WS Chronicle

By Busta Brown

In a world where challenges, struggles, and moments of self-doubt can often overshadow one’s potential, there’s a shining beacon of hope that has been lighting the way for women in the community for the past 15 years. Phenomenal Woman, founded with a clear and powerful mission to help women discover their unique worth and embrace their God-given gifts and talents, the organization has become a life-changing force for countless women in Winston-Salem and beyond.

As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines proclaimed Phenomenal Woman’s Day on Dec. 12. The organization’s founder, Marviette A. Usher, reflected on the journey that began with a simple but profound vision: to help women see themselves as the extraordinary, exceptional beings they were created to be, especially during their season of brokenness.  

From its humble beginnings in homeless shelters and transitional homes, where topics like “Understanding Your Potential” and “Revealing Your Hidden Gifts & Talents” were shared, the organization has touched the lives of women who needed to know they were still valuable, despite the difficulties they faced.  Usher says, “The face of homelessness was changing, too. It wasn’t just the stereotypical image of people struggling with addiction. I learned that shelters were now housing women with degrees, women who had experienced divorce, or those who were just one paycheck away from losing it all.”  The organization has nurtured women in their journey to rediscover their self-worth, health, and inner peace.

Marviette A. Usher, a prior independent information technology consultant from Houston, Texas, is now lovingly called Lady Million Marviette, the “IT” consultant for women. She  is also a monitrice, speaker, author, podcast host, personal brand strategist/image consultant, Mary Kay Skin Care Educator, and peace of mind estate planner. She has plans of transforming the lives of one million phenomenal women from the inside out as her imprint on the world. 

Phenomenal? “OH, Yes You Are!” is her podcast featuring inspirational stories, insights, Winning WINSday Wisdom, and empowering conversations to uplift and motivate listeners. She is the author of two books, “Phenomenal? OH, Yes You Are!” and “30 Pearls of I DO!” of which the latter book was featured at the Los Angeles Times Book Festival, the Chicago’s Printers Row & Literature Festival, and the Guadalajara International Book Fair in Guadalajara, Mexico.

I asked Lady Million Marviette: What is a monitrice and a peace of mind estate planner? “First, I’d like to mention the name and poem that was given to me by a young lady in my second cohort named Tamesha Buford of Georgia,” replied Lady Million Marviette.  “A monitrice embodies the role of guiding you through the labor of transforming pain into purpose, helping you birth something beautiful and meaningful in your life. They help you to embrace that every struggle holds the seed of a powerful new beginning, and they bridge the gap between practical guidance and emotional empowerment, equipping you with the tools and clarity needed to achieve your goals and step into your next chapter with confidence.

“A peace of mind estate planner is where I help women get their assets and affairs in order in preparation for their end of life. After spending so many years walking women through their spiritual, personal, physical and professional journeys, there was one aspect remaining to address. Whether women are married or not, we all need in place a will, a power of attorney, a healthcare power of attorney, a trust to hold our assets for our children, if necessary, and a final expense plan for our final wishes, etc. Phenomenal women are prepared in every area of their life.”  

For Marviette, becoming a phenomenal woman started in childhood. The foundation of strength, resilience and self-worth was built early in life. Shaped by the experiences and influences around her, “I had a very blessed childhood. The other day, I was reflecting and thanking God for blessing me with parents who raised me in church and more importantly, on the foundation of a true relationship with God. Because of that, I haven’t had to deal with some of the struggles others have faced. Others questioned why I wanted to go to a homeless shelter, when they only saw the outward appearances. I knew the real story was about the substance and fiber of who I am and who these women were.

“However, one challenge I did encounter as a young lady was deciding to pursue a career as an IT software developer. I’ve always loved computer software. As a child, I was fascinated by figuring out what made them work. But entering a male-dominated field came with its own obstacles. I had people questioning my decision, asking, Are you sure you want to do this? You like to dress up, so it seems like you’d want to do something more girly.” 

She continued, “They’d suggest that men, who typically wore Dockers and Polo shirts, were the ones suited for that kind of work. I spent time with the guys and made it clear that being a female entering this circle doesn’t give them the right to say whatever they want to me and laugh it off. That was a valuable learning experience for me. By the grace of God, I spent over 21 years in this environment and was never disrespected by my male counterparts.” Marviette is a perfect example of how allowing your character and work to speak for itself and knowing your worth will command respect, without having to demand it.

