Ujima September/October Issue

October 2017

facebook.com/Ujima Magazine

twitter.com/Ujima Magazine

Angela Shelf Medearis Healing the Community Through Healthy Food and Education Angela Medearis, also known as The Kitchen Diva, is someone who I have admired a long while. Through our friendship, I have seen the life of an entrepreneurial spirit and business women. She is someone who continues to live her dream, always pushing forward and finding new ways to create what is important for her and our community.

Ujima wants to re-introduce you to Angela Medearis.

Meet Angela Shelf Medearis I’m a Chef, author of more than 100 children’s books and cookbooks with more than 10-million copies of her books sold worldwide. I am the President of Diva Productions, Inc., a multimedia production company and founder of Book Boosters, Inc., an educational and health outreach non-profit association. I also write a weekly healthy food/lifestyle column (THE KITCHEN DIVA!) for 1300 Hearst/King Features newspapers in the United States and Canada.

I love what I’m blessed to do for a living! I’ve learned that my plans will only be successful if they are in the will of God if I put Christ first, and if I

A WOMAN WITH A DREAM! Spreading Her Entrepreneurial Spirit Throughout Our Community Meet Shametra McGregor!

The event curator and host of Events By PaigeVII, LLC. Shametra exhibits the entrepreneurial spirit in all she does. She is an author, community connector, event planner, host and promoter.

When I met Shametra, she was a new author. She loves her community and she does all she can to

N EWS

AR T

C U LT U R E

faithfully put in the work every day. I’ve also been blessed to have a wonderful husband and family who support me in any way that they can.

How Angela Is Moving Her Dream Forward As part of my health outreach work, I present speeches at the American Diabetes Association and American Heart Association meetings and conferences, I have also prepared healthy cooking demos on the Dr. Oz show, the Today show and local and national television. Other speeches include present information about diabetes and diet-related illnesses and healthy cooking demos and workshops here in Texas and around the United States.

Currently, I’m working with the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center to present a series of LUNCH AND LEARN classes each month. I was the Interim Director of The Carver Museum in 1988. I’m passionate about the Museum and have worked with the staff for several years presenting history/culinary-based programs and lunch/dinner events to draw attendees to visit the Museum and to educate them about the African and AfricanAmerican history and cuisine.

I also teach a culinary class at the HACA Booker T. Washington housing residences for parents who

do make it a better place for all. I always tell the story that is an inspiration to me.

Shametra wanted to bring together her neighborhood because new people had moved in and she wanted to get to know them, due to East Austin being gentrified.

The community began to shift all together. Shametra decided to start a festival to create a platform where neighbors could meet up and get to know each other. The next thing I knew The East Austin Community Festival was born.

Shametra is the Author Of Chronicles of a Mended

EN T ER TAIN MEN T

want to secure their food handler’s license so that they can work in the culinary industry while their children are in school. My students assist me with planning, setting up and serving at the monthly Carver Museum LUNCH AND LEARN events to provide them with culinary experience and a small stipend while attending class. The events have been very successful and we appreciate the Community-wide support of our efforts!

Follow this Entrepreneur andcheck out her website at www.kitchendiva.com. Social Media— www.facebook.com/angela.medearis.7 twitter—@kitchendiva1

Heart which is a portion of her testimony. It’s poetry coming from a place in the soul representing healing, self-worth, and joy that have been blessed to overcome adversity.

Shametra’s Evolving Dream On November 4, 2017, will be the 4th annual East Austin Community Festival event. Shametra had an idea to make a change in her community and she did more than just talk about it, she made it happen. She is working on a new book and recently started her PaigeVII, LLC a social media promotions, brand consulting, and events management company.

Follow This Entrepreneur Twitter @PaigeVII | Web PaigeVII.com

H EALT H & WEL L N ESS

T R AVEL

FO O D

2

UjimaMagazine.com

Damita’s Corner Founder/Publisher Damita Miller-Shanklin

Summertime has come to an end. I can’t believe how fast time is moving.

September was a good month for several reasons. One is was my birthday, secondly, Ujima celebrating our ninth anniversary.

