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MAGAZINE
February 2012 Vol 1, Issue 5
Brian Courtney Wilson
“So Proud”
Celebrating release of new CD
Starting the New Year Right Tips for Small Business Success
A.C. Green Life After Basketball “Giving Back”
Celebrating Innovation Two Local Businesses Lead the Way
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EMPOWERMENT
With the New Year comes New Hopes, New Dreams, New Aspirations, New Opportunities, and New Challenges. Well – Empower Magazine embraces all of this year’s newness, and encourages you to shake off the Old and embrace the New with us.
In this edition of EM, along with our interest stories and business savvy articles, we are highlighting several truly impressive innovators. As you read and appreciate their stories, you will soon get a sense of what sacrifices, obstacles and challenges that await most entrepreneurs whose passion and desire to make their dreams a reality are so strong that they wake up one day ready and willing to take action.
Leon C. Jenkins Editor-In-Chief
Yes - some level of innovation and creativity lies in all of us. However, the difference between a business entrepreneur and everyone else is that everyone else chooses to sit on their dreams, while the entrepreneur chooses to act on them.
When you pick up EM in 2012, I challenge you to always look for the opportunities on the pages inside. We continue to accentuate the positive in business and life in general. EM also encourages you to continue patronizing our Ad contributors and BPBCC businesses in the Business Directory section of this EM “Special Edition.” You will find that our Chamber business leaders are among the best at what they provide--quality products and service, and excellence in customer care. – And remember –
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C4ACTION
CONTENTS CONTENTS February 2012 EMPOWER MAGAZINE
Foreign Aid is Evil
By Harry Alford, Founder and President, NBCC
Feature Stories
“So Proud”
National Gospel Recording Artist Brian Courtney Wilson releases new CD, “So Proud.” By Diane Tezeno, Staff Writer
Life After Basketball “Giving Back”
Restaurant Spotlight
Houston’s This Is It Restaurant A legacy of family, food and friendship By Diane Tezeno, Staff Writer
Travel
A Walk on the Beachside A look at Galveston’s popular and hidden island attractions By Monique Brownlow
Business Coach
“Making the Sale in 2012” Tips for maximizing sales success in your business By Leon Jenkins
B-Excellent Awards Winners Announced Book Spotlights Legal Ease
Leaving A Legacy: Part Two A Look at Beneficiary Designations and Joint Ownership Arrangements By Michael Porter
Real Estate Today
“To Stage or Not to Stage, That is The Question” Four tips to prepare your home to make the sale
NBA Legend A.C. Green shares his efforts to make a difference in the lives of young people. By Diane Tezeno, Staff Writer _________________________________________________________________________
Spotlight on Natural Products
Stirring Up Beauty
Make-up Artist turned Entrepreneur launches Eco-Chic make up product line in Macy’s stores. By Micole Williams, Contributing Writer
Back to Natural
Houston woman develops all natural hair, skin and body products By Tracie Jenkins, Contributing Writer
_________________________________________________________________________
Fitness Inside & Out
Houston area body builder champions unique brand of fitness By Diane Tezeno, Staff Writer
Starting the New Year Right Six Tips for Small Business Success
Financial Section
Who’s Minding Your Money
Five Ways to Save Money Now Lonnie Mathews, Alliance Financial Ministries, Inc.
Your Money
Insights on Financial Literacy and Retirement By Shelby J. Smith, Ph.D. International Spotlight
Faith Connections
NBCC celebrates the launch of 21 church-based Chambers of Commerce By Diane Tezeno, Staff Writer Entertainment Section
Red Tails: More than a Movie... It’s More like a Movement! Review of film maker George Lucas’ “Red Tails”
By Micole Williams, Contributing Writer
From Washington
Foreign Aid is Evil By Harry C. Alford
Harry Alford, Founder & President National Black Chamber of Commerce Washington, D.C.
i
n early history, nations or empires that wanted to expand would just invade unsuspecting people and take what they wanted. It might have been just the land or crops or precious metals or women. Whatever it was, they would just take it and kill anyone who got in their way. Seizing property from others was a quick way to increase your wealth and, most of all, influence. The British Empire was the most successful of these aggressors and much of what they influenced still has implications today. As time went on, it became immoral for a nation to take what it wanted. Eventually, at the end of World War II, aggression and theft was replaced with a thing called “Aid.” Foreign Aid became the vehicle to influence and inject wealth, someone else’s wealth, into an aggressive nation. It was noted, by our President Harry Truman, that we would lead the way in this new vehicle for influence and wealth: “In addition, we will provide military advice and equipment to free nations which will cooperate with
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us in the maintenance of peace and security. Fourth, we must embark on a bold new program for making the benefits of our scientific advances and industrial progress available for the improvement and growth of under-developed areas. More than half the people of the world are living in conditions approaching misery. Their food is inadequate. They are victims of disease. Their economic life is primitive and stagnant. Their poverty is a handicap and a threat both to them and to more prosperous areas. For the first time in history, humanity possesses the knowledge and skill to relieve the suffering of these people.” Oh, he makes it seem so noble and altruistic. It basically was a new approach to an old tradition – exploitation, economic slavery and theft of natural resources. Foreign Aid is like a drug that will cause addiction to fledgling nations. They receive the aid to replace their fiduciary duties, such as feeding their people, providing medical support and economic infrastructures. Thus, they take the money they have and buy weapons and increase their army
forces so that the potential of conflict and war become much greater. Who do they buy these weapons from? From corporations located in the very nations which are giving them aid. Renown think tank, Asante, has a good overview of what is going on (from a 1985 article): “Summing up the experience of African countries, both at the national and at the regional levels, it is no exaggeration to suggest that, on balance, foreign assistance, especially foreign capitalism, has been somewhat deleterious to African development. It must be admitted, however, that the pattern of development is complex and the effect upon it of foreign development is complex and the effect upon it of foreign assistance is still not clearly determined. But the limited evidence available suggests that the forms, in which foreign resources have been extended to Africa over the past twenty-five years, insofar as they are concerned with economic development, are to a great extent, counterproductive.” That is a big understatement. The United Nations, first world countries, World Bank, IMF and many other government related entities have spent trillions of dollars on Foreign Aid and we still have poverty, famine, disease, human slavery and uncontrolled drug trafficking like never before. It is not working! Or should I say it is working. It is done for sinister reasons. How a lot of this works is brilliantly explained in an
” I read this book a few years ago and I still get chills from his explanation of how we exploit innocent nations for the sake of control and greed. Even Osama Bin Laden referred to it in one of his verbal condemnations of the western world. Reading it will give you an understanding of the seemingly senseless hatred the leaders of Iran have towards western nations. Here is an example of Mr. Perkins’ explanation: “Economic hit men (EHMs) are highlypaid professionals who cheat countries around the globe out of trillions of dollars. They funnel money from the World Bank, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and other foreign “aid” organizations into the coffers of huge corporations and the pockets of a few wealthy families who control the planet’s natural resources. Their tools included fraudulent financial reports, rigged elections, payoffs, extortion, sex and murder. They play a game as old as empire, but one that has taken on new and terrifying dimensions during this time of globalization.” Now, that is starting to hit the “nail” on the head. How do we escape from this predicament? Perhaps the first thing we do is encourage fledgling nations to become self sufficient through other means. Government should not be in the Foreign Aid business whatsoever.
How dare we spend billions upon billions of dollars annually in the name of influence? What needs to happen on a world wide basis is for a big increase in philanthropy. The religious community can replace the government-run efforts through God-driven missions that are sincere in helping mankind and promoting peace. Churches have proven to be sincere in their generosity and caring for the needy. Another vehicle is to promote the rich and famous to give something back. Two great living examples of this are: 1. Alicia Keys, recording artist, who personally built a rural hospital in Kenya serving residents who before had no access to healthcare. 2. Rap star 50 Cent who made over $200 million in a promotional deal with Coca Cola. He used that money towards 1 billion meals to be distributed to povertystricken children throughout the continent of Sub-Saharan Africa. They are indeed angels. May this become a living example of what many of us can do when we have been blessed – “Pass it on.” The National Black Chamber of Commerce will be starting a “Giving Back Hall of Fame” to recognize those who do noble and vital acts of passing their blessings onto others in need.
hungry” we should be promoting agri-business and full processing of natural resources instead of letting some other entity provide such. God will bless the “child” who has his own. Finally, our entrepreneurs who have been successful should strongly consider opening subsidiaries somewhere on the African Continent. Prudently, they should pick venues where good government exists and will allow them room to be successful. As those ventures grow, they will provide a countless number of new jobs and provide a positive growth in nations’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The year, 2012, will be the beginning of an organized effort in promoting this movement. Of course, some sinister nations and quasi government/corporate entities will be threatened. They will act, but we must stand tall and prevail. God is on our side and that is all it takes. For those of you who are afraid and don’t know it – GOD IS GREAT! We can win this.
From Washington
autobiography by John Perkins entitled, “Confessions of an Economic Hit Man.
These are exciting times. We are evolving into taking things into our own hands and settling only for success. Africa will not only survive; it will prosper. Foreign Aid – Get Gone! Website: www.nationalbcc.org. Email: halford@nationalbcc.org.
We should also remember an ancient Chinese proverb: “Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Teach that man to fish and he will eat forever.” This is so true today. Instead of “feeding the
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New Members
New Member Spotlight Kim Roxie, Creative Director of LAMIK Beauty, the world’s number one eco-chic cosmetic line featuring make-up, facial care, and eyelash enhancement, is a world renown Beauty Educator and Make-up Artist. Roxie travels across the U.S. and Canada teaching workshops and working with A-list celebs such as Yolanda Adams, Chrisette Michele, and the cast of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Roxie is passionate about building women’s selfesteem by enhancing their natural beauty, transforming her clients into a work of art. The LAMIK Beauty cosmetic line is in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, and a LAMIK Beauty store is located at 2610 Greenbriar in Houston and in select Macy’s (in stores and on-line). M. L. R. Brownlow, owner of Lynell Rene’s Catering, exerts her passion and skill into providing great-tasting food and professional, quality customer service. An extensive menu, including several specialty items and many decadent desserts, are available to fit the taste-buds of all customers and every occasion. As we expand, you will see Lynell Rene’s Catering as Nell’s, a mobile kitchen, providing concession and catering at parks, stadiums, festivals, other public venues, as well as available to book for private events. For information or to place an order, call 832-351–0868, email lynellrenecatering@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/lynellrenecatering for menus, events and updates. Wright and Pringle Funeral Services is a full-service funeral home located in the Missouri City/Stafford area of Fort Bend County. The funeral home is locally owned and operated by partners, Melvin and Arleda Wright, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Cagney, and Denice Pringle. Although new to the community, we offer over 30 years of experience in the funeral care industry. Whether considering an earth burial or cremation, w e a re c o m m i t t e d t o p ro v i d i n g professional and caring service to help honor the life of your loved one. Find comfort in knowing our family is here to care for your family. When in need, call 281-499-5400.
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IAM Brands Interactive is a full-service global interactive and digital marketing agency. Their offices are located in Houston, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles. We offer a one-stop solution for all of your branding, mobile strategy/ development and marketing needs. Whether your business is a large corporate entity or a small privately-owned business, our interactive and digital marketing solutions integrate with your business and technology needs. Their unique proposition is that “We are truly interactive with our customers by focusing on their business problems and needs, and less on selling a marketing or technology solution. Contact Leslie Wilson 888-746-8383 or leslie. wilson@iambrands.com Dorothy J. Henson, of Professional Resumes and More by Dorothy, is committed to preparing various types of specialized resumes, personalized cover letters, postinterview thank you letters, and professional LinkedIn profiles that will make the employer call you for the interview. Henson has been employed with several Fortune 500 companies, and has the professional expertise to navigate and format skills that will open doors with your resume being the key to your success. To stand out above the rest of the competition and secure the career of your choice, let Dorothy Henson help you showcase the important facets of your experience. Call 713-433-0404 or email Theboss0321@sbcglobal.net Mollie Stevenson, Jr., owner of Mollie’s Western Entertainment, has a petting zoo, pony rides, clowns, moonwalks, face painting, balloon art and trackless trains. The company can furnish their services at schools, churches and special events. She also operates a historical traveling exhibit and The American Cowboy Museum, which is a 501c3 organization, whose mission is to preserve the western heritage of Blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans and women. Miss Mollie and her mother, Mollie Taylor Stevenson, Sr., were inducted into the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. They are the third and fourth generation to live on their family-owned African American ranch, Taylor-Stevenson, with other families. A ranch area is avalable for historical tours. For more information visit www.mollieswesternentertainment.org or call 713-478-277. Ethel McClure - Park Lane Jewelery Sales A Dream Opportunity! How would you describe your “dream job”? More time with your family? A fabulous income? More control of your schedule? Free jewelry, recognition, awards and extraordinary trip destinations? Loving what you do and having fun at the same time? All these and more are yours as a Park Lane Director. Your starter kit, valued at over $1000 is loaded with sample jewelry so you can start hosting parties right away! $39 Registration fee will get you on your way to your “dream job”! Ask me how to qualify call 713-478-4701 or email me at mrseemcclure@gmail.com or visit www.jewelsbyparklane.com
C.J. Lucky is owner of AMFREEOne, a company that provides a number of services including, life and health insurance products and marketing products and services and specializes in sales and marketing. The business, located at 12329 Fondren Road, Ste. 170, Houston, Texas 77035, currently has part time opportunities available. For more information call 832-654-3440 or email amfreeone@gmail.com.
Sea and Mary Atkins are representatives for ASG Security. A Houstonbased company that provides cutting edge protection for homes and business. In 2002 ASG Security was founded on the belief that we could build a customer service company superior to what exists in the electronic security industry today. Bigger doesn’t always mean best. By design our business model ensures that we know who our customers are and what they expect. We understand that you want more than just a security system--you want an easy-to-use and affordable smart security system for your home or business. We take pride in knowing that each and every customer receives the same great service. For more information call 832-863-1330 or 832-410-5616. You can also visit us at 8181 Commerce Park Lane Houston, Tx 77036 or visit www.Asgsecurity.com. Jeffery Chavis, CEO of B & A Global Marketing, is an independent distributor of Organo Gold. His mission is to bring the treasures of the Earth to the People of the World through distribution of Gourmet Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Black, Red & Green Tea, containing 100% Certified Organic Ganoderma. Open to All Nationalities! Free Samples & Wholes Prices Available. For more information, visit www.jefferychavis.com or call 281-4089729 email: Contact@JefferyChavis. Johnson’s Pest Control was founded May 1, 2007. A long time in the making, Thealonius A. Johnson has taken a step of faith in continuing his expertise in the industry after nine years. We are big believers of safe and proper use of materials. With your help, we look to further our career in the pest control industry as long as God permits. We will continue to look forward to fairness in pricing and customer satisfaction, as well as safe and loyal service. We look forward to servicing your pest control needs as we continue to grow. Our mission is to provide the best, quality care, timely and cost-effective
service as possible. For more information call: 832-352-7871 or email johnsons_pestcontrol@yahoo.com. Laura’s Love Cake Shop is founded and operated by Laura Carl who decided to make lemonade out of a lemon after a layoff from the Oil and Gas Industry. Cooking has always been my passion. I started cooking with my mother and six siblings at age eight. My philosophy has always been to strive and achieve what dreamers believe. With this thought process I started my own Business “Lauras’ Love.” My motto for cooking is always better ingredients, always prompt service, always a smile and always different than mass produced. All purchases are made to order and must undergo my strict Quality Control. Call in your order today with details to Laura’s Love at 713-272-8293 or email lauraslovecakeshop@yahoo.com where you know your food is prepared with LOVE!
