Citizens Unleash Their Hidden Writing Skills at the WRITER'S GROUP

TRENTON-- Your mission should you choose to accept it: You have 20 minutes to write about a completely random topic, ready, set, go.  Well, if you're one of those creative types that is dying to get their thoughts down on paper, then Trenton Public Library's Writer's Group has got you covered. Monday evening, Anwar's Reflections attended Trenton Public Library's first ever Writer's Group gathering at the Public Library's Main Branch located in Downtown Trenton. The event was moderated by Kate Simmons. Members of the community were invited to come and share their writing with others. Simmons says that groups like this are important because it gives "writers in the Trenton, Mercer County area an opportunity to meet similar folks, to write and to share experiences, and to showcase their talents". She went on to say that "Trenton has a lot to offer as far as arts, and I think there's a lot of potential here, I think there's a lot of creative folks that live here, and I think why not provide a venue for others to express themselves creatively through words".

The Writer's Group meets the 4th Monday of each month at 6 pm until 7:30. During these sessions, individuals are given the chance to write on a completely random topic for 20 minutes and share it with the group if they are so inclined. On Monday night, the group wrote about poetry, music, and time.

The Writer's Group plans to have an open mic night during the even months like April, June, and August. At these open mic sessions, everyone is welcome to come and perform their writing, rap song, poetry, and what have you. Each performer will be given five minutes to perform, if there is extra time, performers will be given a chance to come back up and showcase their unique talents once again.

One of the Group's attendees, Pravin Phillip, said they thought the event this past Monday "was an example of the richness of Trenton and its sense of community and culture". Another member of the group, Willa Stokes, said that she "didn't know what to expect" but that she was "very surprised and pleased with the talent" that was on display at the Writer's Group. She went on to say, "I needed something to inspire me and this has definitely inspired me". Another group attendee, Ravi Arapurakal, was pleased with the event as well because "when 6 or 7 people come together, you don't expect each and every one of them to be thoughtful and inspiring people, but that's what I saw tonight". Lastly, well-known poet and community activist, Raul 'Polo' Cortes, said he thought the event was great because he "was with other great writers" that he never met before.

TRANSFORM CONSULTANTS: Taking People's Abilities & Events to the Next Level in the 21st Century

Company Name: Transform Consultants

CEO Name: Kimani H. Davis

Contact Information: 609-638-0149

CEO of Transform Consultants Kimani H. Davis

Email Address: kdavisbookings@aol.com

Okay, so you're looking at your small business and saying to yourself, 'how do I grow?', 'how can I build upon the success I already have and take my business to the next level?' Well, entrepreneur Kimani H. Davis is glad you asked because he has the answer the for you. Today, Anwar's Reflections was fortunate enough to sit down with the CEO of Transform Consultants, Kimani H. Davis. Having been in business since for 11 years now, Davis is well-versed in the art of consulting. He takes pride in helping others take their businesses take the next level. Below you will find a copy of Anwar's Reflections exclusive interview with CEO Kimani H. Davis both in audio and written formats:

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 AGS: What is the name of your business and what do you do?

The name of the company is Transform Consultants and what we do is training and development workshops, promotions, and events management and I’ll explain each one in the short version of it. The training and developing workshop deals with us coming into non-profit organizations, businesses, colleges, universities and faith-based institutions. We also do one on one training on various topics, it could be customer service, time management, group dynamics, leadership development, and the list goes on and on depending on what the clients needs are. The event management piece deals with someone contracting us to do event planning, conferences, bachelor’s parties, weddings, these are just a number of things we can come in and do, depending on what the client needs are. The promotions management piece gets into press releases, promoting an artist or promoting an individual from a public relations standpoint.

AGS: What is your background?

I am an alumni at Rider University. I have a bachelors of arts degree in Liberal Arts and Social science. I am currently working on my Master’s of Divinity degree at New Brunswick Theological Seminary in New Brunswick, New Jersey. I have 10 plus years of experience in terms of corporations, human resources, training, and teaching. I have a corporate background as well as an extensive experience in faith based ministries. I launched my company in March of 2000.

AGS: What is the motivation behind launching your business?

Well, I kind of just looked at my skill set and saw the different things I'm capable of doing. I think its very important for people stay in your lane. Like I tell people all the time: What is your passion? What is the lane that you think that you have been called and put on the earth to do? So, my passion is one motivating and encouraging people to take their skill set and take what they have currently and take it to another level. 

