July 2014
CONTENTS
www.diamonddivamag.com
Power Couples 2014
Shekina & Stanford MOORE
14
11
K. Victoria & Chris HEATH
Marilyn & Howard WINSLOW
5 7
Tamara & Kenneth WILLIAMS
Deanna & Brian HAMILTON
PAGE 15 9
Our Team Ashlee Rowell-Williams (Durham NC) Administrative Assistant
Raleigh, North Carolina (919) 410-6812 www.diamonddivamag.com ...................................................... Editor: Renee’ Dawkins Finance Manager: Martin Dawkins Executive Assistant: Ashlee Rowell-Williams Copy Editor: Imani Editorial Graphic Designer: Angela Coley Staff Photographer: Diamond Diva Photography Cover Photographer: Barlow Vision Photography For General Advertising Inquiries Please Email or Call Us At info@diamonddivamag.com 919-410-6812 Please be sure to visit all of our participating advertisers and remember to support area local small businesses. We are all about Empowering and Celebrating Women that are about their business and not afraid of telling anyone of the struggles that it took to get to where they are today. This issue is especially special to us not only because its our 3 year Anniversary Issue but we were able to meet some great Power Couples that are in business and making things happen. Marriage and Business are hard enough but when you throw the two together it can sometimes become a challenge. During this issue you will get a chance to meet 6 couples that are beating all odds and joining the two together and building not only successful business but empires. We trust that you will enjoy their life stories and all that they have to offer.
Renee & Martin Dawkins
Stevii Mills (Greensboro NC) The Shepreneurs Best Girl Friend Contributing Writer Kim Hodges (Raleigh NC) Voice of the VisionHeiress Contributing Writer
Karen Moore (Clinton NC) Bridal/Love Contributing Writer
Dena Bruton (Durham NC) Beauty & Fashion Contributing Writer
Kimberly Knight (Raleigh NC) Konvos at Knight Contributing Writer
Michelle Roberts (Jonesboro GA) Travel Contributing Writer Christina Mial (Raleigh NC) Religion Contributing Writer
Maria Crockett (Raleigh NC) Religion Contributing Writer
Teresia Burroughs (Raleigh NC) Wife 2 Wife Contributing Writer .................................................................................................................... Disclaimer: Diamond Diva Magazine is published monthly. Any reproduction of any part of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Diamond Diva Magazine does not accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication should be submitted to the editor by email at info@diamonddivamag.com Diamond Diva Magazine’s publisher, staff, and other persons involved in the creation, production, or delivery of the magazine (in whatever format) or it’s content, do not assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information provided in the magazine, nor shall they be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or punitive damages arising out of the use of the magazine.
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&
Shekina Stanford
e r o o M
B
uilding an Empire does not even begin to describe this Power Couple. Shekina and Stanford Moore are the divine definition of just that. They started their business journey in 2008 and they are the proud owners of Moore & Moore Media which is comprised of a conglomerate of brands that include Tween Style Power, Tween Star Awards which Diamond Diva Magazine is a proud sponsor of this year, Black Reins Magazine, Literacy Moguls Publishing, Intercontinental Coaching Institute, Style & Brand Agency of Atlanta, Stanford Brand, SoKINA, Shekina Moore Etcetera and The Fierce Challenge. Though they have all of these, they have also developed a passion for fashion and a lifestyle with a call to educate. Their mission is very simple To Improve Lives! They take pride in knowing that their brands center around three things they call their company's framework education/mentoring, image/personal brand and of course fashion/lifestyle. Meeting in 1997 when Shekina was working at Saks Fifth Avenue in Morrisville, North Carolina, 5|Diamond Diva
they both have very similar but different stories of their encounter. Shekina remembers seeing a tall, strikingly handsome gentleman walk into the store who did not hit on her right off the bat, but continued to visit the store over the course of a few weeks until he built up the nerve to ask her for her phone number. Of course being a lady she did not give him hers but she did however except his. Although Stanford's is slightly the same he remembers listening as his friend asked her questions and waiting for her responses but most of all liking what he heard. Enough so, he came back and after several attempts and new items of clothing, she decided to accept his phone number. Shekina remembers waiting a few days before giving him a call, but once she did, they stayed on the phone for hours…and the rest as they say is history! Shekina and Stanford have been married now for thirteen years and to this union they have added three sons. “Everyday is an adventure and we feel blessed to be friends, business partners and sweethearts!”
