Legends

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Island Goddess Legends of the Future
celebrating the contributions of our kamaaina mahuwahine
Island Goddess Legends page1

Interview with a Legend II

Jamie

1-Who is Jamie?
Aloha mai kakou (Greetings everyone). My birth-given name is Jamie Kainaho..opomaika..imena..auaoalohaameikaika Tabag. My middle name was given to me by my Aunt “Chaly,” a Hawaiian lady of Kawaihae, Hawai..i. This name came to her in a dream while my mother was pregnant to me. In Hawaiian, my name is an “Inoa Po,” a dream name, therefore it is only I who should have this name and that no one should be given this name without her permission, in terms of being culturally respectful.
I am a proud child of Loretta Leinaala, my mother whom gave birth to me on the third day of May at Kapi..olani Hospital in Honolulu on the island of O..ahu in Hawai..i Nei.
I love Hawaiian music- both traditional and contemporary, dancing and watching Hula, Art- particularly Native Hawaiian, cooking, eating, and the colors green & black. I am an advocate for our Native Hawaiian population and the Mahu community. I don’t do drugs, I don’t drink, and I don’t smoke cigarett es. I just graduated from UH Manoa with a Bachelor’s degree in Hawaiian Studies, and have been selected into the Master’s program here at UH Manoa.

2-What has been your biggest accomplishment?
I would like to think receiving a bachelor’s degree is a big accomplishment. However, my biggest accomplishment must be credited to learning about my family’s genealogy. I say this, because it has been such a loving journey getting to meet new family members during these past few years. I would be clueless to who my grandparents were if it was not for my Aunts, for they took the time to explain and share their memories of my Kupuna[s]. It’s priceless!

3-What words of wisdom, would you give to the next generation of Mahuwahines?
Graduate from High School, go to a College to earn a Bacehor’s, a Master’s and a Doctorate degree in a field you feel most confident in, and do it in Drags! I say this because, in the future, to me, an individual’s intellectual will determine her f uture.
Most of all, love yourself, respect yourself, and protect yourself, by all means. Help your elders. Take care of our lands, our seas and our neighbors. Don’t begin or stop using illegal drugs. Don’t rely on making money illegally, and through it all, stop cease to believe in yourself, in your dreams, in your goals, and in your aspirations. Become a MODEL for the children whom you will be responsible for in your time.

4-How do you view the future of all Mahuwahine in Hawai..i?
In the book Pehea La E Pono Ai? Native Land and Foreign Desires, by Dr. Lilikala Kame..eleihiwa, a Professor of the University of Hawai..i at Manoa, quotes, “Hawaiians have been in Hawai..i for at least two thousand years. As harsh as the past two hundred years have been, there is hope; we still exist on this earth. After all the horror that have rained down upon us, we are alive. We are a nation of survivors!”
Therefore, I strongly believe, as a Mahuwahine and as an indeginous Pol ynesian- a kanaka maoli, I see a brighter future for upcoming Mahuwahine[s] who will choose to take into consideration to what I have mentioned in question#3. It is working for me, and it can work for you.

5-What are your personal goals in the coming decade?
Well, after graduating with my Bachelor’s degree, I have been accepted into the master’s program in Hawaiian Studies. After this is over in two years, I will continue in my education in earning a Doctorate degree. Currently, I don’t know what college I will attend for a Doctorate. But for now, I am thinking probably Indigenous Studies at ..Aotearoa or Gender Studies at San Francisco. But, for now, focus on my Master’s, and achieve in graduating as a scholar.

6-Do you have a role model?
My ancestors are my role models. It is because of them why I wake each day preparing myself to learn so that I can make the best of myself in this western-style society, and utilize it to protect my ancestors, my ..aina (lands ), and this Hawaiian Nation.

7-What kind of health services do you look for? Can you find it?
Ho..oponopono, Ho..oikaika Kino, Malama Pono, La..au Lapa..au. Of course, STD and HIV/AIDS prevention and education, Dental Hygiene, Eating healthy, and learning to accept oneself.
As far as finding it, yes! There are numerous services out here on O..ahu Island to help. I can’t speak for the outer islands, however.

