WEC Business Journal
2015 Woman of the Year Alissa R. Jones
WEC Journal
From the Editor’s Desk
PUBLISHER MY BEAUTIFUL FAMILY INC LLC EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & FOUNDER Shunte Gamble-Davis EDITOR-AT-LARGE & FOUNDER Wendell Davis ●●●●
Join the Team Beautifully Being U! Magazine wants to hear from you! We welcome submissions for publication. We provide inspiration and reliable information that helps women balance their lives. Submit to edtors@beautifullybeingumagazine.com
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Contact Us: Beautifully Being U! Magazine P.O. Box 2294 Stafford, Texas 77497 (P) 832-866-4373 Beautifully Being U! Magazine is published four times a year as a digital download or as a printed copy and is purposed to be a great tool for beautifully living. Although BBU! Magazine strives to ensure the accuracy and correctness of the information published, we do not accept any liability or responsibility for any inaccuracies or missions. The views expressed by authors of publications or event presentations, published in BBU! Magazine, do not necessarily represent the views of BBU! Decisions or actions based on the information and publications provided by BBU! are at your own risk. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written consent is prohibited. Trademarked property of My Beautiful Family Inc. LLC
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ey y’all! I can’t believe it’s time for our 2nd Annual Women Empowering Change Conference Retreat! We shook somethings up and organized this year as a 3 day weekend retreat. 2014’s WEC conference was such an amazing experience, we wanted to make sure this year was packed to the brim with topics that matter, activities that empower, and leaders who inspire. We are humbled to honor and recognize ladies with our Power 5 Award, Woman on the Rise Award, and Woman of the Year Award. That’s not all this issue has to offer. WEC Business Journal is spotting many great business women across several career fields. Plus take advantage of discounts offered in this issue.
As always, happy readings!
Shunte Gamble-Davis
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:: Contents :: 2015 EDITION
2 CONTRIBUTORS 2 EDITOR’S LETTER WEC EVENTS 4 Women Empowering Change Conference Leaders ON THE COVER 9 Woman of the Year Award Recipient Alissa R. Jones. 2015 ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS 13 Power 5 Award 19 Women on the Rise Award WOMEN IN BUSINESS DIRECTORY 21 WEC Spotlights, Advertisements, Vendor Offers
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ou are Invited to Plug Into a Powerful Experience! Join some of Houston’s most powerful and talented female empowerment entrepreneurs, speakers, and business professionals at the 2nd Annual Women Empowering Change (WEC) Conference on July 31st- August 2, 2015, at the beautiful Hotel Indigo Galleria. This year, the conference’s theme “Plug into your Power” is purposed to empower women both professionally and personally. The WEC Conference leaders are talented and experienced women professionals with in-depth knowledge in the fields of business, spirituality, and finance. They will teach women how to Reclaim, Revel in, and Release their power. The WEC Conference hosts three days of empowering workshops, engaging panel discussions, hands-on team building sessions, one-on-one networking opportunities, and more. The conference is designed to facilitate personal, professional, financial, and spiritual growth. The WEC Conference will also honor and recognize outstanding female business professionals in the Houston and surrounding areas. This year’s awards include: Pioneers in Business Micro Grant & Business Package, Woman of the Year, Power 10, and Woman on the Rise. Past award recipients include: 2014 Woman of the Year Mrs. Jackie Adams of Melodrama Boutique along with many others. “This year we’ve stepped up to the plate to deliver more workshop time for each lady to be enriched, motivated, and inspired! We have such an amazing team of leaders, volunteers, and sponsors all working for the greater good of every woman in attendance. We’ve organized each day with relevant workshop topics, FUN team building sessions, and a ton of social/networking events. This event will be one you don’t want to miss! Make this weekend all about you and register to stay the weekend!” WEC Founder Shunte Gamble-Davis 4 | 2015 WEC Business Journal
Meet the Leaders Conference Founder Shunte Gamble-Davis Founder of Women Empowering Change Team Building | Friday & Saturday
DeNeka Dove WEC Chair Friday Host
Alexis Herron First Lady of Courageous Faith Christian Center Key Note Speaker– Living Purposed Minded
Dr. Johna McClendon Manoah McClendon Ministries Speaker– Taking the Limits Off
Erselette Baxter Colbert Ball Tax and Financial Services Speaker– Making Your Money Matter
Erica Courtenay-Mann CEO of Talkative Media Saturday Host
Alissa R. Jones Founder of Survivors with Voices Key Note Speaker– The Beauty in the Journey
Jotina Buck CEO of Jotina Buck International Speaker– The Power of Words
TL James CEO of PHE Ink Publishing Speaker– Affirmation Board Building
Rayla Scott Comedian & CEO of Ms Mandies Drinks and More Saturday Panel
Janee Henderson CEO of Inspired to Live Coaching Saturday Panel
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La Tasha Taylor CEO of Beautifully Said Magazine Saturday Panel
La Trisha McIntosh CEO of Beautifully Said Magazine Saturday Panel
Mimi Irvin CEO MeYe Label Sunday Host
Fay Carter Founder of Faye Carter Ministries Key Note Speaker—Powerfull Woman
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Woman of the Year This award is purposed to recognize and honor influential female business professional, who is a source of inspiration and who has gone over and beyond to make significant contributions to enrich her community.