In terms of planning and coordinating events, and promotions, I kind of took a liking from my dad who had his own business some years ago in the travel industry and so kind of watched his from afar and saw how he went after things and did some things in terms of planning events travel arrangements, hotel arrangements and trips. I kind of take after my father, he had a traveling business, it kind of pushed me in the direction of starting my own business.

AGS: Where did you get the name for your business from? Is there a story behind the name?

Yeah, there is because if you look at the word, 'transform' that word means something that develops into something. That could be the training piece. We go in and take individuals and we try to transform them in being better leaders, better corporate managers and being effective in society. When it comes to events and promotions, you're developing something from scratch and developing it.

If you ever saw my logo,you know my logo is a formulation of a tree. there’s a tree on it and eventually that tree is going to produce some leaves. So as the weather breaks you'll see all the leaves blossom, that’s the connection with transform.

AGS: Where there any challenges in launching your business? If so, how did you overcome those challenges?

I would say yeah because when you’re trying to launch a new vision , you really have to prove for people that you're trying to get business from that you can do the job with excellence and turn projects around, when you say you can turn them around, and most importantly, what I see today is some companies taking your money but they are not producing and do half jobs. So, it kind of leaves a bad taste in your mouth. All of my clients know that I always perform with excellence , and sometimes I go above and beyond with certain clients. You want repeat business and also want people to refer you to other people.

AGS: Do you have any interesting clients or stories that you came across in running your business?

Definitely, that's happened on a couple of occasions, one client I had, the relationship, from a business standpoint, had to kind of sever because it was a situation where I was producing the work, but was not getting paid.  I really try to work with clients when payments are due. But in this case, we had this big client that we produced the work for, but when it got down to the nutshell, they really didn't have the money in place when they should have had the money in place. I had to sever those ties because my thing is if I'm working for you and producing, I expect to get paid in a timely manner. If payment is not rendered, all work stops, it just ceases until you're able to do that [make payment] or we discontinue the project altogether. That's why we always ask for a retainer down and that retainer is not refundable. If we didn't do that, we would be losing money. There was a situation where I had to just sever ties. It was never restarted. I was very disappointed with that  because when you contract somebody and tell them verbally then also in black and white, that we cannot do it because no payment was rendered for our consulting service.

AGS: How do you advertise or promote what you do?

Well, in the past, I did a little bit of stuff in the newspaper and we also have done brochures that I put out there. We did have a website done,we're in the midst of redoing the website. But in the meanwhile, we have a brand new brochure that we send out to potential clients. If people are interested, I usually have a conference call with them and get things started this way.

AGS: Being that you’re an entrepreneur yourself, what tips if any, would you give to an up and coming entrepreneur that wants to be successful as well?

The first thing I would tell them is research, research, research, make sure that the business is lucrative, I would also suggest that you really get know who your competitors are around you. Meet with people that are currently in the industry, do cold calling with people that are in the industry currently.

AGS is an acronym that stands for the author and founder of Anwar's Reflections, Anwar G. Salandy

Rider U College Kids Get A Taste of Poetry

LAWRENCEVILLE--Thursday evening, Anwar's Reflections-- a Trentonian affiliate-- attended Rider University's Poetry Slam.

The event was hosted by Rance Robeson, a senior at the University, and the editor and chief of On Fire, a literary journal that is published on campus. Now please don't get me wrong, this was not your average, run-of-the-mill college event. Music was provided by DJ Wes Will and snacks and refreshments were served by the On Fire staff. This kind of community event is often missing at larger colleges or online colleges.

The purpose of the event was to give Rider students an entertaining yet informative break from their classes. The event was held in the Bart Luedeke Center's Fireside Lounge Thursday evening at 7 pm.

In attendance were students, faculty members, and residents of the community. During this event, up and coming performers showcased their unique talents and gifts. As a matter of fact, two promising comedians, Trev Houston and Jackson Comedian Jackson, did their stand-up routines.

One of the audience members, Louis Chebeter, is quoted saying he really enjoyed the event because it helps students relax and take everything in. He went on to say that as a student he really appreciated the opportunity to get away from all his studies.

Another audience member, Kristen Lynn, who is involved with Rider University's SGA (Student Government Association), said she thought the show was entertaining. Another student, Adrian Baraguin, said he thought the event was moving. He went on to say that poetry really isn't his thing, but that he was impressed with this event here on Rider's campus.

The show also featured, Ansley Burrows, a seasoned poet that makes his living performing. The On Fire staff plans to have their literary journal showcase April 18th in Bart Luedeke's Cavalla Room. Anwar's Reflections will be sure to keep you informed as to any new developments. Below you will find a video of Poet Ansley Burrows performing at the event Thursday evening: