Purposefully Driven Magazine by PurposePals Publishing

pdm

editor.

from the

Welcome to Purposefully Driven Magazine Akila Wilson

ur mothers are our first friends. They feed us, teach us, and discipline us. I grew up in New York City, where frequent subway rides required protection by my mom from dangers seen and unseen. New Yorkers walk a lot too, as we did daily to my elementary school which was two or so blocks from our apartment on 82nd Street between Amsterdam and Central Park. When I got old enough, I begged her to let me walk alone. She did not entertain it at all, until one day she said yes. The next day I set out feeling like a big girl with my head held high and my Wonder Woman backpack in tow, I hurriedly walked up Amsterdam Avenue, crossed the street with all the commuters, and safely made it to my school. It was the best day of my life so far. As I made my way upstairs and got settled into my classroom, I saw my mom’s beautiful afro rounding the corner towards home. This memory reminds me of the safety and love that a mother provides even when we’re not looking or expecting it. If you are blessed to have motherhood as your purpose, you will impact the world in unforgettable ways. Whether you work primarily inside or outside your home, relish in the awesome opportunity you get to assist God as He creates miracles.

pdm

Publisher Kimi Johnson Editor-in-Chief Akila Wilson Senior Creative Editor Marcus Duval Contributing Writers Alyssa Allen Dr. Nicole Mason Elder Tony Keith, Sr. Kendra Johnson Evangelist Teraleen Campbell Thomas Wright Zoey Nyati Rhoda Whitfield Guest Contributing Writers Nikolas Keel Stacy Miller Mercy Benadette Akila and her mom, Ruby Harris, pose together on a subway train in New York.

Cover Feature Tia Henry, Owner of Debonair Hair Salon 1162 Capital Cir SE,

In this issue, you meet haircare miracle worker and mompreneur

extraordinaire Tia Henry, who is the owner of Debonair Hair Salon. She lays out her journey as a faithful steward, wife, mother, and veteran business owner. This issue is dedicated to womanhood and entrepreneurship, so we peek into: •

Tallahassee, FL 32301 Cover Feature Style Team Hair:Tia Henry Makeup Artist: Mikaya Warren Director: Kimi Johnson Photographer: Marcus Duval

Balancing life as a mompreneur

Cover Designer:

• • •

Using clues from your childhood to discover your purpose

Brittany Rockwell Mompreneur Features

Forgiving to live; and

Jasmin R. Sutton Tamesha Graham

Practicing your faith

Chrissy Leveille

Other highlights from this issue include: •

Mompreneurs that will inspire you

•

Valuing the contributions of housewives

•

Discerning between movement and progress

•

Investing in yourself

•

Defining entrepreneurship

•

Seeing yourself as God sees you

Purposefully Driven Magazine is a publication of PurposePals, LLC E: hello@purposepalsllc.com P: 850-765-0461 PO Box: 5532 Tallahassee, FL. 32314 Purposefully Driven Magazine is a bi-monthly print and digital magazine designed to help readers gain clarity of purpose in order to live their best life! The information in this publication is presented in good faith. The publisher does not guarantee accuracy or assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. Copyright 2022 PurposePals, LLC All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or in whole, without expressed written consent of the Publisher is prohibited.

Loving you in print,

pdm

Cover Feature Tia Henry

Meet The “Every Woman”

The Mompreneur Issue

contents

Made in God’s Image

Your Purpose Your Position

Forgive to Live

14 17

Movement vs Progress

Defining Entrepreneurship in 2022

Is Your Inner Child Wounded?

pdm

27 Balancing Life as a Mompreneur

32 34

42 44

Self-vestment

M o m p r e n e u r ’s Love

Nothing Like a Mother’s Love

Mom’s Leading the Way In Business

pdm

Spring Beauty Trends to Take You From Work to Play

Focus on Family and the Quantifiable Role of the Modern Housewife PDM Love

Are You Protecting Your Spouse’s Heart As You Promised?

contributors Elder Tony Keith Sr. is a husband,

father, grandfather, minister, author, and Christian Counselor. Using his gift of writing and his life, he is passionate about helping men to get back up after failure and loss. He is a conduit of healing for men and their families.

Alyssa Allen

is the founder of Top-Tier Creatives, a Digital Marketing Agency based on the island of Jamaica with clients including churches, pastors, Christian news outlets, TV networks, lifestyle coaches, and more. Alyssa has helped hundreds of people worldwide and has a 10-year track record of experience as a ghost writer, book coach, and editor.

Dr. Nicole S. Mason, Esquire

(@nicolesmasonesq ) is a leader

making an impact in the ministry and the marketplace. Using her many gifts to inspire other women, Dr. Nicole is dedicated to helping women leaders create success on their own terms. She is an international bestselling author, attorney, executive leadership coach and a powerful preacher.

Zoey Nyati

born and raised in South Africa, Zoey is an extrovert who relishes culturally diverse environments. Forever fervent in her pursuits of holistic health endeavors and immersive travel experiences. With a minor in Psychology, she has always been passionate about improving the quality of life and wellbeing of others and enjoys serving through community involvement..

pdm

Thomas G. Wright a proud

Rhoda Whitfield

is the author of I’m Just Simply Saying:

Marriage Takes Work. She is known for her raw and relevant straight forward martial advice. She is passionate about helping couples cultivate a successful and loving marriage. She is a co-author of the book A Well-Rounded Love Affair “More than Between the Sheets,” with her husband Danny Whitfield.

native son of Washington, DC’s inner city, he attended public schools completing his primary education at Gonzaga College High School. He matriculated through the University of Maryland, College Park with his B.A. in Criminology in 1981. He authored or selected other men to write the Magnificent Men’s column and is one of the contributing writers to the book, Faith for Fiery Trials. His major task in life is to be the best husband, father, man, and servant the Lord has called him to be.

Kendra Johnson

is a published writer, former blogger, and future author. Since childhood, she has always loved writing and expressing herself with words. Kendra is a devoted wife, and Mother to three children, and she believes in living in your truth while working to be the best version of yourself.

Evangelist Teraleen R. Campbell

is an award-winning author, speaker and certified coach, serves several organizations within her community in the Washington, DC suburban area. One who knows the worth of prayer, she loves to intercede on behalf of the needs of God’s people and serves as lead intercessor each month for a local non-profit organization.

pdm

SPIRIT AND SOUL MADE IN GOD’S IMAGE Living a Life of Courage, Confidence, and Purpose Despite Daring Obstacles... By Alyssa Allen

The creation story is a beautiful account of the very non-accidental beginning of the world. It tells of an intentional God putting into place everything that the crowning jewel of His masterpiece would need before bringing them into the world. God didn’t just speak mankind into existence; He got His hands dirty and breathed into existence the very thing He wished to see. Us; made entirely in His image. (Genesis 1:2628 KJV)

the popular trend. But God, in Luke 10:19 KJV, tells us that, “I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” God wants us to walk into every situation with the confidence embodied in Philippians 4:13 KJV and say, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Because of sin, the dynamic God intended for us has been corrupted, but we are still His workmanship, made in His image, designed to live a life of courage, confidence, and purpose (Ephesians 20:10 KJV).

God was neither bored nor experimental when He made you. He captured an eternal purpose in you that He equipped you to execute. Like many before you, you may struggle against the strain of imposter syndrome that can lead to paralyzing fear. The enemy created the prison of fear to keep you from living a life of courage, confidence, and purpose. God reminds us in 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV that “God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” You may be thinking to yourself, “That sounds great, but I don’t

Confidence or Uncertainty? True confidence comes from believing all that God has said about you. But, unfortunately, our insecurities have been commercialized for so long that we’ve accepted the lies. Media tells us we’re broken and powerless when we operate outside of what is

Purpose or worthlessness?

feel powerful.” You are not alone in feeling that way. Even the disciples felt powerless when Jesus called them into service. But Jesus reminded them in Acts 1:8 KJV, “… you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Your power is not something that you create; it comes from the only trustworthy source of power. Seeking God and waiting on Him to equip you with all you need to walk in purpose is the only way to carry out His will for you in your life effectively. It is an honor and privilege to be made in the image of God. It is a birthright that the devil wants you to forget. However, God has left us so many messages in His words reminding us of who we are and whose we are so that we can live courageously, confidently, and purposefully even in the face of daring obstacles.

pdm

YOUR PURPOSE YOUR POSITION PRACTICE IS ESSENTIAL TO MAKE THE TEAM

BY THOMAS WRIGHT

Football is a sport that captured my heart at an early age. My friends and I would play in the street, stopping to let cars go by and quickly resuming once they passed. We played everywhere: on small grassy areas or large fields whenever they were available. We even played in the street! We played touch but tackle was our favorite because of the physicality and danger involved.

when I began the journey. I was a babe in Christ trying to eat spiritual steaks. Eventually, I resorted back to some of my old ways but still held on to a little of the new. The one thing that came very easily was sin. I chased the women with great success. I could go to the club and dance most off the dance floor. I dabbled in drugs, a little taste every now and then but a lot of weed. It seems like I excelled in the things of the world before I came to Christ but struggled mightily in becoming a Christian. One day, I was in one of my pity party moods and confided in a brother at the church. He listened intently, and as I was finishing, I looked at him and stated, “It seems I can be an all-star on the devil’s team but can’t even get on the field when it comes to the Lord’s squad.” The brother looked at me and, without hesitation, said, “To be on the Lord’s team, you can’t just walk on! You have to practice.” That hit me so hard that my jaw fell towards the floor. I quickly recalled how I did any and everything to make my football team. I didn’t start and barely made it into any games, but I was on the team! Riding the bench didn’t stop me from practicing and giving my all. What that brother said made perfect sense. Dabbling in bible study and sliding into church when convenient was not going to get me on the Lord’s team. If I wanted to be on the team, I had to practice!