Meet the Recipient Alissa R. Jones Founder of Survivors with Voices
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Alissa R. Jones Founder of Survivors with Voices
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lissa R. Jones is a native of Springfield, Ohio where her story of survival began. She is a notable author, motivational speaker, and the is the Founder and Director of, Survivors with Voices Foundation [S.W.V] Alissa Currently resides in Houston, Texas where she has had the opportunity to build the Survivors With Voices Foundation which has several chapters to assist survivors embrace their seen and unseen scars, find a voice, and ultimately overcome their past. S.W.V. provides a platform for those abused to commune, and provides an outlet in which their voices may be heard; through spoken communication, testimonies, and strategic planning for a successful future. As the CEO of Survivors With Voices Publishing Alissa desire is to provide an outlet through written expressions that will help women identify their testimonies through abuse and overcome their circumstances as a stronger person. Through Survivors With Voices Publishing Alissa aspires to inspire those that would like to share their trials in the areas of abuse, disability, financial hardship or illness. As a strong advocate of supporting other’s visions and goals Alissa has a passion for strengthening women in all areas of life. Various life experiences have inspired Alissa to publish short Stories such as, “Uncle Roger” A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing that is in the compiled book “The Journey” Healing Passages, Women’s Edition story of abuse, survival, and recovery. Her true testimony led her to release “The Stones that Built me Strong,” in May of 2014. Alissa takes readers through a journey of all of the stones that allowed her to become stronger, wiser, and happier. Alissa described this book as informative, uplifting, and very transparent.
Although, there are very personal situations highlighted in this book it is beneficial for every survivor which is why readers can also obtain the work book, Turn Hurtful Stones from your Past Into Stepping Stones for Success". In this Memoir, Author Alissa Jones shares her story of trials & tribulations of all the stones that were thrown at her through life. Life’s most trying moments left her with a lot of unsolved problems and unanswered questions. Each stone that was thrown at her has allowed her to obtain peace, understanding & forgiveness. Alissa has had the opportunity to touch many survivors, both men and women, and has also encouraged over 3,000 homeless families during Houston’s annual Houston Give Back Campaign. Her mission is to inspire everyone that comes in contact with her. Alissa’s efforts have landed her appearances on Houston Church News, Houston Style Magazine, Univision TV, and on the cover of BBU Magazine. Survivors With Voices has also gained support from Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee, Gospel Recording Artist Donald Lawrence, and Sunday Best Winner Tasha Page Lockhart to name a few. Alissa lives by the words, “Your words, your journey, your story -You never know who you may inspire or help to come forward in the expression of one's abuse or recovery thereof”. She is a “Survivor with a Voice” helping survivors unlock their voice & heal the wounds that can’t be seen. Website: www.survivorswithvoices.org Instagram: @SWVFoundation
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Power 5Awards This award is purposed to recognize and honor influential female professionals in business more than 3 years. These recipients are a source of inspiration and who make significant contributions to enrich the community.