Choosing to be in business together was truly a call from God. Through their conversations very early on they fell hard for each other. They realized that they were not only visionaries, but missionaries. Their conversations usually centered around what's next, the future, ideas and the overall big picture thinking. “We have a call on our lives to educate and for us this is ministry.”Shekina and Stanford discovered their purpose and the platform chose them. They take pride in inspiring people to dream; to put their feet to purpose; to own their voice and to not fear failing. The greatest accomplishment that the two of them have experienced while being in business was not being afraid to fail or start over. They walked away from the security of each of their careers, picked up and moved to a new city, trusting God. “When God calls you to greater, you have to be willing to step outside the boat like Peter and focus on Him.” Being in business with your spouse you tend to lose yourself and the marriage in the business. Many couples have a hard time separating business from their personal life. Shekina states that they compartmentalize and balance their lives with six core principles faith, family, finances, friends, fun and fitness. Whenever they find themselves teetering on imbalance they literally review their cores and PLAN to plug whatever is leaking. When asked what advice would they offer to a young couple just starting out they said, “Keep God first so that you can find out what God wants out of your life. Also, know it is okay for your objective to change but remember to reference it. Last, respect your spouse and their voice even as the work
(distribution of contribution) may change from season to season.” They went on to say that they have their own voices but they also own their collective voices because they are one. When decisions are made, they take each other into account. It is not what he is doing or what she is doing, it is what they are doing as a team. “We are in this together, no matter who is headlining the event. We bumped heads enough to know that teamwork makes the dream work!”
MX Media Website: Http://www.moorexmedia.tv Email: Info@moorexmedia.tv
Tamara& Kenneth Williams
7|Diamond Diva
Looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, Kenneth and Tamara
products, “We are always striving to maintain a great
Williams with Royal Cheesecake & Varieties, LLC has a
product as well as increasing our customer base”.
creation just for that. Kenneth is culinary certified and
Additionally they both praise their mothers who both have
Tamara is “grandma certified”, who taught her many
gone on to be with the Lord, for their hard work and who
recipes hailing from Mississippi.
always carried a smile even during their times of sickness.
New to North Carolina by way of Detroit Michigan, Kenneth
Kenneth and Tamara is a hardworking couple that loves to
and Tamara bring their love for all things sweet. Being in
create and eventually one day would like to expand to
business since November 2013, they have built a dessert
mentoring new business owners, have their products sold in
company that makes everything from scratch. They take
stores as well as own their brick and mortar. Outside of Royal
pride in saying that all of their cheesecakes, cupcakes,
Cheesecake & Varieties, Kenneth is a published
cakes, brownies and bread pudding are all made with
author/poet. He is the author of Subconsciously, You're My
quality ingredients and precision.
Daddy
Reconnecting in 2009 at the birthday party of their godson
educator who also tutors and volunteers with the youth and
Isaiah, Tamara asked Ken to bake her a red velvet
teaches middle school mathematics in Wake County.