When I reached high school, I decided to join my friends and try out for the team. It didn’t take long to realize I wasn’t the fastest, strongest, or most skilled but I refused to let that stop me. Every practice brought its own challenge. Dropping the ball, running the wrong route, or missing a receiver’s tackle were all recoverable errors. None of these failures stopped me from trying because I was determined to play ball. I had yet to discover what position I would occupy, which was the one proverbial cog in the wheel. There was no grandiose illusion that I’d start or be a star, but my goal was to enjoy playing football, and my measure of success was making the team. When I accepted Christ as my Savior and Lord, I was right off the street. Sure, I went to church as a kid, but it wasn’t to become a Christian. I was merely fulfilling my mother’s household requirement. When I got saved, it was about having a relationship with the Creator and not about religion. With vigor and excitement, I threw myself into becoming a Christian. I enjoyed the services and I made some wonderful friends. I attended most Sunday services and a few Bible study classes. I couldn’t sing, but I even tried the choir once. It was very short-lived, and I’m sure the choir was grateful. I desperately wanted to know God but it was hard. So, I couldn’t sing, didn’t understand the scriptures very well, and the preacher’s sermons didn’t move me as much as they did

pdm

I tell anyone who will listen, godliness is not an easy goal to set, much less accomplish if you are not all in. You must set your mind and put in the work. There is a scripture that captures this sentiment quite well. “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14 KJV) 12

FORGIVE TO LIVE BY: KENDRA JOHNSON

As humans, we come in all shapes, colors, and sizes. Sure, there are similarities and interests that may vary, but one thing that we all undoubtedly have in common, is the potential to make mistakes. Making a mistake is a gentle reminder that we are human, and like peanut butter and jelly, mistakes and forgiveness are a lifelong pair. We’ve all heard the cliché sayings on why you should forgive and how it’s the “right thing to do,” but hopefully, this article will give you a new perspective on its importance. There have been many painful experiences that have left me bitter, angry, or revengeful. Some letdowns took me a few days to get over, some a few months, and others a few years. I found solace in my anger, and it took many lost blessings of my own to realize that holding on to this pain was only hurting myself. The unpopular truth is, when you harbor resentment towards others, it only physically and mentally affects you. You might be fuming about an incident that hurt you while the person who hurt you is somewhere vacationing on a private island, soaking up the sun. You’re the absolute last thing on their mind, and they’ve moved on. So why is it that you’re still upset?

As long as you’re on this earth, there is no way to avoid pain and disappointment. We cannot control what happens to us, but we certainly can choose to live in peace. We can choose how it affects us and we choose that person’s station in our lives. Just because you choose to forgive someone doesn’t necessarily mean they deserve the same position in your life. It doesn’t mean that they are given permission to continuously hurt you. Forgiveness has nothing to do with the other person and everything to do with you. For your peace of mind, choose forgiveness. I challenge you to think of someone or something that has hurt you in the past. Ask yourself, what benefit am I receiving while holding on to these feelings? If the answer is nothing (and it probably is), then make the choice to let it go. If this doesn’t work, try imagining where we would be in life had God chosen not to forgive us? To truly live, you must forgive.

Life is too precious to spend it on something that happened to you in the past. When you decide to release the shackles that have been holding you back, watch how God will begin to move through you. All the negative thoughts and energy that once consumed you will transform into discoverable hobbies and talents. You will learn new things about yourself that may have once gone unnoticed. It’s cliché, but “out with the old, in with the new” is a great way to live. People, including you, will only change if change is what they really want.

pdm

MOVEMENT VS PROGRESS "AN IDLE MIND IS THE DEVIL'S WORKSHOP." BY: TERALEEN CAMPBELL I grew up constantly hearing this adage from the elders in my family. My mother intended to make sure I was able to take advantage of new opportunities that had been made available to Black children in the newly integrated United States. She sacrificed and put me into various extra-curricular activities both at school and church. Consequently, I purposely busied myself as an adult. Eventually, I became busy to the point of fatigue. I searched for the payoff to my busybody. In some instances, I found none. As I reflected and studied, I found a distinction between movement and progress. Progress - forward or onward movement toward a destination. Movement - an act of changing physical location or position or of having this changed. Based on this discovery, I’ve concluded that purpose and destiny are critical components in distinguishing between the two. We can assess by asking ourselves: Is there a purpose for moving? Am I moving just to move? Am I moving because someone else is moving? Did God tell me to move?

pdm The Israelites famous march around

Jericho is a great illustration. They moved (marched) around the walls of Jericho. Some may surmise there would be no progress at face value because they were repeatedly circling the same walls. However, there was an unrevealed objective to them marching, which resulted in a victorious conclusion. Further examination of the march as recorded in Joshua 6:2-17 provides takeaways that will help determine if our movements are progressive. Once we have determined that there is indeed purpose for our movements, we can be mindful of the following:

children of Israel were told not to utter a single word for nearly a week! Can you imagine marching, yet not speaking a word of explanation to your sister or brother? For some of us, this would be easy, but for other more outgoing personality types, this could be a challenge. Sometimes when progress is on the line, we need to mute ourselves.

God will provide instructions. He will not have us move aimlessly.

Following the instructions yields a huge blessing. In Israel’s case, the instructions included gathering the fighting men not to fight but to march. I’m certain they looked at Joshua with a side eye. They were also instructed to march for six days in silence then blow trumpets on the seventh day, which meant there was no time for rest.

Affirmation days – sometimes you will need to affirm your movements by telling yourself, “there is a mission to my movement.” They did not march around the walls for nothing. They were being obedient to the God’s commands.

I thank God for being gracious enough to provide a barometer to assess our movements. With destiny hanging in the balance, it is more important than ever that we progress in the steps that He has ordered.

God’s presence is with us. Even when we feel alone, we have an assurance the same assurance that the children of Israel had with the Ark of the Covenant, which represented God’s presence. When we are in the middle of an assigned, God-ordained move, we can rest assured His presence is with us, even during difficult periods. This is when Psalm 46:1 comes into action – God is a very present help in trouble. Progress may require silent movements. 14 clear when the God’s instructions were

pdm

BY ELDER TONY KEITH

Is Your Inner Child Wounded

appy Feet is a 2006 computer-animated musical comedy exploring the world of the Emperor Penguins who find their soulmates through song. An emperor penguin is the tallest and heaviest of all living penguin species and is prevalent in Antarctica. According to Wikipedia, every emperor penguin sings a unique song called a “heart song” to attract a mate. If the male penguin’s heart song matches the female’s song, the two penguins mate. In this musical, Norma Jean, a female penguin, falls for Memphis, a male penguin, and they become mates. They lay an egg left in Memphis’ care, while Norma Jean goes with the other females to fish. While the males struggle through the harsh winter, Memphis briefly drops the egg. The resulting chick, Mumble, is unable to sing! Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan, grandson of Saul, and father of Micah. According to 2 Samuel 4:4, Mephibosheth was five years old when both his father and grandfather died at the Battle of Mount Gilboa. After the deaths of Saul and Jonathan, Mephibosheth’s nurse took him and fled in panic. In her haste, the child fell or was dropped while running. After that, he was unable to walk! Eventually, he ended up at the master’s table.

Is it possible that somewhere, dropped you? What happened to and desires? How deep are the trauma rear its head when you least Every man was once a little boy, dreams. He dreams of being a hero, to end the most significant game, status that includes, yet is not limited lawyer, a preacher, or some form of a And every woman was once a little has dreams. She dreams of a great perfect family, being successful - in education, in design, in fashion, in

Many great ideas go unexecuted, and many great executioners are without ideas. One without the other is worthless. If you do what you always did, you will get what you always got.

somehow, somebody your childhood dreams wounds? Does childhood expect it? and every little boy has making the winning score dreams of being a man of to, becoming a doctor, a professional. girl, and every little girl marriage with a picturethe corporate world, in her career, to name a few.