As the organization grew, so did its vision. “I am humbled, honored and ecstatic to unveil the evolution of Phenomenal Woman to Phenomenal Woman Phenomenally YOU.  Everyone desires to be phenomenal, more importantly it should be to become the BEST version of YOUrself. PWPY aims to inspire, equip and support women in discovering who they are in the midst of their ‘life-happenings,’ pushing past their ‘ITs,’ and transform themselves from the inside out.” 

This transformation has marked a new chapter in the organization’s legacy. Today, the mission has expanded beyond inspiration to include a series of signature programs and experiences focused on spiritual, personal and professional development, guiding women through healing, discovering who they are, and helping women break through the barriers holding them back. Through spiritual experiences like Face Down Prayer and Vision Day at the Lake, workshops, personal branding, self-love self-care excursions, mentoring, professional counseling, and one-on-one accountability check-ins, the organization equips women to write books, start businesses, establish other organizations, and ultimately, step into their God-given purpose with confidence. Women are then honored and celebrated during our monthly Kentucky Derby High Tea and annual Evening of Elegance All Things Purple Gala.

One of the key aspects of the organization’s success is its belief in the five guiding principles that form the foundation of its work: Embrace the woman within; foster a deep connection with oneself; inspire women to push beyond their limits, even in the midst of trauma, adversity and setbacks; equip women with spiritual, personal and professional tools to unlock their potential; empower women to take bold action toward their goals; and support women in transforming from the inside out, enabling them to live abundant lives.

“We have always believed that no matter where a woman finds herself, she is still absolutely phenomenal, because she was created by a phenomenal God,” Marviette said with conviction. “Our programs and experiences guide women through a transformative process that not only heals but empowers them to live a life of purpose.”

Swynette Stone shared her journey after she walked through the doors of Phenomenal Woman. “In 2018, God orchestrated a powerful shift in my life, taking me back to the basics, completely unaware of the profound transformation He was about to lead me through. God answered my prayers in the most unexpected way by bringing an extraordinary vessel into my life, Lady Million Marviette Usher. What I didn’t realize at the time was that He was setting me up for an awe-inspiring transition through the obedience and leadership of Lady Million Marviette Usher’s program, YOU-n-You Experience. This program became the catalyst for the monumental shift I had long been waiting for. When God sent Lady Million Marviette Usher to Winston-Salem, He knew exactly what He was doing. He sent the perfect woman at the perfect time to guide me, and so many others, through our own personal evolutions.

“I no longer crawl, but I spread my wings and soar, like a beautiful butterfly, embracing my truth and proudly presenting my gifts to uplift and empower others. Thank you, unmatched, Lady Million Marviette Usher, Phenomenal Woman Phenomenally YOU!

“Throughout this process, she guided me through the challenging yet rewarding work of letting go of what no longer served me, confronting my fears, forgiving, and fully embracing my unique gifts. I am so proud that I had the groundbreaking experience of publishing my first book, “Breathing Room for the Soul,” Vol 1.

“The YOU-n-You Experience was more than just an experience, it marked the beginning of my pathway to peace and wholeness. What we choose not to confront doesn’t simply disappear; instead, it manifests in different areas of our lives, waiting for us to make the conscious decision to face it. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and all the growth it has inspired. Lady Million Marviette is truly Phenomenal,”shared Ashley Jones.

Ikulture Chandler is one of my Persons of the Week. Her testimony about being tricked into human trafficking brought me to tears throughout the entire interview. The sadness I felt from her story was transformed into tears of joy as I listened to her triumph over such an unimaginable experience. She credits Lady Million Marviette Usher’s YOU-n-You Experience for her amazing transformation. “I was in a very lost place. I felt stuck in my healing process, unable to move forward. The day I had my initial consultation with Lady Marviette Usher was pivotal. 