8-Websites tend to have a life of their own. What is the message you want to send to the many readers who will view this?
I come from a background of neglect, child abuse, drug addiction, drug dealing, racist acts, imprisonment, ect...
Today, I speak from a knowledge that I have gained throughout the 5 years of attending college. I see another 4 more years until I achieve a Master’s & Doctorate degree. With these experiences and knowledge, I will do all I can to protect the past, the present and the future of the Hawaiian and Mahu community.
Me ka mahalo nui (respectfully), JKT

Natalie

1- Who is Natalie ?
I was born in Honolulu, Hawaii in the month of June in the year of the fire snake—1977. I grew up in Kaimuki and attended Kalani High School. I subsequently attended Kapiolani Community College then transferred to the University of Hawaii’s College of Business Administration in 2002. I recently graduated with a degree in Finance and I am currently interviewing with various companies.
I began my transition in the year 2000 and did not go full time until the year 2003. This was a very hard time for me because I remained in “butch queen/man mode” while I worked multiple jobs and went to school full-time. Many girls are able to go full-time immediately after starting hormones but I needed a LOT of work. Laser hair removal, electrolysis and other necessities of transition were both time-consuming and expensive. Of course I could have gone full time if I wanted to but I knew that no one would take me seriously with a full beard and AA tits. (It sounds like I’m being funny but I am totally serious.) Eventually I saved up enough money to get some work done with a surgeon in Skokie, Illinois—a suburb just outside of Chicago. I informed my employer, family, friends, and the university of my upcoming transition from male to female right before I left and I have been living full-time since then.

2) Where are you living now ?
I live in Honolulu in a studio in Waikiki. I enjoy the convenience—it’s been easy to travel to both my job here at a restaurant in Waikiki as well as to school.

3-What inspired to become you?
I knew with utter certainty that I wanted to become a woman. As a child I would do such girly things and I think that anyone who was around me for even a few minutes could tell that I would grow up to be a mahu. I don’t think I needed inspiration—it was just a matter of time.

4-Who is your inspiration ?
If you mean who inspired my transition, I would have to say all the girls who worked it out in the early to mid 1990s when I first started coming out to the clubs. These are girls like Yoshiko, Sharee, Angela, Keisha, Regina, Maddie, Erika Evangelista, and of course Nayah Waters my “drag” mother. I would just trip on them because they were all totally passable, totally beautiful—just awe-inspiring. It was so funny because I could not go inside to see the show because I was only 17. I would just hang out outside and chit chat with the girls. My ultimate decision to proceed with transition was after seeing some girls in my own peer/age group like Cathy “Taffy”, Selena, and Kaina transition successfully. That’s when I knew what I had to do if I was going to be truly happy. Last but not least, I admire Cocoa Chandelier—she is a friend and one of the most awesome performers I know.

5-What do you think you have to offer to the transgender community?
I think there is so much talent and intelligence out there in the TS community but I think a lot of it is wasted. We face so much adversity and discrimination and many of us just give up on life and end up in that cycle of drugs and prostitution. I hope that by getting a degree and achieving a certain level of success that other girls will see that they can do it too.

6-What makes you stand out from others ?
For better or for worse I have always stood out from the crowd. People would always be so curious about me because of superficial reasons like my mixed ethnicity or my feminine behavior. For a long time I would downplay the fact that I was half white or the fact that I acted like a girl because these differences were looked down upon. I wanted to be one of the group and be like everyone else. I think everyone goes through this awkward stage. Now I have come to an understanding of who I truly am. I embrace and love everything about me that makes me different—from my ethnicities to my transsexuality to my personality—all of it.

I think the bottom line is every transsexual stands out from others. We need to really remember our history and always keep in mind that we were always regarded in such high esteem in many societies in Polynesia, India, and America. The ‘mana’ is there in our history and all we need to do is embrace it and we can get back to that place again.

7-What's been your biggest accomplishment ?
Being able to obtain a degree in Finance was most definitely my biggest accomplishment so far. I know that I can do anything now and there will be many more accomplishments in the future.
In addition, simply living my life as a woman is definitely another HUGE accomplishment. Forgive my political incorrectness, but I think that anyone who has the “balls” to stand up and stay that he or she wants to physically change their gender no matter what other people think or how much it costs deserves to be recognized.

8-What makes you happy ?
There are so many things in life that bring me joy and happiness. Helping my friends and family, helping strangers, hanging out with my friends, making new friends…the list goes on and on. Little things also make me happy like getting a pedicure, finding the perfect mascara, green tea ice cream, watching the perfect movie…with a perfect man…while kissing on his perfectly soft sofa…okay I’ll stop now.

9-Ever have a true love in your life? Are you in love now?
I have never had a true love but I am more than open to it. That’s all I’ll say about that =).

