Emarvanay  is the wife of Donnie Cochran and proud mother of a blended family of four children  and  five adorable grandchildren. She attended Fashion school in San Diego, California. During  her time in California, she developed a unique design style, which has given her a reputation amongst her  clients for transforming ordinary jewelry concepts into extraordinary innovations in jewelry designs. Her hobbies include fashion design, painting, cooking and designing jewelry.


Q. When did you discover your love for fashion and design?

I have always been interested in fashion.  As a young girl, my mom was very talented and also enjoyed many hobbies (sewing, knitting, crocheting…).  With my mom, the list was endless. She loved to design things and I sat spellbound and soaked it all in.  I was always eager to help.  She taught me to work for what you want and keep pushing no matter what life throws your way.

Q. How long have you been designing jewelry?

I have been designing my own fashion since high school for my sister and myself.  Over a decade or so, I started Emarvanay Collection which offers a unique blend of jewelry designs.

Q. Who are some of your favorite designers?

I love Chanel or a Chanel inspired look, David Meister, Furla and Tahari.  Each one inspires me in a very unique way.

Q. What influences or inspires you to create certain pieces?


I get my inspiration from the material itself (beads or leather) or just an outfit that I have to accessorize or compliment.

Q. What do you love the most about being a grandma?

My grandkids keep me young at heart, and in stitches, especially the youngest one , Khloi.  Some of the things she comes up with that escapes her innocence are just hilarious.  We also have so much fun hanging out and shopping!

Q. Do you have any advice for other Sporty Mommas still trying to find their niche?

Always follow your dreams and do what you love, if not you will lose interest and everything will fall apart.

Q. Where can we purchase the Emarvanay Collection?



You can find my collection on my website www.emarvanaycollection.com and please follow me on Instagram and Facebook @EmaravanayCollection.

Jennifer Austin was born and raised in Miami, Florida. At the age of 2o, she started her own business, a mobile gymnastics company. She has  successfully run several gymnastics programs in Miami for over ten years. Jenny and her husband Mike have been married for nine years and have three beautiful kids, Tyler (7), Kate (5),  Jake (2) and we can’t forget their American Bulldog, Zoe. In her spare time she enjoys going to the movies and reading a good book! “My favorite thing to do as a family is go to our home in the  Keys , take the kids fishing, then hang by the pool to cool off! It’s the perfect day!”

Q.  What do you love most about being a mom?

I love watching my children grow! Kids say the funniest things. Just when I’m taking life a bit too serious, my kids will say something funny that just cracks me up and puts everything into perspective! I am always surprised by their sense of humor and intelligence.

 Q. Who inspired you the most growing up?

 My mom and grandma were a HUGE influence. Everything we did involved family and being together. I think that’s why my mom, sisters and I are still so close today. I hope I have that influence on my kids.

Q. When did you discover your love for gymnastics?

 I joined the cheerleading team in Jr. High and our team was really competitive. It was back when cheerleading was becoming a really big deal and all the top teams could do gymnastics. I learned to tumble and haven’t stopped since!

 Q.  What is Ta-Da Kidz?

 Tada! is a place the whole family can enjoy. We are a fitness boutique offering specialty classes, awesome themed birthday parties, a cozy parent’s lounge and an indoor play area for younger siblings to enjoy. I wanted to create a place where mom could enjoy a cup of coffee (and actually have a conversation), while her kids were taking a gymnastics class, art class or upstairs in the homework club!

Q. How do you balance raising three young children, a happy hubby and running two businesses?

 It’s hard, I’m not gonna lie! I find myself saying, “Stay Calm and Carry On” a lot lately! My husband is really supportive and I could not have taken on this new project without him. What’s so great about Tada!, is I can bring my kids to work with me!

Q. The kids are back to school in a few weeks, what tips do you have for keeping our kids fit during the school year?

 Staying active is SO important. Creating healthy habits when kids are young is the best gift we can give them. I think trying new activities and introducing kids to different sports is great. Sometimes it takes a few tries till kids figure out what they love. Whether it’s dancing, gymnastics, soccer, football, whatever… just do something!

Some easy things to do as a family are bike rides, going to the park, or even walking the family dog. The important part is to Keep Moving and have FUN!!

 Q. What advice do you have for other Sporty Mommas that are still trying to find their niche?

Do not give up! You can do anything you set your mind to. Being a mom and raising a family is the hardest thing to do and if you can do that, you can do anything!! I remember in my 20’s trying to figure out what I wanted to do. Finally I decided to do a combination of all the things I loved! I loved teaching kids, throwing parties, socializing with other moms and making children’s fitness cool. That’s when I created Tada! Is it the hardest thing I’ve ever done? The answer is yes! But I love teaching my kids that mommy can do anything and setting an example for my kids makes it all worth it. Visit www.tadakiz.com!