On the day I was supposed to begin the program, I remember telling Lady Marviette that I couldn’t afford it and that the loss I had just experienced left me feeling incapable of continuing. Her response was life changing. She looked at me and said, ‘You’ve been sponsored.”\’

During that program, I made a call to the Carolina International Pageant system, where I connected with Mrs. Lee Littlejohn. I explained to her my vision of providing crowns for princesses in our community, a vision inspired by a desire to create beauty and hope in a place where it was lacking. She asked if I had ever competed in a pageant before, to which I replied, ‘No.’ I admitted that my only ‘experience’ was surviving human trafficking.

She told me, ‘You speak very well, to which I responded, ‘That’s interesting because I couldn’t even read until I was in my twenties.’ Despite my lack of resources, she encouraged me to compete. I stepped out on faith, entered the pageant, and won the title of Mrs. North Carolina International 2022.

“Today, I am thrilled to share that we’ve just completed the second iteration of ‘A Princess Is Coming,’ a program born from this journey. None of this would have been possible without Lady Marviette Usher. Her compassion, determination, and commitment to helping women like me, who are broken, shattered, and stuck, transform into phenomenal women, inside and out.”

As the organization continues to grow, its vision remains clear, to empower and uplift women from all walks of life, helping them break free from the barriers that have held them back. Whether through business development programs, spiritual retreats, or personal branding workshops, the goal is to help women uncover their potential and step into their destiny.

Marviette has weathered many storms, boldly facing each one with class and gracefully soaring above them. The message God gave this beautiful and brilliant woman is one of unwavering faith. A faith so strong that it has the power to move mountains. Her faith inspires others, showing them that no challenge is too great when you rely on God’s guidance and grace. 

“I remember thinking, ‘God, you must have put something in me that’s so powerful, so anointed, that it will change many lives.’ I tell women, when your girlfriends look at you and say, ‘Oh my God, I’m so sorry you went through that,’ and they start to chatter, you should stand tall and say, ‘Guess what, girlfriend? You didn’t get picked for this.’ When women look at themselves, they should realize they are an amazing, phenomenal vessel of God, because He chose them to carry the weight of such a storm. This journey isn’t for everyone. The greater the storm, the greater the impact you will have on the world,” said Marviette. 

Reflecting on the 15-year journey, Marviette shares a heartfelt sentiment. “I often say that I had no idea there were this many women, so far from my home, awaiting my arrival in Winston-Salem. The growth of the organization and the profound transformation of these women has been beyond anything I could have imagined. I’m excited for what’s next, and I’m deeply honored to continue this mission.”

I asked about her plans for 2025. “I’ve made the decision not to host any events or accept speaking engagements in the traditional sense. Instead, my focus is on going on tour across the U.S. to raise awareness about relational trauma, an invisible epidemic profoundly affecting women ages 30-65 across the United States, their quality of life, personal lives, mental health, self-worth, and future potential. Many women grapple with the weight of unfulfilled lives, ongoing setbacks, and dreams that feel perpetually out of reach. Some remain unaware that these struggles stem from hidden, unresolved trauma that suffocates their deepest aspirations. Others may recognize their pain but choose to avoid facing it head on, often to escape the difficult work of sitting in their truth. In today’s society, rather than encouraging women to confront and heal their wounds, the common response is to say, ‘Whatever, I’m good,’ attempting to move past it without addressing the deeper hurt, often pushing their pain under the carpet where it continues to fester unseen.

“The goal is to raise awareness of the importance of this acknowledgment, not just for healing but for empowerment. It’s about helping women see that their life-happenings are part of their journey and have a crucial role in where they can go in the future. Ultimately, my deepest desire is to see healed, whole, strong, independent women experience an abundantly fulfilled life and unveil any hidden talents, gifts, and abilities to create their own wealth from their pain, trauma, or setbacks. As well as maintaining the mindset of I CAN’T STOP! DON’T STOP! WON’T STOP! Until I Birth ALL & DIE EMPTY!” shared Marviette.

The one final question she leaves in every room she enters is, “Are you becoming who you need to be in order to have the capacity to do what is necessary to live and have the life that you desire?  BE, DO, HAVE and unleash the capital YOU that’s residing within you.”

My phenomenal Person of the Week is Lady Million Marviette. For information, visit www.marvietteausher.com.