Richmond - She runs herself ragged everyday taking on that which is out of her control.  For that, I perceive her to be strong.

Even when she is at her breaking point, she takes time to consider that which affects the lives of those around her.  For that, I tell you she is a woman.

She possesses a passion that comes from a place deep within.  It allows her to face adversity with grace.  For that I know she will continue to be triumphant.

One late night in a dimly lit establishment, I sat announcing as I always do how I felt about a situation, being so engulfed in myself that I almost blindly passed over a perfect opportunity.  My friend who was politely pretending to listen and rightfully ignoring, decided it was best to introduce me to a beautiful woman who stood about five-and-a-half feet tall.  Even if I could find the words to be more descriptive, I assure you my words would do her a grave injustice.  “Nedra Miller meet Kim James.  I feel you are two women who must know one another.”  My friend's words replayed in my head for days; however, I was unaware of the weight his words held.

Ms. James did not make it easy for me to acquaint myself with her.  Naturally her resistance to an unknown woman who seemed self-absorbed only inspired my persistence.  Finally, some months later, I was able to meet with her.  I did not have a lot to bring to the table; however, she was inclined to be kind and allow me the opportunity to work alongside an inspirational member of my local community. 

You see, to date, Kim has already accomplished having a successful career in the art form of dance, a career she believes allowed her to fulfill all of her desires in that field.  Currently, she is the proud owner of Turning Point Promotions.

Turning Point was formed in May 2010.  The motivation for starting this company was to allow herself the opportunity to lend her services to the people who create music.  After all, Kim says music has always been influential in her decisions and in her drive to be affiliated with music-based art forms.  Upon sitting down for an interview she revealed to me, “The name Turning Point is symbolic of the way I would like to help musicians achieve the success in their careers they deserve to have.”  Along the way, she has been able to take great pride in the recognition of the artists she represents.  A giddy smile appeared on her face as she proclaimed, ”It’s unspeakably rewarding when I take a step back at a show and digest what I have put together.  Watching people enjoy music we bring to them.”  Can anyone dispute her?  I think not!  Since the beginning, Turning Point has represented bands such as Blue Haven, Downbeat Switch, Grinding Stone, Peanut Gringo, Canary Promise, the Jill Montoro Outfit, Caught in a Rift, Dirty Banners and Divine Profitz, all of which are made up of like-minded individuals who share a common bond.  The desire to share, inspire and influence positively other people via the outlet of music.

Reality set in, and I could not get past how heavy a load this is for one small-framed woman to take on.  So I asked, "How do you overcome when things become stressful and seem hard to bare?”  On Kim’s face I saw a slight change to seriousness, and she replied, “You can’t stop.  If you do, in two-point-five seconds you are nonexistent.  People look at you as if you are insane when you pitch your ideas to them, but when they work there is not even a need to say I told you so.  It can be difficult to keep things positive and take things with a grain of salt, but you have to.”  This is consistently true in just about everyone’s life.

Recently for her birthday, Ms. James packed up and headed to New Orleans joined by a band of merry friends to aid Habitat for Humanity in the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.  How many of us seek out such a selfless act on our day of birth?  While in New Orleans, Kim chose to sponsor the Reid family, and she has allowed me to help bring her efforts to the local community!  After all, if we all share responsibility, burdens are easier to bare.

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