Ujima looks different but we still have the same values and mission.

The last nine years have been good, bad and in between but we kept our faith and passion to continue telling stories of people in our Austin and surrounding areas. We are looking to grow by reaching out to other communities and sharing their stories of hope, faith, and positivity that makes changes in our communities and society.

As we reminisce, a theme emerged and it is “we are still standing.”

What a good way to celebrate by sharing stories of business people that continue to live their dream despite the hard times. They are still standing! This issue is for all the people who keep things moving and live their dream and make it happen everyday! We will also include stories about health and community.

Embrace Your Community Damita Miller-Shanklin

Ujima Magazine is a free news publication. Visit online at Ujimamagazine.com. For Advertising Opportunities email us at UjimaMagazine@gmail.com

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

The Most Commonly Diagnosed Cancer Among Black Women October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The American Cancer Society Cancer Facts & Figures for African Americans, about 189,910 new cancer cases were expected to be diagnosed among blacks in 2016. Among black women, the most common cancers are breast (32% of all cancers), lung (11%), and colon and rectum (9%).

As women, we can all help reduce our risk by doing the following suggestions: ● Avoid weight gain and obesity ● Engage in regular physical activity ● Minimize alcohol intake Make sure you receive your annual mammogram to help detect breast cancer early so treatment can be discussed and started proactively.

Information assistance from The American Cancer Society and Sister’s Network, Inc.

Listen To Your Body What Is It Telling You? Written by Meredith Sisnett Cedric Doyle is a City of Austin employee who has over 20 years of service. Many know him as Cedric Muhammad. He recently experienced some major changes in his health and decided to share his journey with his peers in an effort to help his Community and prevent others from needless suffering.

For approximately three years Cedric suffered from painful migraines and occasional spots in his vision but on no occasion did he choose to visit the doctor. He assumed it was due to stress, being a bit overweight or possibly a bad case of sinus and allergy symptoms. He decided to” tough it out” and swept his pain under the rug, while he maintained his daily responsibilities at work, home and extracurricular activities on the weekends. One day, Mr. Doyle received phone calls from two of his three adult children. Both were in accidents. Cedric sensed one side of his face, becoming numb. He looked in the mirror and immediately called his Mom who is a nurse who determined he required a visit and evaluation at the “After-Hours” clinic. After his evaluation, he was relieved to hear it wasn’t a stroke however his blood pressure levels were elevated and the Doctor seemed concerned about the test results, ordered an emergency IV for steroids and arranged an MRI. At this point the Doctor diagnosed Cedric with a 99% likelihood of Multiple Sclerosis.

It has now been approximately 8 months since he started the infusions that happen every 28 days for approximately 2 hours. When I asked Cedric if it hurt, he chuckled and said his Brother and family always ask him the same thing. “The only thing I can feel is the needle going in.” Now that Cedric is taking the treatments, he indicated improved vision, energy, less frequent migraines and has recently transferred into a new position that is less labor intensive. When asked for any advice for other African American men, Cedric exclaimed “Tell your doctor if you are having headaches or migraines.” He ended our conversation with a passionate wisdom in his voice advising other men, “You have to get treated!"

For more information about sickle cell see the link for the Austin Diagnostic Clinic: https://www.adclinic.com/sickle-cell-disease/#.WbAbdU2Wyig

Start Setting Your Business Goals Now! The New Year is Upon You When you are running your business, you have to create goals.

They become your roadmap.

Having goals for each quarter seems the easiest way to manage your progress and determine how to move ahead.

A roadmap.

To start your goal planning 1. Start with a review of your last quarter. Look at your accomplishments. Determine what worked for the business that made it successful. Evaluate your failures because they are just as important. Decide if a goal needs to be moved forward or left behind.

2. Prioritize your goals. Make a list of all the goals you would like to achieve in the quarter. From there, prioritize by one, two, three. Assign each goal to an individual with a due date to keep you focus.

3. Determine accountability. Take each goal and break it down by what needs to be accomplished for each week to meet the goal.

4. Measure your progress at the end of the quarter and determine your next month based on the outcome.

If you haven’t started planning for the first quarter of 2018 you need to get started. January 2018 will be here before you know it.

For more information about goal setting, read 4 Steps to Planning A Great Next Quarter.

UjimaMagazine.com

3

COMMUNITY Growing Up In Austin~Raised in St. John Reflections of My Early Years

By Adolph Evans “Mission and Vision can set up opportunities for future generations. Your defined work or career is limited by a certain time period and is validated by wages.

However, your life’s work, which incorporates your passions and purpose, will last forever and be validated by its profits to you and others.”

Because of their passion for community building and purpose of providing for their descendants our forefathers and foremothers set up and established a community that has lasted still today, this has impacted hundreds of families and thousands of people like me, as I sit 2000 miles away remembering the wonderful days of my lifetime living in this great community.

Arriving in St. John late one August evening in the summer of 69, my sister would soon enroll in St John School and I would later attend St. John Daycare and learning center, which was located across a small creek and separated by a bridge from the St. Johns Tabernacle Church, this later became my pre K and kindergarten.

Every July, a weeklong gathering of churches of fellowship occurred at the Tabernacle.

Churches that were a part of the Association come together for evening services that entire week.. There was food, snacks and goodies to purchase. All of us kids would enjoy being outside and playing with one another. We definitely looked forward to it every year.

The Tabernacle, which was struck by a tornado in 1973, was severely damaged and repaired.

The Tabernacle is still in use today hosting many events This historic community geographically sits in central/north Austin. The six streets run parallel to IH 35 east of the highway, Bennett, Carver, Bethune, Providence, Meador and Blessing. We would affectionately refer to this section as the other side . I lived, west of 35, contained by two perpendicular streets to the highway named Delmar and Blackson.

Although separated by the interstate we were never divided. The community was made up of three plus generations of extended family and closely knitted friends. It was great to grow up in Austin, and a true blessing to be raised in St John.

I may have left St. John some 20 years ago, St John has never left me.

Leave The Isolation At Home Open Your World to Co-Working!

Orange Coworking at 2110 West Slaughter, #160, 512.887.4469

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

Fighting for Your Social Security Disability Benefits for Over 20 Years!

“

I could not be happier about the job performance of BGA. They have proven that they are there to help unfortunate people who are in need of a helping hand. America should be proud to have them represent those in need.

-Gil B. I would recommend them to anyone

”

Applications/Hearings/Appeals Immediate Access to Experienced Personnel We Strive For Quick Claim Approval Free Consultation

Call for an Immediate Evaluation

(855) 801-3857 Bill Gordon & Associates, a nationwide practice, represents clients before the Social Security Administration.

Member of the TX & NM Bar Associations. Mail: 1420 NW St Washington D.C. Office: Broward County, FL. Services may be provided by associated attorneys licensed in other states.

When I started Ujima in 2008, it was realized that to be inspired and creative you had to get away from the home office. The quiet and isolation can drain you, not to mention you start doing laundry, washing dishes, everything but write and work on your business task.

Early on I worked in many coffee shops so I could be around other people. When I was introduced to a coworking space. I loved it. It was everything I needed. A community of entrepreneurs, thinkers, creatives, fun activities and collaboration. If you haven’t thought about joining a coworking space, you may want to consider it. Here are few co-working locations you may want to consider.

UNABLE TO WORK? • DENIED BENEFITS? • WE CAN HELP!

STRESSING OUT ABOUT YOUR Sententia Vera Cultural Hub Coworking and Office Space at 4002 E. Highway 290, 512.633.4327

DEBT?

Let National Debt Relief help you

WeWork University Park at 3300 N. Interstate 35, 917.935.4246 This is just a few listings of coworking spaces.

If you want to join a entrepreneurial, creative and collaborative community of go-getters, join a coworking location that will fit your needs.

Call now and speak with a debt specialist today

855-848-3306

4

UjimaMagazine.com

[NewsOne] Thriving While Black: The Top 10 Cities For Black Businesses In The U.S. Written by A. French If you’re a Black entrepreneur and you don’t live in one of the following 10 cities, you may want to consider relocating. The top ten cities, defined as areas with more than 100,000 residents, follow: 1. Memphis, Tennessee (previously ranked third) 2. Montgomery, Alabama 3. Atlanta/ Sandy Springs/ Marietta Georgia (down from first place) 4. Washington/Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia 5. Savannah, Georgia (up from sixth place) 6. Baton Rouge, Louisiana (up from seventh place) 7. Durham, North Carolina (down from fifth place): 8. Baltimore/ Towson, Maryland 9. Miami/ Fort Lauderdale/ Pompano Beach, Florida (up from 10th place) 10. Richmond, Virginia (down from ninth place) For the full story visit: https://newsone.com/3750082/thriving-while-blackthe-top-10-cities-for-black-businesses-in-the-u-s/

If you are a entrepreneur or business person you are always looking for a way to increase your skill and knowledge. These are resources that are available to you that can assist your business growth and meet the goals you are looking to accomplish.

Small and Minority Business Resources ● Promote and encourage minority, women, and disadvantaged business owners to participate in business opportunities with the City of Austin; ● Afford Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (MBE), Women-Owned Business Enterprises (WBEs) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) an equal opportunity to compete for work on City contracts; and ● Encourage bidders to promote subcontracting opportunities to certified MBEs, WBEs and DBEs by soliciting firms for subcontracting opportunities http://www.austintexas.gov/department/small-and-minority-business

SCORE SCORE is a place where mentors are experienced volunteers that have the knowledge, experience, and expertise which is diverse from different areas in the business world. They assist small business owners and entrepreneurs achieve success. https://www.score.org

The Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce.

The Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce (GABC) inspires, develops, and promotes Black economic success in the Greater Austin area.

The GABC offers resources in the areas of professional, cultural , social services, churches, city and state. https://austinbcc.org/organizations

People Fund PeopleFund creates economic opportunity and financial stability for underserved people by providing access to capital, education and resources to build healthy small businesses.

Their mission is fulfilled if their clients Make informed business and financial decisions ● Gain access to appropriate credit ● Build their business or organization in a healthy way ● Pay off or refinance their debt at a lower rate ● Become a part of the financial mainstream https://peoplefund.org

UjimaMagazine.com

5

LIFESTYLE, CULTURE, AND ECLECTIC GATHERINGS

Are You Branding Purposefully?

Safety Tips for Trick or Treating

Diversity Fund

Six Key Questions To Ask About Branding

Halloween night is an evening of costumes, candy and knocking on neighbors doors. To make sure everyone is safe and protected, here are tips to consider for making your evening fun and safe.

Crowdfunding Your Dream

Kaye Putnam, branding wizard at KayePutnam.com, has come up with six key questions you need to ask yourself about your brand positioning. These tips can help you evaluate whether or not your brand is what you want to convey to your customers.

1. What is the ultimate vision for your business?

2. Brand Feeling - What do you want people to feel when they encounter your brand? i.e. cheerful, inspired, comfortable, etc..

3. Brand Experience - If you have a physical space, envision what it will look like, objects in the space, the smell. If you are online, the font and colors you choose will make an impact. What and how does the images represent your brand?

✓ Plan your Route ✓ Wear comfortable shoes ✓ Stay well-lit ✓ Make sure the costume is short ✓ Avoid mask ✓ Use flexible props ✓ Check all the candy Ujima wishes you a Happy Halloween. Read more information here Information courtesy of Reader’s Digest

5. Brand Personality - What traits represent your brand? i.e. friendly, elegant, honorable, etc.

6. Bring your brand to life - Look at your brand and ways you can show it!

Margaret Edwards- I Can Do That!

Hello This is Eliza owner of “I Can Do That!” I am a Residential Lifestyle Organizer and Coach.

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) sponsors this event to promote the adoption of dogs from local shelters.

For more info visit: www.aspca.org/adopt/adopt-ashelter-dog-month

Most investment platforms allow a business to post their “for sale” for a fee but don’t provide any guarantee. DF doesn’t charge anything to the business up front and is only paid 6% of the money funded at closing for providing the platform, back-end processing and ongoing relationship with investors..

We focus on small and medium-size (SME) businesses of all types, except real estate. We have a particular focus on women, minority, and LGBT entrepreneurs. Since we are operating under Texas securities rules, we currently can only accept Texas businesses and investors.

4. Brand Values - What values does your brand represent? i.e. power, benevolence, tradition, etc.

Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

Diversity Fund is an online portal, operating under new crowd funding securities rules, that allows businesses to see equity or borrow money “directly” from investors. The business owner gets to set the terms for their offer, and the “crowd” provides the financing. DF manages the entire transaction – from offer through closing and repayment, which opens the door for small businesses that want to easily sell securities up to $1 million.

As a Professional Organizer for Over 15 years my driving force is the continue growth of my skills and services that I provide for my clients. “I Can Do That!” is a full service residential lifestyle organizational service company for conventional and unconventional spaces.

I improve the lifestyle of my clients by also providing them Lifestyle Organizational Coaching; “I Can Do That!”Margaret Eliza Edwards www.hey-icandothat.com

Any business can sign up on our site in under an hour.

However, it’s usually better to go through our checklist and make sure that the information about the business is well presented. Investors are allowed to review, ask the business questions, make comments and place interest for the first 21 days. After that, if there are enough investors, the deal can be quickly closed and financed.

Make sure you’ve thought through all of the things that an investor would want to know about – from market to team and financial solutions. Ask yourself “Am I ready to begin operating if I receive my funding in 45 days?”

We know that there are many entrepreneurs and would-be business owners out there, particularly those who have been turned down for funding or those afraid to attempt it in the first place. We want to help grow business and think that Diversity Fund can have a great impact to provide finance “for the rest of us!”

You can go to https://texasdiversityfund.com or anyone should feel free to contact me directly charliej@texasdiversityfund.com.

6

UjimaMagazine.com

EDUCATION

What I Learned From Karen Taylor Bass The Art of PR 1. Know who you are before you brand your business.

What is your voice?

2. Choose one goal for 30 days and journal it. Put your energy into managing that goal before moving to the next goal 3. Access your relationships 4. Create your mission statement with your menu of services and price point.

For more in-depth tips, get the book by Karen Taylor Bass “You Want Caviar But Have Money For Chitlins”

Invest In Your Business By Hiring A Business Coach It can only enhance your business growth and successful Have you thought about investing in business coaching to get some clarity and guidance? Regina Weeks, a Business Coach, helps to understand how Business Coaching can help you become a success. Coach Regina became a business coach in a time that people did not have access to coaching, especially the African American community. There was no such thing as a life coach or business coach.

Regina believes in a holistic approach. She addresses more than just the business side, she addresses the human and personal side of a person. There are coaches who have exclusive niches. Coach Regina feels your business is affected by your life. Helping you to be a better person will help you become a better business owner or entrepreneur. She tailors her program to help a person live an abundant life. A transformational life. Coach Regina assist startups, helps a business with resources and community advocacy. She help a person find their niche, and develop their brand.

Depending on where they are in the process, Coach Regina assist them in the steps they need to find their niche. If their needs are more than what she can provide, she refer them to other coaches.

Coach Regina suggest that entrepreneurs count the cost first. Many people have ruins or structures that have been abandoned because they didn’t count the cost. Secondly, you have to be okay with making mistakes. When you fail do you capitalize on the mistake? Many people go to school and spend dollars on an education but their life resembles nothing to that piece of paper. They wake up and realize they want something else. You have to ask yourself what are you wanting to achieve?

Working with a coach varies. Find a coach who challenges you. A coach is someone who sees you in a light you can’t see. They love you enough to tell you the ugly truth but gives you room to figure it out and find your solution.

You can reach Coach Regina Weeks, Business and Life Coach My at 512-7539990. Follow @coachreginaweeks, on Instagram, Twitter and Periscope.

UjimaMagazine.com

7

BUSINESS AND FINANCE 8 Tips for Managing Your Business Finances

By David Cotriss Small Business Trends One area many business owners struggle with is keeping track of their finances, but it is one of the most important areas given that cash flow is the lifeblood of the business. Small mistakes and a lack of knowledge and resources can be costly and problematic.