10-Who do you admire?
I admire people who take the path less taken. These are people like artists and actors who struggle for years with odd jobs and finally make it to Hollywood or to Broadway—I love that. I admire all the single moms who raise their daughters to be assertive, strong women instead of doormats. I admire people who are in wheelchairs and who can still kick everyone’s ass on the basketball court. I admire people who have terminal illnesses and who live each day with an indescribable passion. If I could just learn to do what these people do everyday, I know my life will be a satisfying one.

11-Do you have pet peeves?
I have peeves with people who are pretentious and those who feel compelled to mind my business instead of minding their own. I also have peeves with men who approach me like “YO BABY…WUSSUP?”

12-Where do you see yourself in the future? Career ? Marriage ? SRS ??
In the future I would love to open up my own financial planning business that focuses on the specific needs of the GLBT community. I would eventually like to get a law degree so I can help pass more laws that will ensure that we are offered the same rights and protections as everyone else. I would also love to get married to the right person. SRS is something that I am totally undecided on. I would love to say yes since it would seem like the politically correct answer. I tell my family that I will be doing it when I get the money, just so they won’t be even more confused. I think most non-transsexual people and even some transsexuals to a certain degree cannot understand why a girl would want to stay pre-op. The fact is, I am totally happy now. I don’t need to do it to feel complete. I would suggest that girls (and boys for you FTMs) really think long and hard about it and not feel pressured by outside influences either way.

13-What words of wisdom would you give to help someone reaching for help?
If you are in need of help, don’t be afraid to ask for it. When you are in a position to help someone, don’t be afraid to offer it. No one is an island and we all need the help of each other. I truly believe that what goes around comes around. Karma is a powerful thing and you should most definitely help someone else once someone has helped you.

14-Do you have final statement for our readers?
Yes thank you for reading my interview. I am always trying to meet new friends—especially in the GLBT community. Email me at glamourgirrl4evr@aol.com if you want to be friends.

DeE
1- Who is DeE ?
DeE is short for Daryl Fujiwara, a 21 year old hawaiian japanese caucasian local boy born and raised on the island of maui in the town of lahaina. Butch queen during the day and diva by night*

2) Where are you living now ?
I'm currently living on oahu.

3-What inspired you to become you?
When I was in elementary school they had this program called the gifted and talented program and what they would do is take these kids out of class and into more intense learning and i thought hey what about me, i could do what they were doing too* so ever since then ive strived to be the best that i can be, trying not to pass up any opportunity that comes my way* no regrets right?

4-Who is your inspiration ? I dont think ive had a life long inspration, but when i entered college in 2001 i made a friend and his name is Lance Collins. you can find out more about him on his site, lancedcollins.com. when you surround yourself with positive energy, you in turn will become positive yourself. Hes good people. right? you hang out with people that party and do drugs, you will end up partyin and doing drugs or surrounding yourself around things that will hold you back.

5-What do you think you have to offer to the GLBIT community?
Something that Ive been contributing is my aloha, my love and willingness to help* in addition to that I have my own freelance graphic design firm and have been helping with various fundraisers, pagaents, and various events by designing there posters, flyers, tickets, whatever* i can do it all!

6-What makes you think makes you stand out from others ?
I honestly dont know, my mother sydeny taught me that when you are out and having fun, remember you are representing first yourself and our family, so keep a good head on your shoulders and know that "you are a nobody, but a somebody."

7-What's been your biggest accomplishment ?
Finishing high school and scoring lots of scholarship money, graduating college, starting my own business, everything in my life is an accomplishment and i'm very proud of what i do, thats probably why my resume is like three pages long. I hate it when teachers tell you to condense it and make it one page. These things that you are listing are not only what youve done but they ultimately make you who you are now.

8-What makes you happy ?
Sitting infront of my computer and wasting away, designing, traveling, hanging out with the sisterhood. I say id be happy jus sittin around doing nothing, but i'm never not doing something, I like to keep busy*

9-Ever have a true love in your life? Are you in love now?
No, i dont think ive ever had a true love, and No i'm not in love right now. Its tough this whole love thing. Ive been meaning to write a blog about this but i guess nows a good time... The other day i was on gay.com and i was talking to this guy who was going to visit hawaii from california, and he saw my picture but to show him more of me i sent him a link to my myspace and the first thing that he replied was "omg, your my new queenie friend" and I was sick to my stomach. I was like dude, what if i didnt want to be your "queenie friend" what if i wanted to fawk your brains out. He immediately apologized, as did I, he just caught the tail end of my fustration. Its hard finding someone, people stamp you out as soon as you say you do drag and think this guys not butch enough or whatever. I'm just as manly as anyone else out there, and it hurts to see that these people could be so small minded as to not give me a chance. its this white capitalist society that scares me, we all have to be categorized as something whether it be a boi and a girl, and even being gay we have to fill these postions, whos the top whos the bottom, whos the wife and husband, why cant it just be two people in love right? titles, categories, everything has to be organzied, it can never just be. Think to yourself, what do you call two people in love. You cant, i dont believe there is a word that can describe that action. Ive been single for the past 3-4 years now, and I'm a firm believer that you are single by choice and that you have to learn to love yourself before you can fall in love with someone else, how can you fall in love with someone if you have no love to give. So I jus sit around and wait for it to come to me, i think that if you search for it, it jus get further and further from your reach.