which
is
available
on
his
website
www.kennethwilliams.org and Tamara is a certified
cheesecake as she knew Ken was a baker. Ken fulfilled her request at no charge, stating he only wanted to bless her with it. As time passed, their friendship grew and the dating began. Aside from soon realizing what they had was real, it was also evident to their friends and family. On June 17, 2011 Ken proposed to Tamara on her last day of working as an Assistant Principal. This special day was carried out at McCormick's & Schmicks with the assistance of her close friends and family. They were married two years ago on April 28 and although they have no children of their own as of yet, they share in the love of a very special godson who they adore. When asked what made them choose the business path that they decided they both responded in saying they love to bake. Although at first Tamara was against the idea of working with her husband but after much prayer, relocation and setting some boundaries, they decided to give it a try, but not before making a pact that the business would not take away from them or be put in between them. They pride themselves on having set business hours and outside of those business hours “its Ken and Tam time” and no RCV business is allowed. Ken still dates Tamara on a regular and they do at least one day trip as often as they can. Their greatest accomplishments that they have experienced while being in business thus far has been operating a kiosk at Northgate Mall during the holiday season, vendor at the Midtown Farmers Market in North Hills, Guest Chefs at the American Heart Association End the Stroke Jazz Brunch as well as being accepted by Groupon to feature their awesome products. As for their inspirations and driving force, they say that would be the passion of baking and seeing the huge smiles and the rolling back of the eyes of people when they taste their
Renee& Martin
Dawkins
What happens when you combine the backbone of a strong willed man from Newark, New Jersey with a stern business mind of a country girl from Raleigh, North Carolina? You get the perfect connection and a business force to be reckoned with. Renee' and Martin Dawkins is a success story of online dating. Meeting 2 years ago on a dating site, they knew very early on that they had much more in common than just business. After growing together in love, it was evident to Martin that Renee' was the one for him; so he asked and she said yes. Since their time together their love has grown, as well as the magazine and have successfully started a thriving women's boutique with the desire to have one in every state. Diamond Diva Magazine was a dream of Renee's that began 4 years ago prior to her and Martin meeting. Diamond Diva Magazine is an online and print on demand magazine that 'Empowers the Essence and Celebrates' all things about women. After one year of growing the magazine, life happened and the desire and drive that were once there had slowly diminished. Upon meeting Martin, Renee' soon found that he would be her driving force in bringing the magazine back to life. Once the magazine began to hold its own Martin had the desire of turning their dream that had begun 2 years ago in the flea market into a full service women's boutique. Six months into the game now Martin and Renee' has built what is slowly becoming a boutique that women look forward to visiting. Brick City Treasure Boutique is a women's boutique with boutique fashions without the boutique prices. Martin and Renee' both believe that a woman should look as good as she feels and not have to go into debt to accomplish it. When asked what their greatest accomplishment has been since starting in business; they both agreed it was the sheer fact of building not one but two businesses from the ground up with little to no finances. “We owe no one, we partnered with no one, we simply just trusted God and stepped out on faith and made it happen”. As with any business you always want to know what is the driving force and inspirations of the owners, and what makes them want to continue on? When that very question was asked to Martin and Renee', Martin's response was simple, “money”. You would really have to know Martin to know that he is so serious, but Renee' added to his statement by saying, “yes, of course money, but also the desire to have a better life and offer women quality products at prices that are affordable and will not break your budget. Having couples in business is a beautiful thing. Guard your relationships both personal and business. Never allow someone else's opinion(s) the chance to infringe upon either of you. Your relationship is sacred and should be a beacon of positivity, an example of unconditional love for both the business and one another. Embrace this journey that God has set you on and cherish the memories that you make together always.
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Howard& Marilyn Winslow
11|Diamond Diva
"I will Bless the Lord at all times and His praises shall continually be in my mouth." This very scripture here is one that comes to mind when thinking of this power couple. Chief Apostle Marilyn Winslow and her husband Bishop Howard Winslow Jr. are a prime example of a true power couple. The proud owners of not one but three childcare centers, Increasing Childcare and Development Center, LLC has been a safe haven for so many children. Their child care centers are not only safe places to leave your child(ren), but locations where they will receive love, compassion and the word of God. They have been in business for the past 4 years and they both agree that childcare is so much more to them. It is a Ministry. Their passion and the desire to see each child grow has kept them opening the doors of the centers and always looking for more. Meeting at a church service where Bishop Winslow was speaking is where their journey in love began. Eight years and two children later, you can talk about him on any topic to Apostle Winslow and her eyes still light up as they did they day they met. In addition to being in childcare, they are both also the Pastor and Bishop of EMI & New Covenant International Ministries in Raleigh, North Carolina. The members often say they have the baddest Bishop and Apostle in the whole wide world. This dynamic tag team can be found any Sunday morning doing something that they love even more than children and that is bring-ing forth the word of God. Having Learning As We Go Child Care Center 4008 Mitchell Mill Rd. the opportunity to be under their ministry, I must say they give Raleigh, NC 27616 Suite 100 you the word, the whole word and nothing but the word so 919.217.7740 help them God. They don't speak over your head in words that you can't understand, but they give it to you in a way that Increasing Childcare & Development even you know this word was for you. Both agree that the greatest accomplishments that they have experienced while being in both the ministry and in childcare has been seeing the joy of the children learning; giving back to the community and bringing families together. When asked how they separate business from their personal lives, they kept it very simple, “We don't. This is a ministry and ministry is our life”. Far from ordinary or even everyday people, they stand by the statement of just being ordinary people that God used to do extraordinary things. In closing they just wanted to share a little advice that has helped them along the way. “Always keep Christ first, keep your circle small and keep your personal business private because at the end of the day, it will always just be you and your spouse”.