New Members
Gumbo Xpress/Xpress Catering Caterer Lisa W. has been cooking her “Bowl Lickin’ Good” Gumbo for 20 years.”My family is from Louisiana and I’m from Texas. I’ve taken my family recipe and put my own down home twist to it. My gumbo is fully stocked and will stick to your ribs. A flavor that is sure to stay with you and a taste that will have your palate screaming for more. People will be asking you, “Who Made Dat Gumbo?!”
With over 40 years of combined experience in the precious metals industry, Lawrence Kuykendall and Turner Jones have created the National Bullion and Currency Depository to bring safe alternative investing methods to the public. Offering wholesale prices has given these business partners a competitive reputation industry wide. The company prides itself on helping teachers, government employees, and other modest income professionals invest in what has quickly become the asset of the 21st century. In order to hold true to this idea they have created a quarterly free newsletter called American Investor’s Post. This publication offers inside information in the metals market, investing tips and features current products the company is promoting. The company can be contacted toll free at 877-231-6201 or visit their website at www.thenbcd.com. Kim Littles is a sales consultant with HCG Ultimate Fat Loss. The company manuifactures the hightest quality HCG sublingual drops. Dr. A.T.W. Simeons, a specialist in obesity and weight regulation, introduced a program that has helped many people overcome weight loss resistance. HCG UFL program utilizes Dr. Simeons diet protocol and this specially formulated HCG UFL sublingual drops. When the drops are administered in relatively small doses and coupled with a low calorie diet, people routinely lose 1 to 2 pounds per day. This program has helped thousands of people lose those stubborn pounds. While losing 1-2 pounds daily without the use of the HCG UFL drops would be unhealthy, the specially formulated HCG UFL drops in fact changes this. You lose fat and the weight loss comes directly from this fat loss and does not strip the body. For more informantion call 832-396-8599 or visit: www. HCGUFL.com Stephanie Oliver, owner of CheLace Brand Inc. dba McDonalds is the president of the Black McDonald’s Operators of Houston and owns three local franchises. For more information call281-847-4454. Donald Malveaux State Farm Insurance, Our mission is to help our customers and their families prepare for today, so they can live a prosperous life tomorrow. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” -Eleanor Roosevelt. Our vision at the Donald Malveaux State Farm Agency is to help our customers realize, protect, and accomplish their dreams. We provide auto, fire, life, and health insurance. We also offer banking and financial services. Please give us a call today for a free quote at 281-679-7155 or visit us online at www.InsureWithDonald.com.
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Accounting/Tax
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Convenient Tax Service Roy, Jennifer Income Tax Services 832-549-0994 jroy824519@aol.com
Affordable Pressure Washing & Mobile Detailing Francis, Keithley Pressure Washing & Auto Detailing 832-882-6391 Francis.Keithley@yahoo.com
Erskine Payne, CPA, PLLC Payne, Erskine Accounting, Tax, Audits, Counseling 713-452-0613 erskine@epaynecpa.com
Just the Way You Like It Jenkins, Leroy Auto Detailing 832-618-4653 ljenkinsjr2002@aol.com
GEE Document Service Graham, Dorris Document Preparation 713-301-6897 dmgfavorites@yahoo.com JAB Solutions Rideaux, Janice Accounting, Tax, Audits, Counseling 281-660-5632 Jabsolutions06@yahoo.com M D Porter, PLLC Porter, Michael Accounting, Tax, Financial Planning 713-299-0272 mdporterpllc@yahoo.com
Air Conditioning Services
Auto Repair A Plus Alignment Tire + Automotive Automotive Repair 281-208-3052 aca4503@yahoo.com Car Star Auto Fisher, Michael Auto Repair & Body Shop 832-731-8247 mf1100xx@yahoo.com
Bakery Cakes by Fran Porter, Fran Bakery Services 713-366-6894 franmbee@yahoo.com
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Vision Manifestation Administrative Services, LLC Johnson, Anthony Business Consulting / Administration 832-236-7262 visionmanisfest65@yahoo.com
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LauraĂs Love Cake Shop Carl, Laura Cakes & Catering 713-272-8293 lauraslovecakeshop@yahoo.com
Banking BBVA Compass Bank Maye, Barbara Banking 713-867-1204 barbara.maye@bbvacompass.com Capital One Bank Banking Services Jasmine Jr., Edward 713-435-5118 Regions Bank Bagwell, Alan Banking 281-276-6914 alan.bagwell@regions.com
Business Support Services ABC Organizing Jones, Dianne Business Services 832-373-9091 dj9568@sbcglobal.net DYP, INC. Jenkins, Sandra Business & Family Solutions 832-816-1953 leonjenkins@msn.com
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Brian Courtney Wilson has come a long way since his days as a child performing talent shows on the front stoop of his Chicago home. Today he is a national Gospel Recording artist transforming lives through song and celebrating the release of his latest CD.
Featured Story
“SO PROUD” T
he celebrated national gospel recording artist is excited about his latest recording project and the impact he hopes the 12-tract CD will have on the lives of individuals who are struggling through tough times. The CD, titled, “So Proud,” released by Music World Gospel, a division of Music World Entertainment, conveys the encouragement Wilson spoke into his own life two years ago around the holidays when he was going through what he describes as “kind of a tough time.” “I was reflecting on why I shouldn’t be in despair and why I needed to keep believing in the journey God had put inside of me to do music and to do it successfully,” says Wilson. In challenging times, Wilson shares a message of hope and encouragement aimed at reminding listeners of the many reasons to be thankful. The CD is a musical journey that sheds light on “why we are able to keep our heads up in tough times, what you have to go through, what do you need to believe as far as the dream and vision that God has given you,” says Wilson. Mathew Knowles, founder, president and CEO of Music World Entertainment, the record label for the CD, describes Wilson as “consistent with his music, ministry and artistry. “He has a great spirit, great work ethic and deserves all the great things that have come his way,” said Knowles, in a recent Music Word Gospel media release. The signature single from Wilson’s CD, received a great response during its initial play according to feedback the gospel artist received from various radio DJs from across the country. On the single, Wilson shares his memories of church people and their faith in God to uphold them as they work to pay the bills, take care of their kids and homes and make it through the week, still believing.
Born in Chicago and raised in a Christian home, Wilson is grateful for his upbringing. Both his mother and father were singers and encouraged him through the examples they set. “My dad used to make me go to male chorus rehearsals with him and I would hate it because there were TV shows I wanted to see—Love Boat and Fantasy Island– that I would miss because of rehearsals, “ shares Wilson. “They were nurturing the gift and my dad was nurturing the value of community. It wasn’t easy for working class Black men in Chicago in those days, so those guys would get together every week and not only sing songs, but they would share stories and testimonies about how they made it over,” says Wilson. Fast forward to the present, and Wilson is using his gift to emulate those examples as he shares his story in a way that helps others overcome. A photo of Wilson as a one-year old wearing headphones comprises the cover of the CD and serves as a glimpse into the early beginnings of his love for music. “I have always had music in me and I remember doing talent shows on my front stoop where kids would come in and judge the show. I have always been
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Featured Story
“SO PROUD”
Brian Courtney Wilson has come a long way since his days as a child performing talent shows on the front stoop of his Chicago home. Today he is a national Gospel Recording artist transforming lives through continued.... song and celebrating the release of his latest CD.
a singer and people have always tried to shut me up since the third grade,” says Wilson One would be hard pressed to find anyone trying to silence the gifted singer/songwriter and three-time Gospel Music Association Dove Award nominee these days as his countless fans celebrate the long-awaited release of his latest CD. Wilson shares an inside look into the inspiration behind several songs on the CD. “We have a song on the album called “Closer” which talks about you being closer than you think to whatever God is calling you to, so keep going, keep trusting, keep believing that God is going to bring you through,” he shares. Another tract, “Obey Anyway,” was written to encourage you to remain faithful, even when you don’t know what the next step will be, just trust that God has you in the palm of his hand,” shares Wilson.
“I was reflecting on why I shouldn’t be in despair and why I need to keep believing in the journey God had put inside of me to do music and to do it successfully.” Brian Courtney Wilson The final tract, “So Proud,” is about remembering... remembering the reasons why you should keep going when the days seem the hardest... remembering your value when people cast you aside...remembering the people who did not give up on you when you felt like giving upon yourself...and most of all it’s about remembering that the reason we have so much to remember is because God has always been there to make a way through the people in our lives,’” says Wilson in a release announcing the CD. “The most important thing for me is for the CD
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to have impact. I want [the public] to buy it because it has value to them and I want it to have value to them because they hear God’s voice on it,” says Wilson. For Wilson, the decision to follow his dream has been worth the pain he has had to endure, particularly when he hears stories from individuals of how a particular song on his first CD touched them in a special way, and in some instances, saved their lives. The new CD also has had impact an impact closer to home, on his nine-year-old son. “He loves the CD and listens to it with me. It is probably because he knows where it’s from, where it was birthed out of, because he was there in the days when I was just trying to keep my head above water. He is nine years old, but kids can sense when all is not right and also when you’ve got that peace,” shares Wilson. On Perspective and Faith For Wilson, his new CD allowed him to shift his perspective on the challenges he has faced since taking a step of faith to follow his dreams. Making the decision to leave the corporate world and a comfortable income in pharmaceutical sales “sound-ed crazy” to many of his friends and family members, but, inspite of the challenges, he has no regrets. Gaining his wife’s support and watching her gain a sense of peace, despite her initial doubts, is gratifying for Wilson, but knowing he is on the path God has set him gives him the greatest level of peace. “The most fulfilling thing is that I am obeying God’s commandment to me on what He was telling me to do. If you make the step and keep walking it out man, you will never regret it one day in your life,” says Wilson. His advice to others desiring to step out on faith to live their dreams is—”first make a plan, count the costs and then —shake off the fear and do it.” “You may be the only one that believes, but that needs to be enough,” says Wilson. His sophomore CD, in stores Feb. 7, can be purchased on I-Tunes or at Walmart, Target, Best Buy and other
2012 Award Winners
B-EXCELLENT AWARD The BASE
The Base represents the rock-solid foundation on which businesses must rest to grow and flourish.
The HANDS
Young Entrepreneurs Kim Roxie, LAMIK Beauty Ashley DeWalt, FusionSports
The Hands are designed in different proportions to reflect the diversity in the Chamber and the tireless efforts businesses must exert in reaching up towards and grabbing hold of the opportunities that await.
Start-Up Category Monique Brownlow, Lynell Catering
The Oyster is sitting on the bedrock of a solid reef depicting the struggles businesses have to go through. Oysters attach themselves to a reef, much like businesses to the Chamber, in order to grow and flourish and thereby avoid washing away in turbulent currents and waves.
Small Business Category Irwin Daniels, POParazzi’s Alan Roland, POParazzi’s Jackie Daniels, POParazzi’s Community Leader Category Pastor Walter August, Jr. Honorary Award A.C. Green, NBA Great Keynote Speaker, B-Excellent Awards, 2012
B-Excellent Awards
2012 B-Excellent Awards Winners Announced
The OYSTER
The PEARL
The Pearl is representative of a world in which chamber businesses are seeking to achieve success through networking, marketing and forming strong business alliances. You will note that the world’s topography is rough, yet its rough edges can be softened and smoothed over by businesses willing to join forces in helping each other obtain wealth. The rough and uneven surface also reflects the reality that with every business venture there will be ongoing difficulties and challenges.
The CROSS
The Cross signifies the influence and the power that Christ affords business leaders in all areas of business who are committed to Him. The Cross is indeed the centerpiece of this award in large measure because JESUS CHRIST is “the light of the world.”
The “E”
The “E” stands for both Emmanuel and Excellence as our standard, both of which are essential to any business seeking to realize long term success in a global economy.
The SCULPTOR
This one-of-a-kind, custom-designed sculpture was created specifically as a collector’s item for the Chamber by renowned African-American artist Tony Sherman. Each sculpture will bear his signature on the back and will be individually numbered. Tony Sherman studied portrait sculpture in Passavaunt, France, at the famous Vogel Sculpture Studio. Since his return stateside, he has created many portraits of prominent Americans, including a sculpture of his father; a 6 ½ feet bronze sculpture for the city of Missouri City honoring police officers and firemen; and, a bronze sculpture of Martin Luther King Jr. commissioned by Houston Independent School District.