We’ve selected some of the most important things to consider and provide these tips and resources. ● Find the best local credit union. ● Find a trusted mentor. ● Choose the correct accounting software. ● Consider hiring a bookkeeper. ● Accelerate cash flow with mobile payment systems. ● Look into factoring receivables. ● Understand and measure capital versus operational costs. Measure bottom line impact by looking at the service budget year over year.

Danielle Brooks is Designing A New Clothing Collection for Curvy Women

By Taryn Finley [Black Voices] Danielle Brooks is sharing her fabulosity with the world through a new clothing collection.

The “Orange is the New Black” star announced on Instagram that she’s designing clothes , a new collection for plus-size clothing brand Universal Standard.

Universal Standard, which ranges from sizes 10 to 28, announced that the three-piece collection will be available in November. Their work with Brooks is the second collaboration in their ongoing Tria series which prompts women to design three pieces that they always wished they had in their closet but could never find.

How’s Your Marketing Going?

When you have a business in order to sale your product or let people know you are there, you have to market it. Marketing is the action or business of promoting and selling products or services, including market research and advertising. If you don’t market your business it stands still.

Here are five Low or No cost marketing tools you can use.

Leadership Austin connects and develops community leaders. They offer four programs for you to choose from based on your interest.

The Essential program expands your leadership impact on community issues.If you choose the Emerge program you will ignite your passion and tune your leadership skills into making a difference.The Engage program allows for discussions and solutions for Austin.Lastly the Experience Austin program surveys the issues and connects with the civic culture.

You should look into Leadership Austin if ● You have a passion for our community. ● You have an opinion, want to learn more, or want to engage in inclusive dialogue about community issues. ● You want to connect and collaborate with others who seek to create a sustainable region. ● You work for a business or are an entrepreneur who wants to keep the Austin economy strong. ● You work as a nonprofit professional, member of government, or community volunteer. ● You live in the East, West, South, or North side of Greater Austin.

Each of us can be a leader. Our programs help get you there. For more information visit their site http://leadershipaustin.org/

GrowBusiness.com recommend the following: 1. Business Cards - It’s simple and inexpensive but the first marketing tool you can use to inform people you are now open for business.

2. Social Media Platforms - You may not need to use all the platforms but figure out where your target audience sees your product the most. Then market to them. Most people use Facebook, Twitter and now Instagram. Find the one that works best for your business.

3. Email Marketing - It is a great way to send information about your product, new happenings, events, and any highlights you would like to share.

4. Survey Monkey - It is a great tool to get a clear idea of what your customers are thinking. You can learn from your most loyal customers what they would like to see more of from you and what is important to them as a customer.

5. Canva - When you need to be your own graphic designer, Canva is easy to use and you can end up with beautiful graphics. They can be used in your blogs, social media pages and more.

I hope these ideas become a part of your beginner’s marketing toolkit. As you learn more marketing tools just add to them your arsenal.

WONDERFUL WORLD OF FOOD AND DRINKS Summer is over but we still have to stay healthy ! Get your fall and winter started with this tasty detox water. All natural and easy to prepare. Courtesy of jazzypixley.com

SWEET POTATO BREAD • 2 cups white sugar • 1 cup vegetable oil • 3 eggs • 2 cups mashed canned candied yams or 2 cups sweet potatoes • 1 teaspoon vanilla • 3 cups flour • 1⁄4 teaspoon baking powder • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1⁄2 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon cinnamon • 1 teaspoon ginger • 1 teaspoon ground cloves • 1 cup chopped walnuts DIRECTIONS • Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, oil, egg, sweet potatoes and vanilla.

• In a separate bowl, mix dry ingredients (except walnuts) together well and add to wet ingredients.

• Stir until just combined.

• Fold in walnuts.

• Pour into 2 standard loaf pans.

• Bake for 75 minutes or until thin knife inserted in center comes out clean.

Courtesy of food.com

DID YOU KNOW ...

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A! Plus, there are so many ways to enjoy a sweet potato.

Try sweet potato fries, mashed sweet potatoes, roasted or baked sweet potatoes and the all time favorite sweet potato pancakes!