Very few people are able to live the life that they were destined to live without second guessing every move that they make.  Bevy Smith is one dynamic woman that has lived her life happily while simultaneously defining the way that a generation lives and interacts.

Best known for “Dinner With Bevy,” Ms. Smith’s life experience extends way beyond her luxurious dinner parties.  The Harlem native exudes confidence and is a walking definition of the word “success.”  Sitting down and chatting with Bevy made me feel like I was talking to an aunt that is full of wisdom, advice, and love to spare.  At 43-years-old, Bevy’s journey to becoming the successful is nothing short of unique and divine. 

To give you a little taste of who Bevy Smith is here are some key facts about her life on and off the clock.

1.  She is a LIFESTYLE MAVEN.  Don’t call her a publicist or a party planner because that is not what she does.

2.  “Dinner With Bevy” was a concept born after running into Omarion as she was leaving a party.  Bevy noticed the obvious separation between the urban world and the mainstream world and she wanted to merge them together so that urban stars could gain the same exposure as their mainstream counterparts.  This led to her first dinner party that celebrated Musiq Soulchild. 

3.  She worked as the Fashion Ad Director at VIBE and then later at Rolling Stone.

4.  On top of being a lifestyle maven, Bevy is also a freelance writer and TV personality.  Her work has been seen in VIBE and Paper Magazine, and she can be seen on BET, Oxygen, and the CBS Morning Show to name a few.

5.  She always accessorizes with a bangles, necklaces, and a seasonally appropriate fragrance.

Aside from these tidbits about Bevy, it’s important that you know that she’s also a philanthropist that works with NYC’s GEMS (Girls Education & Mentoring Services).  This organization was featured in the documentary “Very Young Girls” and focuses on helping girls that have worked in the commercial sex industry.  GEMS aides them in their educational goals and helps to build their self-esteem so that they can become successful women in today’s society.

Like Tracey Ferguson from Centric’s “Keeping Up With the Joneses,” Bevy Smith is a dynamic woman that has contributed immensely to our community.  If you’ve ever looked for a blueprint on how to be successful, never hesitate to look at Bevy.

As we begin to recap this season of “Keeping Up with the Joneses,” it’s obvious to see the drive and dedication Tracey Ferguson expels not only on her job as Editor-in-Chief, but to the fashion and beauty industry at large.  On her quest to reshape and redefine the definition of beauty, Jones Mag is now featuring a new designer line entitled SUNO NY.  This line, of Kenyan inspiration by designer/textile collector Max Osterweis, features the vibrant, glowing, enchanting colors of the Kenyan culture and style we rarely get to see.  Tracey’s hard work in creating a diverse, versatile magazine always shines through in her final product, and makes all of the stress she exhibits on-air seem as if a passing distraction.  Be sure to check out the recaps of her show and find a true role model on the rise! Read the rest of this entry »

Last night was the season finale of Centric’s original series, “Keeping Up With The Joneses” and it was made crystal clear that Tracey Ferguson is a role model for all parents and that she will stop at nothing to complete her job perfectly.

Although it may seem as though Tracey is just the Editor-in-Chief of Jones Magazine, her job extends way beyond the office because she is a mother first.  Sure, women always say that being a mother is the most rewarding job that they have and that their children always come first, but sometimes life happens, takes over, and careers take off leaving children in the dust.

When Tracey was told that taking her magazine to a national level would mean that she’d be travelling between Houston and New York City she discussed the travel and committment with her children.  After Kendall and Josh let Tracey know that they support her as their mom and as a business woman she signed on the dotted line and continued to prepare for the national debut of Jones Magazine. 

It’s possible to pursue all of your dreams successfully and keep a healthy balance between work, home, and personal time.  If you ever need a few tips or a little bit of inspiration, Tracey Ferguson is a dynamic woman that can and should be referenced.

This season on “Keeping Up With The Joneses,” Tracey begin the first steps of healing since the loss of her husband.  Even though time had passed since she’d been a widow it was obvious that there were still some things that she had not come to terms with internally.

Losing a loved one is always an unfortunate situation. Many of us try to brush it off with a “that’s life” attitude and move forward without addressing the feelings of pain and confusion that actually come with losing someone you love.

Recognize, no one ever knows what you’re feeling unless you express it. You have to allow yourself to be open and honest. Here are three things that may help in your healing process.

1.  CRY.It’s okay to cry-a lot of times when a love one is lost people are reluctant to cry because they are trying to “be strong” for their family or friends.  Although you may keep a face of stone in the moment, holding back such deep emotions isn’t necessary when you’re in pain. 

2. SUPPORT GROUPS- As seen on the show, Tracey went to a support group led by her pastor for widows.  It might be comforting to know that there are people who have dealt with or are dealing with the situation that you’re in.  This process also helps build relationships in the process.

3. COUNSELING- There is always a stigma about counseling in the African-American community, but if you need help and want help, there is nothing that should hold you back.  If you seek help that is your business and nobody else’s. Do what is best for you.