Meet the Recipients Jotina Buck Tomayia Colvin Rosetta Edwin TL James Shareefah Muhammad
Jotina Buck CEO of Jotina Buck International Website: www.jotinabuck.com Personal Motto: “Get your words moving in the direction you desire to see your life.� What inspires you? I am inspired by the hope that I see in the eyes of every individual I come in contact with. I am no stranger to loss, failure, and hardship. Hence, I use my personal story as a glimpse of hope for all. It is my sincere hope that the darkest days of my life can be a beacon of light for people around the world. How do you use your talents/skills to give back to the community? I have used my passion to fuel global change. As an educator, I teach children daily and use this setting as a vehicle to build future generations. I've traveled to East Africa, South Africa, Nicaragua, Brazil, and Haiti sharing the message of hope, life change, and committing to service for the underserved populations. I respond to local crisis by serving at my local church and as a recurring motivational speaker for many schools, organizations, and churches. I don't just speak it, I live it. 14 | 2015 WEC Business Journal
Tomayia Colvin CEO of Tomayia Colvin Photography Website: http://www.tomayiacolvin.com/
Personal Motto: "God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, courage to change the things we can, and wisdom to know the difference." What inspires you? For me, my main source of inspiration are my children. They see me interact with clients, go to photo shoots, traveling, and give my absolute best regardless of the situation every single day. They empower me to be a great entrepreneur, a strong role model, and to never give up hope. How do you use your talents/skills to give back to the community? I launched Senior Study Hall blog in the fall of 2013, featuring high school senior portrait photography, articles on self-esteem and scholarships, and fashion and beauty tips for teens. By October 2014 we grew. Senior Study Hall wasn’t just a blog anymore, but a paper and digital magazine. To further our reach and assist more teens, we partnered with Covenant House Texas, a shelter in Houston that provides a safe haven for teens, to bring Senior Study Hall's message directly to teens there. In addition, we partner with local organizations to raise awareness of teen self-esteem issues and to spread our reach, so we can ensure that every young lady and man feels they're worth a feature and can see themselves as beautiful.
Rosetta Edwin CEO of Kids First Academy
Website: Www.kids1stacademy.org Personal motto? My personal ambition is to ensure that all kids get their needs (personal, social, educational, etc.) met because Kids Come First. “
What inspires you? I want to make sure that all kids receive quality care provided at an affordable cost to parents. I love children and want them to have a safe, fun, learning environment. It is a blessing to see the smiles on our children's faces when they come in and to receive the many thanks from our parents. How do you use your talents/skills to give back to the community? On several occasions we have provided scholarships to families in need of financial assistance. We have assisted families by providing backpacks to start school. We have celebrated numerous events and welcomed the community to attend. What are your professional goals? My professional goals for 2015 are to continue to provide quality care to all enrolled children and provide more opportunities for community outreach.
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TL James CEO of PHE Ink Publishing Website: www.phe-living.com Personal Motto: Now is always better! What inspires you? Success stories inspire me. Tears of joy on an author’s face when they hold their book for the first time inspires me. Hearing a person's tone and breathing when they realized that what they have been working so hard for has happened and they haven't realized it yet. Success, big or small, inspires me. How do you use your talents/skills to give back to the community? I empower people to write. Getting your story, goals, desires, thoughts and feelings on paper is not only motivating and cathartic, it places a stake in the ground for action. It allows people to connect on a different level with themselves.
What was your biggest challenge or obstacle? How did you overcome? My biggest challenge in publishing was getting overly excited for and about people’s dreams without allowing the time for them to soak in the unlimited opportunity for their dreams. They would normally get overwhelmed and shutdown. Now, I ask thought-provoking questions and allow them to talk and thus have them hear their opportunities in their voice. What are your professional goals for 2015? My goals for 2015 are to expand my publishing brand to include non-fiction and inspirational literary works. We are adding writing, literary foundation, and promotions classes as well as personalized coaching for writers to hone in, perfect their writing skills, and build a foundation for their literary career. I am also incorporating my life coaching practice to writers who need to change their mindset about success and business.
