A God-fearing native of Huntsville, Alabama, is an
Orlando professional educator, author, and
television talk show host; who now adds perfumer
to her list of credits.

What was your childhood like growing up in
your neighborhood, and who was your best
friend?
My childhood was wonderful. My parents were
teachers and they were serious about education.
I love school to this day because they made us
realize how important it was for us. My father
built us a tree house, so my house was where all
the kids wanted to "hang out" after school. My
best friend was and is my identical twin sister,
Danielle.

What were your high school career goals?
Believe it or not, I wanted to be an attorney. I
went through a "Miami Vice" stage, I wanted to
help Crockett, and Tubs put the bad guys away.
However, my high school English teacher asked
me to tutor third graders and that was it! I
worked with them and I really enjoyed spending
with them and helping them learn about English.
It changed my life.

Who was your greatest influence between
ages 13 - 19 years of age? My greatest
influence has always been my parents. Especially
my mother! She was the oldest of 15 in her
family. She lived on a plantation in Mississippi and
was beyond poor. Yet, she went to Jackson
State University on a full scholarship and then
graduated with her Masters Degree. She is my
example.
What was your "AHA" moment?
My AHA moment was when my book, Life at
433 was released. Being able to share my
book with the world was and is amazing.
Also, having my book placed in Barnes and
Nobles for a year was another blessing.
Here I was a young black girl in Barnes and
Nobles! Only God can do that! Another AHA
moment was when I traveled to The
Kentucky Derby this year and interviewed
Music Icon Smokey Robinson. My talk show
is entitled, Hip & Happening and I travel on
a monthly basis. I still think about that
moment.

In your current position, what were your
initial fears, and how did you overcome
them?
Well, I have a few positions. However, I'll
focus on my beauty business. My initial fear
was lack of experience. I didn't know
anything about fragrances, not how they
were distributed or manufactured. I felt,
"Who would want to buy my perfume?" But,
I found that there were several people who
did! I overcame my fear my hooking up with
Leonard E. Burnett. He is my business
mentor and a very god friend. He told me
that I could do it and he introduced me to
investors who had the disposable income to
invest in my business. After that, it was a
breeze. Presently, my products are in
various boutiques in over seven states.
Two of which happen to be selected Macy's
Department Stores and Sachs Fifth Avenue.
When did you discover you were
successful? What are some of your
accomplishments?
Wow. God has been SOOOO good to me!
First, having my doctorate by age 31 was
cool. Second, releasing my book was
surreal. Third, my talk show having been
invited to the Stellar Awards and The
Kentucky Derby this year! At the Stellar
Awards in January I interviewed
interviewed Karen Clark-Sheard, Bishop
Noel Jones, Kirk Franklin, Dottie Peoples,
Marvin Sapp and Fred Hammond. That
was crazy! I have no words for the
Kentucky Derby!

The pageantry of the hats, the clothes
and the 'old money' that was in the air.
The Grand Gala that evening was
humbling. I served as a Red Carpet
Hostess and met incredible celebrities.
Actress Gabrielle Union, Boxing Champ
Lennox Lewis, Musician Bootsey Collins,
Billionaire Bob Johnson and Earth Wind
and Fire were my highlights. I'll be back
next year!

Thus far, what would you consider
your most rewarding experience?
My most rewarding experience so far has
been purchasing my home. I love pulling
into my driveway, I love planting my
flowers, I love painting my walls, and I
love dusting. It's a wonderful feeling.
What organizations/associations
do you belong to and/or volunteer
for?
I volunteer with Give Kids The World,
Make A Wish Foundation, Junior
Achievement, The ONYX Awards Gala,
The Citrus Club, New Covenant
Baptist Church of Orlando, ONYX
Magazine Model, Jericho Broadcasting
Networks Spokesperson, Freelance
Writer for Miles Media Magazine, Delta
Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

What are you passionate about?
Who motivates you?
I am passionate about volunteering
with special needs children. My
motivation still comes from my
parents. My mother passed away
three years ago, but she's still
pushing me to be the very best that I
can be. Whenever I call my dad, I
can tell that he is proud, too. That's
all I need.

Please lend an inspiring message
and business tip for those who
aspire to follow your path of
success?
Here are my tips to make your dreams
come true. First, have an unshakable
belief in yourself. Second, make a
timeline of when you want to
accomplish your dreams. Third, seek a
mentor.

Get with someone who is already
doing what you want to do. Lastly,
don't give up when it doesn't happen
WHEN you want it to happen. Delay is
NOT denial.

I encourage everyone to read, "Oh!
The Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss.
It's great insight.

What is your favorite quote?
"Your gift will make room for you,
and set you before great men and
women." Proverbs 18:16.
| July*August 2008
Silke Endress |