Sonjeproductions's Blog

Me and Julian Benson

I was out of town when I got a frantic call from my assistant, in the wee hours of the morning, on Thursday saying, “Julian is dead!” Those were not the words I expected to hear; when I heard them, they cut right through my dazed sleep, to my heart, and the tears started to flow. He had just texted me on Tuesday to tell me that he missed and loved me, and had a vision for his “Where Is Julian?” campaign that he wanted to share with me.

You see Julian was a former 92Q intern that I took under my wing. His charismatic spirit was evident the first day we had him in the studio. I was always tough on Julian, because he was a fearless college student, bright-eyed and busy-tailed, ready to face the world head on. He reminded me of myself at his age- presumptuous and driven.  My tough love was to show him that he didn’t know everything, and that hard work was necessary to reap the benefits in any profession. He took a liking to me because I saw through the charm and demanded substance.

After radio, Julian helped me grow my company. He saw the harsh realities of the industry when he came to work one day and there wasn’t a morning show to intern for anymore. He was devastated. We had become a part of his life, and he was learning so much from each personality on the show. We had made such an impression on him that he talked about us all the time to other Morgan students, and they began to want to intern with me, because they wanted the same learning experience. Over the course of three years, I pushed and encouraged his ambition, but also brought him back down to Earth when I felt his head was getting too big. He was not just my mentee; he was my little brother. He would often talk about the future; he couldn’t wait to be successful, often saying to me, “Watch! I’m going to grow up and be like the guys you and your friends date.” I would smirk and reply, “Gotta get your weight up, youngin’.”

My humbling comments never deterred Julian; they made him strive for more. When Morgan State crowned him Mr. Morgan, he was determined to make an impression during his tenure. Bursting with ideas, he would sound them off to me on the phone to get my opinion and approval. He always wanted to check with me because he had so much respect for me, and vice versa. I always knew he was a star and that he would go far. He just needed a little guidance. His supercilious behavior was often deceiving to most, but underneath the façade was a young person hungry for direction.

Being Mr. Morgan was important to him, and he wanted to continue to build on that platform by creating his own lane to succeed. Thus, he created his “Where is Julian?” campaign to get the ball rolling. No one was going to hand him his stardom, so he was determined to pave his own way. Piggybacking on the momentum of his popularity, he began to put in the work. Part of me chastised him for not staying in New York to work with the NBA, but also I understood that Julian was a natural born leader. He wanted to make his own rules on his quest for fame and fortune.

Over the last few days, I’ve struggled to make sense of his untimely death, but I also know Julian wouldn’t want us to be sullen. He was a GOOD kid; quick to crack a joke and make you laugh, because he never took the hardships of life too seriously. He saw the positive of every situation. His death is still somewhat surreal to me, but my heart goes out to both families who lost their children. I’m sure Zoey Crumpton (18) was a smart young girl with her future ahead of her, and my Julian was one of the sweetest guys I knew. However, we never know what God’s plans are for our friends or us. Both students touched the lives of their friends and families, and that can never be taken away. It was an unfortunate, unforeseen accident. All that is left to do is honor both children with the good memories they bestowed on our lives. Celebrate them, because both are in heaven, looking down, with their hearts glowing for us.

Below is a link to the “WHERE IS JULIAN?” vlogs. A natural talent.

http://vimeo.com/28484200

I have to admit I am a product junkie. I have drawers full of perfumes, lotions, products that I really need to get rid of. What can I say, I like my options. Anyhow, the fall season is here and I have been in the stores trying on and collecting samples of  some of the new “stuff” out there. My friends and I share our secrets, so here are a list of my favorite products for Fall 2011!

Chanel Eye Lift Cream

Price: $100

Found at: Nordstrom, Saks, Neimans, etc.

Yesterday I fell in love with Chanel’s National Make-up Director, John Fussell. I spent a day learning Chanel tricks and about their wonderful products; one being this eye lift cream. Overnight I saw the difference. Place it on your cheekbone, right underneath your eye,  and see the difference. When you are over 30, and that means men and women, you need to take care of your eyes. We both get those horrible bags and circles. So men do not be afraid to purchase eye cream,  it shows your age big time when you don’t!

Another Chanel tip for my ladies:

Mr. Fussell gave me a tip about choosing a blush. “The best blushes for your skin matches your fingertips.” Who knew!!

Clarisonic Cleaning System (The Mia)

Price: $119

Found: Nordstrom, Sephora, etc.

One of my good friends put me up on this product. It has worked wonders for her skin, since she and I both have gotten spurts of adult acne,  so I’m purchasing mine next week. It deep cleans your pores and it’s like you’re getting a facial everyday. The price was originally $149 but it has dropped to $119. They have even come out with a gray version for men.

M.A.C Holiday Brush Set 2011 (Mineralize set)

Price: $49.50

Found: M.A.C store, Nordstrom, Saks, Neiman, etc.

Everyone knows the highlight of the holiday season is the MAC Holiday brush sets!!!! They will be available Oct. 27th and I have already pre-ordered mine because this season they are giving away a Mineralized Brush Set, which will be one of the three sets. The perk of mineralized brushes is that it gives you an airbrush look like the celebrities you see. One rep told me she has been with MAC for 11 years and this is the best brush set  of  all seasons.

Body by Burberry

Price: $55-$95

Found: Sephora and Nordstrom

My nose is super sensitive to perfumes. It has to be the right scent or I feel nauseous. Body, however, does the trick. It has hints of peach, sandalwood, rose, and vanilla. This delicious combination has Body flying off the shelves this Fall.

Prada Amber Pour Homme Intense

Price: $75

Found: Sephora, Saks, Bloomingdales, etc.

I am as sensitive on women’s perfumes as I am on men’s colognes. I can tolerate only a few. The last cologne I’ve loved was YSL’S Nuit De L’homme but Prada’s new fall cologne is a close second. Great to snuggle up to!