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Directory
Carpet Cleaning and Flooring Harris Carpet & Flooring Harris, Latrell Carpet, Floors & Cleaning etc. 713-723-0693 Harriscarpet@sbcglobal.net
Catering Abilenian Barbeque Walker, Paul Mobile BBQ Pit 281-499-5472 pew9micom@aol.com DeeLicious Southern Cuisine Coleman, Denitra Catering 713-657-9431 Jc.2011@sbcglobal.net Kinoís Bar-B-Que Reed III, Joseph E. Food (Mobile Unit) 281-788-7915 twoxreed_1999@yahoo.com Tinaís Catering Menard, Earnestine Catering 832-419-6135 713-723-4871 earnestinemenard@yahoo.com
Childcare/ Education I AM Prep Academy Smith, Charron School / Education 713-269-3610 281-438-8657 iamprep4@gmail.com Key Demís Nu World Child Care Merida, Gloria Childcare 832-731-8066 gloriamerida1935@yahoo.com Princeton Academy Prince, Darell Childcare 281-770-5851 dwp1906@yahoo.com Worthy of Love Child Care Andrews, Amanda Day Care 832-329-8657 butterfliesaimhigh@yahoo.com
Church Bethel Family Baptist Church August Jr., Walter Non-profit Church 713-729-0125 waugust@bethelsfamily.org
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Adonai Group, Inc. Porter, Estell Life Coach/Trainer/Motivational Speaker 512-807-7634 aagi@comcast.net Life Directions Professional Coach/Training Caryn Ayers 832-588-6535 lifedirections1950@gmail.com
Computer Services Delta Promotions Bailey, James & Muhammad, Darnell Computers 832-883-4708 jamesbailey282@aol.com
Construction & Plumbing Britton Waterworks Brown, David Construction / Plumbing 832-567-7793 d_brown27@sbcglobal.net
W.A. Robbins Construction Co., Inc. Robbins III, Wendell Construction 713-644-5823 wendell3@warobbinsconstruction.com
Directory
Coaching
Cosmetics Mary Kay Noble, Sabrina Cosmetics 832-423-8608 sab_noble@att.net
Dental Practice Amazing Smiles, PLLC Allen, Margaret Dr. Dental 281-240-8080 m.allendds@yahoo.com Law Dental Laboratory Law, Roger Dental 832-519-9916 rlaw71@att.net
Cloverleaf Group Kesee, Joddie General Contrator 281-221-9788 jkay1_houston1@comcast.net
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Directory
Direct Marketing J&D Door to Door Delivery Services Herron, James Direct Marketing 281-960-5254 jaherron7@clear.net
DJ Services DJ Mo Phatt Mobile Services Perkins, Maurice (DJ Mo Phatt) Entertainment / Audio Production 713-443-2091 mauriceperkins@djmophatt.com M & J Productions DJ Services Marks, Greg DJ Services 832-771-3726 djmistag@yahoo.com
Dry Cleaning/ Cleaners HarperĂs Discount Cleaners & Alterations Harper, Mack Dry Cleaning 832-368-5465 mackharper@att.net
Educational Services
Knowledge-First Empowerment Center Allen, James H. Nonprofit (Educational Services) 281-969-8615 know1st@yahoo.com Pacific West Institute & Services Nabors, Barbara Dr. Education Counseling & Training Employment 832-647-2859 ban_nabors@yahoo.com Universal Time Release Publishing, LLC Floyd, Karl & Ann Education 281-389-5227 flashfloyd@aol.com
Electronic Security Stanley Security Solutions Walker, John & Davis, Howard Electronic Protection & Security 713-293-6820 john.walker@sbdinc.com
Engineering Design Jackson Engineering & Technology Jackson, Larry Electrical Contractor 713-723-7616 832-283-8365 JET08_electrician@yahoo.com
Education Consultants Gilliam, Monica J. Education Counseling 832-643-1617 mjgilliam@wt.net
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Environmental Services G. I. Environmental Vacuum Service, LLC Green, Robert & Mary Non-hazardous Waste Transportation 713-339-4645 gienvironmental@sbcglobal.net
Family Services Fathers To Dads, Inc. Porter, Scott Family Services 713-366-6894 slamfest06@yahoo.com
Financial Services Alliance Financial Ministries, Inc. Mathews, Lonnie Financial Literacy 281-386-7951 Lonnie@financialministries.org
InTouch Financial Service LeBrane, Pamela Financial Services, CPA, Internal Audits 713-981-5125 pc-lebraneus@yahoo.com
Directory
Scales Engineering Yancy II, David Engineering Design & Consulting Services 281-750-1663 scales.eng@gmail.com
Fitness Lady of Essence, LLC Bibbs, Marshalyn Fitness 713-405-9633 marshabj@gmail.com
Food Mart PyburnĂs Food Market #2 Coucit, Loan Grocery Store 832-769-1455 lloan123@sbcglobal.net
Funeral Services Missouri City Funeral Directors at Glen Park Brock, M C & Mary Funeral Directors 281-403-3350 udtkl@yahoo.com
Graphic Design Financial Network Investment Group Johnson, Kenneth Financial Services 281-437-1574 johnsonK@financialnetwork.com
Antonio Designs Brown, Kevin & Lera Art, Greeting Cards, Invitations 281-888-1606 Antoniodesigns4u@yahoo.com
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Entertainment
Red Tails: More than a Movie...
It’s More like a Movement! by Micole Williams
I
can’t remember the last All- time of battles within battles is a needed reminder in Black cast I’ve seen on the big today’s society. The loyalty they had for one another screen, let alone one outside and for their country is an eye-opening experience to of the usual film genres. January those who are so disconnected from that time period 2012, an all-star Black cast and or current war issues. Like many war movies, it puts all-star, Star Wars creator/ a face to a number count that many read about in filmmaking icon changed the way we all see Black periodicals, never really empathizing with real-life films. George Lucas’s Red Tails is an action-packed, families whose loved ones are adopted by war. historical-based drama starring Cuba Gooding, Jr., A solid foundation of good characters, good Terrence Howard, Nate Parker, Ne-Yo and many other story-telling, and a good common-goal makes it a talents. Anthony Hemingway (The Wire) directed the universal story. The nation being at war plot makes film and Aaron McGruder (Boondocks) served as one it even more relevant today. Yes, it has had naysayers of the writers on the project. To sum up the film in less since day one and many will remain, but Red Tails is than 10 words I’d call it, The Little Engine That Could an exceptional movie and wherever it may fall short, meets Mission Impossible. it selectively makes up for it in many ways. Far from Watching the an odd-couple, movie opening Lucas and the cast night was truly prove to be the special. Early on, perfect mix for this you meet a number dynamic project. of sturdy Black On screen and men, wearing pride behind the scenes, and purpose just no matter what as well as their people think, feel uniforms in the and believe, it can’t film. An array of be denied that the fresh and familiar movie will change faces grace the the way many see screen in the first Hollywood, and couple of minutes. Printed from the personal historical files of Houston-based Tuskegee airman Dr. Luzine Bickham. the way Hollywood The distinguished sees the Black audience or the Black dollar. presence of the more seasoned actors, gives purpose Inspired by the real-life military Tuskegee and direction to the film while some of the break-out Airmen, the first all-African-American aerial base, stars add life and comedic relief with their relentless Red Tails is set against the European backdrop spirits. For the ladies, there is plenty of eye-candy. during World War II. It’s an exciting, meaningful and The beginning starts off a bit slow and probably for passionate project that has received mixed reviews good reason considering the viewer better be ready prior to, and after its release. to hold on to their popcorn because they’re in for a Black Hollywood insiders stressed the bumpy ride. You’ll be quickly propelled into the importance of opening night turnout and continued action, never really having a moment to regroup box office success considering the movie’s intended from all the impact thrust your way. The momentum and coincidental multi-purpose agenda. Weeks before stays throughout. I found myself holding my breath, the premiere night, Facebook, Twitter and other holding back tears, beaming, cringing at various social media engines were flooded with posts from moments throughout the film. individuals and entertainment companies promoting Definitely a date movie. Definitely a movie you the story behind Lucas’s ambition to fuel the film with can see more than once. It could be a family affair, but his own money. In interviews, the legendary director may need follow-up conversation with kids. It has shared his own fight of bringing this particular story something for everyone. to the big screen because race matters. This film lives up to what action-junkies live It’s a positive story about commitment. for--the fast, fancy special effects look flawlessly real. Focusing on the values in which these men had to Then at times the super intense dogfights are enough hold close to their hearts in order to fight during a to bring on cheers and yells as if viewers are rooting
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for their favorite sports team. The most vivid memories for me were the ones that captured a sense of brotherhood: the prayer circle, chants, the birdlike formations in the sky. The men’s profound respect for one another was such a powerful theme amidst the struggle and combat. Education is probably one of the strongest and explicitly implied themes carried throughout the movie. These men were young, scholars, affluent men with bright futures ahead of them. This alone shows their nobility, and how they put their lives on the line to help bring back soldiers. Their education and skill turned an unsettling “no” into a victorious “yes.” Opening night alone, the movie surpassed low expectations bringing in $19 million and coming in second. So once again, one of the stories themes plays out in real life. Lucas, Black Hollywood and moviegoers of all walks of life said no to limitations proving that the sky is the limit. Lucas told USA Today... “I realize that by accident I’ve now put the black film community at risk [with Red Tails, whose $58 million budget far exceeds
typical all-black productions],” he said. “I’m saying, if this doesn’t work, there’s a good chance you’ll stay where you are for quite a while. It’ll be harder for you guys to break out of that [lower-budget] mold. But if I can break through with this movie, then hopefully there will be someone else out there saying let’s make a prequel and sequel, and soon you have more Tyler Perrys out there.” That is an awful lot of pressure for one movie, but luckily, this is not your ordinary movie. Though entertaining, Red Tails has a bigger purpose. The movie, for many, serves as a callto-action. To change the critical state that Black Hollywood is in, it is going to take more than Red Tails, but the movie does its part. As the movie continues to make news, the state of Black Hollywood still remains a controversial subject. If you haven’t seen it, what are you waiting for?
Entertainment
Red Tails: More than a Movie... It’s More like a Movement! continued....
THUNDER SOUL
nominated for 43rd Annual NAACP Image Award
and recently released on DVD
Thunder Soul, an independent documentary by filmmaker and director Mark Landsman and presented by Executive Producer Jamie Foxx, garnered a recent NAACP Image Award nomination in the Outstanding Documentary (Theatrical or Television) category. The NAACP Image Awards showcases the outstanding achievements of people of color in the arts as well as individuals and groups promoting social justice through creative initiatives. Thunder Soul made its debut in select theatres across the country on September 23, 2011 and received rave reviews for the heartfelt story of Houston band leader Conrad O. Johnson and his dedication to grooming a group of high school band students into one of the “baddest” stage bands in the country. The documentary highlights the band’s reunion 30 years later in honor of their celebrated band leader. The documentary also recently was released on Jan. 31 on DVD and is available by Digital download. Congratulations to Thunder Soul on your nomination! For more information, visit www.thundersoulmovie.com.
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Directory
Harris Design Harris, Clevell Fine Arts & Design 281-741-3960 clevellharris@comcast.net
Innovative Hair Salon Reynolds, Tarnecia Hair Salon/Cosmetology 713-839-7117 tarneciareynolds@yahoo.com
LBC Crafts Curtis, Lillian Retail Crafts and Novelty Items 713-721-8703 lcurtis@bethelsfamily.org
Trend Setters Hair Salon Vessel, LaShaun Hair Salon/Cosmetology 832-651-8556 tssalon2011@gmail.com
(Homebased)
Omnia House Design, LLC Lewis, Cheryl H. Design & Graphics 832-331-6008 cheryl.lewis@omniahouse.com
Hair Salon/ Products 721 Hair Salon Heard-Davis, Louchell Cosmetology 832-352-6999 startpackingletsgo@yahoo.com Chase Naturals Hair & Body Care Hashitsume, Charlene Beauty 832-725-5773 info@chasenaturals.com Hair Dreams by Christal Inc. Mercier, Christal Hair Replacement Industry 281-499-9737 c.mercier@sbcglobal.net
Handy Man McClureĂs Small Jobs McClure, Winston Home Repair 281-782-4655 wamcclure@netzero.com RPM Handyman Services Perry, Ronald Home & Business Repairs/Modifications 713-459-5155 deahandi34@yahoo.com
Health Care Services ACCU-Care Health Care Corp. Bass, Dianna Healthcare, Medical & Education 713-807-7664 diannagb@sbcglobal.net Comprehensive Home Health Roy, Jennifer Home Health 832-549-0994 jenniferroy@ comprehensiveplushomehealth.com
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Denali Healthcare Solutions Olusi, Yvonne Private Duty Home Health Services 832-282-7035 Denaliconsultants@yahoo.com Fort Bend Habitat For Humanity Lopez, John Home Improvement 281-403-0700 lopezj@fortbendhabitat.org North American Hospice Roy, Jennifer Healthcare 832-549-0994 jroy824519@aol.com ResCare Home Care Williams, Kenneth Health Care 713-864-2083 Kjwilliams@rescare.com T and M Healthcare Service, Inc. Evans, Marylene Healthcare & Education 281-499-5000 mrylndavis@yahoo.com
Healthcare Training
Academy of Exceptional Healthcare Training Harris, Teressa & Lee, Venessa Healthcare & Education 713-777-4262 aeht@sbcglobal.net
Directory
Denali & Associates Medical Legal Consultants, LLC Olusi, Yvonne Home Health and Legal Nurse Consulting 832-282-7035 Denaliconsultants@yahoo.com
Insurance Agency Aflac Forster, MĂLissa & Hodges, Raimie Supplemental Insurance 832-618-3217 mlissa_forster@us.aflac.com Insphere Insurance Solutions Corbett, Melva Health & Life Insurance 713-242-1664 corbettgroup@yahoo.com Janet Joshua Insurance Agency Joshua, Janet Insurance 713-780-9779 Janetagency@yahoo.com
Insurance Agency State Farm Insurance Ross, Ken Insurance 281-235-5952 ken.ross.b3s6@statefarm.com Paul Strawder Insurance Agency, Inc. Strawder, Paul Insurance 832-661-1831 pstrawins@yahoo.com
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Financial Section Directory
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Minding
Your
Money
Five ways to save money now!
O
ne of the pillars of a sound financial plan is to have a savings account for emergencies. I’m not talking about the standard three to six months of expenses that most financial planners say you should have. While that would be great to have, let’s face it who has that kind of money set aside. What I am talking about is having enough money set aside so that when you have car problems you don’t have to panic. How would your life be different if you had let’s say $2,000 in a savings account to take care of any emergency that comes up. “The difference between an emergency and an inconvenience is a savings account.” Saving any amount of money is a relatively easy thing to accomplish when you look at the math aspect of saving. I have often found most people save when it becomes a priority. This month I want to share five ways to make saving a portion of your income easy
1. Change your Form W-4 If you are one of those individuals that routinely get an extremely large tax refund each year then you are
missing an opportunity to establish some savings. By getting a large refund, you are over paying your federal taxes during the year only to get the money back without the benefit of interest. For example, if you normally get $5,000 back each year you are overpaying your taxes by $416 each month. If you have consistently received a large refund you should consider adjusting your W-4 at work to have less taxes taken out of your pay. Please be careful because you don’t want to end up owing money either. Before you make the change, you should go to the IRS website and use their “withholding calculator.” This calculator can help you determine whether you can avoid much or too little Federal income tax withheld from your pay. The website is www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96196,00.html
2. Reevaluate every financial relationship your currently have Over time, we as humans tend to get comfortable with the relationships that we create especially if we are happy with the way the relationship is going. The same thing happens with our financial
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relationships, over time businesses have to adjust their pricing to attract new customers. That means the previous customers miss the best price. When was the last you checked to see if your cell phone plan is any cheaper, what about your cable bill, I saw on a commercial that DirecTV was having a bundle special so called and got my bill reduced by $7 per month. When was the last time you used your gym membership and how much is it costing you each month?
Financial Section Directory
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3. Reevaluate your current financial habits Over time, we develop habits as part of our daily routine, sometimes those habits help and at other times, they can hurt us financially in the end. Day to day and week to week we might not give much thought to how much our habits are costing us each year. One day I remember fussing with my wife about our spending as a family after reviewing our spending from the previous month and she brought to my attention that I was the one having a latte each morning. I did the math and figured that I was spending over $1,300 per year on my daily coffee habit. ($5 per day x five days per week = $1,300 per year). What are your daily, weekly, monthly habits costing you?
4. Raise your insurance deductible When asked, most people that I talk to have a $250 or $500 deductible on their auto insurance, or even a 1% deductible on your homeowners insurance. When I ask them why they don’t raise their deductible to a higher amount they have a variety of responses and none of which make much sense. I will say this; in most cases when you raise your deductible, your monthly premiums are usually lower. I recently had a conversation with my insurance agent and we discovered that by having a $1,000 deductible on our auto insurance my wife and I are saving and additional $342 per year.