The stories of our lives, far from being fixed narratives, are under constant revision. Contained in our memories are not just the events but also the meaning associated with them. The tiny threads of casualty are rewoven and reinterpreted as we attempt to explain to ourselves and others how we became the people we are today. Although you may have been dropped, like Mumble, you too can have influence. Mumble could not sing, but his tap dancing was something fierce. After being ostracized, he returned to his colony to save the penguins from becoming extinct. His tap dancing drew a crowd, which led to the whole colony engaging in dance. A research team took footage of the penguins prompting a worldwide audience and created observations of their hardship. The government realized they were overfishing, which led to the banning of all Antarctic fishing. Like Mephibosheth, you can end up sitting at the master’s table, obtaining your dreams and your desires. It is never too late; delay is not denial. Mephibosheth was the beneficiary of David’s faithfulness. Jonathan was long dead and gone, yet David was faithful to his word and his promise. So likewise, we are the beneficiaries of God’s faithfulness. He is still keeping His promises to those who are His children by faith in Christ. 17 pdm

By Nikolas Keel

T H E 4 C AT E G O R I E S O F ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Defining Entrepreneurship in 2022: In 2022, there are a lot more ways

to start a business than there were back in 1982. With the internet fully developed and at everyone’s fingertips, just about anyone can start almost any type of business. That means regardless of your education level or prior experience, you can also take on the exciting journey of entrepreneurship. The first step of building a thriving business is identifying what it is you want to do and how you’re going to do it. The term “entrepreneur” isn’t as useful as it once was because there are so many pathways to success. Instead of using “entrepreneur” for everything, we like to split it into four different categories. Once you have a basic idea of what you want to do, you can fit it into one of those four categories to more accurately plan a business model. Self-Employed/Solopreneur Managerial entrepreneur Owner/investor entrepreneur Visionary entrepreneur The Self-Employed or Solopreneur Approach

This tends to be the most common pdm

approach to entrepreneurship for many reasons. When you build a business on your own, whether it’s with the help of established platforms, a from-scratch website, or small-scale location, and you don’t employ others, you are a selfemployed entrepreneur. Solopreneurs gain a lot of benefits over the other three categories but the approach isn’t without its drawbacks. First, it’s a great starting point for anyone who doesn’t quite have the business knowledge to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on opening a storefront or warehouse, hiring a bunch of employees, and handling all the logistics of operating that type of business. Instead, these tend to be online or small-scale in-person endeavors with minimal upfront investment and much simpler logistics to worry about. Not to mention, you don’t need to take on the responsibility of providing others with a livelihood. A solopreneur can be anything from an Etsy shop owner selling handcrafted goods, to a graphic designer selling his services to the world’s top businesses. The potential for profit varies considerably from business to business, and it 18

typically doesn’t require a massive investment. However, many of the businesses in this category require longer startup times to build steam and generate real revenue. Consider the graphic designer example above. That graphic designer probably had to spend a good year or two building their client list before making considerable profits. These also tend to be smaller business ventures since there’s only so much one person can do on their own, and many solopreneurs opt to operate entirely online to minimize overhead costs and simplify their business structure. The Managerial Entrepreneur Approach

Managerial entrepreneurs are the guidance counselors of the

entrepreneur world. Think of businesses along the lines of business consultants, search engine optimization (SEO) marketing agencies, and other businesses that have the sole purpose of identifying the needs of other startups and pushing them towards success. This approach can take on a variety of appearances, but they usually function the same. They can be large-scale teams with an online presence and

physical office, or they can be as little as a one-man operation with a simple website and a ton of drive to both gain clients and perform all associated tasks for them. It is usually better to have several professionals on board to ensure multiple client projects can be juggled and handled appropriately, but managerial entrepreneurs can and do enjoy success. These businesses can be highly profitable when they make the right decisions and pick up high-potential clients, but they also require a heavy focus on marketing and social proof to gain the client/provider confidence necessary to facilitate trust. The price of starting this type of business varies dramatically based on what you’re doing and how far you’re willing to take it. Because this entrepreneurial route requires a lot of in-depth business knowledge, as well as knowledge in the specific fields you’re trying to provide managerial services in, it usually isn’t a great first endeavor unless you’re highly educated and qualified in all relevant fields. After all, failing to provide good service can destroy any business very quickly. The Entrepreneurial Owner/Investor The owner/investor approach is more traditional, and it’s typically what you would have seen before the rise of the internet and all the awesome opportunities it brought with it. In this approach, a would-be business owner with a surefire idea brings their idea to an investor with the investment capital to make it a reality. If the investor sees it as a profitable option for their own portfolio, they strike an agreement and put up the funds to get the business started. The business owner then strives

to make the investment worthwhile by succeeding and providing a high ROI for the investor. This is typically done for brick-andmortar endeavors that will have employees and a high earning potential, but it can also be used for larger-scale online endeavors if the startup costs exceed what the entrepreneur can put down. There are pros and cons to this approach. First, it deals with more expensive business endeavors. So, there’s a lot more at stake than if you were to simply start an Etsy shop or something similar. Then, you have to consider how expensive it is. If you’re online doing a mass resell operation, you need professional storage solutions for your merchandise. If you open a storefront, you gain a lot of overhead. If the business goes south, you can ruin your relationship with the investor who loses funds, or you may have to pay them back depending on the business agreement. This business model can be a more complicated and higher risk, but it also tends to create long-lasting, highly profitable, businesses. Considering this is how some of your favorite everyday services started, it’s a route worth considering if your idea is fairly low risk and likely to get an investor. The Visionary Entrepreneur Approach A visionary entrepreneur is a bit of a wild card. They don’t necessarily have to take their own approach to things and depending on what they aim to do, they can use either of the other three approaches successfully. In short, this type of entrepreneur aims to shake things up in impactful ways. 19

Think of Steve Jobs, Neil DeGrasse Tyson, and Henry Ford. Jobs developed the Apple products that now dominate the tech sphere. DeGrasse leveraged his scientific superstardom to bring in-depth, yet understandable to the layman, scientific knowledge to the masses, and Ford, well, you can thank him for most of the features in your car. When they invented or improved upon things with their own endeavors, they weren’t taking proven business approaches or simply copying someone else’s model. They were pursuing their goals to improve something dramatically or create something that would change the world. This approach tends to be the highest risk method, but it’s also the one that pays off the most when things go right. You Don’t Have to Risk it All to be an Entrepreneur As you can see, there are ways to get into entrepreneurship for just about everyone in 2022. The route you take largely depends on what you’re wanting to do, your level of business knowledge, and what you can afford to put on the line. However, nearly all of them can be reasonable when it comes to risk versus reward if you do your research, put in maximum effort, and aren’t afraid to take a bit of advice or criticism. Many entrepreneur opportunities can be done alongside conventional jobs and the ones that can’t are capable of having their risks minimized. That doesn’t mean you should go for the lowest-risk approach possible either. Sometimes, putting it all on the line might just pay off in ways you never thought imaginable.

pdm

purposepalsllc.com

Monetize Your Book! TURN YOUR BOOK INTO A WORKSHOP!

Coaching

One on One coaching sessions designed to help you develop content for your book, magazine, or training.

pdm

Publishing

Our team of professional typesetters, book cover designers, and editors will help you publish a professionally designed book.

Design

We bring your content to life with personalized designs that fit your content and brand.

BY ZOEY NYATI

SELF-VESTMENT Here’s how you can live a self-care life every day – mentally, emotionally, & spiritually..

Life. Business. Just Got Easier. Self-care is more than just a ‘regular Saturday routine.’ It is an intentional approach to looking after your holistic well-being and can manifest itself in numerous ways. Think about it this way: if you want to grow financial wealth, you need to deposit money into your chosen financial investment option to see it increase. The same goes for self-care, but what happens if you don’t deposit into your personal well-being account? How will you ‘withdraw’ when needed? If you expect a sound investment so that you can give the best of yourself (time, energy, mental capacity, etc.) in your personal relationships, career, and other responsibilities, you’ve got to make sure you handle your self-care budget wisely.

Practical ways to implement self-care could be to: Think about what you are thinking about Intentionally thinking about your thoughts is called ‘metacognition’ by scientists. It’s a fancy word but animals do it very naturally. Llamas and Alpacas can spend up to eight hours a day chewing, bringing up & re-chewing their food until it is completely digested and the required nutrients are absorbed. This is such an ideal model for approaching our thoughts – take it in, then consider whether it is a positive (keep it in your mind and ‘bring it up’ when inspiration is needed) or negative thought (cast it out of your mind). What you are meditating on may be influenced intentionally or unintentionally by what you are watching on television, the type of people you surround yourself with, or even the content you consume on social media. Think about these things before mindlessly consuming the content. Tip: If you feel mentally overwhelmed, try listening to an inspirational podcast or putting on your favorite worship music. Learn Something New Cognitive Researchers suggest that learning something new (make it a hobby) can improve memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills – which can serve as a great tool in stressful situations, as you can handle the matter better.