4020 Mitchell Mill Rd. Raleigh, NC 27616 919.295.4781 Nana’s Funhouse 4008 Mitchell Mill Rd Raleigh, NC 27616 Suite 104 919.752.2815 EMI & New Covenant Intl. Ministries 909 North West Street Raleigh, NC 27603
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K. Victoria & Chris Heath
13|Diamond Diva
Forget everything you've heard about “The devil wears Prada” and meet the woman that will help you with your shoe obsession and the man supporting her vision, her husband Christopher. Christopher and Kizzy Heath are on a mission to make sure each woman's shoe game is always on point. While Kizzy was attending Elizabeth City State University in 2000, the couple met and they have created a love story that has lasted 14
years with 9 of those being joined in marriage. To this union they added a diva in training, little Miss Christian. Christopher knew very early on that this special lady was what he wanted and was very persistent in making sure he won her heart so that he could build a lifetime with Kizzy. Christopher began to notice that Kizzy had a unique love for shoes and often received numerous compliments on her attire; namely her shoes and the way they accentuated outfits that she wore. In September 2013, they began upon following the plan God had prepared for their lives. They heard and accepted the prophesy that came forth during a church service at True Destiny Christian Center in which was stated that she would own multiple boutiques. Kizzy decided to start Victoria's Shoe Palace which can be found in Brick City Treasure Boutique and Outer Skin Boutique. Kizzy has been asked about the greatest accomplishment that she has experienced. Kizzy responds by saying, “My greatest accomplishment is the ability to follow my husband's lead in our business venture. Christopher has a plethora of knowledge regarding business. It amazes me to hear his thoughts and apply what he teaches me about the business world.” Their driving force and inspiration are stated as being what contributes to their continued success of the business. They believe whole heartedly that failure is not an option and to succeed they must work together, pray together and always respect each other and each other's opinion regarding the business. The main thing with couples in business is being able to separate the business from your personal life. As the business begins to succeed it often seems that it begins to intertwine with personal lives. However Christopher and Kizzy pride themselves on still being able to date while married, even though often times business seems to be the topic of discussion during date night. This is due to Chris coming up with yet another great idea or business strategy.
K. Victoria Crawford Heath Www.victoriasshoepalace.com 919.830.9885
So many times couples go into business not knowing what to expect. Christopher and Kizzy offer great advice to those who are looking to embark upon this journey. They very sternly advise couples to listen to each other, learn from each other and know your respective roles in the business. T hey go on to say that each person has his or her own strengths as well as weaknesses and you can only work together effectively if you know what you bring into the relationship and ultimately the business. Diamond Diva|14
Photo by: In God’s Image Photography
Deanna&Brian Hamilton
15|Diamond Diva 15|Diamond Diva
Brian and Deanna Hamilton: A Power Couple, Making Love and Business Work In 2003 two very different, yet very similar people met for the first time.
Brian
Hamilton was a successful executive in corporate America. He was active in his local church and a very dedicated single dad. Deanna Hamilton, also in corporate America in pharmaceutical sales was living her life as an independent woman, in and out of town on business and enjoying it. Mutual friends thought they would be the perfect couple. In an effort to get to know Deanna better and actually meet face to face, Brian invited her to church. “Looking back” Brian exclaims: “Our schedules were so busy it was the only way I could meet
it. At the time she didn't know [everything]. She knew we had a round of layoffs at my job and she didn't know that I was on one of the short list and for that matter I didn't know until about two weeks after. I carried that burden for about two and a half months or so. I was open to try and find something different to do and I think at that point I was fed up with Corporate America. 'Cause if that had happened (being laid off), it would have been my second lay off. So I was… I can't say it was desperation, but I can say it was a little bit of future planning as far as me recognizing I needed to do something to get out of Corporate America. So, Deanna didn't know necessarily the reason behind it [starting this business], but at the same time because she is a very supportive wife, she didn't shoot me down. To this day I'm very appreciative of [that]. So it wasn't until much later that she found out the reason why we were getting in business.