5. Keep your distance from your high rolling friends If you are like my wife and I you probably have friends from various social economic backgrounds. Let’s face we all have those friends that live an over the top life style when compared to yours. I am talking about those friends that tend to live a lavish lifestyle, they have a flat screen TV in every room, buy new cars or worse lease them every couple years, eat out at fancy restaurants and basically just live beyond their means. I realize that these are your friends and they are nice people and they don’t mean any harm but hanging with these kind of folks to often can lead to you wanting to over spend and have unnecessary desires and discontentment. In closing, let me say that this article is longer than I had intended and I don’t want to make you feel like you can’t have fun and enjoy life. Being too much of a tightwad makes life and the people around you miserable. These tips are designed to give you a place to start when it comes to establishing a savings account. The key is to make saving money a sub-conscious habit. Remember a few dollars can add up to significant savings over time. This article was written by Lonnie R. Mathews for the Who’s Minding Your Money blog. Lonnie is an author and speaker in the area of personal finance. To learn more about Lonnie or to contact him visit www.lonniemathews.com.
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Directory
Primerica Kay, Roberts Financial Services 713-480-5670 katwayna.roberts@gmail.com State Farm Insurance Brannon, Tanya Insurance 832-687-7349 tanya.e.brannon.um0l@statefarm.com The Planners Insurance Company Edwards, Larry Insurance 832-814-3609 ltpic5@aol.com
Irrigation Services Afforce Industries Irrigation Williams, Michael Lawn Sprinkler Services 713-884-0172 irrigation@afforceindustries.com
Janitorial/ Cleaning Services Bredon Building Services Tyler, Jacqueline Janitorial (Commercial & Residential) 832-654-0150 Bredon67@yahoo.com Jace Professionals Cleaning Service, L.L.C. Thomas-Clark, Debra Commercial Janitorial Service 832-865-8420 debrathomas22@hotmail.com
Pritchard Industries Southwest, Inc. Majewski, Melissa Janitorial Services 713-957-1387 mmajewski@pritchardindustries.com Sparkling Abode Tezeno, David Janitorial 713-373-2652 drtezeno@yahoo.com
Lawn Care CJ Lawn Service Jackson, Christopher Landscaping and Lawn care 832-498-3966 cleandraftcjdraft@yahoo.com
Lawn Care Rose Bud Landscaping, Inc. Rosemon, Bill Landscaping and Lawn care 281-796-2090 williamrosemon@yahoo.com
Legal Services Law Office Of Derrick D. King & Assoc. King, Derrick Legal Services 281-455-0604 Ddklaw4u2@yahoo.com Pre-paid Legal Services, LLC Henson, Dorothy Legal Services 713-433-0404 281-834-5639 dhenson@prepaidlegal.com
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Marketing/ Consulting LĂRenee and Associates Tanner, LaToshia Consulting / Marketing 713-289-0956 ratanle@hotmail.com
Media Technology A+Media Technology Debose, Robert Media Technology 832-888-8000 aplusmediatech@gmail.com Black Christian Entertainment Levi, Terrance Film, TV & Media 832-296-0623 levi@eworldinc.org
Medical Equipment/ Supplies MEDcrutch Cole, Joe Medical Supply 281-467-5402 info@medcrutch.com
Music Production/ Artist
Directory
The McGill Law Firm McGill-Clayton, LaTosha Legal (Family, Criminal & Personal Injury) 832-216-8741 attymcgill@gmail.com
Aservant Ariya, Femi Music Entertainment 254-339-0116 aservantsmail@yahoo.com
Non-Profit ???
Office Equipment/ Sales American Business Machines, Inc. Daniel, Mike Office Equipment Service, Sales & Supplies 713-882-1162 mdaniel@abmtexas.com Wil-Technical Services Willis, Wil 832-656-3145 wiltech47@yahoo.com
Party Planners/ Rentals BrinsonĂs Party Pleasers Brinson, Tim & Andrea Party Rentals 832-282-0868 emldprincess@yahoo.com
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UíNIQUE CREATIONS, INC. Mitchell, Monica Event Planning 281-232-8111 mgmprofessnl@aol.com
Pharmacy Healthco Pharmacy Richardson, Brenda Pharmacy 713-218-6337 healthco@att.net Main Stop RX Pharmacy Kelly Potts Pharmacy 713-721-4040 mainstoprx.@aol.com
Photography I Med Designs Turner, Chemeka Photography 832-250-8070 chemekadixon@yahoo.com McGill Photography and Video McGill, L.B. 281-261-4903 mcvdo@aol.com Pics by LV (dba) Davis, LV & Barbara Photography 281-438-9858 lvd0911@comcast.net
Photography Super Star Photos LeBrane, Joseph III Photography 832-283-5242 superstar_photo@yahoo.com
Physical Therapy Anointed Resource Rehab, Inc. dba 1st Rehab Resource Morgan, Willa Physical Therapy 713-779-4995 gracewfaith333@gmail.com Direct Anchor Rehabilitation Services Roy, Jennifer Physical Therapy 832-549-0994 directanchor@yahoo.com Sterling Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Carter, Sterling Health Care 281-240-3140 sterling@sterlingtherapy.com Yoís Touch Mayers, Yolanda 832-368-9800 713-728-5205 ymayers@yahoo.com
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Shelby J. Smith, Ph.D.
T
he economic crisis of the past few years has punctuated the import- ance of financial literacy, i.e., knowing what options are available, the risks and rewards of each and how to adjust financial positioning in response to life changes like retirement. Many retirees entrusting their money to the market witnessed significant losses while others utilizing the safety of bank CDs suffered massive income reductions as interest rates plummeted to new lows. These folks now know, sadly too late, that financial literacy and the need to take control of key aspects of retirement planning cannot be left to chance. Nonetheless, many facing retirement continue to believe education in financial planning is unimportant and allowing a qualified professional to help them is unneeded. You are encouraged to take responsibility for your financial literacy because retirement success hangs in the balance. The major financial issues faced by retirees are reviewed below. The greatest fear of most retirees is not having an income for the remainder of their life. This means as you near retirement you need a plan to convert assets into income. No doubt you’ll have some Social Security but chances are it will not be enough; consequently, the challenge will be converting 401(k), IRA and investments into a guaranteed lifetime income you cannot outlive. If your income planning includes blue chip stocks that pay dividends bear in mind that companies have and will change dividends in response to economic times. Additionally, blue chip stocks sometimes lose their luster; thus, this strategy involves market risks. You might opt for fixed-income places like bonds but all bonds, even U.S. Treasury, have interest rate risks and many, including municipal and
corporate bonds, also have default risks. Many retirees are advised to use a structured withdrawal plan whereby they will use a given percent of their retirement money each year by converting assets to income. The risk here is that market losses mean disproportionately more assets must be converted to maintain the needed retirement income and this leads to running out of assets to convert. An emerging strategy is to shift the risk of living too long to an insurance company by using some of your retirement money to “lock in” a guaranteed lifetime income that’s received regardless of what happens to markets, interest rates or the economy. Such a lifetime income is possible with an annuity that has a feature called a Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit. No doubt inflation and taxes will have a bearing on the quality of your retirement. There is little you can do about the former except possibly keep some of your late-in-retirement money in places that historically has kept pace with inflation. The danger is that risk is associated with places like real estate, stocks, mutual funds, etc. Accordingly, you could again end up with no income late in retirement, so be extremely careful when using the traditional assets that keep up with inflation. Taxes can be managed by diversifying your tax exposure, something that most people do not do. For example, if you can defer taxes on money you will not need until later you can smooth out the tax bite and even lower the taxes you will pay on Social Security benefits. Also, you can carefully convert
qualified retirement money to Roth IRAs and lower your lifetime tax bill. If you want to defer taxes or convert to a Roth you’ll either need financial literacy or a good advisor – do not attempt without either. Retirement is the time to minimize your risk of loss because you have no way to replace lost money. The immutable law of investing is that risk and reward travel together; thus, if the rate of return is above market so is the risk: there are no exceptions. The amount of risk you can afford is intertwined with your personal situation; therefore, what is appropriate for your neighbor may not be suitable for you. There is no easy path to financial literacy; however, you should commit to learn as much as you can, never put your money into something you do not understand and always make sure you evaluate the risk. The best way to do these is learn as much as you can on your own and then find a good financial advisor to provide the expertise you do not possess.
Financial Section
YourMoney
For further information contact Paul R. Strawder, who is an associate of Mr. Shelby Smith.
Phone:713-552-0822 Email: pstrawins@yahoo.com
www.empowermagazine.biz | 31
Estell Porter’s
Stepping Stones to Mastery
Silencing the Inner Critic Seminar "Do you beat yourself up, verbally? Have you tried to stop but don’t know how. Learning how to silence the inner critic is essential to success in every area of life. Often it is the inner voice that stops us from realizing our dreams. If you are ready to stop, there is help. When you leave this seminar you will know what the inner critic is, what it sounds like and how to silence it. Join me for 240 minutes of tips, tools and activities that can change your life in unexpected ways. For Seminar details and to register go to www.steppingstonestomastery.com. Limited Seating.
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www.empowermagazine.biz | 33
International Spotlight
Faith Connections A
vision that began in the heart of National Black Chamber of Commerce President Harry Alford has trans¬formed into a reality a continent away. Alford’s vision -- to empower African-American businesses with the launch of a network of church chambers of commerce across the country. An overseas mission trip by the NBCC in June 2011, set in motion the formation of 21 church chambers of commerce in Kenya, Africa, led by Pastor George Ndhawa, a native of Kenya. Ndhawa met with NBCC official Charles Debow during the mission trip and later was introduced to Leon Jenkins, president and CEO of the recently formed Bethel’s Place Black Chamber of Commerce. For Ndhawa, the meeting was confirmation of a vision planted in his heart long ago to make a life-changing difference in his community. Humble Beginnings George Ndhawa has always had hope. Although he grew up in an impoverished Kenyan village and experienced the stark realities of poverty, hunger and factions that arose in a country comprised of a mixture of Christian and Islam faiths, somehow he believed things could be better. “My background has given me a desire to see children and young adults have a good life because I didn’t consider myself having the best of what life could give,” says Ndhawa. Raised by his grandmother because of his father’s work commitments and a mother who was in and out of hospitals most of his life, Ndhawa developed a compassion for the struggles of others. At the age of 18, he joined forces with several of his relatives to start a rehabilitation program for orphaned and abandoned children in the community who had turned to drugs and alcohol or joined gangs. Although the program flourished and Ndhawa and his co-founders were granted a free parcel of land by the city council to construct a
34 | www.empowermagazine.biz
school, Ndhawa says he had not given his life to Christ. “I thought it was a good thing to take them out of the streets, but I didn’t have God with me at the time,” says Ndhawa of his early outreach efforts. That changed in 1990, when the Kenyan-born native graduated from college. “After I came out of college in 1990 it occurred to me I needed to give my way to God and that’s when I asked for salvation and He gave it to me and from there I became a Christian,” says Ndhawa. In 1996, his avid love of soccer took him to Majen¬go, Nairobi, one of the largest slums in Eastern Central Africa, where he witnessed the impact of commercial sex activities on children as young as 4 and 5 who were put out of their homes to allow their parents to engage in the trade. The experience had a life-changing impact on his life and led him to set aside his goals of becoming a professional soccer player. Two decades later, he is the pastor of Heart and Soul Church and heads the recently founded Church Chamber of Commerce in Kenya. With faith and determination, he funded his way to the U.S. to attend the Bethel’s Place Black Chamber of Commerce Convention and Expo held in January to equip himself with the tools to lead the church chambers in his native Kenya. “They asked me to come to the convention last year in Miami, but I could not make it, but when they told me they were having another one in January here, I set my eyes on it and I am here,” says Ndhawa. His goal is to emulate the success of the Bethel’s Place Black Chamber of Commerce, which has grown to include in excess of 200 chamber members in the span of a year. “We are following the footsteps of what is being done here in America. I am here to learn so that I can take back what I’ve seen to my people,”
continued....
says Ndhawa. Recounting his background, Ndhawa says he was disheartened at the divisions between Christian churches in his country; divisions he believes have allowed many of the Muslim churches to gain ground in spreading their faith. “Islams in our country are already using their money within their community and they have targeted every upcoming neighborhood and when a neighborhood is being constructed, the Muslims will come and buy a huge land there. “They have a home for less fortunate children, they support them in their education, they give shelter to those who do not have shelter and they support their families and have an upper hand to snatch away our children from our faith, so it’s very painful,” says Ndhawa. He shares the NBCC’s vision of uniting business owners through a network of church chambers of commerce to become empowered economically in order to impact the community. “If we have one dollar and we land it first of all within our family, this dollar can go to another family and before it goes out, it has created more dollars within the community,” says Ndhawa of the Community Business Success Model shared with him by BPBCC officials. Ndhawa believes this concept is pivotal to success for businesses and for revitalization of the community. “I feel like if our churches can come up and do this thing as one and we maintain our economical strength we can go very far,” he says. On his recent trip to attend the BPBCC Convention/Expo, he walked away with business insights to help the church chambers in his country achieve their goals. No stranger to the responsibilities of leadership, Ndhawa has planted 20 churches in his country, but remains humble and open to learning as he champions his latest mission. “There is a lot I want to give to the community from spiritual to business to sports. I look at how the world market and economy keeps changing and I know that one country will not be able to do business within itself. “We need to go across our borders to get with like-minded business communities to see if we can do across-the-border businesses,” says Ndhawa.
He credits God as the key to achieving personal and business success. “If you don’t put everything that you are doing to God it is very hard to venture. “Sometimes I don’t have the insights that God gave me all the way. I have an idea of what I want to do, but don’t know how to do it, but God brings somebody and this person speaks of the same thing that I am thinking about and I say ‘thank you Lord,’ because he is all that we need in this,” says Ndhawa.
