The Real Me

A woman's reputation is what other people think of her; her character is what she really is.

-Anonymous

Who is Dahlia you might ask? A pioneer in her own right. With what some people say one of the most controversial books of the year coming out called "I Testify," Dahlia is here to set the record straight.

Having to deal with people all her life doubting her saying she would never be anybody or amount to anything and thought she was a joke she was out to prove herself. Through the ups and downs if being the industry, Dahlia learned and kept her head up high.

Take a second and get to know this remarkable woman.

[As told to Why Blue Matters]

So what does the world need to know about Dahlia?

Dahlia: That I am a very driven woman who wants nothing more than to be happy. I have a vision and I want to share it with the world. I want to be an example to young women around the world who feel like they can’t…when they really can. In want the world to know that there is at least one person that wants to make an impact in someone’s life.

Set us straight about Tupac, Nelly, Ginuwine? Any other artists that we need to know the truth about? I read that you don't like to be compared to supahead...dont hold back the world needs to know the truth.

Dahlia: Well...you have to read the book “I Testify,” it talks about what I have learned in this harsh cruel industry. People fail to realize that these celebrities were just regular men before they had money. You can actually go to http://www.htownclubs.com to read the interview which talks about the people I have dealt with…but what I do have to say is that they were all learning experiences and in no way, shape, form or fashion and I writing a tell all book. I am no superhead nor am I displaying that I was a superhoe…I was and am a superwoman who happen to a few big names on my list of contacts….. (Laughs)

So let us tell it along side with you…

Dahlia: Come on….the passenger seat is empty! (Smiles)

So tell us a little bit about yourself:

Dahlia: Well, I’m originally from South Philadelphia….I actually moved to Houston when I was about 14 or 15 years old. I come from a strong line of hustlers, money makers. I’m not from your typical down to earth regular middle class family. I come from the ghetto streets of Philadelphia where everybody stood on the porch and braided hair. I went from that to moving to Texas to where we were the average middle class family. My mother was really abusive and after which I really pretty much got fed up and was like “I really can’t take this, it’s time for me to go” I never had a really great bond with my mom. I’ve always had a great bond with my family in Philadelphia and New York. But I’ve never had a strong bond with my mom. At 14 going on 15 years old I actually left home and I guess you could say that my family became the people that I met out in the streets you know out in the world and stuff like that. So here I am…

Interest(s)?

Dahlia: My only interest is that I succeed in life and be able to set an example for my daughter.

Tell us how an ordinary day in your life is? Any rituals routines?

Dahlia: Take my daughter to school…she’s in pre k so every morning we do the sing along to Michael Jackson (laughing) and I go from there. I Work on Drama scene magazine; also I am finishing up my autobiography, and every now and then enjoy the day with one of my best friends and have patio talk!

What's your ultimate goal in life?

Dahlia: my ultimate goal in life is to “live” live like there is no tomorrow!

What do you like most about being in the business?

Dahlia: Meeting new people and attending gala’s and events

What's the thought process behind your works?

- From personal experience? - Mere creativity?

Dahlia: …I just wake up and say “Dahlia” let’s go and let’s get it.

What inspires and motivates you?

Dahlia: My daughter motivates me and my haters inspire me…all my life I have had people who said I would never be anybody or amount to anything and that I was a joke…hell people still laugh at me and call me a joke, but those are the very people that inspire me to keep it pushin’

How long have you been involved in the business?

Dahlia: I have been in the industry since I was about 17 or 18 but I was entertaining at a very early age. I use to be a “stripper” However I have put that all behind me!

How was life changed for you since being in the business?

Dahlia: It has changed…I am still the same and so is how I live. Just another day with a little extra recognition. (Winks)

Any regrets?

Dahlia: Not truly loving myself first.

What are you listening to in your iPod these days?

Dahlia: I love everything from Usher...to Creed to Pantera to a lil Beyonce and Jay-z…I love all kinds of music and my ipod has it all. I don’t limit what I listen to.

Any future projects?

Dahlia: I would love to have my own reality show, my own TV segment and if god willing turning my autobiography into a movie!!!

Does any negativity from the media ever affect you in anyway?

Dahlia: “NEVER” I thought it would but I have learned to not care…I have had people talk about me all my life, so what the hell…ya know!

Any advice for those looking to pursue their dreams?

Dahlia: Love yourself and know that anything is possible…never let anyone tell you what you cannot do. All things are possible, and if you fail at it the first time…dust off and try again until you get it right.

What do you want to be remembered by?

Dahlia: I want to be remembered as a woman who truly made a difference and die an icon! I want to be remembered for my goodness, for my heart, for given back and not allowing the streets to kill me, but be remembered as a survivor!!!