Every Thursday night you get the chance to see what it’s like to be Tracey Ferguson.  You watch her nuture her children, run a magazine, and keep amazingly coiffed hair.  In honor of  JONES Magazine ONCENTRIC is spotlighting woman who carry the ”Jones” spirit. 

Va$htie is a NYC 20-something better known as “Downtown’s Sweetheart” that is originally from upstate New York.  She’s a music video director, fashion designer (Violette New York), and trendsetter that has taken her passions straight to the top as she influences a generation of people to live freely and to be confident in everything they do.  With a flare for style and unmatched confidence, Va$htie recently told Centric what makes a “Jones woman” and what she can’t live without during the hottest months of the year.

Centric: In your opinion, what makes a dynamic woman?

Va$htie: Someone not afraid to be who they are…despite the imperfections, they are unapologetically themselves. I think as women we’re taught that “pretty” is the ultimate goal. While “pretty” will get you noticed, it’s not something that will last nor will it keep anyone’s attention for long if there’s nothing behind it. I love strong willed, powerful and smart women. Women who think outside the box and don’t follow trends, rather they blaze trails as they move.

What and who influenced your style?

Everything from film to music to art. As a kid I was glued to TV and magazines. I’m from the MTV generation that still had music videos in heavy rotation, so that had a huge impact. Musicians like RUN DMC, RAKIM, DEPECHE MODE, NAS, NENEH CHERRY, DEEE-LITE, etc.
Having an older brother and sister played a huge part. They were both 7 and 8 years my senior and they were the coolest people I knew. My gay brother introduced me to NYC, house music, fashion and voguing.  My sister taught me music and her style of flipping her hair to one side and denim cutoffs. If you know me today, you know that all of those things are still present in my life. It’s like I’m stuck in a moment and all those things still amaze me as if I was still a child.

Summer is rapidly approaching, describe your summertime style.

Hmmm. I’m a creature of habit and I like comfort. It’s usually denim cutoffs, biker boots or skippies and a wide armed tank top or an oversized Violette tee. I’m not a sundress and sandal kind of girl, but if I must dress up I’d probably wear a black mini and a crop tee with some boots. I usually throw on a light fabric long sleeved shirt for when it gets chilly.

What are the three colors that you can’t go without during the summer?

Black, white and denim.

Read the rest of this entry »

JONES MAGAZINE MEDIA LAUNCH EVENT from Centric TV on Vimeo.

Tracey Ferguson and the Jones Magazine team celebrated the national launch of the publication with a media event at the Houston, Texas location of House of Blues.  Sponsored by CoverGirl Queen Collection, Chai One, Hudson Ferus Vodka and Mercedes Benz; the party brought out the who’s who of the Houston social scene. ED NOTE: Aren’t you loving Jones’ Creative Director Tarryn Anderson’s ensemble? We are.

It’s that time of year again, so this Sunday prepare to celebrate your mother.  Sure, it’s easy to have some flowers delivered to her with a card attached that has a message written to her by the florist, but why take the easy road.

In reality your mother may not be the woman that gave birth to you because it may have been your grandmother, aunt, cousin, older sister, or godmother that raised you  because you didn’t have anybody around that you could affectionately call “mommy.”

This year step outside of the box and give the special woman in your life something that she’s never gotten before.  Something as simple as cooking her dinner, picking up her usual chores, or even writing her a poem or letter that conveys how much you appreciate her are all things that will make her happy, and probably bring tears to her eyes. Read the rest of this entry »

Competition between friends always exists, but when that competition turns into mild jealousy accompanied by eyes rolling then you may just have yourself a “frenemy”.

On “Keeping Up With the Joneses” it’s evident that there is tension between T-Ferg and Tamara, but they keep each other close because they need each other to be successful.  Outsiders tend to look at these situations and say, “they shouldn’t be friends,” or “their ‘friendship’ is doomed.” Contrary to those beliefs and assumptions here are three reasons why frenemies are more like friends with competition than enemies. Read the rest of this entry »

On Centric’s original series, “Keeping Up With the Joneses,” Tracey Ferguson let’s audiences into the world of her magazine, but it’s the real life beyond Jones that makes T-Ferg relatable.

The bond between mother’s and their children is undeniable, but sometimes when jobs, romance, and life overwhelm parents they forget about how much love and support their children need and deserve.  Even though T-Ferg is a busy entreprenuer, she is also dealing with the loss of her husband.  But, even though her life is full she doesn’t forget that her children Kendall and Josh come first and need her support and love just as much as she needs theirs.

Children are life’s greatest gift, and even though they may ask and want a lot materially, on the emotional side they really only need three things. Read the rest of this entry »

Pictured w/ my daughter Kendall and son Josh; At Venexiana Showroom

Like most mom-entrepreneurs, I find myself juggling a lot. From managing the busy schedules of my two ambitious musically-inclined teenagers to working on marketing strategies that entice potential JONES investors, I’m constantly being pulled in one thousand directions. With so much already on my plate, you may be asking yourself, why would I want to take on reality TV, too? Read the rest of this entry »