International Spotlight
Faith Connections
www.empowermagazine.biz | 35
You can do more with our directory by visiting www.bpbcc.org
Directory
Physical/Medical Practice Houston Fannin Medical Center Luckett, Floyd Healthcare 713-655-1600 luckettfanmed@aol.com
Precious Metals African Precious Metals Fordjour, Paul Precious Metals 281-824-2373 PWFordjour@yahoo.com
Promotional Products Academy Awards Donatto, James Retail 832-641-1926 jdonssr@aol.com
Publishing Miracles Exclusive Okoroafor, Azubike Media 832-231-5476 azukings@yahoo.com Savvy Productions Tezeno, Diane Publishing 713-373-2652 drtezeno@yahoo.com
True Story Press Jenkins, Tracie Publishing 281-438-9244 tjenks@gmail.com
Plumbing Britton Waterworks David Brown 832-567-7793 d_brown27@sbcglobal.net Printing BethelĂs Copy & Print Business Center Dennis Johnson 713--729-0125 ext. 308 print@bcpbc.com
Real Estate Agents Coldwell Banker Bolden, Sandra Real Estate 832-715-8905 sbolden@cbunited.com Jarmon Investments Jarmon, Sherwin Investments 832-371-5590 jayjarmon56@gmail.com Premier Realtors Willmore, Maria Real Estate 281-774-8982 maria.willmore@gmail.com
36 | BPBCC BUSINESS DIRECTORY - www.bpbcc.org - (832)767-6419
You can do more with our directory by visiting www.bpbcc.org
Smith & Associates, LLC Smith, Rob Real Estate 713-269-3698 281-438-8657 9smith@sbcglobal.net Word Realty Pullum, Angela Real Estate 832-877-3140 angelapullum@wordrealty.net
Restauraunts Broussardís Links & Ribs Barnes, Eugene & Kristi Restaurant & Catering 713-721-5465 broussardsbbq@att.net Chef Reyís Darthard, Reynold Food Service 281-403-2900 info@chefreynold.com Houstonís This Is It Soul Food Joseph, Craig & Georgette Restaurant & Catering 713-521-2920 GCJoseph@yahoo.com
Redmond Management - McDonalds Redmond, Mary Fast Food Restaurant 713-723-9100 maryi.redmond@sbcglobal.net
Directory
REMAX Elite Iglesias, Carlos Real Estate 281-250-4991 mysecureloan@yahoo.com
CheLace Brand, Inc. dba McDonalds Stephanie Oliver 281-847-4454
Retail AGAR Electronics, LLC Gordon, Marilyn Manufacture 832-386-8265 agargps@yahoo.com Bag Lady On Wheelís Ellis, Judy Retail Groceries & Food 832-444-9389 JudyRomar@yahoo.com Custom media Installers Johnson, Karyn & Lester Home Theater, Custom Wiring 281-437-7171 Lester@custommediainstallers.com G Sport Enterprises, LLC (dba) $1 & More Jackson, Lorretta Retail 713-820-1717 Msljack@sbcglobal.net
BPBCC BUSINESS DIRECTORY - www.bpbcc.org - (832)767-6419 | 37
You can do more with our directory by visiting www.bpbcc.org
Directory
G&K Services Willmore, Maria Retail Sales 713-294-9406 maria.willmore@gkservices.com Kya Kya Smith, Markina Womenís Clothing 713-870-8159 kyakyadesigns@aol.com Lockett and Associates Lockett, Lewis Consumer Goods and Services 678-480-1815 lockett1211@yahoo.com Organo Gold Ronald & Doris Bacon Bacon, Ronald Coffee Distributors 281-710-4127 ronald.bacon@us.army.mil Poparraziís Popcorn Daniels, Irwin & Roland, Alan Gourmet Popcorn Business 713-667-4767 info@poparazzispopcorn.com Shine My Shoes Dilworth, Charles Shoes (Retail) 832-292-2071 cadilworthsr@yahoo.com
Titus Collection Fretty, Kesler ìTitus î Clothes Wholesale / Retail (Manufacture) 281-201-7832 titusartworks@gmail.com Word On Wings - Wing Scents Young, Sandra Gifts/Candles/Printing 832-524-5397 wordonwings3@yahoo.com
Security Company GABSAM Security Company Dada, Gabriel Security Services 281-323-3614 gabdada2000@yahoo.com
Spa Services Serene Treatment Spa Hall, Vondalyn Health & Wellness 832-731-8147 serenespa@sbcglobal.net
Sports Marketing Fusion Sports Marketing Group DeWalt, Ashley Sports Marketing 281-904-7181 ashley@fusionsportsinc.com
System (48-Plus), Independent Dealer Ware, Spellman Auto Services (oil additive) 281-302-8202 spellmanifyoucan@yahoo.com
38 | BPBCC BUSINESS DIRECTORY - www.bpbcc.org - (832)767-6419
Stirring Up Beauty Seven years after launching her “Eco-Chic” makeup line, a professional make-up artist turned entrepreneur, is preparing to debut her eco-friendly line of beauty and skin products in Macy’s.
Spotlight
“Don’t sacrifice your health for beauty, but don’t sacrifice your beauty either, just make a better choice.” Kim Roxie
K
im Roxie is blazing a trail in the beauty industry. Owner of LAMIK Beauty, the Houston-born native introduced her “Eco-Chic” make-up line— comprised of all natural ingredients — to the market in 2004. This spring, she will achieve another feat as her products will be among a select number of AfricanAmerican-owned make-up lines to grace the cosmetic counters of select Macy’s department stores in Texas, Louisiana and Georgia and online at Macys.com. “That’s not something that happens every day. What I appreciate is that they are excited about doing business with us,” says Roxie. Chosen from a pool of applicants to participate in the inaugural “The Workshop at Macy’s” program, a four and a half day intensive training course designed to mentor and foster growth for up-and-coming minority-and women-owned businesses, Roxie is positioning her business for long-term success. “The opportunity changed my perspective and gave my business the retail insider information it needed to exceed even my own limits. The relationships I was able to build within a week will span a lifetime; cheers to the magic of Macy’s,” said Roxie in a media release. As a professional make-up artist, she watched for years as countless numbers of women
40 | www.empowermagazine.biz
from all cultures visited make-up counters and purchased products that they wanted, but “not what they needed.” The experience encouraged her, with the aid of a chemist with 20 years of experience working with Estee Lauder, to develop a healthy alternative for women with the launch of LAMIK Beauty. More than just a product or a brand, LAMIK is a lifestyle and a cause for the innovative business owner. “Don’t sacrifice your health for beauty, but don’t sacrifice your beauty either, just make a better choice,” she says. “LAMIK was created out of the passion to see something different,” says the licensed aesthetician. A modern-day Madam CJ Walker in her own right in the makeup and skin care arena, Roxie can be found in the upstairs lab/ kitchen of her company’s River Oaks area flagship store mixing recipes or formulas when not spreading her message of health and beauty on Beauty Tours around the country. She compares her science to cooking and laughs and admits it can get “very messy and it’s not as glamorous as the packaged product.” The self-made beauty diva and all-natural beauty advocate, experienced an epiphany that placed her on her present course while a student at Clark Atlanta University, pursuing a degree in public relations.
According to Roxie, God awakened a desire in her to find the real purpose of make-up. “Seeing Black entrepreneurs also invigorated me and was a driving force,” Roxie says of her inspiration. She also credits her love of makeup as “a part of her DNA,” growing up in a home with a mother who was passionate about make-up. “When you understand the purpose of make-up, you reveal, not conceal,” says Roxie, a message she reflects in her mission statement On an Environmental Mission Not only is LAMIK conscious of the consumer, but also the environment. After thinking about the countless cosmetics containers that are discarded, Roxie knew she wanted to do something different with her product. Her push to safeguard the environment earned her selection as a finalist for the International Green Packaging Design Award. While a strong proponent of eco-friendly products, she is quick to add that you’re not going to find the “average brown and boring” product display in her stores. LAMIK Beauty products are full of energy and colors to suit an array of multi-cultural tastes, according to Roxie. She lauds LAMIK as “healthy make-up” based on the use of all natural ingredients.
continued....
Hair by Texas Jazzy Girls; Wardrobe by Melodrama Boutique
her “Eco-Chic” makeHer foundations are non-comedogenic and 100 up line, a professional percent fragrance-free and her lip products are enriched with ingredients such as green tea and Vitamin E, and make-up artist turned are infused with antioxidants containing no polybutene, according to Roxie. is preparing The company features a line of facial care entrepreneur, and eyelash enhancement products, along with her own brand of custom lashes and eyebrow sculpting bar. to debut her eco-friendly Creator of the “Celebrity Brow Kit,” a product line of beauty and skin developed to help women with thinning eye brows, Roxie counts a number of celebrities on her everincreasing list of clients, including, Yolanda Adams products and in Macy’s.
Spotlight
Stirring UpSeven Beauty years after launching
Chrisette Michele. Always researching, listening to clients, and upgrading her mixes, creating is an “ongoing process” for the innovative entrepreneur. When not in the lab, she travels extensively and has taught many workshops at Beauty Expos across the United States and Canada and recently opened a makeup academy in the Atlanta, Georgia area to educate women on make-up and promote positive self-esteem. Her beauty workshops include: Eco Chic Beauty Revelation: Put your Best Face Forward in Under 10 minutes and Beauty Outside-In. At other times, she can be found in her Houston office all day or in the field conducting complimentary make-up sessions for women who are making a transition in life and need a new start. At the end of the day, no matter where she is, she inspires.
As her unique brand and line of all-natural products continue to gain increasing exposure in the market, her customers remain her greatest inspiration, shares Roxie. “Customers really determine the colors. Some are even custom-made right before their eyes,” says Roxie. The world renowned beauty expert believes in thinking outside of the box and has even bigger plans for LAMIK, including making her brand “accessible” worldwide. But her early commitment remains unchanged, and that is, to never lose touch with the community. “We realize what makes us who we are,” says Roxie. “We realize what makes us who we are.”
“When you understand the purpose of make-up, you reveal, not conceal.” Kim Roxie
www.empowermagazine.biz | 41
Travel Section
Take a Walk Off
the Beachside By M.L.R. Brownlow
O
nly minutes away from Houston, Galveston Island’s beautiful coastline stretches 32miles long with luxury hotels, fancy restaurants, and tons of shopping centers, and is known to attract nearly 250,000 visitors at one time. Galveston Beach has been called the “beautifully preserved hidden treasure of the lone star state.” The city’s traditional tourist destinations include its historic homes and museums, Moody Gardens located at One Hope Boulevard and its Aquarium and Rainforest Pyramids, the 4D Special FX Theater, and IMAX 3D Theater and in recent years, Galveston’s greatest attraction has been the advent of cruising. Carnival, Celebrity, Princess and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines all have made a home in the Port of Galveston. The Galveston Island Ferry, located on Hwy 87 (Ferry Road), continues to be a popular island attraction. The ferry service offers an 18 minute tour of Port Bolivar, the Port of Houston, which is the nation’s largest inland port, waterway channel for commerce. Free of charge, you can park and ride or drive your vehicle onto the ferry. The ships can hold up to 70 vehicles and 500 passengers. Galveston is a resort destination, beautiful any time of year with its semi-tropical temperatures allowing tourists to continue to enjoy outdoor activities like water sports, fishing, and even horseback riding. S–n–G Horseback Riding welcomes novices and experts to” take a break from the stress of work and city life for a relaxing horseback
42 | www.empowermagazine.biz
It is a great time of year for leisure or sport fishing; the flounder run to the Gulf from the bay when the weather begins to cool. ride.” They are located at 17300 FM 3005 in Galveston, TX, and offer guided trail-rides Monday thru Sunday 8am – 8pm at two scenic locations--on the beach or on the beautiful private bay. They are now offering riding instructions and a romantic sunrise and moonlight beach ride for couples. Make reservations at 409-457-2159 or 409-457-1465 or visit their website www.snghorsebackriding.com or sngtrailriding@yahoo.com. You also can enjoy fishing at Seawolf Park located on Pelican Island. It is a great time of year for leisure or sport fishing; the flounder run to the Gulf from the bay when the weather begins to cool. Tourists recommend The Baywatch Dolphin Tours and rate it “a solid five stars.” It is located along the Strand at 2101 Harborside Dr., Galveston, TX 77550 and is open Monday – Sunday from 10am – 5pm. The boat offers inside and outside seating, and is safe for riders of all ages. Reviewers say the Captain complements the boat and the tour of the city undoubtedly. At an affordable $10 a person, previous guests assure you will see at least
one dolphin for every dollar spent. This amazing adventure is worth every penny. For more information, call (832) 859-4557 or visit www. baywatchdolphintours.com/ Galveston, although stretched wide with plenty of water and sand, is home to two private waterparks. Schlitterbahn located at 2026 Lockheed Road, another kid-friendly adventure, is a convertible waterpark with closeable sections allowing visitors to enjoy the facility year round. Moody Gardens Palm Beach is not only for children providing 18-foot tower slides, spray fountains, and a wave pool, but allows guests to also enjoy a private beach with blue water, white sand and a Texassized spa. Galveston is an amazing island packed full of attractions and activities and offers everything from luxury accommodations to entertainment to romance. Galveston allows residents and guests to enjoy the simple things that make life worth living offering something grand for everyone, because as you know, everything is big in Texas. Enjoy travel at its best by exploring all the entities the city has to offer.
Featured Story What’s left to accomplish for a NBA legend who has won three world championships, earned the name NBA Iron Man for his record-setting string of consecutive games played and been inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame? For A.C. Green the answer is easy? www.empowermagazine.biz | 43
“Giving Back”
Life After Basketball
A
.C. Green has left an indelible mark on sports history, winning three NBA championships with the world-class Los Angeles Lakers and earning the name of NBA Iron Man for his record-setting string of consecutive games played. His athletic prowess not only enabled him to command the sport, but placed him on the list of basketball greats. Few would argue that his impressive list of athletic accomplishments, among them, being named Pac-10 Conference Player of the Year in 1984, voted NBA All-Star in 1990 and being inducted in the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 2003, have earned him the right to kick back and enjoy the fruits of his labor. But in the past 20 years since hanging up his jersey, Green has taken a step onto another court as founder of the A.C. Green Youth Foundation.
A committed Christian, Green held fast to his commitment to his faith throughout his playing career in an arena where most athletes succumbed to surrounding temptations, and since leaving basketball, has been focused on helping young people develop a “game plan” for their lives. Through his “I’ve Got the Power” and “Game Plan” abstinence curriculum, videos, leadership camps, and website, he is focused on his goal of helping young people build self-esteem, character, and moral and ethical princi-ples to enable them to become future leaders. On a recent visit to Houston, Texas, to serve as the keynote speaker for the B-Excellent Awards at the Bethel’s Place Black Chamber of Commerce Convention/Expo, he carved out time in his schedule to speak to several youth groups present at the awards dinner.
In an exclusive interview with Empower Magazine, Green shares why he is so passionate about empowering youth to develop moral character and integrity. We all are familiar with your many athletic achievements in the NBA, but provide us with an update on the top things on your agenda since retiring from basketball. The energy that I am spending is in the area of the A.C. Green Youth Foundation which is centered on developing today’s youth into tomorrow’s leaders and with that it has been 23 years we have been in existence as a 501c3 foundation. We have character based curriculum that is being used throughout the country in various states in public and private school settings, middle and high schools and even some colleges are applying to what we call a program that is technically called “Game Plan.”
What inspired you to start the A.C. Green Youth Foundation and what is the organization’s mission? The “why” factor for me really started with my own nieces and nephews. I was driving and listening to some of the things that they thought and paid attention to and was becoming more and more amazed about it and that became the fuel to the fire and realized that the message of abstinence and moral character is not only for my family members but a universal issue.
With the many temptations that sports figures encounter, describe the key motivators that enabled you to maintain your sexual abstinence until marriage. I wanted to find the good things out in life, not necessarily those things that felt good, but those things that had a lasting result. Being the youngest of four kids enabled me to see the school of hard knocks and to see some things through my own siblings and cousins and learn some things not to do based on the choices that were laid out before me. I had a choice of which road to travel, abstinence being one of them. For me, it all centered around self-control and my desire to be successful. I have
always been a fierce competitor on the court, and no one would probably challenge that, but I wanted to be a winner off the court also.
What type of overall impact has your foundation had on teen abstinence? From letters and data that we have been able to compile over the years and also from face-to-face conversations dur-ing my travels across the country, it seems we are having a solid impact. Through the program, kids learn that there are other options out there and they are not driven down one street where they hear “all kids are doing it and you have to do it too” as the norm. We have always measured our impact based on how many kids we have been able to let know that abstinence is possible.
