P
HOUSTON
rofile
Winter 2015 an HPT Media Publication
Shantera Chatman Looks toward the Betterment Of Women
Magazine
REAL ESTATE NON-PROFITS PEOPLE
Eat
LIVE Love
Property Listings Food Recipes
Cheesecake a La Mode Wilma Wagner Property International S.K.I.L.L.S. Houston PROFILE | Winter 2015 | HPTMedia.com 1
Photo Credit : Eflon/Flickr
Houston PROFILE | Winter 2015 | HPTMedia.com 2
Photo Credit: Flickr/Eflon
Education Family Community Speak more Love at www.InternationalSkills.org
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Hello everyone! I’m Rebecca, Rebecca The Writer, or Becky as my family and friends call me. This year, 2014, marks the year of Houston PROFILE Magazine. Beginning two years prior as an idle conversation between friends, this collection of work is the manifestation of life spoken from a believer to a nonbeliever (at the time). As one period of contracts, employment and projects lead into the next, the content accumulated until a niche was found and a passion was executed, or should I say, drafted, designed, and collage-d onto paper. Today I introduce to you , Houston PROFILE – a magazine that highlights Houston small business professionals, real estate professionals, non-profits and food industry professionals and experts. These industries are related to three things that make me come alive – food, comfortable living, and people. I didn’t set out to make this magazine the result of an apparent spider web outline of my passions. I can no more accurately place this publication above the fact that it is a manifestation of something that was brewing beneath all of my construction toward promoting people. I love people, and I love my city , Houston Texas. I was born and raised here. I love the food, culture and most of all, I love to embellish it with the ideas that come from its people. We are going to begin with 4 issues, one published every quarter to highlight what’s unearthed by mainstream media.
Photo Credit : Emile C. Browne
Get ready to read about the invisible efforts of extraordinary people right here in this city that are making a strong impact–who are making our lives better for everyday living. Read about them, and go to them, and say thank you. I am through this publication –the magazine I give to you: Houston PROFILE . Magazine.
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2015
WINTER
15. FEATURES
In this Issue
9. Eat Live Love: The elements of
7. health in Houston:
Cheesecake a La Mode, Wilma Wagner Property and International SKILLS.
13. relationships in Houston:
15. Shatera Chatman looks
toward the betterment of women
19. food in Houston: Cheese-
cake a La Mode gives you Bourbon Sweet Potato Cupcakes Contributing Editors:Lyvia Seraline and Brandon Kafarela | Letters and Comments: info@hptmedia.com | Twitter: www.twitter.com/HPTMedia | Facebook: www.facebook.com/HPTMedia Advertising: 713.878.7882 | Want to write for us? Send a 300 word article to editorial@hptmedia.com. All submissions will be edited according to AP Handbook standards. Not all articles will be chosen. Payment is issued after magazine is published.
Houston PROFILE | Winter 2015 | HPTMedia.com 5
health in Houston
sure, cholesterol, etc… Review your current bill of health. Consider asking for a referral to a nutritionist who can assist with healthy meal planning; which is essential to any fitness plan. Additionally, ask supportive family and friends to honor your decision to create a healthier lifestyle. If they wish to join you, great! But remember, don’t compare results. Each person’s wellness journey is different. Step Three: Begin with the end in mind. Where do you want to go? What are you trying to achieve with this new or revisited venture? Write your goals down. Start with One of the first things we learn in grade three solid, comprehensive goals for a more school on how to write a paper is conducting the research. You always begin with an fulfilling experience. Total fitness is more than just being physically fit. Use the foloutline. The more comprehensive your research is; the more conclusive your outline lowing formula when goal-setting: is; the better paper you write. Think of pre- S.M.A.R.T. It stands for specific, measurparing your fitness plan the same way. Be- able, attainable, realistic and timely. Step Four: Choose your environment? gin with the end in mind. When you begin Have you considered your favorite fitness with excellent planning you end with sucenvironment? One of the most exciting cessful results. things about fitness is that it can be done Step One: Assess your mood and readialmost anywhere—at home, in the gym, in ness. Are you ready for a new journey to the park, etc. When choosing to exercise at wellness? Maybe you’ve been here before and your plan didn’t go as planned. But did home, create a designated safe space for your work outs. If considering the gym, think you really plan, or did you just show up at about location, costs (including specials), the gym right after New Years’ just like everyone else? Did you take a serious look at classes you might enjoy, amenities, and child care (if necessary). Request a tour, whether or not you were ready? Take time and don’t be afraid to ask how to properly and ponder on whether you have what it use their equipment, especially, if you are takes to succeed, and then proceed as if you do. Take a mental note of the perceived working out without a personal trainer. If barriers in your life— (time, childcare, etc.), being outdoors fascinates you, bring a partner along and consider the best times of then think about solutions to overcoming day and safest areas for your work outs. Try them. You will know you are ready when alternating places to mix things up a bit. you develop a “no excuses” attitude. Step Five: Use your tools! There are plenty Step Two: Assemble your support team. of tools to help you live healthier lives. Two Ask your healthcare professional to take your physical stats such as your blood pres- free tools that I recommend are: Body for Photo licensing: Stocksy.com
We all know and understand that incorporating healthier habits is ultimately good for us. One way to do so is through fitness. Physical activity gives us energy along with a host of other numerous benefits. Moreover, maintaining our health sets the necessary foundation for not only empowering others, but also ourselves. However, knowing where to start might be intimidating for some. With the following keys to get your fitness plan in shape, a healthier lifestyle is within your reach.
