“In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.” – Coco Chanel

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The concept of “The Little Black Dress,” was fashion designer and entrepreneur Coco Chanel’s (attached photo below late1890’s & video template mid-1920’s) contribution to the fashion lexicon and as an article of clothing survives to this day. Its first incarnation was executed in thin silk, crèpe de chine, and had long sleeves  For more info; visit:   The Little Black Dress (History)  and  Coco Chanel Bio

Sheena Matheiken, founder Uniform Project (video below) has taken the concept “The Little Black Dress” to a whole different level.

Uniform Project was born in May 2009, when Sheena pledged to wear a Little Black Dress for 365 days as an exercise in sustainable fashion. Designed to also be a fundraiser for the education of underprivileged children in India, the project acquired millions of visitors worldwide and raised over $100k for the cause.  Visit:  The Uniform Project

Both Coco and Sheena exemplify the sixth principal of Kwanzza Kuumba which mean “Creativity”.  While almost everyone bemoans the economic upheaval in recent years; there are many positive outcomes to the upheaval.  People are ow more resourceful and creative.
Now it’s time to “Reflect” upon 2011, “Plan” for 2012 and “Celebrate” one’s accomplishments.  You may be preparing to go to a black tie affair, having an intimate dinner with friends or or just decide to spend a quite evening at home.  Regardless of your choice; take time and raise a glass of champagne or sparkling apple cider.
A Toast to You!
 =
Camille Mitchell
Ambassador
NCM Enterprises

                       “The Little Black Dress” – 365 looks

Click here to play video.__________________
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She was called “ugly” her whole childhood – What do you think?

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The Lady below is one of the world’s most glamorous women. Her self-assured style, vitality and nobility make her very special in a row of fashion icons, famous actresses and celebrities.

She is truly a self-made successful person, who received (and took) nothing in her life for granted.

  • Beauty? – She was called ugly her whole childhood.
  • Wealth? – She was born illegitimate in a poor family.
  • Success? – She had almost no chance. With her heavy provincial accent, and many screen tests she failed due to her “not classical beauty”, she had only determination left.
  • Family? It took long years for her to marry the person she loved. Giving birth to her two children was also not smooth and was a result of her determination and putting her career aside.

HER FAVOURITE QUOTE:

“…The two big advantages I had at birth were to have been born wise and to have been born in poverty… It gave me one big advantage: none of my troubles or problems as an adult could throw me.”

The warmth of her personality and ability to convey her feelings, wins the audience every time she communicates: through her books, her films and her television interviews. She offers a great deal of wisdom for women who want to learn the art of success and beauty that comes from within. One of the reasons for her great success and popularity is probably simple: she truly loves her audience.

I’m sure you probably know who the lady is; however, if you don’t know and want to know just show her photo to a friend or e-mail me for the answer. Her life a one definitely worth learning about.
She exemplifies the fourth principal of Kwanzza Nia or “Purpose”.  New Year’s Eve is tomorrow and and for this occasion ; I’m using one of the glamorous photos of this renowned lady with a video clip from West Side Story (1961) the character Maria is played by actress Natalie Wood singing “I Feel Pretty”.  
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This is the perfect time of the year to reflect on your accomplishments in 2011 and prepare for greater abundance in 2012.  If you find your purpose elusive or non-existent; do a Google search to discover numerous resources on the subject of life purpose.
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I came across this site which is worth looking into and possibly sharing with others who are wanting 2012 to be a more abundant year..  How to Discover Your Life Purpose in about 20 minutes    
Nia 
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Camille Mitchell
Ambassador
NCM Enterprises

Click here to play video.__________________

Meet Janice Bryant-Howroyd; she makes more money than Oprah Winfrey

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Oprah Winfrey’s net worth exceeds 2.5 Billion; however, Janice Bryant-Howroyd, Founder and CEO, the Act•1 Group
revenues exceeds one Billion annually.  Janice has one of the largest personnel services in the world.  This is an amazing and exciting woman especially because a lot of people don’t know about successful people or businesses outside of the entertainment, sports or political world that dominant the media.
Janice Bryant-Howroyd,
Founder and CEO, the Act•1 Group

Janice started Act•1 Personnel Services in 1978. From there, the humble single-office operation evolved into the ACT•1 Group, a global organization that is leading the human resources industry with innovative services and tools to partner with firms in optimizing human resource talent management.