Is there a particular young person who has been impacted by your foundation who stands out above the rest in your mind? There was a young lady who was trying to maintain her celibacy and remain pure, but winded up getting pregnant and was at a crossroads of throwing in the towel and giving up on the idea of abstinence because of the decisions she had made. It was for hard for her to come and talk to me, but my conversation with her was “it is not about what has happened, it is about where do you go from here.” I told her this is exactly what we stand for, because there are so many young people who are in what we call their “second virginity” and need to understand that you can, from this moment on, move forward and reclaim that value, that virtue and have that self-esteem replenished in your life and all is not lost. There was an image make-over that had to happen. Today her son is 15 years old, and I think that she is one of the greatest moms out there. It was fulfilling to see her not give up on herself and not choose the way of abortion. She has held and maintained a steady job, and the whole nine yards, and I just love her story.
Describe your upbringing and the person with the greatest impact on your life, and why? I was raised in a very religious home and my parents set a model and example for me that was just remarkable. They emphasized the importance of work, dedication and the importance of commitment to family.
In the arena of business, describe the types of business ventures you have started? I have started a record company label, movie production company, restaurants, car dealership, green technology, a sports management and advertising marketing company, a semi-pro sports franchise and private fitness training for youth.
What are the keys to success you would share with aspiring or existing small business owners? You have to be open minded, not afraid of hard work and not afraid to ask questions and learn. There have been a number of setbacks. A number of businesses I have been involved in didn’t work out the way I really was hoping for, but it catapulted me into another opportunity and became a spring board to another entrepreneurial venture. You also have to be committed and be able to weather some storms, one way or another, and press through to see that diamond being formulated.
What do you believe are the top reasons small businesses fail? Undercapitalized, smaller vision than they really need to have and also lack of preparation.
What are your thoughts on the Bethel’s Place Black Chamber of Commerce and its efforts to empower business owners in the church to take their businesses to the next level by patronizing one another and striving for excel-lence in the way they conduct business in the community? I think it is a kingdom mandate and a biblical principle to build together. You are talking unity, you are talking family, you are talking a motto of teaching someone how to fish, so this is an opportunity to continue to show what and how the kingdom of God really operates in a business format. For more information on the A.C. Green Youth Foundation or to schedule an appearance of A.C. Green at your event or organization, visit www.acgreen.com.
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Dorothy Mitchell CHMS, ALHS,GRI, George E. Johnson Properties 12401 S. Post Oak Rd. #100 Houston, Texas 77045
W
hat is staging? The American dictionary definition is to exhibit, present and arrange. A trained certified home marketing specialist defines it as the process of preparing a house to be marketed to prospective buyers to increase the chances for top dollar offers and optimum net proceeds for the seller and a dream home for the buyer. There is an art to selling everything, from clothing to cars to homes. A product must be presented to the consumer in a way that appeals to their needs and tastes. We change hats and emotions and we see things differently depending on what role we are playing in the process. Buyers buy a home, sellers sell a house. Once an individual decides to sell his home it becomes a house to them, which is the first step to the separation process, let me explain that statement. As the years go by living in your home becomes a part of you - full of memories and stuffed with keepsakes. This home has offered comfort and protection for you and your family and you may think that everyone will love it for the same reasons you do. No longer do you see the dull paint, tiny fingerprints, outdated light fixtures or just the simple fact that the home was built in the early 80s and is now competing against homes being built in 2012. As a seller you will need a Realtor who knows how to get your home sold today. In 2011, the average home for sale stayed on the market for approximately six months. Staging is the number one marketing tool that can impact the length of time a home remains on the market.
Staging 101 Staging: Positioning or preparing a property to appeal to the psychological needs of buyers by creating a flow throughout the home. Staging is not decorating, it’s opening the space to appeal to a range of tastes. Set a budget - Set aside funds for repairs, house cleaning upgrades and external storage to remove unnecessary items from home, if needed. Less is more with staging. De clutter - Walk the home and decide what you need and don’t need. I emphasize “need” because “wants” will come into play later. Label items to keep, give away or trash and make sure to dispose of trash immediately. You will need boxes to start packing outof-season clothing, personal items pictures, awards, etc. You may want to allocate money for monthly storage for items that you want to keep that will not be used as a part of the staging process. Curb appeal - Invest in basic landscaping of yard and flower beds. The front of home is the first impression which impacts whether a potential buyer will come in or just drive by. Work with what you have and update areas of the home, as needed. Changing something as simple as a light fixture and updating address numbers are low cost ways that can change the look of home. Adding flower pots, a swing on the front porch and other accents are valuable enhancements. Deodorize/neutralize - The nose is very powerful. Buyers don’t want to smell the odor of pets or the age of the home. When selecting a deodorizer, select scents that are light and fresh to accommodate for potential buyers with allergies.
Below is a chart I use to stage each room showing my goals for each room. Area of Home
Message It Should Convey
Curb Appeal
Neat well manicured
“Staging should be done before a home is put on the market. Newly listed homes garner more traffic from potential homebuyers than homes that have been on the market for longer periods of time, so be prepared to showcase your home’s appeal on day one.”
Entry Inviting Kitchen
Organized, good work area, heart of the home
Bathrooms
Clean, functional, relaxing spa atmosphere
Bedroom
Peaceful, relaxing, private
Living/Family Rooms
Family-oriented, leisure, entertaining
Dining Room
Family, nourishment, elegant
Backyard Deck Patio
Fun, casual, relaxing
Real Estate Today
To stage or not to stage a house, that is the question!
www.empowermagazine.biz | 47
Book Spotlights
Making the
SALE in 2012
SALE – SALE – SALE! You are in business to make a SALE. But, there is one major and troubling problem, nothing you have tried seems to work. Well, have no fear; the “Art-of-the-Sale” is near. There are truly countless articles, books and websites on the key principles to success at selling, but what I have discovered in mastering the Art-of-the-Sale is that your best approach is to stick to some basic, simple and universal principles to selling, so here goes.
1st – It is imperative that you know your product or service backward and forward to the point where you can sell it in your sleep.
2nd – Making a sale requires that you are able to explain to a potential customer/client how what you are selling is of benefit to them or how it will solve their problem.
3rd – You have to ensure that things are in place to make it easy for the customer/client to make the purchase – check, cash, money order, credit or debit card.
4th – Dress professionally, dress to impress, go the extra mile to look your best, dress for success to make the sale.
5th – Maintain a positive and welcoming attitude and disposition, but don’t overdo it. 6th – Make your potential customer/client feel comfortable and appeal to one of their basic
needs by asking a few questions and listening. Active listening will allow you to implement your needs action plan to make the sale. “What I have for you is the answer to your prayers.”
7th – Stay current with what’s going on in your business market or industry in order to routinely work on improving your product or service sales pitch.
Now – Go for it! You can do it! Go ahead – Make the SALE! References: 1. http://noriainternational.com/copywritingsite/article1010.html
48 | www.empowermagazine.biz
This is a regular column presented by DYP, Inc., a local business support company, providing tips on a range of business topics to equip and empower aspiring and existing business owners. For more tips, visit www.dyp356.com
Words Never Spoken by Yolanda Wilson Yolanda Wilson, author and poetess never knew that writing would be a life-long hobby until after the death of her mother in 2000. Wilson, an award winning poetess, who garnered the title of Fort Bend County’s first Poet Laureate says, “I find joy in making others smile at their tears and laugh at fond memories.” Wilson recently completed her first women’s fiction entitled “Words Never Spoken” a short story that will entice you into reading this very troubled, but laughable story about three co-dependent women who find hope through some of life’s trials. “I have always had a broad imagination, but have never desired to share it until now,” Wilson added. Wilson resides in Fort Bend County with her husband Deon and daughter Nasia. The short story is the beginning of a sequel about a young woman, who finds refuge by finding who and what is most important in life. Wilson’s message is that you are powerless without purpose, but regardless of your circumstance, you can stimulate your hope through faith.
Book Spotlights
Book Spotlights
My Little Treasure By Debra Montague Chandler My Little Treasure is a Baby’s First Book. It’s one of the best gifts to give to anyone expecting a child or who already has a child and wants to capture the first year of their child’s life. My Little Treasure allows you to capture treasurable moments of your Baby’s First Year in your own written words. The book is packaged in an elegant, rich, and portable format. My Little Treasure provides inspirational messages from the oldest and most popular book in the world, the Bible, relative to children and parents. My Little Treasure provides placeholders to insert pictures and pertinent birth information of your baby. The Author, Debra Montague Chandler, can be contacted at 832-453-2078 or email thedchandlershow@yahoo.com. Enlighten Me Please by Maria Willmore Maria Willmore, author of “Enlighten Me, Please,” shares her motivational insights and inspirational quotes with readers with the aim of encouraging and enlightening. Sometimes, an unexpected way to get through the day is just by hearing a little quip. The quotes in her book are spiritual, quick-witted, and sometimes downright funny and silly. Yet, they are mostly inspirational to leave the reader with something to think about. If you are feeling a little down and need an uplifting moment or, maybe, an uplift for the day or week, just find the quote that gets you through in the pages of her book. Do you want to share who you are as a positive person with others, yet you can’t find the right words? Perhaps, there is a quote to describe who you are. Read it, share it, get them to understand you. This book of quotes also is a book of understanding of who we are, how we may perceive others, and who we can become if we begin to take ownership of our errors and how we can change ourselves to become better individuals with so much to offer the world. The author encourages you to enjoy her book and know that the quotes have the magic of getting you through trying times. Published by Authorhouse, the book can be purchased at www.authorhouse.com, BarnesandNoble.com (bn.com), and Amazon.com. The cost is $19.99.
www.empowermagazine.biz | 49
You can do more with our directory by visiting www.bpbcc.org
Directory
Telecommunication/ Utilities 5LINX Eaden, C.J. Telecom / Utilities 713-539-5694 cjeaden@gmail.com Comcast Laws, Ricky Telecom / Utilities 832-683-7804 ricky_laws@comcast.com Convergence Solutions Telecommunications Jubert, Donna Telecom 832-790-8408 information@csolutionstelecom.com
Transportation Services
Hayes N Hayes Transportation, Inc. Hayes, Michael Transportation (Petroleum) 281-453-5469 hnhtine@yahoo.com Royaltee Transportation Services Alex, Gloria Transportation (Medical Passengers) 713-894-4915 gdaa1913@hotmail.com Total Quality Transportation Services Bailey, Walter Transportation (Passengers) 832-215-0272
Trophies/Awards Post Oak Trophies & Awards, Inc. Wood, Susan Trophy & Awards 713-729-1102 awards@postoaktrophies.com
Vitamins
Chris Trucking Franklin, Chris Trucking 832-443-1049 ctrucking45@yahoo.com
Body by VI 90 Day Challenge Joseph, Brandon Healthy Weight Loss 504-236-9239 b.joseph8379@yahoo.com
Ellegan Trucking, Inc. Ellegan, Anthony Transportation 832-877-0973 arellegan620@yahoo.com
Visalus Taylor, Landon Health & Wellness 713-376-6568 landondtaylor@gmail.com
50 | BPBCC BUSINESS DIRECTORY - www.bpbcc.org - (832)767-6419
You can do more with our directory by visiting www.bpbcc.org
Directory
Vocational Training MIKAVA, INC. Brannon, Michael Vocational Training / Program Development 281-932-9703 TcFcD@swbell.net
Wedding/Event Planning Catherine Bay Events Lucky, Constance & Lomus, JaMilla Event Management 832-689-0553 Catherine_bay@sbcglobal.net Invite In Style Castex, Tyeisha Event Coordination 832-233-4523 inviteinstyle@hotmail.com PDM Wedding Planning & More Martin, Pauline Wedding & Event Planning 281-608-0231 pdmweddingplanner@hotmail.com
Spellman Ware
Give your engine the therapeutic boost it needs with SYSTEM "48-Plus" This chemical engine formula does not flush out and provides your gas or diesel-powered engine with a variety of benefits, including: • • • • •
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Call Spellman Ware at 281-438-1406 or 281-302-8202.
BPBCC BUSINESS DIRECTORY - www.bpbcc.org - (832)767-6419 | 51
Legal Ease
divorce, death of beneficiary). You can’t change the beneficiary with your will or a trust. You must fill out and sign a new beneficiary designation form. Caution: Some beneficiaries can’t be changed. For example, a divorce decree may stipulate that an ex-spouse will receive the proceeds. Tip: Certain bank accounts and investments also allow you to name someone to receive the asset at your death.
Michael D. Porter
Part Two
continued from EM December issue
Beneficiary designations Property that is contractual in nature, such as life insurance, annuities, and retirement accounts, passes to heirs by beneficiary designation. Typically, all you have to do is fill out a form and sign it. Beneficiaries can be persons or entities, such as a charity or a trust, and you can name multiple beneficiaries to share the proceeds. You should name primary and contingent beneficiaries. Caution: You shouldn’t name minor children as beneficiaries. You can, however, name a guardian to receive the proceeds for the benefit of the minor child. You should consider the income and estate tax ramifications for your heirs and your estate when naming a beneficiary. For example, proceeds your beneficiaries receive from life insurance are generally not subject to income tax, while your beneficiaries will have to pay income tax on proceeds received from tax-deferred retirement plans (e.g., traditional IRAs). Check with your financial planning professional to determine whether your beneficiary designations will have the desired results. Be sure to re-evaluate your beneficiary designations when your circumstances change (e.g., marriage,
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Joint ownership arrangements Two (or more) persons can own property equally, and at the death of one, the other becomes the sole owner. This type of ownership is called joint tenancy with rights of survivorship (JTWRS). A JTWRS arrangement between spouses is known as tenancy by the entirety in certain states, and a handful of states have a form of joint ownership known as community property. Caution: There is another type of joint ownership called tenancy in common where there is no right of survivorship. Property held as tenancy in common will not pass to a joint owner automatically, although you can leave your interest in the property to your heirs in your will. You may find joint ownership arrangements are useful and convenient with some types of property, but may not be desirable with all of your property. For
While property that passes by will is subject to probate, property that passes by a trust, beneficiary designation, or joint ownership arrangement bypasses probate. example, having a joint checking account ensures that, upon your death, an heir will have immediate access to needed cash. And owning an out-of state residence jointly (e.g., a vacation home) can avoid an ancillary probate process in that state. But it may not be practical to own property jointly where frequent transactions are involved (e.g., your investment portfolio or business assets) because you may need the joint owner’s approval and signature for each transaction. There are some other disadvantages to joint ownership arrangements, including: (1) your co-owner has immediate access to your property, (2) naming someone who is not your spouse as co-owner may trigger gift tax consequences, and (3) if the co-owner has debt problems, creditors may go after the co-owner’s share. Caution: Unlike with most other types of property, aco-owner of your checking or savings account can withdraw the entire balance without your knowledge or consent.