Life and My Fitness Pal. The Body for Life program is a helpful tool to develop workout and meal plans. The web site provides planning worksheets that can be completed before beginning your journey. There is also an online community if you need additional support. My Fitness Pal is useful for tracking your daily food intake and exercise activity. Tracking your progress throughout your journey is important. Step Six: Don’t Forget about your rewards. Incorporate a reward system into your fitness plan. Working toward long-term change is not an easy feat for anyone. Decide early on how you will reward yourself for your efforts. Limit food as a reward, and keep your rewards within healthy boundaries. In other words, don’t indulge. Step Seven: Define success for yourself. Your fitness plan is about progress not perfection. If things don’t go as planned, get back on track as soon as you can. If someone on your cheerleading squad lost two pounds, and you haven’t loss any, recognize the other benefits of your newfound lifestyle. Celebrate the improvement of your stress level. Be happy that you have more energy to run around with your kids. There is always something to celebrate while living healthy a healthy lifestyle. Some might say it’s just fitness, why put so much thought into it? The fact is it’s more than fitness. The way we treat our bodies is the way it will operate. Being truly committed will take some preparation before getting to work-out. So take as much time as you need during the planning stage. Your mind, body and spirit will thank you for it! Besides, women empowerment begins with taking care of you.
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Truly behind every great man is an even greater woman. Eros and Nikki Shaw make up the powerful engine that push the all encompassing International S.K.I.L.L.S. – a non-profit conglomerate that focuses on rebuilding the community through vocational skills training and family rehabilitation. These two run a pre-school academy, barber shop, and barber academy. The spirit of LOVE is the bed-rock of their businesses. Not many are blessed with a platform to live, work and thrive under their own constitution, but these two have painted a beautiful picture of commitment that is not bound by vices of our society. They are staple in the community in operation for over 20 years, and have proven they are not going anywhere anytime soon regardless of everyday living pitfalls. See more of how they incorporate the spirit of LOVE in their business at www.houstonprofilemagazine.com
Cheesecake a La Mode is all things happy and fun, with its one of a kind confection flavors like Don’t-cha De leche cheesecakes and Hell-a Good cake bombs. Carla McCray is serving the city of Houston with the most unique kind of bakery, a virtual bakery specializing in cheesecake. She serves all kinds of creamy confections in whimsical ways – most notably, through cupcakes and cake-pops. For Carla McCray EAT Live Love means family and fun; food and festivities. There’s really no other time in her life that defines the meaning more than when she first began this business venture. During family gatherings before she could get out of her car, a cousin, uncle, sister, friend or family member would come and help her bring her cheesecake or cupcakes into the house; and before she could make it into the house her dessert would be halfway gone! It takes her to tell it with a smile because only a loved one can truly appreciate the favor received from friends and family, and humor of not being able to make it into the house to share in your own dessert. For Carla this is her life, which is shared through food and fun. See more of Carla talking about her business – www.houstonprofilemagazine.com
Wilma Wagner of WWP moves you into a soothing space of comfort. It’s all about the mental health and physical well-being of people with Mrs. Wagner. For her, Eat LIVE Love defines our human nature. Her business (in of itself) is all about comfort and security – the very things that are fundamental to the growth in all people. When we eat together, live comfortably and love one another, we create the inherent space for comfort and security. Without them, people run the risk of operating in a negative space that is counter-active to the growth of a human-being. There is no fear in Mrs. Wagner. She is not afraid to disclose that she greets her friends and loved ones with hugs and kisses. She seems to be one of the lucky ones who has more friends than associates, although the way she treats her “associates” hardly qualifies as unfamiliar. She is deeply in-tuned with her surroundings at all times because she is in touch with herself. Wilma says, “My business is my life because my business is me.” See Wilma talk more about living at www.houstonprofilemagazine.com Houston PROFILE | Winter 2015 | HPTMedia.com 9