The ACT•1 Group is a conglomerate offering services matching the growth of today’s future-focused industry needs. The Group has three major components: the staffing brands, the business services brands and Agile•1 providing workforce solutions.

Janice grew up in North Carolina, where she was instilled with a strong work ethic and saw the need for a full-scope approach to defining how people work and how companies hire.

Her trek to California was intended as a vacation, which thirty-plus years later, she says she is still on! She and her husband, Bernard, have two adult children, both graduates of the University of Southern California. They maintain homes in Rolling Hills, California; Tarboro, North Carolina and Yorkshire, England.

Janice is a strong advocate for Women Owned Businesses and Diversity and inclusion. Faith and family are core to her life, and she says, “Technology is our business geography!” Her visionary and expert leadership are sought by many organizations, both as a lecturer and in member-leadership roles.

Janice was the keynote speaker at a luncheon seminar I attended several years ago.  She is magnetic, enthusiastic and warm.  You can tell even from the video clips below where she describes her book The Art of Work  “How to make work, work for you” (see attached photo).  Janice received the Brave Heart Woman Entrepreneur Award November 2011 where she is being interviewed and note her passion and optimism in the interview clip at the Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) conference.

Janice exemplifies the fourth principal of Kwanzza; Ujamaa which means “Cooperative Economics”. It is further defined “To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.”  

My blog  Build Your Own Economy mainly speaks about the paradigm shift taking place throughout the world economies, examining various business models, highlighting successful business models, entrepreneurs, professionals, thought leaders and Artists who are part of the creative class implementing successful strategies to build better relationships, businesses, communities and societies.

Starting January 2012; I will be feature an individual and/or business in a special “Portraits in Creativity” series which will run approximately once a month.  If you would like to be featured contact me at:  ncm22portal@gmail.com or 313-452-1339.

Ujamma!
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Camille Mitchell
Ambassador
NCM Enterprises
Click here to play video.__________________
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Janice Bryant Howroyd_founder CEO_Act 1 Group_author_The Art of Work.jpg Janice Bryant Howroyd_founder CEO_Act 1 Group_author_The Art of Work.jpg
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IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR!

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Remember: The Lou Rawls Parade of Stars Telethon? 

When the legendary crooner passed away in 2006 at the age of 72, he helped the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) raise more than $200 million to benefit over 65,000 college students. Rawls never had the opportunity to attend college, so he made it his priority to ensure that students, regardless of their income, are able to attend and graduate from college. Michael Lomax, the president and CEO of UNCF shared in a 2006 interview, “Lou did not receive the kind of recognition that he deserved. He was someone who [came along] before entertainers recognized that celebrity could be used for humanitarian purposes — and that’s been lionized by people like Bono (of the rock band U2) — [Lou] was already doing that.” (Source: The Non Profit Times, Feb. 1, 2006)

One of this great pleasures was meeting people on this travels, who had benefited from UNCF scholarships that allowed them to succeed in life.  Lou coined the phrase “a mind is a terrible thing to waste”  and it was something he truly believed.  To learn more; visit:  Lou Rawls Bio
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Lou Rawls exemplified the third principal of Kwanzza which is “Ujima” meaning “Collective Work & Responsibility”
This principal is further defined as:  “To build and maintain community together and make our brothers and sisters problems our problems to solve them together.”
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I came across Lou’s extraordinary philanthropic contributions and the fact that he was the founder of The Lou Rawls Parade of Stars Telethon when I was pondering using the song “It Was A Very Good Year”; to represent the close of 2011.  The song was written for Frank Sinatra which won a Grammy for Best Vocal Performance in 1966 and it should be noted that Frank also raised funds for philanthropic organizations and his extraordinary role in desegregating venues in Nevada and working publicly and privately with The Civil Rights Movement was exceptional.  To learn more; visit:  Frank Sinatra Bio 
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While other performers have sung “It Was A Very Good Year”; I prefer the two versions in the video below.  The Lou Rawls version has a more upbeat and jazz arrangement.  Frank Sinatra’s original version is a more reflective and melancholy arrangement.  Listen to them and see which version you prefer.
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It Was A Very Good Year!