M D Porter, PLLC is a full service financial planning company with emphasis on implementing sound tax strategies in building your financial plan. Michael D. Porter is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Financial Planner. He can assist you with your tax return and can answer tax questions as they pertain to your planning. Please contact Michael D. Porter at 713-299-0272.
Six Tips for
Business Success
in the New Year
1
Begin Anew - Get off to a fresh start in building your business by assessing the successes and failures you and your team encountered last year and learning from both. Abraham Lincoln proved throughout his lifetime that failures do not dictate your future, rather the ability to bounce back and reassess your goals and move in a new direction are keys to winning in life. So it is in business, to succeed you must have a dogged determination and the persistence to keep pressing toward your business goals.
2
Create or Fine Tune Your Business Plan - Consult a business expert to assist you in developing or reassessing your business plan. Having a roadmap to guide you in your business is as essential as having a map to direct you on a longdistance trip. There may be detours and road bumps along the way, but with a written plan outlining your business structure and financial and marketing goals, business owners can make provisions for the unexpected twists and turns that can occur in business. Visit a Small Business Administration SCORE chapter in your city and take advantage of the free mentoring and resources available to small business owners. You also can access valuable business resources online at www. score.org or visit a local chapter in your area.
3
Find A Trusted Business Advisor - No man is an island, the same applies to business. Whether you seek the counsel of a family member or friend with a background in business or access the services of a business coach or organization like SCORE, it is in your best interest as a business owner to not attempt to go it alone. Joining a local Chamber, like the Bethel’s Place Black Chamber of Commerce, also is a good move to open up unexplored networking opportunities and form business alliances with other entrepreneurs. Don’t just think about improving your business, be intentional and set aside time each quarter of the year to brainstorm with a trusted advisor who can help you evaluate and/or adjust your business goals.
4
Embrace Technology - If you haven’t taken the dive into the digital world, no worries, this is a new year and you can begin now to equip yourself with the necessary skills and technology that will help to improve the chances of success for
your business. Classes are available at your local library on everything from Computers 101 to classes on How to Network Using Social Media. Start where you are with your current skill sets and don’t be intimidated to learn something new that will enhance your business’ chances for success. If you don’t have the time to learn now, hire someone who can fill the gap in your business until you can gain the necessary skills. The key is to not leave your business ill-equipped - if you don’t have certain skills, find someone who does.
5
Commit to Expanding Your Business To Hire Employees - Although a record number of African American businesses have launched in the U.S. in recent years, research shows that the majority of Black Businesses operate as sole proprietorships and 94 percent have no employees. A business’ ability to have a positive impact on the economy is limited when business owners can generate revenues that only support the needs of their immediate families. So this year, make a commitment to not only build and strengthen your business to make a difference for your business’ bottom line, but exert the effort that will propel your business to grow to such a level that you can hire employees and impact the economy. And don’t forget about offering a young person an opportunity to gain business experience through a paid internship - your business may be the start they need to increase their self-confidence and begin on the path to a productive future.
6
Think Global - In an ever-expanding business world, networking and business opportunities are no longer confined to your network of friends or associates- the Internet and Social Media have changed all of that. So take advantage of the tools that will help you not only conduct your business locally, but grow globally. Someone in Kenya may need a product or service that your business provides, so make yourself visible by developing and maintaining a quality web site, make connections through social networking sites geared for business networking such as UNATION. Don’t limit your business’ growth potential by relying solely on word of mouth to help it grow, step out of your comfort zone and embrace the technologies that can help take your business to the next level.
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BP
Black Chamber of Commerce Your business is Our Business, Because Money Never Sleeps.
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E-mail: supplier.diversity@wnco.com http://swa.aecglobal.com
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56
Houston-area fitness trainer champions a unique brand of fitness that challenges individuals to strengthen their spiritual and physical bodies. | www.empowermagazine.biz
ohn Mitchell, owner of Phat Body Gym, began his fitness journey in college after friends encouraged him to consider a professional career in fitness. “When I start something I am really passionate about challenging myself and if I like something and see the possibilities of it working, I am going to find a strategy to get it done,” says Mitchell. Fueled by his determination and passion for fitness, the personal trainer turned business owner two decades later now operates four fitness facilities throughout the Houston area and celebrated the opening of his first franchise last month in January. Not only is Mitchell enjoying the overflow of years of hard work and commitment to promoting fitness, the 44-year-old body builder recently was selected as an official trainer for UFirstFitness, a company recently launched by Cherita Andrews and O’Neal Hampton, former contestants on Season 9 of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser.” A n d re w s , a re s i d e n t o f Richmond, Texas, heard about Mitchell’s training skills by word of mouth and contacted him to develop a post-show fitness regimen for her daughter, Vicky, also a former contestant on the show. “John is an exceptional trainer. Not only that, he has a real knack for motivating you to go to the next level without you really
knowinghow hard he is working you,” says Andrews. Mitchell will be among a team of trainers selected to work with clients at The Jordan Ranch in Schulenburg, Texas, which recently opened its doors in January. A luxurious western-style facility near Katy, the Ranch provides clients with a structured fitness environment to realize their weight loss and fitness goals. In the style of the reality TV show, clients will begin their fitness experience with a one-week stay at the facility followed by a 12-week follow-up program.
“Once we started doing what God said in that gym, we got three more gyms in a seven-tonine-month period and everything started taking off from there.” ~ John Mitchell Mitchell credits God for the doors of opportunity in his life, including his latest venture. “God is off the chain. Any doors that open up to me I know it has to be God,” says Mitchell. The TSU graduate lost his father at the age of 2 years old and was raised by his mother, who he calls his greatest influence. “She raised me in the church and placed me around Godly men who nurtured and spoke into my life,” shares Mitchell.
Spotlight
J
Fitness Inside &Out
After deepening his own relationship with Christ, Mitchell opened his first gym and soon was led to begin teaching bible studies in the gym. “God told me I need you to do this,” says Mitchell. Hesitant at first, Mitchell prayed for nearly eight months for confirmation. “I kept asking God ‘are you sure you want me to this,’” says Mitchell. When Mitchell began conducting the bible studies, his gym began to experience phenomenal growth. “Once we started doing what God said in that gym, we got three more gyms in a seven-to-ninemonth period and everything started taking off from there,” shares Mitchell. When his initial gym grew to accommodate 40 trainers, he made the decision to open a second location. Since that time, he has opened locations in north Houston, Missouri City, the Spring area and Humble and now has 52 trainers. “ We d o n ’ t g o a f t e r memberships. I help trainers work for themselves and make a living,” says Mitchell. Impressed with his rock-solid fitness knowledge and expertise, and his record of success in the fitness realm, a local husband and wife fitness duo, have embraced his fitness system and opened the first Phat Body Gym franchise in January.
www.empowermagazine.biz | 57
Spotlight
“They have been with me long enough to know that you don’t reinvent the wheel. If it is working keep the system going,” says Mitchell. Not only have his gyms flourished, lives have been transformed by his bible studies, says Mitchell. “The initial reason for coming is the physical; they hear that we work people out hard and get them in shape, but it is more spiritual in the long term,” says Mitchell. His passion to help people, also led the Houston native to write his first book, “God is Bigger Than Your Strongest Weakness,” in which he cites fear as the number one thing that keeps people from transforming their lives or realizing their dreams. “When people’s lives change, that just makes it all the greater,” says Mitchell.
Keys to Business Success
Mitchell encourages business owners to do their research and prepare before launching a business. “Sometimes people move
too soon – ‘I want my own business I want to do my own thing,’ but you may not know enough to do your own thing, you have to pay the price first, you have got to get enough knowledge and wisdom before you step out and do your own thing,” says Mitchell. He believes that if you are in business and it is not bearing fruit or flourishing, you may not be in line with God’s plan for your life. “You know them by the fruits that they bear and you can’t follow God and not grow,” says Mitchell. He also believes that setting priorities and maintaining consistency and focus are critical factors for the success of any business. Before starting his fitness business, like many aspiring entrepreneurs, he tried several other busi-nesses, including launching his own magazine, his own clothing called Phat Body Wear and his own bottled water product line. When he focused in on his fitness he began to experience success, advice he believes will
help other business owners. “I think that a lot of us are naturally born with specific gifts, but it is up to us to bring it out and make it manifest. It takes extra steps to run your own business and to be profitable,” says Mitchell. His success is evidenced by the range of clients who are members of his network of fitness facilities, ranging from politicians to television news anchors to regular customers seeking to rise to a new level of fit-ness. As he marks the next phase of his success with the recent opening of his first franchise, he believes the other ventures God placed in his heart, will resurface at the appropriate time. “I have a lot of things in me, but I can’t do it by myself. I am just waiting for God to send me the right people to nurture each one,” says Mitchell. In the meantime, he is heeding his own advice and doing what he loves best— helping people transform their lives and become stronger- inside and out.
Phat Body Gym Locations 9892 Southwest Freeway (713) 270-0300 12708 North Freeway (281) 874-9225 921 Cypress Station Drive (281) 919-1948 2320 Texas Parkway Missouri City (281) 208-3507 www.phatbodygym.com
58 | www.empowermagazine.biz
A
new hair, skin and body care line, Chase Naturals, has arrived on the scene aimed at providing custom-made all natural hair care solutions for individuals struggling with hair challenges. The company’s motto, “Enhancing the Natural You, Inside and Out,” is the call to action for founder and owner, Charlene “Chase” Hashitsume, in her quest to provide natural alternatives to hair and skin care. She believes the company’s hands-on approach in developing custom-made, all natural products and its commitment to customer service sets it apart. “Chase Naturals differs from most other natural hair and skin care product companies. We customize each customer’s order,” says the Dallas-born native. Generally only celebrities can afford to have products custommade to meet their needs, because the everyday consumer lacks the ability to consult with a company for custom-service based on their specific needs. However, that’s what Chase Naturals sets out to do. The company was birthed in response to Hashitsume’s years of struggling with thinning hair that was unhealthy and constantly shedding.
“I was going to different beauty shops, trying a little bit of everything, but not getting results,” says Hashitsume. A correctional officer for the Texas Department of Corrections, she was enrolled in school to obtain a degree as a surgical tech when she shared her hair challenges with her instructors, who were chemists and pharmacists. “I told them about my constant search for the right products for my hair and also got to talking to them about my background and my various degrees - in video production, paralegal studies and chemistry - and how I had always wanted to do my own thing and start my own business,” says Hashitsume. In the process of brainstorming, her professors asked her if she had ever thought about creating her own hair care products and starting her own business. Combining her knowledge of chemistry with the expertise and help of her professors and $5,000 from her savings, within seven months, Chase Naturals was born. “It wasn’t really as hard as I thought, it was all about getting the right formulas down, and after that I was good to go,” says Hashitsume.
Spotlight
BACK TO NATURAL
Armed with her new reconstructive and reconditioning hair and body products, she was able to help her own mother recover from extreme hair loss due to stress, says Hashitsume. “In a two-year span my mother lost her job, her home and went through a divorce,” shares Hashitsume. Her mother’s hair began thinning and within months she had lost the hair on the crown of her head. When her doctor could not find a medical cause, her hair loss was attributed to extreme stress, and medication was prescribed, according to the Houston business owner. Making a decision not to use medications for fear of side effects, her mother began using her products, and within two months started seeing her hair regrow, develop a softer texture, and get thicker, says Hashitsume. Not only has her mother’s hair been restored with use of her custom-made products, says Hashitsume, she has seen improvement in the health and condition of her own hair. “The thinning, shedding and constant breaking off--all that stopped,” says Hashitsume.
www.empowermagazine.biz | 59
Spotlight
BACK TO NATURAL She also has received positive responses from a growing list of customers regarding her natural hair care products. After the many years of struggling to find a solution to her hair challenges, Hashitsume wishes the idea of developing her own products had come to mind sooner, but is thankful it did. “Everything has its timing and I am grateful for the opportunity,” she says. She believes that everything is falling in place at the right time, even her years of bouncing about pursuing different career fields. “I actually feel that it paid off, taking those different avenues, because I can use the knowledge and skills I have obtained to create my own legal contracts, do my own commercials, and create my own products,” says Hashitsume. She also believes her recent decision to join the Bethel’s Place Black Chamber of Commerce is part of that timing and describes it as “one of the best moves” she’s ever made. “The other members make you feel like you are a part of the family with the warm phone calls and the support,” she says. Hashitsume credits the exposure and assistance she
W
right &
P
continued.... has received from the BPBCC with pointing her in the right direction. Says Hashitsume, “There is always someone there to help guide you along the way.” Leaving her career as a correctional offer behind to focus on her business full time, she is poised to position her company for success and also recently applied for The Workshop at Macy’s program, an intensive, approximately week-long series of workshops designed to mentor minority and women-owned business owners. She has only just begun and also will introduce a natural weight loss supplement in tea and pill form and baby care line as a part of her selection of products this year. From your hair to your skin to your body, Chase Naturals seems to have it all covered. “I have something for everyone,” says Hashitsume. “Just try us out and be impressed.” Chase Naturals 888-752-1099 www.chasenaturals.com info@chasenaturals.com,
ringle Funeral Services
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W P
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W P
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taxes and other accounting financial services for Houston and the surrounding keeping and accounting services which supports successful business organization and growth and relieves business owners of needed time to focus on their core business activities. JAB Solutions provides a wide range of services, including, but not limited to: Annual 1099 and 1096 Processing Payroll Processing and Quarterly/Yearly report preparations Annual W-2 and W-3 Processing Accounts Payable – Vendor input/management Accounts Receivable – Invoicing and tracking overdue payments Monthly Bank and Charge Card Reconciliations
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Janice Rideaux, Owner 281-660-5632 Office 12515 H Fondren RD 832-615-3415 Fax Houston, Tx 77035 Member of the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers Jabsolutions06@yahoo.com www.HarrisCarpet.com
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723-0693
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Houston’s This Is It Restaurant A legacy of family, food and friendship
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Resturant Spotlight
T
hree months before Craig Joseph, the owner of Houston’s This Is It, was born, his grandparents, Frank and Mattie Jones, were on a mission to find a place that would turn their dream of a family restaurant into a reality. It was 1959, and the area was known as Freedman’s Town. When his grandmother saw an abandoned house on Andrews St. she said simply, “This Is It,” and with those words began a family legacy that endures today. Joseph, and his wife, Georgette, took over the helm of the restaurant in 1995 and have continued the legacy of serving home-style meals that his grandparents started more than half a century ago. As Craig Joseph works to continue the legacy that was passed down to him, he gives a behind-the-scenes look at the restaurant’s history and the hard work and commitment that keeps customers coming through the doors. What motivated you to continue what your grandfather started? Someone wanted to buy the business and my grandparents were getting up in age and decided they were going to sell it. A firefighter at the time, I said, you have labored too hard to give it away. When I heard the type of deal that was being constructed, I felt I could buy it from them, rather than losing it and just giving it away. So I asked my grandfather to teach me what he knew and let me take over, and he did. What examples did your grandparents set that contribute to your success today? What really encouraged me is that my grandfather built this on a third grade education. It let me know that hard work pays off. He would tell me, ‘I can’t read or write, but I now business,’ and he knew numbers. My grandmother graduated from high school and she did the business side and did everything he needed as far as paperwork and reading– they just jelled. What was your greatest challenge in assuming ownership of the restaurant? I was turned down eight times by banks prior to getting funding, but it didn’t stop me. I kept pressing on and ended up meeting a guy who I later found out belonged to my church. He knew the bank lingo and got things going to get me approved for my first loan. I brought the property and built a metal building and let the restaurant do what it did. So eventually the banks saw that it was not just a normal mom and pop operation - that we had some strength and we
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ended up owning 3/4 of the block on Gray at our former location. What has changed in the years since your grandparents started the restaurant? When I was four or five years old, dinners were .89 cents for a plate lunch. For 89 cents back then, they got the same amount of food they get today. Of course times have changed and the cost of food has gone up. Describe the secret to your continued success. Ever since we have been in business, the need to be consistent was always impressed on me-- keep the taste, keep the same service, be prepared, be able to handle situations when they arise, don’t panic,--consistency is the key. You also have to think of being in business beyond yourself, because you are serving the public, you are not serving your own needs, and without them there is no you. What can customers expect, in terms of the variety of foods, when they visit This Is It? We serve a variety of foods including oxtails, ham hocks, turkey wings, smothered pork chops, chittlins, gumbo, catfish to pinto beans, collard greens and a variety of desserts such as peach cobbler, sweet potato pie and bread pudding. We specialize in homestyle meals and offer our customers hearty portions. How do you maintain your family-oriented focus, in terms of your staff? It is all still a family effort. My wife and children work here and I have nephews and a sister who come and help out. There are 18 employees, and out of 18, there are three families that work here. It is all family and I grew up with most of them. I am helping them out as well, because they are an extension of my family. We don’t have a big turnover with employees, some have been here 20 years and one 35 years—so we have a history of longevity with employees. My wife Georgette does the catering, banking and also cooks, and my mother still does comes in on Fridays to cook the gumbo, and it is “to die for. My youngest son runs the restaurant when I am not here and also my daughter when she is home from school. Describe the customers that have frequented the restaurant through the years? We have customers from all backgrounds that come to the restaurant. We get a lot of athletes, and politicians coming through on a regular basis also. When I was
young, BB King would call my grandfather and put in his special order when he was going to be in town. Beyonce has three favorite spots in Houston: Pappadeaux, This is It and The Galleria and her favorite item is the hamburger pepper steak. She is my most memorable customer. What do you think is one of the biggest challenges Black-owned businesses face? Supporting one another. It would be awesome if black businesses united. If you can recall, back in 1995, they had Black Friday in the month of May and if you brought a two dollar bill it showed that you supported black businesses. And every Friday that month black businesses were just off the charts but why should it take designating one month, when it could happen every day. I don’t know if you remember Black Wall Street back in the 1920s in Oklahoma. It was a five-mile stretch of nothing but Black-owned businesses. Everything you wanted, you could get in that fivemile stretch, and the Black dollar circulated out of the community once every year. Now the Black dollar circulates out of the community once every
15 minutes. The Whites in that area at that time didn’t appreciate that we had that dollar power, so they bombed and killed over 3,000 to 4,000 men, women and children and destroyed that whole five-mile stretch. At the end of the day, are you fulfilled in the choice you have made to continue your family’s legacy? I have had a great life, now it is just about serving. It used to be an issue of how much I can make or how much I can gain. We have young tots wanting to have birthday parties to seniors who want to come to ‘This Is It. ‘ When you can serve that type of age span, we are doing something positive. It is all about serving and showing faith in God in our business, so people see Him and not us. And that is my prayer every day, as long as they can see a reflection of Him, and not who is behind the counter, it will make it all worthwhile.