10-Who do you admire? That is alive ? Who has passed on ?
Paris Hilton, that girl is fabulous and has her entire life to be even more fabulous. Everything seems so instant to her you know? AwW if only life was that easy for the rest of us.

11-Do you have pet peeves?
hmm I cant think of any right at the moment.

12-Where do you see yourself in the future? Career ? Business Goals ? Marriage ? Children?
I want to own my own business, which is why i think i'm going to go back and go for more school, I'm not sure what kind of business but after going through college i realized that i like to be in charge. I can work in a group, but usually when i'm in the group i end up taking the inititive to be the group leader. crazy. Marriage, yes* i want to and when i take portraits i'm going to take them as a boi and a girl, so ill have two, and children i want a boi and girl. well thats what i say right now, i'm still young.

13. You have the best of worlds as a Butch Queen & Drag ? What your secret to balance both lives ?
Well like i mentioned earlier, its hard when it comes to love and relationships. I meet str8 guys its a turn on and when im with gay guys its a turn off. But my friends and family help to make it easy. They are all so very supportive. I hate going to str8 clubs unless i'm a girl, and i'd rather be a boi at a gay club. I just turn it off and on, doing drags is so exhausting, it takes a very big toll on you physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I usually only do drags if i have a show or if theres an event, but usually i'm always just plain ol Daryl.

14-What words of wisdom would you give to help someone reaching for help?
Dont be scared! Life is all about DESIRE, deny yourself those desires and ultimately you deny youself...Life is what you make of it* its all about choices... even if it seems like someone as caused something to happen to you, ultimately you had to initiated the cause, take responsiblity for your actions, stay in control*

15-Do you have final statement for our readers?
MAHALO* for giving me this opportunity to share my thoughts and manao with everyone goddess pages, you guys are a great asset and outlet for us young'ins. Keep on rockin! love always, DeE

Ms. Shiki Leaupepe

1- Who is Shiki ?
~here is something I made up~ Legend of Shiki
~ Of the 7 wonders in the world, one sensation was often told by legend but somehow was never discovered because of her hidden beauty and its distinction amongst the other phenomenon. She was the only wonder that was breathing and living obscured. She was brought up in an island where people are marvel by its voyagers and ventures in rough waters. She was raised by two loving parents and a loving family. Of all her siblings she was the unique one. She was raised by spirit and had talents which was different from the rest of them. She traveled some parts of the world trying to discover a deep secret. Now grown into a woman she matured and gained confidence to explore more of what‘s out in the world. She educated herself and completed numerous aspirations in the white man’s world. And now all set to revolutionize the world and bring about a new meaning in life of a goddess. The Legend of Shiki, still continues…

Shiki- A young 25 year old tgirl raised in American Samoa, and now living in Hawaii and attending school at Chaminade University. She is the daughter of Fina and Amosa Leaupepe. She is of Samoan ancestry and loves being with family and friends. .

2) Where are you living now ?
~ In the past five years I have been residing in the aloha state and have dwelled life and my academic life here. However I will be moving on to better things and a new location to start my career as an entrepreneur or maybe become somebody in the future.

3-What inspired to become you?
~Growing up in a small family, I lost my father (R.I.P) who was so dear to my heart. And from his absence, figures of the female species were the only ones that surrounded me. I had three other brothers, two sisters, a girl cousin and mom & grandma. Their way of living somehow was a picture I rendered myself living or had to execute. So being around females influenced me to become who I am. Overall I chose this alternative lifestyle because it was the being that was in me.

4-Who is your inspiration ?
~ I would have to say my Grandma is my greatest inspiration because she was the one that was always at the side of me when I had the whipping and the continuous lectures about life. She was the individual that influenced me to live the life that was intended for me. And with my education, it is my mother that got me this far and stood beside me when I needed anything in assisting me with school. And I can say that I am proud of her for raising me well and I give my hats off to her.

