THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, February 10, 1996 TAG: 9602100299
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MARSHA GILBERT, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 54 lines
Give yourself to yourself before you give yourself away.
Susan L. Taylor, editor-in-chief of Essence Magazine, held captive audiences with this message of self-love at a press conference and speech on Friday. Her appearance was part of the fifth annual Hampton Roads Woman's Show at the Virgina Beach Pavilion.
The day was capped off with a similar message at a reception given in her honor by Simba Communications at the Towne Point Club in downtown Norfolk.
Her advice was that you have to be good to yourself by eating a balanced diet, exercising and having quiet time each day before you give your time and energy to your job, children or mate.
``What's good for you is good for the people in your life,'' said Taylor, a soft-spoken woman who looks younger than her 50 years.
``I was suicidal because I couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel. The way out is within.''
Taylor, easily recognizable in her trademark braids, also shares this message of inner peace in her latest book ``Lessons in Living,'' which she signed at the end of each gathering.
Her audiences nodded, applauded, laughed, smiled and hung on every word she spoke.
``She was very moving and touched my heart,'' said Angela Ashley-Gist, a nurse from Virginia Beach who attended Taylor's speech. ``She is down to earth, and everyone can relate to her painful experiences.''
Nadine Knowlin was equally impressed as she stood in line waiting to have her copy of Taylor's book signed.
``I switched days off today,'' said Knowlin, a cost-price analyst for the department of the Navy, in Newport News. ``I was determined to see her. I can relate to a lot of the things she said, like being a single parent, taking care of yourself and the need to go back to school.''
``It's learning from painful things that make a lot of people successful,'' said Myra Farling, a journalism graduate student at Regent University.
One of the show's coordinators, JoAnne McElroy Hall, was pleased with the enthusiasm over Taylor's visit.
``We try to be consistent and make the shows enjoyable for all ages, with inspirational guest lecturers, makeovers, fashion shows and health advise,'' said Hall. ``The show grows every year in the number of participants and visitors. This year we have 260 booths.''
The Hampton Roads Woman's show will continue through Sunday. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Susan L. Taylor
by CNB