Queen Syleena Johnson

How We Met

When Syleena Johnson turned 40, she threw a big 70s birthday bash. I was apprehensive about attending because I didn't think I'd fit in with her celebrity friends.

I thought, "she won't even notice if I don't show up... I'll just send her a card."

I should have known better.

Not only did Syleena summon me to her VIP room where she was surrounded by friends and family, but I got the chance to be a part of her performance when she asked all her friends to dance during her introduction.

We rehearsed our overly dramatic moves for about three minutes before parading behind her as she took the stage. It felt like it Carnival.

One month later, she threw me a birthday party. Initially, I had only planned to celebrate with family because I'm extra sensitive about my birthday. Sometimes I don't do anything at all.

"You've had a hard year," she said. "You deserve to celebrate."

She even had a flyer made for the Libra season celebration. I never imagined that my face would share a space with such a treasure.

Syleena once told me, "Soul is not a genre of music; R&B is a genre." She said, "Soul is the story; it's what you've been through."

Syleena Johnson has more soul than a lil' bit.

She is not just a national recording artist; she is an artist.

Period.

Even when she speaks, Syleena's gift for making words sing resonate around the world. While no one can forget her carefully calculated reads from reality TV, her talent for composing words echoes far beyond television screens and even beyond the studio.

Her passion for healing broken women can be felt from the streets of Chicago to schools in South Africa where she traveled last month for a music festival. While there, she stopped to talk to a group of young girls who often miss school because it's that time of the month. Sadly, they don't have the resources to get the supplies they need to keep them inside the classroom.

Syleena celebrates the queen in them and I celebrate the queen in her.

Her latest hit cannot be heard on the radio, but it can be found online. In 2016, Syleena launched SheLean Lifestyle, a health and fitness company that promotes a more vigorous lifestyle for women. On SheLeanLife.Com, she encourages healthier living by providing free training videos, meal plans and content that challenges women to live their best life. She also hosts a quarterly women's empowerment brunch featuring women who stand out in their respective fields.

God has blessed me to be a part of her vision.

After begging and pleading, she gave me the same meal plan that she gives to her clients. In six weeks, I lost 15lbs! She refused to give me the plan until I showed that I was committed to living a healthier lifestyle and she didn't stop there.

Syleena held me accountable. She introduced me to hot yoga and even whipped up a protein shake here and there. I am now the executive producer of digital content for SheLean Lifestyle.

This R&B Diva hit a new high note when she came into my life.

Thank you for seeing me.

Syleena, you are too dope for words.

About Syleena

When it comes to exceptional musicality, Grammy-nominated vocalist and writer Syleena Johnson got it honestly. As the daughter of legendary soul singer, Syl Johnson, Syleena’s inherent vocal ability and lyrical prowess place her high in a league of some of the best singers and performers of her generation. Kanye West, R. Kelly and Musiq Soulchild have all sought her out for collaborations as she has penned numerous R&B hits. She continues to remain relevant as a new generation of music lovers have come to love her as one of the original cast members of the TV One hit reality series R&B Divas Atlanta.

As a fitness and nutrition advocate, her passion is in helping women feel whole which she does through SheLean Lifestyle, The Survivor’s Movement and her soon-to-be-released book, The Weight is Over. She is also continuing her education to become a registered dietitian and release her own line of supplements.

Where You Can Find Syleena

Instagram: @syleenajohnson, @sheleanlifestyle

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Syleena.Johnson.OFFICIAL/?fref=ts And https://www.facebook.com/SheLeanLife/?fref=ts

Twitter: @syleena_Johnson, @therealshelean

Website: www.syleenamusic.com, www.sheleanlife.com