Mocha Girl on a Mission: Lauren “TulaAlfredo” Poindexter

I am a Mocha Girl on a mission because…

On May 17, 2013 I received a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Bowie State University. I am the founder of sheislauren.com and host of the ground breaking web series “Tula Talks” that is featured on the site. The sole purpose of “Tula Talks” is to entertain and inspire. I do not want to be another gossip blog, talking about irrelevant things. I believe that my story, along with the stories of others, will entertain and inspire those who tune in. It will show them that life gets real and will not always be pretty but your attitude is what will determine your latitude. I’ve learned that I can not control the actions of others but I can control how I react to them.

Obstacles I’ve Overcome…

1. In middle school, my father acted inappropriate towards me. It was one of those moments in life that was painful but I refused to let it alter my character, the way I viewed myself, or to throw myself a pity party. My involvement in church and after school activities kept my mind off of it and the conversation I had with a camp counselor shortly after, really put me in the right mind frame. Although it took me 8 years to fully grasp my feelings, what happened and to truly move past it.

2. Not having the financial support from my dad and being effected by the recession. There was a period in high school when I had to boil water to take a bath. I wasn’t sure where the next meal was going to come from but my mother and I got through it. Our faith never let us go without…we didn’t have everything we wanted but we had what we needed.

3.The summer going into my Sophomore year of college was the summer from hell. I was dealing with family members using drugs and violent unstable behavior. I’ve had television and pageant trophies thrown at me for nothing and I couldn’t understand why other family members would keep allowing that to happen. I eventually transferred to Bowie State in the Spring of 2012 and that became my place of residence because I could not keep putting myself in danger or be in a household that I had no control over.

This was a difficult time as well because I was witnessing people who I love, harm their selves and there was absolutely nothing I could do about it. This taught me to constantly pray and not to place judgement on anyone no matter how frustrated you become with the situation. It also taught me that I can not save the world or fight other people’s battles. My role is to be the supporter and that constant light to the path of the right direction.

I felt myself becoming lost in pain because I could not make the situation better, but I had to realize it is not my place to make the situation better. It is my place to remain grounded and close to the word so I can be used in God’s plan. Things have improved and those family members are now getting help and I hope not to offend anyone but I don’t believe in keeping things a secret. I have gone through this for a reason and I’m willing to take the heat for sharing this about me because I know there is someone out there going through something similar or worse and I want them to know they have the strength to make it through as well.

My Greatest Accomplishments…

Gaining the title as Alpha Phi Alpha Miss Black and Gold 2010-2011, Miss MAAC Black and Gold 2011-2012. The most rewarding part is what you do with your crown. I held different programs on campus and in the community. With the help of family and friends $500 was raised to be donated to Bread For The City. I also did a toilet tree drive to donate items to a woman’s battle shelter. Winning the pageant taught me that you could do anything you want. I actually tweeted that one day I would either be hosting or participating in The Miss USA pageant and a few months later I sporadically signed up for it! I did not win but I came in 3rd runner up in the Miss Maryland USA 2013 pageant and that is how I created sheislauren.com

I had many ideas and plans for the site. The fact that I narrowed it down, came up with a plan and executed the plan, is my greatest accomplishment thus far. Life after graduation has been rocky but I am grateful to have a job and able to put forth effort into developing and starting sheislauren.com not only as a brand but a company.

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