Monique Dennis Spence is the founder of Positive Light Media, LLC, an empowerment company which specializes in products, lectures and all things related to inspiration, positivity and optimistic living. She is a frequent guest speaker and writer on inspirational topics and is also a public relations veteran having managed marketing campaigns for Allstate Insurance, Burger King Corporation, Toyota Motor Sales USA, and others. She earned a B.A. degree from Hampton University and an M.B.A. from Florida International University.  She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Jack and Jill of America and The Links, Inc.  She also sits on the boards of the Women’s Elite Power Society and Youth of Excellence. A divorcee, Monique is the proud mother of a 5 year old daughter, Sydney. Those who are also filing for divorce should seek the legal expertise of a lawyer who will handle processes like property division and alimony.

Q. Describe what “Motherhood” has been like for you?

Motherhood has been the most tremendous and amazing experience.  I thank God everyday for the gift of motherhood and for blessing me with an adorable little girl (Sydney) who inspires me every day.  Motherhood has broadened my view on every aspect of life and given me a clearer more succinct direction on my purpose in life.   Living, laughing and loving is at a completely different plateau and it is so true that you haven’t lived and you haven’t loved until you have had children.

 Q. Who was most influential person in your life growing up?

 Without a doubt, my parents, Melvin and Elizabeth Dennis have been the most influential people in my life.  They provided me with a great foundation grounded in love and faith; and a moral compass to navigate my way through life.  It is because of them that I have such an optimistic outlook on life and truly believe that anything is possible.

Q. What inspired you to create Positive Light Media LLC?

 PLM was birthed out of a life-altering period in my life where I was faced with quite a few challenges all at once.   I was going through a divorce, caring for my 4 month old daughter, and trying to re-establish my life all at the same time. I caught my ex cheating and hired experts for a Colorado lie detector test to confirm everything. The dream life I thought I aligned myself with was in fact the same life I had to walk away from.  I went through a complete transition and heavily relied on my support system, my faith in God and my optimistic mindset to push through this phase of my life.  I realized I had the power to change the direction of my life and began looking at the lessons to be learned in order to prosper.  Walking away from my prior life and blazing a trial for my new life was one of the most positive experiences.  I truly understood that in every challenge, there’s a lesson to be learned.  My inner spirit kept me in line with a path of possibility and I became inspired to empower, uplift and encourage others.  I published my first book, “The Quest for Positive Living, Seven Simple Truths for a Happy Life,” and Positive Light Media, LLC was founded.  I view every new day as the opportunity to share my positive light and inspire others through my enterprising movement to do the same.

 Q. Where do you see Positive Light Media in the next 5 years?

 As an inspirational powerhouse and brand recognized as one of the fastest growing companies in the nation with products being sold in stores and speaking engagements being conducted globally.

Q. Where can we purchase your books, candles and other goodies?

 www.positivelightmedia.com, www.amazon.com and www.bn.com (barnes and nobles online)

 Q. Are you working on any other projects right now?

 I’m excited to be in the midst of planning RISE, our first premiere success summit for women scheduled for August 2013.  Filled with inspiration, speakers and strategies for success, this summit promises to be a supercharged gathering for women to become empowered and RISE to every occasion in their life (career, family, business and self).

 Q. What advice do you have for other Sporty Mommas that may be thinking of starting something new?

 1. Define what motivates you and where your passions are.    This is where you will meet your life’s purpose.   Someone once asked me the    question, “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?  I would ask all Sporty Momma’s to ask themselves that same question, step out on faith and become who you are destined to be.

2. Develop your own personal board of advisors.  Companies have made this a corporate practice for years to help direct and drive their business. Consultants from https://www.hybridanalytica.com.sg/business-consultant-singapore/ are highly recommended. Use your own BOA to help you reach your goals, bounce off ideas, or just be the cheerleader(s) you need to help get you where you want to be. Seeking advice from professionals like an Insolvency Practitioner Cardiff can further enhance your strategic decision-making process and ensure the long-term viability of your endeavors.

3. Be your own brand and not just an accessory.  Know your worth, know who you are and be able to communicate that in your everyday life.  Do not give other people the opportunity to define who you are.

Paula was born in Detroit, Michigan. She has lived in many wonderful places from Chicago to the Caribbean. She is a third generation graduate of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Paula received her Masters degree from FSU. After teaching grade school for several years, she left the classroom to educate other teachers. She loves scrapbooking, photography, biking, hiking, and snorkeling. Paula visits National Parks throughout the U.S. and internationally. Two years ago, she became a mom for the first time.