5-What do you think you have to offer to the transgender community?
~Its not more of what I think its what I know I can offer to help our very own community. These are talents that I bestow that I know I can share with everyone. I would call it my 4E’s:
Experience Education Expertise Enthusiasm

6-What makes you think makes you stand out from others ?
~ Young, Innovative and Intellectual

7-What's been your biggest accomplishment ?
~ Completing my Masters Program, and receiving Masters in Business Administration in Public Sector.

8-What makes you happy ?
~ Reuniting with family members and friends whom I have not seen in ages…

9-Ever have a true love in your life? Are you in love now?
~ Lets see I was in love with this guy from my past but he moved on to making a family and I chose to do school. Closed that chapter of my life and moved on to bigger things. As of right now my true passionate and love is my education and family. No man in my life yet. We all have that dream where we want to wake up into the arms of a prince who rides a white horse and sweeping us of our feet. If that dream will come true for me, then i will await. But I am strong and independent, I can make it on my own with family and friends.

10-Who do you admire?
~ I admire anyone with a goal and the desire and power to achieve it.
“Desire is the key to motivation, but it's determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek.”
~Mario Andretti~

11-Do you have pet peeves?
~I dislike procrastination, pessimistic thoughts and bias people and HATE.

12-Where do you see yourself in the future? Career ? Marriage? SRS? Children ?
~ Future- Becoming someone important in the community.
~ Career- A CEO or a Director for a Business or my own company.
~ SRS- if your referring to Sexual Reassignment Surgery then it’s still a question mark.
~Children- two or three

13-What words of wisdom would you give to help someone reaching for help?
~ “Be not afraid of life. Believe that life IS worth living and your belief will help create the fact.” ~ Anonymous ~

14-Do you have final statement for our readers?
~ “Expect the unexpected”

Erika Evangelista

1- Who is Erika Evangelista ?
Erika is a native born Hawaiian now transplanted to the Midwest. Minneapolis is where I call home now after successfully completing my bachelors degree. I'm originally from Liliha right across the street from Kuuakini Hospital where I spent most of my adolescent years. I attended Nakeiki Okaina Pre-school up Nuuanu, then St. Theresa Elementary school. From there I had a brief encounter at Damien Memorial High for BOYS. When they realized that there was a girl on campus, I quickly transferred to Moanalua, McKinley, and Roosevelt High Schools. School wasn't a big factor in my life at that time. I was wild, crazy, and going through immense changes. Unfortunately I dropped out of Mckinnely to pursue the glamorous life of a party girl! I have no regrets! I've learned so much from the good times as I have through the bad times.
I was a prostitute as all girls in my era were in Hawaii. In fact the first thing I learned when becoming who I was how to solicited myself to men for monetary donations in exchange for sexual favors. I thought it was the only thing I was capable of doing in order to survive. As a result of that dangerous lifestyle, I was arrested on numerous occasions and incarcerated at the local prison. That was my lowest point in my life. I was struggling with a crystal Meth addiction, prostitution, and no goals or inspiritations in my life. I aspired to just survive. I remember other girls feeling the same thing. The funny thing and a very famous phrase among the girls when asked how they were doing were to respond: "Surviving girl". I always knew I wanted more then just survival. I came from a very loving family who were very comfortable in life. I never knew the side of life that consisted with living in the fringes of society. I was confused and self destructive.
One of my many salvations came after I got out of prison. I moved to Moloka'i with Jeanie Beanie and there got my life together. Life on Moloka'i was simple and beautiful. There I acquired two jobs and was working on my GED. After successfully obtaining my Highschool equivalency, I moved back to Oahu only to realize that I don't fit in anymore. I had a lot to catch up on. Unfortunately, what I caught up on was not necessarily healthy for me.
I decided to attend the local community college to pursue a degree in Hawaiian studies. Although I excelled in my Hawaiian language classes, I was still not ready for the whole academia part of life and went back to pursue partying.
Shortly there after I moved to Pauoa where I learned a whole lot from certain TG icons such as the infamous Lynda Brown. I learned how to eat, and how to be humble. within a few months, a new show immerged upon the scene under the direction of Leikia Williams and Bubbles Du Pop. I was offered a position and was very ecstatic to become a part of the show.
I did shows for a good 4 years on both the Gender Bender Lip Gloss Revue and then with the very tasteful Paper Doll Revue.
During this period of my life, I struggled with self acceptance, love, friendship, and maturity. I will be the first to admit that I was a little selfish immature individual with so much potential but too lazy to go for it.
This brief auto biography of myself is definitely incomplete. There are so many experiences that I would love to share. People I'd love to mention etc. however, after being in school for a good 6 years, I'm tired of writing papers so I'm giving you the Cliff's Notes version.
One day while sitting on a bus stop with a friend I haven't seen in 10 years, I was asked a question. "what are you doing with your life Erika?" To which I replied everything I'm capable of at this stage in life. She educated me with options. She offered me an opportunity to change my current situation and take a different avenue in life. EDUCATION.
So I blindly moved to Winona, Minnesota in pursuit of a new life, a new chance at it, and new experiences. In 6 years I've traveled the world, been all over the states, met amazing people, networked with great students from around the world, grew up, obtained 2 degrees, and am now in Minneapolis starting my new life. Phew that was a lot and yet this is so incomplete!

