Today we’d like to introduce you to Soncerae Smith
Entrepreneur & philanthropist Soncerae Smith founded BlockEleven Communications Inc. in 2008 and began publishing BlockDymez & BlockEleven Magazine in April 2009. Its initial circulation was approximately 10,000 bi-monthly. In 2011 the company discontinued printing the magazine and went completely digital. Soncerae Smith also serves as Editor & Chief.
The magazine features departments such as Charity & Philanthropy, Community Awareness, Health & Wellness, Financial Stability, Religion & Spirituality Business & Politics. It focuses solely on the positive aspects of the African American Community. The magazine has covered topics from family to social issues in the African-American community, to African-Americans in the military, to being HIV positive. Celebrities including Michael B Jordan, MC Lyte, Paula Patton and Michael Eric Dyson have graced the cover and been featured in the magazine through interviews and photo spreads. Originally launched primarily as a fashion magazine, BlockEleven has grown to be an aspiring media platform for individuals who want to leave conscious and positive lives.
Frequent guest contributors, including the current Editor-in-Chief, provide advice for the business-minded African Americans, helping them to reach their full potential.
Has it been a smooth road?
It is never a smooth road to success. Working smart is always going to add value to whatever service or product a business owner as to offer. I believe that the struggles come in when my race & gender are considered signs that suggest I am uneducated or unworthy.
What were you like growing up?
Quiet, private and reserved. I was always on the geeky side. I was always made fun of by my family they were somewhat abusive so the way I behaved at school kind of made me a weirdo. I was not the typical geek with glasses. I was actually a Tom Boy. Because most of my friends were boys others assumed I was promiscuous. So they called me a lot of names. They called me a freak, a hoe and weirdo. I was always good in school, though. My favorite class was physics and I always had at least a 3.5 GPA. I dropped out of school my 10th-grade year because of depression. But something pulled me back. I believe I wanted to be better an improve myself so I’d say I was determined then to be great. My self-esteem and confidence needed work and I didn’t have support and encouragement of my family but I believe that my faith in God pulled me through. I started ministering at a young age.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I don’t have many but I believe it was times when my Uncle Odell or Craig would take me paddle boating near the monument in Washington DC. I grew up Maryland. I love living by the water. My favorite memories all have to do with me being by the water.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m anxious to see what the universe has in store. I think of myself as an Oprah Winfrey or spiritual leader. Maybe a Deepak Chopra or a Wayne Dyer.Maybe one of the wealthiest women in the world but respected spiritually. Or maybe like a Tony Robbins or an Iyanla Vanzant. I want to be a good role model for young women. I want to have enough wealth to help those that need a boost in life to get them out of dark times. I want to do more with the foster care system. I’d like to do more in relation to Domestic Violence Awareness, Autism, Diabetes, Breast Cancer. My goals for myself have no limit. I view myself in a way that sometimes others don’t see but I guess that’s how it goes. Positive attitude gets you places not the expectations of others.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://soncerae.com, www.theblockeleven.com
- Phone: 6788563463
- Email: welovesoncerae@gmail.com
- Instagram: @welovesoncerae @theblockeleven
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/theblockeleven
Darkness
October 30, 2016 at 1:22 am
I am a huge fan off soncerae. I want her to succeed. She has been through alot and she has come out stronger than ever. Respect to her and to her blessings.
Darkness