Sherri Horn i s the REALTOR who represents you. (832) 356-7803 Single Family Home
PENDING LISTING
Welcome Home! IMMACULATE! Well loved Westin home, only two years old. This home has 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 baths, Media Room, small game room, storage in the attic (Attic could be finished out) hard wood floors, tile, granite counter tops, 3 car garage and a Pool with hot tub (pool is heated so you can swim all year long). Close to shopping and restaurants. Your Oasis awaits! 349,900
VETERANS FREQUENT MOVERS FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS
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relationships in Houston
Things
25
every married couple must know from each other By: Jeff Edwards
Most people never associate the words easy and marriage; and rarely are they used in the same sentence. It’s interesting how something that is considered holy can’t ease the trials and tribulations of life. Surely when you find a good mate and unite under God’s blessing, there is a high expectation of happiness? There once was a family consisting of one father, one mother and three children. They were a picture of a happy American family. The father worked day and night, and the mother was a corporate executive. Life for them had ups and downs just as with most families. One day, their image changed. What once looked like a beautiful American family now looked like a real American family. It was altered by an all too familiar menacing predicament: One father, one mother and three children, now contained another woman and three more children. For nearly twenty years the father lived two separate lives apart from the families’ knowledge of the truth. He showed both families how a man is supposed to love, provide and care for his loved ones. Needless to say, regardless of the beautiful picture he painted for both families, his betrayal of their hearts shattered their image of happiness. This awful circumstance is a hurtful reality millions of people throughout history have shared. The obvious question is how in the world could one man be a father and husband to two sets of families without their knowledge of each other? Impossible; or is it? Here’s how it can happen – when one or both spouses aren’t transparent with the other, and when one or both fail to communicate. Below is a series of questions that every married couple must have the answers to. The more question marks there are as responses to these questions, the greater chance a marriage is at risk.
1. What was it that prompted you to ask me to marry you? 2. What are the things that make you smile when you think of me? 3. What would make you leave me and never come back? 4. Am I your best friend? Why or why not? 5. Is honesty important in a marriage? 6. What outlets do you have that may be detrimental to our marriage? 7. Have you done anything in the past that can destroy our marriage?
8. Do we want our children to marry people like us? 9. Why have we lasted this long? 10. Do you think we have what it takes to last longer? 11. Was religion a factor in deciding to marry me? 12. Do you like my church? 13. Can you live with the fact I don’t go to church? 14. If you could, what is one thing you would change about me? 15. What do you feel I can do more of for you? 16. Do I need to forgive you for something you’ve done?
17. Can dating improve or hamper our marriage? 18. How much alone time do you need? 19. How much do I tell you I appreciate you? 20. Do I compliment you enough? 21. What is our marriage in need of? 22. How do I know you are a good supporter? 23. Have I been a good listener to you? 24. Have you prayed for our family? 25. What can people learn from our marriage?
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Meet
Wilma Wagner By far, with the most unique real estate brand in the city of Houston, Wilma Wagner of Wilma Wagner Property infuses home, health and safety into her business.
Wilma gives her listing clients an advantage by giving their homes an entire Young Living make over.
For that fortunate residential listing closer with WWP she gifts the new home owner with a YL oil diffuser to keep the air clean for safe breathing.
WWP Clients are invited to learn gun safety and new concepts to keep them and their loved-ones safe at all times.