Tip: Join a new social group where you can conversationally learn another language or learn to play a musical instrument. Know the Importance of Sleep One of the first indications of stress, worry, or anxiety is when sleep patterns are negatively impacted. For the body to obtain benefits such as increased cell renewal, decreased inflammation, and optimum daily performance, it is recommended to get at least six to eight hours of quality (uninterrupted) sleep every night. Tip: Turn off electronic devices one to two hours before going to bed. The blue light emitted by these devices disrupts the body’s natural ability to prepare for sleep because it blocks melatonin production (a hormone that induces drowsiness). Other basic self-care practices could be learning to respectfully say “no” when asked but unable to take on another task. Also try taking ten-minute breaks in between back-toback meetings so you can reboot. Anything, including you, needs to be powered down and restarted from time to time. Self-care, therefore, is an act that encourages building healthy habits in every aspect of life. So, put in the work to love and take care of your holistic being.

pdm

MEET THE “EVERY WOMAN”

Tia Henry talks about Faith Family and Entrepreneurship By Akila Wilson

pdm

It’s a scorching Thursday afternoon in Florida’s capital city and Tia Henry, donning a messy bun and the quintessential stylists’ black smock, is exhausted even though it’s only noon. Many people think she’s a superwoman but this busy mother of two is so much more than the mythical creature we assign to many women who do it all. She is also a faithful woman of God whose family scripture is, “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13). She is a happy wife and a veteran proprietor. Tia has owned Debonair Hair Salon for over 26 years now, never closing her doors and never, ever throwing in the towel. “This is my baby,” she says of the business she loves so dearly. “It’s not over until I decide it’s over. This is what God gave me.” She is just like your very own sister, daughter, and friend too. A recent graduate of the Florida A & M University’s (FAMU) College of Social Work, earning a bachelor’s degree, Tia accomplished all of it while running a successful business. The woman who wears so many hats has special permission to be exhausted at high noon, but she has a business to run and lives to change so the show just keeps going on. If you ever apply for a business loan, the bank might ask you about FFE, which is an acronym for ‘furniture, fixtures, and equipment.’ The lenders want to know if you have the right equipment to run a successful operation, and if said equipment is moveable or bolted to the floor (it all matters for tax purposes). Tia is in between clients as we jump on a Zoom call to talk about her tireless commitment to a different type of FFE though: her faith, her family, and her entrepreneurship. And while it’s not about the money, these three things fill her up daily so that she continues to remain a going concern. The Client Connection Tia always felt like her relationship with clients extended beyond the typical wash and set, especially with her repeat customers. “For some reason, when people sit in my chair, they feel comfortable enough that they can talk to me about anything, so daily I am counseling. I’m talking to people about their marriages, to young people about their parents, about disciplining [their children], what’s going on in their households, I talk to wives about their husbands and their friends. It could be just about anything.” Endeavoring to be as highly equipped as possible and to secure her future just in case she wanted to switch careers, Tia set out to earn a degree in social work, first 23

pdm

from Tallahassee Community College in 2018 and then from FAMU in 2021. She puts her degree to work every day now, helping clients keep their inner health intact while maintaining their outward appearances. “I have certain strategies, techniques, and skills I use to help clients. I used to give them street answers for how to deal with stress, anxiety, depression, or a child. I now know an educated answer to help them.” The mark of a true leader is when the manager/owner can step away from the scene and their business runs just as smoothly as while they’re in the building. Tia recently secured an opportunity to proctor group therapy services for a local prison. This position marries her passion with another purpose in her life, but that will not interfere with her shop responsibilities. “I’ll be here in the evenings and Saturdays. Not Sundays though.That’s the Lord’s day.” Clients can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that she will remain a staple for years to come. The Company Side of Things Tia understands her niche and she works from it to stay in business. She sets the boundary at not being a teaching stylist, which helps her business run smoothly. “Because I do booth rental only, I look for those who have been in the business for a while. I don’t ever go out to the schools to recruit new stylists because they can’t supplement the booth rent.” This business model works for Debonair, and walk-in clients can be certain that all the stylists are highly skilled. How does she recruit said stylists? “It’s word of mouth, and I like to keep it that way just because I have a better idea of who the [stylist] is. I don’t really like getting people that I don’t know anything about. They definitely have to know the business. I only do booth rent, I don’t do commission.” Sticking to this model works for her but don’t think for a minute that she isn’t all about her business. “It takes dedication. People say I make it look easy but it’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work. It’s not easy but it’s doable if you want it.” The ‘not easy’ means sometimes acting as customer service liaison, custodian, receptionist, restocker, and boss. Wearing many hats is just a part of the deal. She and the other area stylist diligently support one another. Unlike what you might see in the media, there isn’t any backbiting or unfriendly competition. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, which descended upon the world

pdm

in March 2020, stylists used to go to hair shows but now their efforts are a bit more organic. “We work together. Stylists feed off each other. If it’s something I don’t know and another stylist knows, we have a relationship where we teach each other. Also, YouTube and social media,” are ways to keep abreast of the latest trends. This quest to consistently bring beauty to her clients paid off in a major way. Debonair survived the pandemic with customer support by way of financial generosity. “I wasn’t hit in a way that you might think,” which is a testament to her value, not only to her clients, but to the community at large. Not just Tallahasseans benefit from her gifted hands either. “I have clients from Thomasville, Midway, Crawfordville, and students who graduate and come back because they like the way I do hair. They don’t want anybody else to do their hair but me.” When running a business, decisions are made daily as to how things will get done. It hasn’t always been easy to make those decisions either. Tia recently considered closing when ownership of her building changed. “My rent goes up every single year now, and it’s out of my range.” But faith keeps these doors open. “I’m not ready. I just believe that God will take care of me. He has me, and I have not skipped a beat. I survived a year, and another year, and another year, and it keeps going because of my faith.” The Commitment Every Sunday morning, you can find the Henrys sitting in their favorite church pew, praising God. The very next day, it’s back to the business of self care and Debonair. “Sunday is dedicated to my family and of course going to church. My Mondays are usually my days when I handle anything shop or business related. I clean my shop, make a big meal for my family, do self-care for myself (pedicure, manicure), and even do my own hair. I don’t let anybody else do my hair; I am very particular. Monday is my day.” This regimen is important for maintaining a healthy balance of work life and home life. Frequently using the #HenryStrong hashtag, her family is the foundation of the strength she uses to stay focused and positive. A strong sense of what it means to be in relationship with God helps Tia make it through ach day victoriously. So many Scriptures flood her as she thinks about the best one that keeps her aligned with The Almighty. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths,” which is the perfect passage for business owners and entrepreneurs. The Contentment The phrase “happy wife, happy life,” means that it’s the husband’s job to keep his wife happy if he is to experience peace. Tia’s husband is the beacon for their family, and she depends on his loving guidance to keep her ready to serve her clients. When asked about managing marriage and entrepreneurship, she beams with pride as she discusses the many ways her husband of almost 20 years assists her entrepreneurship. “He has been very supportive of my business. He has been all in. Even though he’s not in the business, he’s in the business.” Husband Craig is a coach, team player, and strategist when it comes to helping his wife succeed. “He’ll help me with whatever. He will work his job for eight hours then come to the shop and paint, or help where he could. He’s always been very supportive. Whenever I need him, he’s here.” In the early 2000’s, Tia became a mother. She loves her children deeply and sets a beautiful example of hard work and dedication. “It is very complex, being a mother, being a wife, being a business owner. It’s a lot, so sometimes I have to get it in where I can….I’m multitasking all day. It intensified when I became a mom.” Maternity leave can be an issue for some women. Current guidelines call for as little as six weeks of maternity leave but Tia has a life partner who made sure she could be every woman. “When I could not work, my husband was able to work and carry the bills so it took a lot of stress off of me. I was able to enjoy my maternity leave because I have a husband who is so supportive.” The emotions were overwhelming as Tia described the commitment to her boys, Bryson and Tyzer, two sports titans who love football and track and field respectively. Each is an accomplished athlete, competing at both the local and state level, much of which requires travel and time commitments. When speaking of the sacrifices required to make a business run smoothly, Tia tearily remembers, “There has been a lot of sacrifice and more so for my family. I will drop anything when it comes to my kids and my family.” The emotions are sometimes overwhelming when you think about all that must be committed to

make a business, a marriage, and a family run smoothly, and healthily. But Tia understands the assignment and remains obedient to Biblical principles, which has yielded fantastic results that show off her faith. “I might not be in a position where I need to be at the ballpark, at a game, or with the traveling track team, but I don’t want to miss anything in my kids’ life, so yeah, I will take off and be there for whatever. If it's concerning my kids, I’m there. I’ll drop anything for them.” The Community Connection When she first opened in 1996, Tia had a business partner. They ran the business together for two years and then her business partner decided to open a shop with someone else. Tia had so much on her plate: she was in school, running the salon, and working a full time job. She prayed and asked God what she should do. He told her to keep going, so she did. She fought for the shop and filled up her booths. 26 years later, she’s still there. “Throughout the years, I’ve had stylists come, I’ve had stylists go. My flesh is like, “Tia, how are you going to do it? Where are you going to find someone?,” but I had to rely on my faith. I had to trust in Him. He gave me this…..every time somebody left, somebody else was replaced. It took faith to believe that God got me.