Camille Mitchell
Ambassador
NCM Enterprises
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TONIGHT – Kennedy Center Performing Artists Awards Televised – Celebrate your unique gifts

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Celebrate your unique gifts!

The Kennedy Center Performing Artists Awards is hosted this year with Caroline Kennedy, attorney and author.  All presidents and first ladies have attended the annual gala event since 1978 and the 2011 event will be be televised tonight, Tuesday, December 27th from 9-11pm EDT.
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Two of my favorite Artists are awarded this year.  Brilliant and acclaimed actress Merly Streep will likely earn a 17th Academy Awardnomination for the newly released film “Iron Lady” in which Ms. Streep portrays Margaret Thatcher, the first woman prime minister of the United Kingston; and virtuoso cellist Yo-Yo Ma whom  Steve Jobs was quoted as saying:  “Your playing is the best argument I’ve ever heard for the existence of God, because I don’t really believe a human alone can do this.” 
The second principal of Kwanzza is “Kujichagulia”  means “self determination” and we all have unique gifts to share with the world.  Each of the five honorees (see attached photo) are outstanding examples of this principal especially since Artists must have a certain fortitude to become successful in their chosen profession.
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In the video below Yo-Yo Ma and virtuoso violinist Itzhah Perlman with Gabriela Montero on piano and Anthony McGill on clarinet an original  John Williams composition “Air and Simple Gifts.” .

Kujichagulia & Celebrate!

Camille Mitchell
Ambassador
NCM Enterprises

Click here to play video.__________________
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Ring prosperity into the New Year with Black Eye Peas Curry

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Hello Everyone:

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and that you are enjoying Hanukkah; which is celebrated for eight days through December 28, 2011.
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December 26th is Boxing Day; a public holiday celebrated not only in Canada but also in South Africa, Ireland, Australia, the Bahamas and several other countries.  To learn more; visit:  Boxing Day History
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Today starts the first day of Kwanzaa which means “First Fruits”.  There are seven principals. The first principal is “Unity” or Umoja.  Kwanzaa lasts seven days through January 1st.  Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday; but a cultural celebration which everyone can participate in.  To learn more ; visit:  Top 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Kwanzaa
It’s interesting that in several other cultures people bring in the New Year by cooking Black Eye Peas which is thought to bring one “prosperity”..  To learn more, visit:  Black Eye Peas History
In the video below; Anuja and Hetal, hosts of Show Me The Curry prepare Black Eye Peas Curry.
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Many of you responded to the humorous “12 Days To Curry” video (Dec. 21st) and were delighted by The Kosher Kitchen & Hanukkah Menorahvideo (Dec. 23rd) To view; visit:  NCM Enterprises Blog
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Umoja & Prosperity!

Camille Mitchell
Ambassador
NCM Enterprises
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              BLACK EYE PEAS CURRY

Click here to play video.__________________
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On Christmas Eve – A Gift and Prayer for You & Your Family