Resturant Spotlight
continued....
2712 Blodgett St. Houston, Tx. 77004 Phone: (713) 521- 2920 Restaurant Hours: Mon - Sat 11a.m. - 8p.m / Sun. 11 a.m - 6 p.m Breakfast Hours: 7a.m -10:00 a.m (Mon - Sat) Catering Hours: Mon - Sat 9 a.m. - 7 p.m (281) 701-8955
PICS BY LV Portraits, Weddings, Banquets, All Events LV Davis, Photographer Office: 281-438-2233 Cell: 281-804-9853 lvd0911@comcast.net picsbylv.smugmug.com
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Professional Resumes & More by Dorothy
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CHAMBER MEMBERS
200 + MEMBERS STRONG AND GROWING! (as of December 8, 2011)
Accounting/Tax Services Adonai Group, Inc. Convenient Tax Service Erskine Payne, CPA GEE Document Service JAB Solutions M.D. Porter, PLLC
512-807-7634 832-922-6280 713-452-0613 713-301-6897 281-660-5632 713-299-0272
Author C.A. (Tony) Sherman
713-376-2173
Auto Detailing Affordable Pressure Washing/Mobile Detailing Just The Way You Like It
832-882-6391 832-618-4653
Computer Services Delta Promotions 832-883-4708 Construction Cloverleaf Group 281-221-9788 W.A. Robbins Construction Co. LLC 713-644-5823 Cosmetics Mary Kay Cosmetics Lamik Beauty, Inc.
832-423-8608 866-305-9784, ext. 4
Dental Services Amazing Smiles, PLLC Law Dental Laboratory
281-240-8080 832-519-9916
Direct Marketing J&D Door to Door Delivery Services
281-960-5254
DJ Services M&J Productions Mobile DJ DJ Mo Phatt Mobile Services
832-771-3726 713-443-2091
Educational Services/Tools Education Consultants (Parent Counseling Services) Knowledge-First Empowerment Center Results Mentoring & Tuturing Universal Time Release Publishing, LLC Pacific West Institute
832-643-1617 281-499-8315 713-367-1115 281-743-0039 832-647-2859
Electrical Contractor Dial Data Cabling
281-854-5162
Electronic Security Stanley Security Solutions
713-293-6820
Engineering Design/Consulting Jackson Engineering & Technology Scales Engineering
713-723-7616 281-750-1663
Environmental Services G.I. Environmental Vacuum Service, LLC
713-339-4645
Events Mollie’s Western Entertainment
713-478-9677
Family Services Fathers To Dads, Inc
713-366-6894
Childcare /Education I AM PREP Academy 713-269-3610 Key Dem’s Nu World Child Care 832-731-8066 Princeton Academy 281-403-5180 Worthy of Love Child Care 832-329-8657
Financial Services Alliance Financial Ministries, Inc. Financial Network Investment Group In Touch Financial Service
281-386-7951 281-437-1574 713-981-5125
Church Bethel Family Baptist Church
713-729-0125
Fitness Lady of Essence, LLC
713-405-9633
Coaching/Training Life Directions 832-588-6535
Food Mart Pyburn’s Food Market #2
832-769-1455
Auto Repair Car Star Auto 832-731-8247 Air Conditioning Services Corbett’s A/C Heating Bakery Cakes by Fran Laura’s Love Cake Shop
832-567-9045
713-366-6894 713-272-8293
Banking Capital One Bank (Edward Jasmine, Jr.) 713-435-5118 Regions Bank 281-276-6914 BBVA Compass Bank 713-867-1204 Business Support Services ABC Organizing 832-373-9091 DYP, Inc. 832-816-1953 Vision Manifestation Admn. Services, LLC. 832-236-7262 Life Directions 832-588-6535 Professional Resumes and More by Dorothy 713-433-0404 Carpet Cleaning/Flooring Harris Carpet and Flooring
713-723-0693
Catering Abilenian Barbeque 713-582-4874 DeeLicious Southern Cuisine 713-657-9431 Kino’s Bar-B-Que 281-788-7915 Lynell Rene’s Catering 832-351-0868 Tina’s Catering Service 832-746-6278 Gumbo Xpress \ Xpress Catering 713-319-8336
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CHAMBER MEMBERS
200 + MEMBERS STRONG AND GROWING! (as of December 8, 2011) Funeral Services Missouri City Funeral Services at Glen Park Wright and Pringle Funeral Services
281-403-3350 281-499-5400
Gold & Silver Investments Nationwide Bullion & Coin Depository
832-724-1588
Graphic Design/Artistic Services Antonio Designs 832-208-3146 LBC Crafts & Desktop Publishing 713-721-8703 Omnia House Design, LLC 832-331-6008 Harris, Clevell 281-741-3960 Hair Salon/Hair Products 721 Hair Salon Hair Dreams by Christal, Inc. Innovative Hair Salon Trend Setters Hair Salon Chase Naturals Hair & Body Care Handyman/Home Repair McClure’s Small Jobs RPM Handyman Services
713-721-4247 281-499-9737 713-839-7117 832-651-8556 832-725-5773
281-782-4655 713-459-5155
Human Resources / Staffing Hilltop HR Services
281-529-6145
Income Tax Services WJ & TP Enterprises
832-439-0079
Insurance Agencies Janet Joshua Insurance Agency 713-780-9779 Paul Strawder Insurance Agency, Inc. 832-661-1831 The Planners Insurance Company 832-814-3609 Ken Ross State Farm Agency 281-235-5952 Insphere Insurance Solutions 713-242-1664 State Farm Insurance (Tanya Brannon) 832-687-7349 State Farm Insurance (Donald Malveaux 281-679-7155 Aflac 832-618-3217 Primerica (Kay Roberts) 713-480-5670
Irrigation Services Afforce Industries Irrigation Janitorial/Cleaning Services Bredon Building Services
713-957-1387 713-373-2695 832-865-8420
Lawn Care CJ Lawn Service Rose Bud Landscaping, Inc.
832-498-3966 281-796-2090
Legal Services Law Office of Derrick D. King & Associates The McGill Law Firm
713-334-9500 832-216-8741
Marketing/Consulting AMFREEONE 832-654-3440 L’Renee & Associates, LLC 713-289-0956 Media Technology A+Media Technology 832-888-8000 Medical Equipment/Supplies MEDCrutch 281-467-5402
Health Care Services ACCU-Care Health Care Corp. 713-807-7664 Comprehensive Home Health 713-780-2006 Denali and Associates Medical/Legal Consultants 832-282-7035 Denali Healthcare Solutions, Inc. 832-282-7035 HCG Ultimatefatloss.com 832-396-8599 North American Hospice 713-874-1234 ResCare Home Care 713-864-2083 T&M Healthcare Service, Inc. 281-499-5000
Interactive & Digital Marketing IAM Brands Interactive
Pritchard Industries Soutwest, Inc. Sparkling Abode Janitorial Service Jace Professional Cleaning Service LLC
888-746-8383
713-884-0172
832-654-0150
Mobile Bar-B-Que Abilenian Barbeque 713-582-4874 Kino’s Bar-B-Que 281-788-7915 Music Production / Artist Aservant 254-339-0116 Keys to Life 832-661-1086 Nonprofits Bethel’s (YMDI) Young Men Development Initiative 713-729-5600 Bethel’s Christian Academy, Inc. 713-729-0125 Bethel’s Global Reach, Inc. 713-729-0125 Bethel’s Heavenly Hands, Inc. 713-729-6477 Bethel’s Learning Center 832-373-9091 Bethel’s Place, Inc. 713-728-4445 Bethel’s R.S.V.P. 713-516-3014 BPBCC Young Entrepreneurs Chapter 713-933-4730 Community Health Choice 713-295-2323 Men for Change, Inc. 703-967-5358 Personal Touch Plus 713-541-2110 Fort Bend Habitat For Humanity 281-403-0700 Musicians Empowerment Foundation 713-240-9086 Office Equipment/Sales American Business Machines, Inc. Wil-Technical Services
713-882-1162 832-656-3145
Party Planners/Rentals U’nique Creations, Inc.
281-232-8111
Perfumes/Oils/Fragrances Heavenly Scents Oils
713-540-8946
Pest Control Johnson’s Pest Control
832-352-7871
Pharmacy
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CHAMBER MEMBERS
200 + MEMBERS STRONG AND GROWING! (as of December 8, 2011)
Healthco Pharmacy 713-281-6337 Main Stop RX 713-721-4040 Photography Imed Designs 832-250-8070 McGill Video and Photography 281-261-4903 Pics by LV 281-804-9853 Super Star Photos 832-283-5242 Physical Therapy Anointed Resource Rehabilitation, Inc. Direct Anchor Rehabilitation Services Sterling Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Physician/Medical Practice Houston Fannin Medical Center
713-779-4994 713-521-1377 281-240-3140
713-655-1600
Plumbing Britton Waterworks 832-567-7793 Printing Bethel’s Copy & Print Business Center
713-729-0125 ext.308
Promotional Products Academy Awards 713-529-0130 Publishing Miracles Exclusive 832-231-5476 Savvy Productions 713-373-2652 True Story Press 832-495-3107
System “48-Plus” Independent Dealer (Oil Additive) 281-302-8202 Titus Collection 281-201-7832 Words on Wings—Wing Scents 832-292-2071 Security Company GABSAM Security Company
281-323-3614
Spa Services Serene Treatment Spa Services
832-731-8147
Sports Marketing Fusion Sporrts Marketing Group
281-904-7181
Telecomunications/Utilities 5LINX 713-539-5694 Comcast 832-683-7804 Convergence Solutions Telecomm. 281-973-2283 Transport Services Chris Trucking 832-443-1049 Ellegan Trucking, Inc. 832-877-0973 Hayes ‘n Hayes Transportation, Inc. 281-453-5469 Royaltee Transportation Services 713-894-4915 Total Quality Transportation Services 832-215-0272 Trophies/Awards Post Oak Trophies & Awards, Inc.
713-729-1102
Video Production/Web Development Dennis J. Inc. 832-818-3155 Katapult Media, Inc. 281-769-2384 McGill Video and Photography 281-261-4903 Black Christian Entertainment 281-694-4670
Real Estate Agents Jarmon Investments 832-371-5590 Premier Realtors 281-774-8982 RE/MAX Elite 281-250-4991 Vitamins/Nutritional/Weight Loss Smith & Associates Realty, LLC 713-269-3698 Visalus 713-376-6568 Word Realty 832-877-3140 Body by VI 90 Day Challenge 504-236-9239 Restaurants Broussard’s Links Plus Ribs 713-721-5465 Chef Rey’s 281-403-2900 Houston’s This Is It Soul Food 713-521-2920 Redmond Management - McDonald’s 713-773-3297 CheLace Brand, Inc. dba McDonald’s 281-847-4454 Retail B&A Global Marketing 281-408-9729 Bag Lady on Wheels Fine Food & Accessories 832-444-9389 Custom Media Installers 281-437-7171 G Sport Enterprise, LLC (dba $1 & More) 281-933-3395 J&S Distributors 281-753-2649 Kya Kya (Clothing) 713-870-8159 Organo Gold (Coffee Distributors) 281-710-4127 Lockett & Associates 678-480-1815 Poparrazis (Gourmet Popcorn) 713-667-4767 Park Lane Jewelry 713-478-4701
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Vocational Training MIKAVA, Inc. 281-932-9703 Wedding / Event Planning Catherine Bay Events 832-689-0553 Invite In Style 832-233-4523 PDM Wedding Planning & More 281-608-0231
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