“God gave me this and nobody can take it away from me.” Running a business is not easy but if you do it right, you can inspire others with your dedication and hard work. Tia has influenced a generation of women to boss up and be beautiful at the same time. She is multifaceted: you’d be hard pressed to find a stylist who is also a bona fide social worker, a happy wife, and a fulfilled mother. It’s not just her stunningly gorgeous smile or the inner beauty that is effervescent. It’s her commitment to believing God for all His promises that is so encouraging. She is proof that if you stick with God, He will provide for all of your needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). 27 pdm

Contact Tia Henry

By Mercy Benadette

balancing life as a mompreneur Being an entrepreneur is a full-time job, and so is being a mother. There is a lot to be balanced with these two jobs. When they are intertwined within one woman, the result is a mompreneur. She is a woman who is busy raising both a family and running a business. For a mompreneur, there is usually some blend between work and family. For instance, the employees of mompreneurs are oftentimes considered family to her as well. Therefore, she is responsible for nurturing her family at home and work, which forces the mompreneur to stay on top of her game. This breed of woman is a business owner striving to juggle being a mother and an entrepreneur, but who is she, really, and what keeps her going strong?

which makes them dig into their savings to start their businesses. Additionally, statistics have shown that even when women, especially moms, pitch to investors, they have more difficulty securing funds than men. Most mompreneurs struggle with mom guilt which may make them sabotage their businesses, give up or not even start. Most of the time, women will undervalue their efforts and downplay their worth. They often do not own their strength so as not to come off as arrogant.

Being a mompreneur comes with its fair share of challenges;

Because mompreneurs feel like they can do it all independently, they often neglect themselves and have very poor or no self-care; they fail to say no and overextend themselves so they don’t fail those who depend on them.

Most moms are used to doing things all on their own so they do not seek investors the way typical entrepreneurs do. Mompreneurs may believe that they can do well without asking for help,

Mompreneurs may also lack support, and at times they are not taken as seriously as traditional entrepreneurs. Some of their friends and families do not believe in them and scoff at their ideas.

Challenges Mompreneurs Face:

There is also a lot of discrimination, which poses a challenge to them. Any mother aspiring to be a mompreneur should consider these tips. Look for strong role models. It does not matter if you were not raised by a mompreneur who guided you, there are a lot of women out there who are willing to mentor others, and you can draw your inspiration from them. The good thing is that they do not all share the same story, which provides a wide variety of opportunities for you. There is something that you can pick from one or two that will be helpful in your journey. Have a strong support system Being a superwoman does not mean that you can handle everything on your own. Many people will look up to you as their go-to person, you need to have people who are there for you as well, people who won’t judge you on days that you are not doing so well as a superwoman, those who believe in you

pdm

even when you don’t believe in yourself. That is your support system. Choose your team well. After having a strong support system that believes and inspires you, you have to ensure that you have wisely chosen who will work with you. Your team should understand you, support your goals, and help fulfill the dreams you have for your business. They should be people who support you and reduce your stress. They should come through in areas and skills that might not be your strong suite. You should be very selective about who you allow on your team. Know and acknowledge your strengths Women possess an inner strength, and being a mother makes that inner strength otherworldly. You become hyper aware of how to interact with the world because the stakes are higher now that it affects your children. This strength transfers to your business and gives you a competitive edge. Therefore, you should acknowledge it and use it to your advantage. Know when to unplug As a mompreneur, there is always a lot on your plate, and the biggest fear is disappointing those who need you; however, you need to know when to be off the clock, unplug and take time for yourself. Self-care is equally as important as your mompreneur role. By making self-care a priority, you can function properly in other aspects of your life. Understand the normalcy of guilt It would be unrealistic to think you will never feel guilty at one point in your mompreneurship journey. However, it is important to understand that it is normal, and it happens even to those who seem to have figured out a balance. Learn to forgive yourself, always take a day off when the need presents itself, and accept that there are days when your superwoman cape just won’t do it for you. Learn to Master the Work-Life Balance As a mompreneur, know that your family is core, and everything else should revolve around that. Therefore, it is important to make your schedule revolve your family and not the other way around. Make it a priority to ensure you are present in your family’s lives. You can stay up late after your children go to bed to finish your work but being present for your children will make burning the midnight oil very worth it. It is easier said than done when it comes to maintaining worklife balance; however, here are some of the ways you can make it easier:

pdm

•

identifying priorities;

•

having a to-do list;

•

separating family and work time;

•

accepting that there won’t always be a balance, it will fail at times and that’s okay;

•

learning to say no even when it seems hard;

•

admitting that you need help, and seeking/accepting it;

•

you better than you can imagine, and you’ll reach your destination by leaning into hard things;

•

associating with other mompreneurs who understand; and finally,

•

celebrating your achievements, however small you think they might be.

Everyone needs some reassurance every once in a while, and a pat on the back to know that they are doing fine. The journey is never easy, and having a positive attitude towards the challenges will make it easier to reach your goals. Remember, you already have what it takes and so much untapped potential. The journey to successful mompreneurship await you.

BY AKILA WILSON

A MOMPRENUER’S LOVE Momming is difficult but momming while entrepreneuring is like patting your head and rubbing your tummy at the same time. You’ve got to coordinate! This young lady honors her mom for her ability to be both great and enterprising simultaneously. Mompreneurs, we salute you! My mom, Venecia Foster, is a truly phenomenal woman. She has always had a heart for helping her community, which is why she graduated with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Social Work from Florida State University. In addition, she is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated where she is the chair of the Arts and Letters committee that shares various aspects of the arts with the community. She is the daughter of the late Wyomia Horne Harris and Jimmy Lee Simmons, both of whom adored her and laid the foundation that created the amazing woman that I have the privilege to call my mom! My mom is a devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend. My mom is superwoman! She manages being a school social worker and an entrepreneur with ease. I look up to her, because she never takes shortcuts and always fulfills any task that she sets her mind to. I celebrate the work my mom does by honoring her any chance I get. My dad and I both go out of our way to make sure my mom knows just how appreciated she is and how much we adore her. The thing that makes my mom so special is her selflessness. My mom puts everyone before herself, with no complaints. She also is so giving. She would give her last to anyone! My grandparents were very big on putting faith as the forefront of everything that you do, and that was passed on to my mom. I know that her serving God and following His word is what fills her purpose as a wife and a mother. I am proud of my mom for so many things, but one thing that makes me the proudest is her strength. My mom is the strongest woman I know. She always can look at the bright side of situations and she never lets anything defeat her. Not only am I proud of this attribute about her, but I also am inspired by it. Mama, thank you for being my best friend and my confidant. There are not enough words to describe just how much you mean to me and how much I love you. You have done so much for me, and I hope I can continue to make you proud.

pdm

THERE IS NOTHING LIKE A

MOTHER’S

LOVE Morgan Van Horn honors her Mom Pattie Brigman BY KIMI JOHNSON

Born in El Salvador, Pattie migrated to Los Angeles as a refugee and soon became adopted by a family in Chicago, around the age of fourteen. Pattie worked three jobs from the time she was in high school to early college, becoming self-reliant and confident in her own trade(s). My mom was first married for twenty-one years, dedicating her life to her children and her family, however soon realized another plan from God was about to unfold. She has been recently married for the past ten years to her love, Dan, and continues to sacrifice her time, dedication, love and motherly attributes to her husband and grandchild, Avery. My mom is a selfless, God-fearing woman who conquered adversity and self-realization. She understands her purpose and thrives in her admiration for family and religion. How do you celebrate the work your mom does to make your family a success? Celebrating my mom is expressed through daily affirmations; phone calls, text messages and letters sent through the mail celebrate my mom’s many family successes. We are in constant contact and such communication allows

pdm

her to vent, express to me her concerns, rely on me as a daughter and safe haven and more importantly, feel comforted during times of need or heard in times of concern. More recently, we created a mother and daughter journal that we pass back and forth - where numerous questions are answered to include “three things I am fearful of at this time in my life are ______, _______, and _________”, or “the best vacation we’ve taken together was to ______________.” This journal is a way to document the life we’ve shared together in a sentimental way. What makes your mom special? What places her value far above rubies? (Proverbs 31:10) What makes my mom the most special person in my life is her resilient safe nature. My mom is my safety net and my safeguard; she reminds me of a lioness with her cubs - fearless of others and only concerning herself with her children. She is so protective of myself and my brother, considering we are ages twenty-seven and twenty-nine. My mom has truly dedicated her entire life to ensure our safety and happiness. We are well rounded humans because of 32