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“An Evening Prayer”
 is sung beautifully in the video below for you by two American sopranos Frederica von Stade and Kathleen Battle at Carnegie Hall’s holiday concert which is a German Catholic children’s prayer from the opera Hansel und Gretel.  This beautiful song has also been recorded by Elvis Presley making this prayer one of universal and timeless appeal.
An Evening Prayer – Lyrics
When at night I go to sleep Fourteen angels watch do keep Two my head are guarding Two my feet are guiding Two are on my right hand Two are on my left hand Two who warmly cover Two who o’er me hover Two to whom ’tis given To guide my steps to heaven Sleeping sofly, then it seems Heaven enters in my dreams; Angels hover round me, Whisp’ring they have found me; Two are sweetly singing, Two are garlands bringing, Strewing me with roses As my soul reposes. God will not forsake me When dawn at last will wake me.
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The video template below is from a photo of an elegant window ornament from this years holiday White House decorations.  For your copy of this Gift booklet; “click on”  Holidays at the White-House 2011  Your Gift booklet is Illustrated beautifully by talented high school students and includes a recipe from the White House pastry kitchen for Pumpkin Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting.
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Shine Give Share!

Camille Mitchell
Ambassador
NCM Enterprises

Click here to play video.__________________

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

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A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words  

“He’s got the whole world in his hands” performed by renowned sopranos Jessye Norman and Kathleen Battle at Carnegie Hall..  This incredible experience will make you happy to be alive..
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Click here to play video.

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For traditional and innovative ways to support our military; visit:  Joining Forces
I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” 
~ Charles Dickens (1812-1870), English author. From ‘A Christmas Carol’.
Shine Give Share!
Camille Mitchell
Ambassador
NCM Enterprises


The Kosher Kitchen & one of my favorite violinist Itzhak Perlman

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Hello Everyone:

Go behind the scenes in the White House kitchen for HANUKKAH as the kitchen is kosherized under the supervision of White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford and Rabbi Levi Shemtov in the video below.  

For the delicious celebration menu:  President Obama Hosts 2011 White House Hanukkh Reception 

Rabbi Uri Topolosky tells a wonderful story of how a very special Menorah would become part of the White Hanukkah celebration..  Enjoy one of my favorite violinist Itzhak Perlman in a masterful Klezmer music performance.
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“Click on” Time has an informative article on  Top10 Things You Didn’t Know About Hanukkah  

Shine Give Share!


Camille Mitchell
Ambassador
NCM Enterprises

You’ll love 12 Days to Curry…

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Good Morning:

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You’ll love this 4 minute video 12 Days to Curry… with friends of Anjua Balasubramanian and Hetal Jannu giving a humorous take on the 12 Days of Christmas on their successful cooking show.  There are plenty of delicious dishes on their website Show Me the Curry that will have your mouth watering for a “pinch of spice”.
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The Healthy Indian Diet Book – with 31 recipes
“We are very proud to introduce our first book called “The Healthy Indian Diet” written in collaboration with Dr. Niraj “Raj” Patel.  Similar to the highly popular Mediterranean Diet, read about the health benefits of a traditional Indian diet and learn to make small changes in your daily food habits to protect yourself from chronic diseases.”  Click here to purchase one for yourself or makes a perfect gift for your loved ones.
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Still have 20 more gifts to buy?
Contact Camille at:  ncm22portal@gmail.com or 313-452-1339 ASAP for $25 dinner certificates at some of the finest restaurants for $1 each regardless of which American city your gift recipient lives in.  These certificates can be e-mail directly to the recipient or tucked inside of a holiday card or stocking.  There is a deadline of Friday, December 23, 2011 for the $1 holiday price.
Bon Appetit!!
Click here to play video.__________________-

“When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things – 

not the great occasions – give off the greatest glow of happiness.”  

~ Bob Hope, American film actor and comedian.

Holiday Shopping & Beyond
For those of you that would like to set up your own portal, start a neighborhood on-line store benefiting your community or just have questions;  e-mail me at:  ncm22portal@gmail.com or call: 313-452-1339.  You will save money and/or receive cash back from purchases benefiting you and your community.
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Shine Give Share
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Camille Mitchell
Ambassador
NCM Enterprises
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The Healthy Indian Diet_authors Dr. Niraj Patel _ Hetal Jannu_ Anjua Balasubramanian.jpg The Healthy Indian Diet_authors Dr. Niraj Patel _ Hetal Jannu_ Anjua Balasubramanian.jpg
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