Shareefah Muhammad CEO of NuDay Services Website: naturesmedicinecabinet.wordpress.com What your personal motto? “Know thyself in order to heal thyself.� What inspires you? Helping others How do you use your talents/skills to give back to the community? I use my talents and skills to teach others about alternative health options in hopes that they will apply what they have learned to improve upon themselves and share what they have learned with others. I volunteer my time in the community and I strive to provide services that the underrepresented community may not have easy access to. What was your biggest challenge or obstacle? How did you overcome? My biggest challenge has been (up to this point) deciding how to present all that I have learned and my previous business experiences under one umbrella. I have been able to overcome it by finding a common denominator that links them all together and that is through lifestyle improvement. What are your professional goals for 2015? My professional goals for 2015 are to establish myself as a nutritional lifestyle consultant in my community and continue my quest for knowledge in understanding how to better help serve the immediate health concerns of the masses of the people. 18 | 2015 WEC Business Journal
Women on the Rise This award is purposed to recognize and honor influential female professionals in business less than 3 years. These recipients are a source of inspiration and who make significant contributions to enrich the community.
Meet the Recipients Erselette Baxter Chencia Grant Alexis Moore Chrystal Rivers
Erselette Baxter Company: Colbert Ball Website: http://www.colbertballtax.com/ Personal Motto: “Don’t quit! One no or failed attempt doesn't mean you can't have what you desire, persistence and perseverance.”
Chencia Grant Company: Unveiled Aspirations Website: www.unveiledaspirations.com Personal Motto: “My life is not perfect, but I am grateful that GOD allows me a new day full of new possibilities to be the best me that I can be!”
Alexis Moore Company: A Moore Fit Body Website: AMoorefitbody.com
Personal Motto: “He chose you, now you choose you!”
Chrystal Rivers Company: Chrystal Rivers Consulting
Website: www.criversconsulting.com Personal Motto: “With Faith, all things are possible. Mark 9:23” 20 | 2015 WEC Business Journal
Business Directory Check out our wonderful supporters! Make sure to name drop, we won’t mind!
Carolyn McCraw Realtor® for Realty Associates
Tell us about you. As a Houston realtor for more than fifteen years, I’ve represented home buyers and home sellers in both preexisting and new home construction. My knowledge and expertise in real estate helps clients realize their real estate dreams and goals. I am the happiest when I am helping Houston and surrounding area home buyers achieve their dream of homeownership. What services do you provide for your clients? What I am committed to providing you with world class attention, care, and most importantly, communication. My goal is to give you and your family exceptional service. My business is 95% referral, based on satisfied customers. It’s always a pleasure to provide my services. Carolyn McCraw, Realtor Realty Associates 12806 Willow Centre, Suite D Houston, TX 77066 Call me at 713 201-6594 Email me at mccrawc@aol.com
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Erica Courtenay-Mann CEO of Talkative Media Tell us about you. I'm actually a share-cropper's grand-daughter who was born and raised on Chicago's Southside. I'm affectionately known to the world as @EfabulousHB. I'm a mom. I blog. I have three dogs. Besides a totally awesome 9 to 5 gig, I run three businesses. I am always waffling on about lessons I learned from my painful but introspective divorce. The one thing you really need to know about me is that I'm a giant ball of kindness walking in fabulous 4" heels. That really sums me up figuratively and literally. What is your personal mantra or motto? "Always lead with kindness, you never know what someone is going through!" What services do you provide for your clients? TALKATIVEMEDIA: Social Media Management, Social Media Content Creation, Graphic Design, Website Re-Design, Blog Implementation, Logo Creation, Bespoke Electronic Media design, Content Curation and Content Management.
MOUVEMENTSAUTER: Creating or Editing Curriculum Vitae(s), Updating your LinkedIn Profile and Creating Bespoke Personal Branding materials for your self-promotion. ECM FINANCIAL CONSULTING: Financial Education, Budget Creation, Debt Management, Creating an Emergency Fund, Life Insurance, Health Insurance, Wealth Building What's been the most rewarding part of your career? Helping various people with intriguing projects through all of my companies has been so rewarding. It's refreshing to interact with humanity from the service side. Website: TalkativeMedia.com 24 | 2015 WEC Business Journal
Tina Young CEO of Tina & Jamari Gifts Tell us about you. I’m a wife of 11years. I have one son, Jamari, whom I share the business’ name with. He and my husband are was my gifts from God. I initially started Tina & Jamari Gifts just as a second income. I’ve always desired to be a full-time business owner to work for myself and build wealth for my family. Each day it’s still a work at progress, but I’m never giving up. I believe what God has for me will come to pass. I love encouraging people to go after their dreams. Nothing is impossible with faith and works because they go hand and hand. I never lost the faith that my business would flourish in God's timing. I loving sharing in other’s accomplishments and business ventures. I started Back2Black/BPSNB. Stands for Black People Support In Business. Which also means to me Business People Support In Business. It is my hope it will flourish in as a support group to foster networking among peers. What is your personal mantra or motto? “2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks [be] unto God for his unspeakable gift.”