Q. Who inspired you most growing up Paula?

This one is a very difficult question because I have been inspired in different ways by so many different women in my life. I am going to say my great-grandmother. I am the only person that has ever been allowed to call her by her first name, Helen. Helen was one of the great enigmas of my life. She was a walking oxymoron and the epitome of perseverance and utmost strength. She was a little Jewish lady that lived in a world of absolute racism. In public she had to appear to be white and not acknowledge her ethnicity and religion. In public, if she saw her grandchildren (including my mother) she had to walk pass them and not acknowledge them. Black people were not allowed to walk on the same side of the street let alone acknowledge a white woman in those days. However, on Friday’s she would send a cab out to her grandchildren’s school to pick them up for the weekend. She would take them to the beach and they would hang out what was called the country home. Apparently she would spoil them all absolutely rotten. She adored her grandchildren. Color did not matter to her, because she did not see color, she saw family. Helen was a very well known socialite in her community and extremely philanthropic. She loved her wrestling and roller derby just as much as high tea. She loved taking me to the beach and to the ballet. She loved to travel anywhere in the world just as much as she loved hanging out in her garden. Helen is my guardian angel. I strive to be like her. a woman of many worlds.

Q. How long have you been an educator?

I have been an educator since 1994. Education is not my first career but it is my favorite. The 80s were very difficult times in the business industry. I was feeling the squeeze and decided to go back to college. After that, I decided to get my Masters in Science, which has opened so many doors for me to share my love for science with students as well as teachers.

Q. What is your favorite thing about being a teacher?

My favorite thing about teaching is the “Ah Ha” moments. They are priceless. This is when you know you have touched and changed a child or an adult in a very profound way. Their eyes light up and that’s when you know you did your job.

Q. Tell us a little about your beautiful family.

First there is the love of my life. I met my husband when I was presenting in Victoria, British Columbia at a science conference. I married my soul mate a year to the day later in Calgary, Canada. After our wedding, we made sure to secure our marriage certificate and then obtained the Apostille for International Use to ensure its validity abroad. Years later we decided it was time to have a family. I was unable to get pregnant and decided that InVitro was not an option for me. I was not in my twenties and when the doctors said it was not guaranteed I knew I could not mentally and emotionally handle not getting pregnant. So my wise husband said, “Well we will adopt, that is guaranteed”. I did my research on the possibility of adoption. I was quite concerned about cost. Private adoption is very expensive. We stayed prayerful and one day I ran into a former colleague who had just adopted two children. I inquired and she sent me to the Children’s Home Society. As it turns out there are so many children right here in our city, in our state, in our country who need a “Forever Family”. So we adopted our son Sebastian two years ago and we are in the process of adopting a three year old little girl we are naming Victoria, after the city where my amazing husband and I met.

Q. Do you have any advice for other Sporty Mommas who may be thinking about adopting?

If you are interested in adoption, I recommend it highly. First of all, I truly believe that it is an honor and a blessing. Everyday I pinch myself when I look at my two angels that were sent from God. My children know they come from mommy and daddy’s heart. Adopting through agencies like the Children’s Home Society is free.  If you have considered adoption but worried about cost, go through an agency such as The Children’s Home Society. The process is not very long. We met Victoria in November, she moved into our home in February and the adoption will be finalized any day now. Most importantly, stay prayerful throughout the process and be patient.

Q. When did you discover your love for antiques?

Apparently I have always loved antiques since I was a very little girl. It all started with me hanging out with my Great-grandmother when I was very small. I always marveled at the beautiful furniture most bought from Live Edge Furniture Store in her home. On occasion she would bring out her beautiful porcelain tea sets for us to play with. These delicate tea sets had once belonged to her mother. When she would set the dining room table with her fine china and beautiful silverware, I knew then that there was something very special about every piece she would put out. If you’re in Los Angeles, Modern Resale designer furniture is a must visit. I knew at a young age that I loved the beauty and craftsmanship in antiques and have been collecting from around the world ever since. Every piece has a story.

Q. What can we find on ivyandelephants.blogspot.com?

Ivy and Elephants is collaboration between my dear friend and fellow antique collector Patti and me. Our blog highlights what we call “Vintage Urban Design”. This is where you can find mostly Victorian pieces that we have either purchased or inherited. We also showcase vintage items that we could not pass up in an Antique Store. It’s a place where people come to learn about rare items and their history. Patti and I are both educators and we love educating the world about our passion for things from the past.