For more information about WWP Home Health and Safety visit: Houston PROFILE | Winter 2015 | HPTMedia.com 13
Looks toward the Betterment of Women by: Rebecca Walton
Shantera Chatman exemplifies the epitome of a woman, and carries with her the dignity of a lady. If you have the opportunity to encounter her, you may be a little intimidated by her perspicuous tone and her branded appearance. The best way to plug into her world is to understand her mission – a mission that crosses classes and cultures. If you understand that women are the synergy of the community, then you are privileged to be invited to become a part of the only private foundation in the city of Houston that is dedicated to putting money into the hands of women looking to start a business, go back to school, or make a life change. Little by little Shantera is building The Chatman Women’s Foundation [TCWF] with a commit ment to better the lives of women, both professionally and personally. Beginning approxi mately 8 years ago, Shantera single handedly spearheaded the Annual Women’s Empow erment Conference [AWEC]. In six years it grew to become one of the largest conferenc es in the city that delved into the intimate issues women face daily inside their homes and in their jobs. Today, TCWF is a manifestation of AWEC that is constructed to go after women across the professional spectrum. From Fortune 500 CEO’s, to stay at home mothers, to women undergoing life grappling hardships; TCWF has something to offer. Shantera says, “I’m not looking to become a big Oprah platform.” As a member of Lakewood Church–the largest assembly of Christians in the world–Shantera is steering clear of creating a massive platform that will gulp droves of women that seek an opportunity. It’s better to under stand it like this: TCWF has an open door policy for one person at a time. One may ask, “How is that possible?” Just ask Shantera, who has tasked herself to make the lender and borrower meet via TCWF. It’s important that every person involved with TCWF is not lost in the protocols. If TCWF grows into a global constitution, so be it, so long as everyone receives something from TCWF—a contact, a financial award, a renewed commitment, a plan of action…something. So, not only is TCWF a place to uplift the dreamer, but it is a place to meet the person who will help build dreams into a reality. Throughout her successful career as a corporate consultant specialist, Shantera has accumulated a wealth of influential people nation-wide at her disposal that has already sewn into AWEC. The same people and a few new faces are hand-picked by Shantera to be showcased as confer ence and mixer speakers, and TCWF magazine features. Dreamers are con nected with dream makers, and are benefited in more ways than one. Some receive financial awards, others are able to ap ply for jobs, mentorship relationships are created, and so much more. Shantera Chatman is on the move to better the lives of women. Accept your invitation to become a part of this lifebetterment experience at www.4EmpoweringWomen.org
Photo Credit: Papillion Photography
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Financially empowering women to get back to the community through business, education, and family. For the 2014 – 2015 year The Chatman Women’s Foundation will be financially awarding women who are excelling in the areas of business, education, and lifestyle.
Applications will be accepted beginning October 1st, 2014 Scholarships, grants and endowments will be awarded at the Annual Women’s Empowerment Conference – March 2015
www.4empoweringwomen.org Houston PROFILE | Winter 2015 | HPTMedia.com 15
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2Years 1994 - 2014
Owner and Director of Precious Jewels Alpha Learning Center
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Cream Cheese Frosting 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup butter, softened 2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar 2 teaspoon vanilla extract In a mixer, cream together the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add in the vanilla, then gradually stir in the confectioners' sugar. Cover and refrigerate until cupcakes and bourbon syrup are ready. Cupcakes 1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar 1/3 cup butter, room temperature 3 eggs 2 tsp vanilla 2 3/4 cups all purpose flour 1 Tsp baking powder 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice 1/4 tsp salt 3/4 cup whole milk 1 cup cooked sweet potatoes 1/3 cup premium quality bourbon · Preheat oven to 350 degrees. · Line cupcake trays with 24 cupcake liners · Mix together flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice and salt in a large bowl · In a large mixing bowl, mix brown sugar, butter and eggs until fluffy · Add sweet potatoes and vanilla. Mix well. · Add 1/3 of flour mixture to sugar mixture until combined. Add bourbon. Add second 1/3 of flour mixture. Add milk. Add remaining flour mixture. · Mix well with each addition. · Fill baking cups. · Bake for 15-17 minutes or until done. · Cool completely Bourbon Syrup 1/2 cup water 1 tsp butter 2 tsp vanilla 1 1/2 cups sugar 3 Tbs premium quality bourbon · In a small saucepan, bring sugar and water to a boil. · Boil for five minutes and add remaining ingredients. Cook until a syrupy (thickened) and let cool. Ice cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, then drizzle with bourbon syrup or if you’re like me DUNK IT in the bourbon syrup! Optional: Sprinkle with chopped pecans for a little crunch
www.Cheesecakealamode.com Houston PROFILE | Winter 2015 | HPTMedia.com 18
Go From
To
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