I N S P I R T I O N
Freda L. Mays
Greater is He that is in me... 1 John 4:4
When I sat down to speak with Freda L. Mays, Author and Cancer Survivor, I felt an immediate connection as if I could get in her skin and understand her journey. But I could not. However, that is just the type of vibe that Freda fills you with. She exudes a fine personality that draws you into her world and whatever you are going through, you are able to overcome it with a purpose.
As I prepared myself for the interview with pen in hand to talk to Freda or "Free" as many call her; I didn't know what to expect.
Should I tread lightly or just talk. But trust me, I never had to worry about any of that when I interviewed her. She made me feel comfortable, at ease and open to just talk freely.
In March of this year, Freda released her first book, MY NAKED TRUTH ABOUT BREAST CANCER AND BEING SINGLE, which debuted at #1 on Amazon.com and held that spot for two consecutive weeks in the New Release category for Breast Cancer related books. One would shutter to think at the type of strength you must compile to write a book based on your experience with cancer; but Freda did it and she did it well.
THE INTERVIEW
BLAQUELINE: Ok, now before we talk about your book, I want to give our readers a quick insight into your world. You wore multiple hats in the music industry as a talent manger and personal manager of several successful acts that included 69 Boyz, Quad City DJs, 95 South, II D Extreme and many others. How did you get started in the music industry?
FREDA: I actually started with street promotions. I was always in the clubs and people recognized me or had heard about me. One day I was approached to help promote Snoop Doggs new album so basically it was all by accident.
BLAQUELINE: What was it like during that time to be a woman in the music industry?
FREDA: It was a bit difficult. Sometimes guys would ask me to speak on their behalf because I was a woman, but I knew what they meant. But I always went in ready to take care of business and I was always professional about it.
BLAQUELINE: Did your schedule allow you to pay much attention to your health?
FREDA: Yes, I worked out and did personal training sometimes 3 times a day. So I was very healthy.
BLAQUELINE: Let's fast forward to March 2015. How did you feel having your book debut at #1 on Amazon.com?
FREDA: I was so happy and overwhelmed with joy. But of course my goal, which may sound funny is to be on the New York Times Best Seller List. (continued on page 43)