What services do you provide for your clients? Gift baskets, donations, layaway, quality merchandise, gifts with a flair, and support with gift selection. What’s been the most rewarding part of your career? Starting a business that offers quality merchandise at affordable prices. Helping others reach for their dreams through support. What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? Always keep a positive attitude and strive to reach high for dreams big or small. Never let anyone discourage you live your dream step out on faith. One step at a time and live like it’s your last day. Website: www.tinanjamarigifts.com 26 | 2015 WEC Business Journal
Johnique Lang CEO of EPICuisines Tell us about you. What is your personal mantra or motto? “Together we will eat well; together we will live well” What inspired you to pursue a career in this field? My inspiration came from looking at the health conditions of my parents, aunts, uncles and others within my community. It saddens me to know so many of us within the minority communities are literally killing ourselves with the choices we make on a day to day basis. I look around and see people that are physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially drained. So, I decided I would inspire a new type of change in the community; a change from within, internally. I want to teach people how to feel good in spite of their circumstances and when you eat good, you actually feel good! What services do you provide for your clients? EPICuisine (Encouraging People w/ Inspirational Cuisines) is a catering business that exists to encourage, show care and concern through catering and home cooked meals! What’s been the most rewarding part of your career? My most rewarding moment was when one of my clients who had been participating in my meal prep services messaged me about her mom. She started off using the services herself as a personal choice in collaboration with her workout plan. The next month she began to order two of every meal, so I asked her if I needed to give her additional options and she replied that the second was for her mom who had been dealing with high blood pressure. About a month in a half later, she sends me with a praise report stating her mom had a good blood pressure reading. She went on to say, her mom hadn't had a good blood pressure reading in over 10 years! The following day, I took my mom to the doctor and we also got a good blood pressure reading. These two moments alone were a real eye opener for me, as it confirmed God’s instructions over my purpose. Website Address: http://epicuisines.vpweb.com/
Shelley Broussard Realtor® for Tammy Bateman Properties Tell us about you. I am a native Houstonian. I have two children (Junior in High School and 3rd grader). In my personal time I enjoy meeting with my bible study group, listening to live music, and spending time with my family. What is your personal mantra or motto? Anything is possible! What inspired you to pursue a career as a realtor? I started in the real estate industry at the young age of 19 years old. I’ve worked in various aspects of real estate beginning in an administrative position. As I learned more about the business, I became intrigued with what I could offer people. Real estate can be a very emotional and stressful process. Helping people have the American dream and experiencing the feeling of pride of owning their own home was something I knew I’d love to a part of! What services do you provide for your clients? Communication throughout the process. A Straight Forward Approach that exercises my integrity and willingness to make sure my client is informed and aware of the process including all possible outcomes in any given situation. Attentiveness to the needs and wants of my client. What’s been the most rewarding part of your career? Making my client’s dream home become a reality and/or selling their home at the best possible price. It’s that simple! I love to see the smile on their faces when the ultimate goal is met and met in the smoothest possible way with pure satisfaction. What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur? Don’t give up on your dreams. It seems cliché to say, “If you put your mind to it – you can do it”, but it is true! I truly believe that the Lord gives us the desires of our heart and will provide the tools necessary to accomplish those things we desire. So never allow fear of the unknown to dampen your spirit to the point that you never try. You only live once. Anything is possible! Email: shelley@tammybateman.com Website Address: www.tammybateman.com
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Social Responsibility is the 'thing' that takes your business from brand to friend. Email info@criversconsulting.com to learn more.
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