her; prepared for difficult conversations, open to being vulnerable, standing our own and being confident in our decision-making capabilities. Each of these character qualities my brother and I possess are because of the way she has guided us throughout our lives. She has welcomed me, my ideas, my dreams and aspirations with open arms. How does faith contribute to your mom’s purpose? My mom has a wonderful way of relating everyday situations or ‘struggles’ as we call them, to the word of God in a fearful and faithful manner. When I say fearful, I’m relating to the fear of God’s motives Himself. It is absolutely moving how our God predetermines such struggles in our lives to ensure we are growing as His children. My mother uses these analogies or words from God to comfort herself and me, during trying times or during those moments that are celebratory. My mother and I have matching bibles as she had my bible engraved with my name, provided me with a personal magnifying bookmark and more. She purchased this bible for me on my twenty-seventh birthday a few months ago. She always reminds me

to read the word and to stay faithful through his lessons. What is the one thing you are MOST proud of about your mom? I’m most proud of my mom because she is proud of herself. It brings me the utmost fulfillment knowing my mom is sure of who she is. Not only is she sure of herself, she is proud of the woman she has become - considering where she has been in life - and who she continues to grow into. She has taught me the most important lesson of all - to be sure of yourself and to have certainty in God. You become a fearless individual when you are self-aware and self-reliant. In retrospect you are never truly alone or simply ‘yourself’ if you are a child of God - you are a mirrored image of Him. What special message do you have for your mom to show her how much she is appreciated? My mom and I share so many words... I believe this excerpt alone will bring her to tears in appreciation. I have never been given the opportunity to devote a section of a magazine to my mother and she will be completely taken back by this, granted we are chosen to be featured. A special message to you mom... “Because of you, I’ve been able to touch the lives of many. From several emergency shelters serving vulnerable women, children and families in Tallahassee, Jacksonville and Mississippi, to providing high-impact service to others in Panajachel, Guatemala. You mom, have encouraged me to fulfill my life’s purpose. You have dedicated your life to me, Nicholas, Avery, at a time Earl, and now your love, Dan, and I hope you know I’ve dedicated my life to ensure I’m an image of both you and our God. I love you more today than I did yesterday, and I will love you more tomorrow, if we are granted the opportunity. Happy Mother’s Day.

I N S I D E V I E W

MOMS LEADING THE WAY IN BUSINESS

MOM’S IN BUSINESS

JASMIN RICHARDSONSUTTON

FB CHOCOLATEZUMBAFAM IG @CHOCOLATEWAISTEDFITNESS YOUTUBE JASMIN R. SUTTON

Jasmin RichardsonSutton is the founder and chief

trainer of Chocolate Waisted Fitness and certified in Zumba, Zumba Step, Zumba Toning, Strong by Zumba and Mixxedfit. She has been involved in the Health and Wellness Industry since before 2013 and specializes in training for children and adults. Locally, Mrs. Richardson-Sutton is the most sought-after expert in her field and her mission is to help clients achieve a balanced lifestyle that encompasses all dimensions of health and wellness. Her fitness program motivates and makes training a fun, rewarding experience while giving each client the opportunity to get “Chocolate Waisted!” When did you start your business and how do you know it continues to be the purpose for your life? I began officially on March 4, 2013. I know it continues to be my purpose because I cannot stop. I wake up and think about how I can help someone each day. Do you have employees? I do not have any employees; however my family (husband and kids) assists in the day to day operations, and they also train alongside me. How do you find balance between your primary job and your entrepreneurial spirit? It is tough, but I compartmentalize a lot. When I am at work, I work. But every other waking moment is about developing and promoting the Chocolate Waisted Fitness brand. What sets you apart from other fitness instructors? I have been told that people come to me because they know I care. Not about their money, but about their presence and also [about] them as people. I believe that sets me apart because I genuinely do care. I care about their life. I care about their family. I hurt when they hurt and

pdm

rejoice when they are triumphant. As far as camaraderie with other fitness instructors, I love my fitness family. I believe in collaboration over competition. My favorite way to operate…we can all win! What fears did you have to face when you started and what challenges do you face now? Man, what fear didn’t I have? I was scared people wouldn’t receive me well or that I would fail before I got started. Even now, with each new location or time change or even price change, I am afraid people will not come. But, I keep pushing and know in my heart of hearts that God is my source and everything else is a resource. He continually makes provisions for the vision. How does your fitness instruction help fulfill your life’s purpose? It’s crazy that I didn’t know this was my life’s purpose until 10 years ago. But every day I connect with someone and it makes me happy. I live for text messages that say “My doctor took me off my medicine” or “I dropped 10 pounds” or “I look forward to your classes. For that one hour, I can forget about everything”. Those are the victories that keep me running the race. What is the perfect day in the life of a mompreneur like yourself? The perfect day for me would be a day with training and also making sure Jayde and Javan have everything they need. Rarely do I have a perfect day though; something always goes awry. However, to be able to recover, and make it work anyway is always perfect in the end. Are you trying to get fine or improve your overall health? Mrs. Sutton can help! Reach her at (850) 210-5237 or email chocolatewaistedfitness@gmail.com. Her current location is at the Big Bend Boys and Girls Club, 2940 Grady Road, Tallahassee, FL 32312. Zumba with Chocolate Waisted Fitness will be moving locations on June 1, 2022, address to be announced.

I N S I D E V I E W

MOMS LEADING THE WAY IN BUSINESS

MOM’S IN BUSINESS

Tamesha Graham was born in Thomasville, Georgia and moved to Tallahassee when she was 17 years old. She is a highly credentialed health care provider and owner of Loving Care Senior Companion Services, LLC. She is a tireless member of the mompreneur sister circle. When did you start your business and how do you know it continues to be the purpose for your life?

TAMESHA GRAHAM (850) 591-0690 LOVENCARECOMPANION. WIXSITE.COM/

I started working on creating my own home health business in 2016, but I was still working two jobs. I officially became an LLC in 2019. Then, I left both jobs and went out on faith. Turning back is not an option. I look back now and I’m thankful that I took that leap of faith because it changed my life for the better. Do you have employees? I have four employees. What makes you good at what you do? What sets you apart from other home healthcare workers? My passion is to help individuals who can’t completely help themselves. That is what drives me and brings out the best in me. My determination is what sets me apart. I am empathetic and passionate, and I know my heart is true and pure.

What fears did you have to face when you started and what challenges do you face now? Just starting your own business makes you nervous. You are asking yourself so many questions. Today’s challenge is marketing due to the pandemic. Also, a lot has changed; there is a shortage of workers. How does your business help fulfill your life’s purpose? I’m surrounded by positive people. New people expand my mind to focus on what I’m interested in. What is the perfect day in the life of a mompreneur like yourself? Knowing all my clients are happy and I’m still able to make time for my family. Have a loved one in need of companionship or health care? Ms. Graham can be reached at (850) 591-0690 or by email at lovencarecompanionshipservice@gmail.com

pdm

I N S I D E V I E W

MOMS LEADING THE WAY IN BUSINESS

MOM’S IN BUSINESS Miami based Mompreneur,

CHRISSY LEVEILLE instagram.com/sewnpress sewnpress.com/

Chrissy Leveille,

I love Etsy because it does an amazing job of driving traffic to my shop.

started her very own online business during an unexpected pandemic that left her jobless in 2020. Fortunately for Chrissy, her mother-in-law taught her the basics of sewing which helped Chrissy open a sewing business that has now grown into a multi-product online shop. Now Chrissy creates birth inspired goods that highlight the beauty and essence of birth, motherhood, and birth workers. In Chrissy’s free time she likes to spend time with her family and serve her local church.

What fears did you have to face when you started and what challenges do you face now?

When did you start your business and how do you know it continues to be the purpose for your life? Who is your target consumer audience? How did you identify them?

How does your Etsy shop help fulfill your life’s purpose?

My target consumer audience are moms, birth professionals, and art lovers. I used Shopify and Instagram analytics to determine my target audience. Do you have a primary job, and if so, how do you balance between it and your entrepreneurial spirit? I currently do not have a primary job but I believe my main job is serving my husband and caring for my daughter. In the beginning I felt like I was all over the place. Trying to figure this all out has been a journey but by the grace of the Lord, He has sustained me through each chapter of my mompreneur journey. You sell your wares primarily online. How has the Etsy shop helped you succeed? pdm

There were a few fears I’ve faced when I started my small business but the main one is doubting my skills. From the beginning, I doubted my craft and it was not until my friend Neph sat me down and spoke life into me. That moment broke me and made me realize that God has gifted me with so many gifts and I need to use them to the best of my abilities for His glory.