2) Where are you living now ? Minneapolis Minnesota

3-What inspired to become you? Many things inspired me to be me. Previously it was the glamour and the life of my peers. Junie aka Zia DJenner and Fou Faimelelei my queen mothers. A struggled with being the woman I always felt I was. My parents were influential people to me in regards to being the best I can be. I never settle and am always looking to better myself.

4-Who are your inspirations ? Mom, DAD, Junie, Fou, Monica Munroe, Hillary Clinton, Ghandi,Hina Wong

5-What do you think you have to offer to the transgender community? Experience, and an open mind. I am doing things in my life currently to not only better myself but to also better others in my community. My hope and inspiration during those moments in school when I wanted to call it quits was knowing that other girls back home are watching to see if I'll make it and change the typical social stigma of transgendered girls. I wanted to show others that there are other avenues that we can take to become a productive part of the societies we serve.

6-What makes you think makes you stand out from others ? Of course the typical response would be to say that I am unique. However, everyone is unique. What sets me apart from my peers back home is that I took a chance and a path that most would never consider. I took the hard road. I have also learned so much in my life path. I've learned that life is about growing and nurturing that growth, but it is also about sharing the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences with others.

7-What's been your biggest accomplishment ? To date, my Bachelor Degrees in Business Administration and Human Resource management with a minor in Training and Development accomplished with Honors : Magna Cum Laude. Yes I named it all ! I busted my butt too long and want to let those who never believe in me know that I did it!

8-What makes you happy ? Living ! a beautiful sunny day, a cool rainy day. My family, animals, Shopping, great people, great conversation. But above all, Learning about my myself and growing is what truly makes me happy

9-Ever have a true love in your life? Are you in love now? Well it comes and go. I've loved all the men in my life and with the exception of a small few I still love them. I am currently sorta seeing someone. hehehehehe. Very nice guy from Argentina, moved to be next to me! Met him with Roxanne Richards and Naia Waters in Miami last September. We still care about each other alot.

10-Who do you admire? I admire people who take chances! I admire people who make things happen. I admire people who are true to themselves! I've found this in a few people who to most people have never heard of, but to me they are influential, and I admire them. They are also known as my friends!

11-Do you have pet peeves? I hate inconsistency. I can't stand people who say one thing mean and do another. I hate fake baked skin! Tacky people who think that they are better! Obnoxious sexist white men.

12-Where do you see yourself in the future?
I see myself obtaining an amazing job here in the Twin Cities, then moving to NYC. From there I see myself either as a business owner or as a representative for a corporation negotiating deals and creating relationships with different companies around the world and uniting these companies to create a globalize environment and system. I love to travel and would adore living in Europe and other places in the world.

13-What words of wisdom would you give to help someone reaching for help?
Be honest with yourself! Remember that there is always someone else with worse problems than you. A problem is just an excuse to learn something new and a new way of solving something!

14-Do you have final statement for our readers?
Yes! Thank you for taking the time to read this horribly syntaxed profile! I appreciate Island Goddess Pages considering me as a viable candidate to interview. I hope that all I've said and done with my life may be an inspiration to at least one other person. I miss home but home is always in my heart and I continue to spread the aloha to everyone I meet.There were so many people who have had an impact and an imprint in my life and although I haven't mentioned anyone really, know this: if you know me if we've had times together even if its a five minute talk, YOU HAVE IMPACTED MY LIFE AND ARE THE CAUSE FOR WHO I AM TODAY! IM REALLY GRATEFUL ! THANK YOU Be at Peace with yourself! and above all remember this! Loving Kindness is the best religion there is!............... Aloha, Erika

Island Goddess Gallery II