her.” Deanna adds “We met in September What has been some of the greatest and he asked my Dad for my hand in accomplishments that you all have marriage in March, and he proposed in experienced with your business? Deanna, full of joy states, “Brian and I are May. We eloped in July and we had our Senior Vice Presidents. In the company I official wedding in October.” Fast forward think the greatest accomplishment for me ten years and three children, this couple is was seeing people transformed almost putting God first, living the life of their before your eyes. People who were very shy, who were afraid to say their names in dreams and pushing on to greater front of ten people now are leaders in their blessings. own organizations. Some of them [even though] they're not with us anymore, we Relationships are hard enough to navigate know that we had a hand in training them through. Add some business to the mix and on how to become these great leaders for some, it just might break them. For Brian and for that I'll forever be grateful. What and Deanna Hamilton, it only takes do you think babe? " With a big smile of his boundaries to keep this power couple face Brian says “Yeah I think just to know that you've been able to impact going strong. someone's life which was not something I “Boundaries and expectations, I think are got to do very much of in Corporate critical,” boasts Brian. “Boundaries like America dealing with computers all day. sitting in bed with my blackberry. It was But yea being able to impact someone's time to turn it off [when I got in the life and knowing that you made a Deanna talked about bedroom]. Then when we got into business difference. watching people barely be able to speak [together], well, then she was the one sitting in the bed on her smart phone.” As at the front of the room to get to that level Deanna chuckles, he continues, “It's one of of comfort. There are others, that we've those things where you really do have to been witness to the development and the learn and communicate to each other growth [they've experienced]. [For those “Ok, this is the boundary.” For us it's the that didn't] even stick around for the bedroom. When we get ready to go to journey, to know that you've given them bed there's no point in talking about it in the some skill they didn't have when they hit bed [or bringing it to bed]. It's not going to the door, to know you have helped [them], be resolved. I think if you can manage the is tremendous. To me it's even bigger than expectations and set some boundaries, I'm getting to SVP because you know that's not going to say it makes it easy but it will real just for a moment but to know you've changed these people for a lifetime, that's make it much more manageable.” tremendous. What made you all chose this business that you started? Deanna instantly shouts “Brian made me do it!" Brian chimes in “Yeah, I made her do
Do you feel that the going into business together has actually strengthened your marriage? Deanna with confidence states, “Yeah.
Absolutely it has strengthened our marriage, because we had to learn how to work together. People think it should be easy since, you've acquired property, and you've acquired cars. You've even made children and so you should be able to work together. But it really is not as simple as it's said to be. Brian and I have a workshop entitled “The Great Merger”, just because we know that couples do go through things in business that spill over into their marriage. We have a whole agenda just based off of the things that we experienced together working together. The ultimate merger is bringing two people from two different places, two different ways of life together and making it work- that's what a marriage is. When you are going into business with your spouse that is another merger all together. You really have to be totally transparent and vulnerable to the other person in a different way than just in your marriage. Regardless of the busy lives that this power couple has, they make sure that their children know the sacrifices they are making and ensure that it's the “little things” that means the most to them are done on consistently. Whether it's attending their oldest son's Lacrosse game, or simply making donuts with the girls, Brian and Deanna make sure that their children know that they are loved and appreciated. This couple keeps God at the forefront of their life. They live together, laugh together and love together. Enjoying each other's company is the highlight of their companionship. What may be surprising about this fascinating couple is that they are genuinely best friends. Like the rest of the definition of a super couple by Wikipedia, a super couple is physically attractive and seemingly meant to be union. They are partners in life, love and business and they have what it takes to show you how you too can do the same.
Brian's Email: brian@iambrianhamilton.com Instagram: iAmBrianHamilton Deanna Email: deanna@deannahamilton.com Instagram: DeannaCHamilton Facebook: Brian & Deanna Hamilton Webiste: TheHamiltonsOnline.com
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