My Etsy and Shopify shops help me fulfill my life’s purpose by helping me provide for my family, and stay at home while taking care of my family – whether it’s cooking, cleaning, or raising my little one in the Lord. What is the perfect day in the life of a mompreneur like yourself? The perfect day for me is being 100% present for my daughter without any worries roaming through my mind. Looking for cool wares that support motherhood, home births, or doulas? Mrs. Leveille can be contacted at 1900 West Oakland Park Blvd, #5051, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33310. For collaborations and partnerships you can reach her at info@sewnpress. com or (561) 316-8624 Instagram: www.instagram.com/ sewnpress On the web at sewnpress.com/

SPRING BEAUTY TRENDS TO TAKE YOU FROM WORK TO PLAY

BY KIMI JOHNSON

he sun is out, the temperatures are rising, and iced coffee is everyone’s go-to beverage. It means only one thing: spring is finally in bloom. You might be spring cleaning your closet or looking to refresh your makeup routine. Spring is the perfect time to try the latest beauty trends. It’s when makeup brands are coming out with their most exciting products and when trends are all about creating a radiant glow.We’re sharing the latest spring beauty trends that will take you from the office to happy hour at your favorite cocktail bar. Grab your makeup bag and take notes! 1. Forget foundation, try a tinted moisturizer The beauty industry is taking a skin-first approach to makeup. Use spring as a time to switch your foundation for a tinted moisturizer. Rare Beauty has just announced its ‘Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer’, showing that it may be one of the biggest trends for 2022. Wearing a tinted moisturizer instead of a foundation can help your makeup stay fresh and keep your skin hydrated. Look out for a tinted moisturizer with SPF to keep your skin protected while you’re out in the spring sun.

Pastel colors are everywhere you look

Have fun with graphic liner

Dont over look hair accessories

Pastels for spring? Groundbreaking! While Miranda Priestly might roll her eyes, pastel colors are still a spring beauty staple. One of the perks of building your makeup look around pastel colors is their versatility. They’ll see you through a day of meetings at the office to grabbing a postwork coffee with your friends. A pastel cream blush can help to rejuvenate your makeup when you’re leaving work and brighten your complexion.

Graphic liner is one of the biggest beauty trends for spring 2022. A quick flick of your eyeliner can take you from your desk to a fun night out in the city. You can keep the shape simple and experiment with a bold color or stick with a black liner and get creative with your liner shape. Once you’ve mastered the trend, you can even do your graphic liner in the back of an Uber!

When you’re heading out of the office, you might not have time to restyle your hair. Not everyone has a Dyson Airwrap on stand-by. One of the quickest ways to transition your outfit from day to night is by changing up your hair. This season, everyone is rediscovering their love for classic hair accessories. Whether it’s a velvet bow or statement headband, these accessories will change up your look in under 60 seconds. Keep your hair natural and channel your inner Parisian chic with a sleek ponytail or textured curls.

A bold lipstick will take you far After two years of your bold lipsticks gathering dust, they’re finally making a comeback. This spring is the first time most countries have relaxed their COVID regulations and removed mask mandates. Gone are the days of worrying about smudging your lipstick with your mask. While products like the Dior Lip Glow are trending as everyday products, don’t forget that that bold lipstick works for any occasion. Trending shades for spring 2022 include scarlet red, dark berry, and coral orange. Invest in one of these shades and throw it in your travel makeup bag. Which of these spring beauty trends will you be trying?

pdm

MARRIAGE TAKES WORK SEMINAR DANNYANDRHODAWHITFIELD.COM

COMING SOON

A workshop, workbook and instructor's guide designed to teach those that are married and desiring to be married how to work through everyday martial issues.

DISCUSSION & INSIGHT Taking Your Marriage into a Season to Be Renewed, Restored, and Rejuvenated Overcoming the Hardest Years of Marriage Breaking Relationship Patterns Who's Right vs Who's Wrong The Essence of Becoming One When You Find Yourself at the End of Your Rope Reasonable Expectation to Restore Trust

FAMILY

FOCUS ON FAMILY

AND THE QUANTIFIABLE ROLES OF THE MODERN HOUSEWIFE

By Stacy Miller

As a proud housewife for over sixteen years, I can say without a doubt there is no better job in the world. However, for many years I felt almost embarrassed when someone would ask, “what do you do?” When I would answer that I was a stay-athome mom, housewife, or homemaker, they would nod their heads politely, smile, and give a polite acknowledgement, but I felt there was a sense of judgment deep down. If you’ve ever felt the same way, let me encourage you. Being a housewife is one of the hardest jobs in the world. We never get days off, we are on call 24/7, and we are the essential workers of our household! Aside from the satisfaction of providing a loving home to our families, there are quantifiable roles every housewife performs. Each one is essential to the health and well-being of those we love most, providing the safety and security they need to thrive. So, if you want to see proof of why you climb into bed at night exhausted, take a look at the quantifiable roles of a modern housewife. Housecleaner One of the top roles housewives play is as a housekeeper. We spend a considerable amount of time cleaning and picking up after our families. On any given day, we have a long list of “chores” we must do to ensure our homes are clean and tidy, including: -

Mopping

Vacuuming

Doing the dishes

Laundry

Dusting

Cleaning the windows, curtains, blinds and sills

Cleaning baseboard

Organizing spaces

pdm Cleaning bedrooms

Making beds

Cleaning bathrooms

And much, much more

A professional housekeeper makes around $16 an hour, so when we figure in a typical 8-hour day (which is far less than you actually work), your equivalent salary is $128 per day or $3,968 every month! That’s only one small role you play. Chef As any mom will tell you, keeping your family fed is a full-time job. The little humans (who grow up to be big humans) are constantly hungry since their bodies burn so many calories. Aside from the three full meals you make every day, there are multiple snacks you must prepare to keep the hunger monster at bay. Hiring a personal chef costs around $23 per hour, so if you spend around five hours a day preparing meals for your family, your equivalent salary is around $3,565 per month! Doctor

As a housewife, you are the resident-in-chief of Family General Hospital. When your brood is sick or need boo-boos fixed, the responsibility of their care falls on your shoulders. Whether it’s administering medication, sitting bedside during stomach bugs, treating cuts and bruises, or any other way you assist when your 40 family is sick, every mom must have a basic level of medical

CHEF As any mom will tell you, keeping your family fed is a full-time job. The little humans (who grow up to be big humans) are constantly hungry since their bodies burn so many calories. Aside from the three full meals you make every day, there are multiple snacks you must prepare to keep the hunger monster at bay. Hiring a personal chef costs around $23 per hour, so if you spend around five hours a day preparing meals for your family, your equivalent salary is around $3,565 per month!

knowledge. Doctors typically earn $120 per hour (more when they’re on call). Since you are always on duty, you probably average three hours a day performing medical assistance in one way or another. That number is definitely more if you have boys! Your equivalent salary would be $11,160 EVERY month! Therapist Housewives are the family therapist, listening when needed and providing advice for various situations. You are always there to defend, advise, and encourage your family. There are many times you sit with your children or husband, letting them vent and get out their feelings while providing your best input on how they can best deal with the problem at hand. Being the shoulder to cry on is a special privilege that only a few people experience and is one of the most rewarding benefits of being a housewife. Therapists make around $28 per hour. Figuring you spend around two hours a day listening and helping your family, your equivalent salary is $1,736 per month. Financial Advisor This job is never-ending and one of the most stressful roles you have as a housewife, but it is also one of the most impactful. The majority of housewives keep track of the family’s budget, tracking the monthly income and expenses. You must figure out how to make every dollar stretch as far as possible while accounting for

the food, clothing, utilities, bills, and other expenses required to keep your household running each month. Financial advisors make around $35 an hour, making your equivalent salary around $2,170 per month! As you can see, although you are a housewife, your quantifiable roles produce an estimated equivalent salary of close to $20,000 EVERY MONTH! Chances are, not many people in your life make that kind of money! Your worth goes far beyond any monetary value; you are truly the heart and soul of your home, ensuring your family is happy, healthy, and thriving. So, when someone asks what you do, hold your head up and proudly state, “I’m a housewife!”

PDM LOVE

Every year on Mother's Day women around the world are celebrated for all of the hard work, love, and dedication they unselfishly poured into their families. So, we wanted to highlight moms and wives that are making a difference in the world one family at a time. Cabriel McCloud and Greg Hutchins are both native Tallahasseeans who publicly dote on their wives quite often. Both men share a primary devotion to God which shapes the way they lead their families and love their wives. Proverbs 18:22 says, “a man who finds a wife finds a good thing and receives favor from the LORD. “ These men are, therefore, doubly blessed as it is written because they have obviously received both.Each gives a personal account about the favor they call wives.

