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January 2006: Lisa Moten
Location: Florida
Occupation: President & Managing Partner, LJM & Associates
Status: Single
Children: 1 daughter
Ms. Moten truly embodies the spirit of a DivaSoulSista. She is the Founder and President of LJM & Associates, a successful, award-winning public relations and marketing firm headquartered in Orlando. And that isn't all. She's also the creative director, graphic designer and feature writer for Onyx Magazine, a bi-montly magazine with a global readership. An accomplished writer and designer, Lisa manages to juggle all of her professional endeavors with her most important role, mother. She shares with us what makes her inner diva tick.
1. What is your biggest accomplishment?My biggest accomplishment to date would be starting a firm with basically the money I had on hand (which wasn’t much), and sustaining that company by delivering outstanding quality work for five years now. This company survived 9/11 and three devastating hurricanes, without business loans or grants. We were truly in ‘eat what we kill’ mode. That kind of bare-knuckled diligence paid off tremendously, as the firm has won four international advertising awards, and has built up quite a respectable client base.
2. Name your favorite movie.
It’s a toss-up between ‘The Color Purple’ and ‘Revenge of the Nerds’. I’m still undecided.
3. Describe your personal diva style.
Self-Assured, Humble Diva: highly skilled, confident, discerning sista who’s comfortable in her own skin, and not afraid to take on any challenge. Warm, inviting personality, but equipped with a finely tuned BS detector, so don’t try to put one over on her or take her kindness for weakness, as she’s no dummy and will let you have it.
This well-rounded woman is both polished and quite handy. Don’t be surprised to see her in a business suit and heels fixing her own car engine after a roadside breakdown.
This self-secure diva has no desires to ‘one-up’ anyone, and doesn’t begrudge any other diva her right to be outstanding. Knows she is fabulous, but doesn’t wear it on her sleeve or advertise it, and isn’t afraid to uplift and celebrate others. Would ideally like to have a good man, but proceeds with extreme caution and is quite comfortable being alone.
4. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Life is short. Do what you love to do. The money will eventually come.
5. You look mah-valous! What is your secret??
I would have to thank the Almighty for that, because I’m pretty low maintenance. I floss religiously, use a little soap and water and maintain a drama-free lifestyle! When people start to get on my nerves, I tell them to go to hell, and I don’t get stressed out. I laugh a lot, keep my surroundings simple and peaceful, and I do what I love. That combination can certainly give you a healthy glow.
6. What's one dream you look forward to having come true?
Being recognized globally as being the best at what I do, and having my daughter take over the company when I retire, continuing the legacy that I created for us.
7. If a movie were made about your life, what actress would play you and who would be your leading man?
I would want a well-rounded actress to portray me, like Angela Bassett. Morris Chestnut would be my leading man, but I would like to personally be on hand to screen test (with kissing) Denzel Washington, Shemar Moore, Jamie Foxx, Taye Diggs, Ice Cube, LL Cool J, Gerald Levert and Will Smith. Did I mention WITH kissing?
8. What 3 adjectives would your best friend use to describe you?
Creative, aggressive, hilarious.
9. What makeup/beauty essential can you absolutely positively not live without?
My comb-style blow-dryer! You’ll have to pry it from my cold, dead hands.
10. What’s playing on your CD or MP3 player right now?
The Best of Marvin Gaye. I’m a true child of Motown.
11. What is one thing you wish more people knew about you?
This diva is an open book.
12. What, in your opinion, is the formula for success?
Loving what you do is a critical key to success, along with an unbelievable amount of discipline, fearlessness and perseverance. Mix in a dash of humility, and a firm commitment to solid, ethical business practice. Add prayer and stir.
13. What motivates you?
Being underestimated motivates me something fierce, and because I’m not an arrogant diva, I’m underestimated often. The bigger the challenge, the more I sink my teeth into it. ‘Yesterday’ deadlines also bring out my best work. I thrive under pressure.
Motherhood is also a big motivating factor for me. Many of my actions and choices will help shape the type of woman my daughter will be someday. It means everything to me that she grows up to be a competent, self-respecting, self-sustaining, contented and well-rounded individual. The success will come naturally with that.
14. Complete this sentence: "One year from now I would like to...
...have continued good health for myself and my family, continued peace of mind, and financial freedom. None of these things is guaranteed to us tomorrow…and you can’t take the plasma TV with you."
15. Sum up your personal philosophy.
Learn absolutely everything you can, and don’t take anything for granted. Ever.
