary arts which includes her major roles at Daytona State College, her various news appearances, and her great run in cooking show competitions. Deborah gives Andra much respect for all the help and promotion she has given her throughout her career. Deborah graduated from DSC in 2014.

Deborah’s Fox 35 Orlando Appearance (Link)

In 2015 Deborah decided that she wanted to open a restaurant of her own. Her pastor prayed for her and told her that she would be opening a restaurant soon. That was enough motivation for her to pursue it seriously. With the help of her mother and father she was able to find a building that was reasonable for her. Unfortunately, the space was occupied at the time. Yet, something filled her spirits about the place and she prayed over it as if it was already hers. About a week later she saw that people were moving things out of the place. She immediately called the realtors and by late 2015 Lil Mama’s Kitchen was born.

The place was in disarray but with her strong team that consisted of her husband, parents, her pastor and her uncle eddie she was able to turn the place around. Strictly from the connections she gained while in Daytona Beach, she was able to have a successful soft opening. There were a lot of great vibes and that’s all Deborah asks for.

“I really just love great vibes and atmosphere. I love to come out and greet people, ask them how they are doing, and engage with them, ya know? I love to uplift people. Be the light to their day. I’m a community person, as well. I just love to help people. I also like to speak inspiration into women. Especially, when it comes to respecting their bodies and being much more than what’s on the surface. Self value, Self Worth, and knowing who you are is the key. I feel like a woman such as myself owning a restaurant inspires them.” – Deborah Branch – Owner of Lil Mama’s Kitchen

When speaking to Deborah about what dishes brought in the most customers she couldn’t pin point things at first. Then her mothers chitterlings came to mind. She said the chitterlings were a hot item that people frequently requested. She switches it up pretty much every day, though. She has a special for each day she is open. Her focus is soul food.

Cooking wasn’t tough for her. She says that learning the business was difficult.

“This being the first time of me running a business, it was definitely tough at first. I always worked under people but never fully ran a business on my own. Learning how to manage the finances, menu roll outs, learning certain employees….it’s things you don’t really think about until you actual experience it. The advice I have for anyone starting a business for the first time is research, research, research. You can never learn too much. I definitely give credit to God for how things fell in place for me.”

Though her main success came from her restaurant and cooking, her main goal is to help woman in general. She keeps God first and really thanks her parents, her pastor, her husband, and Andra for all of their help throughout her journey and rise to the top.

Restaurant location :

200 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd

Social Media Handles

Lil_Mamas_Kitchen_

Lil Mama’s Kitchen –

Written By : Bruce Walton Jr