CABIEL AND PATRICE

OUR FAVORITE LADY

My wife, Patrice, is a native of Jacksonville, FL. She attended and graduated from the Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL. We met in 2008 and have been together ever since. Our son Caden was born late 2009. He was diagnosed with Leukemia in early 2012, which both devastated and changed the trajectory of our lives forever. After witnessing the special care that my son received during his cancer treatments, my wife decided that she wanted to reenter school and be as much of a blessing to others as the healthcare professionals were to us at the most difficult time of our lives. I commended her selfless sacrifice to completely redirect her professional path to conduct a career 180 degree turn. My wife’s passion to go into nursing inspired me tremendously. I witnessed her subject herself to grueling hours of studying. She excelled once again! She won several awards at the completion of her studies and was offered entry into a coveted program at Baptist Medical Center of Jacksonville. She has continued to stand out amongst others and rise to positions that places her on a path of executive leadership. I couldn’t be prouder of my wife. She remains an all-star mom to our children and the woman of my dreams. We have 3 children; Caden McCloud (12) and Cabren McCloud (7). My wife’s role as a nurse reminds us that God rewards those who seek obedience to His word and those who have faith in His promise of fulfillment and prosperity. Operating within the confines of our faith and doing a job that serves others keeps us functioning as a family, which is something we hope younger people can utilize for their families in the future. My wife’s career as a nurse illuminates God’s desire for selflessness in our lives and giving more than receiving; A staple in our family dynamic and belief system. I celebrate my wife’s career by continuing to invest monetarily into her continued education and giving her the love and support she needs as a career woman. It pays dividends in every aspect for our family. What makes my wife successful is that she found a career that she is very good at, but also very passionate about. Though she has continued to receive promotion after promotion, she’s very happy! That alone is what makes her the most successful. It’s quite difficult to accomplish happiness. If allowed, our Christian faith gives us a play by play on what makes the household work. My wife has an important role at the hospital, but when she’s home, she’s just mommy and my honey. She does an exceptional job with balancing her career and home life. In today’s society, being a wife that is described in the Bible is a task that is unattainable to most in her shoes, but she lives out that Word. I am most proud of my wife for staying the course and choosing a career that was driven by giving back. I am proud of her ability to gain the respect of her peers and executive leadership. Mostly, I’m proud of her doing so well all while simultaneously being a stellar mom and wife. Patrice, honey, I want you to know the pride I feel as a husband to be able to acknowledge you as my wife and life partner. Thank you for your patience and choosing me to journey through life with. I have loved you from the moment I laid eyes on you and I always knew that you would be my wife. Thank you for being you. Thank you for gifting me with my beautiful children. We love you dearly. We are and will continue to be your biggest cheerleaders. - Your McCloud Men

pdm

PDM LOVE

GREG AND ASIA My wife, Asia, was born in Miami and raised in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. After graduating from high school down there, she eventually made her way to Florida State University, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. It was during this time that she came to know the Lord and joined Unity Baptist Church, where we met. We got married in 2014 and have been keeping the flame hot ever since! We have 2 boys, Ethan (4) and Jordan (1). We believe God’s purpose for our family is to be a miniature headquarters for the kingdom. As a housewife, Asia is able to pour into our sons, helping lay an adequate theological and academic foundation for them to grow into the men God would have them to be. As a stay-at-home mom, Asia is also able to serve and welcome others as a friend, whether that happens through phone calls and text messages or play dates with other moms. We place a high value on hospitality, so it’s huge to us that she’s able to do that. Asia also helps me accomplish what God has for me to do individually. Her loving presence with our sons frees me to work, read, and write when I need to. I honor Asia through public and private affirmations and give her foot rubs after long days. I try to be attentive to the ways our sons flourish due to her faithfulness and point that out with gratitude. She’s an omnicompetent woman who isn’t driven by worldly ambition. A woman as smart and capable as her could pursue money or recognition with relative success as a likely outcome. However, she sees real significance in leveraging her gifts and presence for the good of our family and the glory of God. As dope as that is, however, Asia’s single greatest gift is her emotional receptivity. She is able to weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice in a way that makes any stranger feel seen and known. And she fine (grammatical error intended)! Asia sees her entire role as a housewife and stay-at-home mom as God’s calling for her in this season. Whenever she wrestles with discontentment or questions of effectiveness, she is able to rest in God’s gentle and lowly heart towards her in her weakness, God’s delight in her in Christ, and God’s expectations for her as a wife and mom, as opposed to the world’s expectations. It is not even possible to place monetary value on Asia’s contributions to our family. Asia, honey, many women have done excellently, but you have surpassed them all. I love you. 43

pdm

BY RHODA WHITFIELD

Are You Protecting Your Spouse’s Heart as You Promised? Every now and then, we should revisit the wedding vows and keep abreast of how serious they are and what they really mean to the success of our marriage. Read this non-traditional vow below and give it some thought. Today I make the most-sincere promise one heart can make to another. I vow to be your constant love and support, your devoted partner in life, to allow myself to grow through your remarkable love for me. I vow to be your home, to be your place of comfort and calm, to have faith when our journey is effortless, and when it is challenging. And when we face adversity, we will never do so alone, because today I promise you, my “person” and my best friend, that I will never give up, that I will always believe in us, and that I will love you completely for all of my life. This non-traditional vow said so much. We have to always be mindful of what we commit our lives to. On your wedding day, you vowed to be the protector of your spouse’s heart. You can also see how we offered the key to our hearts to be protected by the one we professed our undying love with. So, my question to you is, are you guarding and protecting the heart that has been entrusted to only you? Though difficult times are bound to occur during our marriages, we still have to stand on our promises.

pdm

When you stay true to your love for your spouse, God will demonstrate how He can open the way to healing regardless of those moments. The rewards of restoration are well worth the wait. I understand we live in a culture of divorce. You’re always hearing about a marriage being in trouble or a couple separating. However, after traveling down difficult road in our marriage, I have discovered that if we could stay true to our promise and continue to trust God, we could overcome any obstacle that we were being faced with. As a reminder, what did we promise to do? Did we promised to guard and protect each other’s hearts? Guess what? We are only responsible for safeguarding and protecting one heart. That heart belongs to our spouse. When we do that, the good in our marriage will overtake the bad and the ugly. The statistics are staggering, and no couple is immune to the possibility – not one! But there is hope for all marriages. When we do what we vowed, we are concerned about the hurt or harm that can be inflicted upon our spouse when we don’t. Most of us enter marriage so in love, so positive, that we would never think of divorce. However, in time, we may stop living up to the promises made, and the thought of divorce can become a more accessible word to consider. Eventually, if we are not careful, we become so preoccupied with life that we fail to guard our spouse’s heart. This in itself can put a strain 44

on our marriage. You all could be good today, having problems tomorrow, and doing okay the next day. Divorce can move from being considered to be discussed or put into action. My husband and I have done pre-marital and marriage counseling and have come across couples who’ve taken their marriage commitment lightly. Not much thought is given to the purpose of marriage, and many couples believe that love alone will sustain them! When these same couples experience rough spots, they begin to mistreat the heart that has been assigned to them to guard and protect. I’m not dismissing this fact because I truly understand that emotions and feelings play a role in mistreating actions. When we know that marriage is about God, glorifying Him, and not ourselves, we will understand what marriage is all about. In closing, you will never find the perfect spouse and never be one yourself. However, you need to realize what is expected of you. So many things that can sidetrack us from what God purposely designed for a man and a woman in this world. Marriage is a lifetime decision with incredible responsibilities. John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. Your marriage is at the top of his hit list. I’m Just Simply Saying.

A Poem for Mom

She was created to nurture To withstand pain She was created to protect and bare fruit to this land God made her for man To be a help mate But she was raised to withstand the hurt of this land. She was miss treated, and abused mentally, physically and emotionally. She is a woman. A strong woman A woman who took on the challenges of this life. Today she is a stronger and wiser woman, who loves with all her might. A beautiful black queen 65 years of grace God has kept her miraculously. She is our mother. She is our Rock. So we honor her every day, but today will tip the top for her on this Mother’s Day. Happy Mother’s Day Arisonia Parrish!

From All of Us

Yolanda, God chose you just for Zander and you’re doing an AWESOME job raising him. You’re the second blessing God gave me and I’m so proud of you. I’m sending lots of love and hugs this Mother’s Day. Happy Mother’s Day Love Mom

Happy Mother’s Day love you! Love Rayna

Shay, God blessed me with the best daughters and you were my first. The assignment God blessed you with in caring for Zayvion, Zaya and Zuri is definitely working in your favor, you’re doing a great job raising them and I’m proud of you. I’m sending lots of love and hugs your way.

Happy Mother’s Day, love you! From Symone

Happy Mother’s Day Love Mom

Happy Mother’s Day Akila. Your Purposefully Driven Family appreciates everything that you do to ensure this publication is a success. We hope you enjoy your special day!

Happy Mother’s Day Mom From Gina

Someone once said, “No man succeeds without a good woman behind him.” You’ve been a wife, mother, and my best friend. We’ve gone through our hills and valleys together, but I can truly say that we tackled each one together. I celebrate you, my lover for life! Happy Mother’s Day From Your Husband, Danny Whitfield

Dear God, How do you decide to give us the mother you do, fashioned to be in the image of you? For whatever the reason, you blessed us with her. We’re thankful forever

because you couldn’t have given us anyone better, to cherish in every way, especially on Mother’s Day! Happy Mother’s Day Darnell

Happy Mother’s Day From All of Us!

May you have all the joy, love, and happiness your heart can hold. Wishing you God’s best in everything and a very happy Mother’s Day. From All of Us!

We wish we could be with you one last time, hear your laugh, see you smile.You will always be in our heart but it’s not the same. Happy Heavenly Mother’s Day

From All of Us!

You left your footprint in the world and in our heart and it will never be erased. Although you are no longer physically here we still lean on the wisdom you passed down to us. We are grateful for every laugh, every memory, every lesson, and every smile. We love you always. Happy Mother’s Day From All of Us!