Editorial Board Chairman: Greg Hedgepeth Executive Director: Kevin Stormer Creative Director & Lead Photographer: Vacant Content Editors: Vacant Research Editor: Toccara Champerlain Assistant Director of Projects: Angela Marshall Contributors: Toccara Champerlain, Amy Hedgepeth, Maria D. Grandy, Angela Marshall, LaJuane Latham, Phelcia Price (Includes Print and Web) Contributing Photographers: Greg Hedgepeth, Kevin Stormer, Angela Marshall Print layout and web: Greg Hedgepeth Advertising Sales Greenville, NC P.O. Box 3211 Phone: 252.702.2073 info@substantialmagazine.com www.substantialmagazine.com
ŠSubstantial Magazine 2013 All Rigths Reserved ISSN 0000-0005
We miss you and we want you back! Follow Substantial Magazine on Twitter and Like us on Facebook facebook.com/SubstantialMagazine
@SubstantialMag 3 Substantial | Jul - Sept. 2013
CONTENTS 5
pg
From the Editor-in-Chief
• We miss you and we want you back! pg3
7 What to expect from Substantial Magazine
pg
8
A conversation with Denisha Harris pg
• Joshua Burney; A product of his environment...pg12 • Riality Check! pg17
19
Our Substantial Woman pg
22 Young and Ambitious
pg
The introduction of Phelicia Price
Keeping Traditions While Living the American Dream An Interview with Aleshia Hunt
31 Our Substantial Man
pg
The introduction of Damon T Moore
pg26
Visit www.substantialmagazine.com to find additional content, behind the scenes footage, extra interview questions that didn't make it to print, other great stories, photography and much more. Substantial Magazine would love to get you involved. If you are interested in having SM tell your story, or interested in helping us celebrate the stories of others email us at info@substantialmagazine.com
However understand rebranding a business needs to be done for the right reasons. Where all seven reasons were great, I took to heart three. #1 Coming of age. In the life cycle of a business – a business will often begin, and experience growth, without necessarily having a professionally designed brand. However Rebranding becomes a crucial step for businesses to be taken seriously as they expand into more aggressive markets. #2 Relaunch of a product or service. Again this is often associated with remaining relevant to a particular consumer group. #3 Due to a fundamental change in the business, it’s product or service or a change in direction or thinking. Read #3 again…now read the below:
Words from the Editor-in-Chief Why the name change... It’s been a year since the existence of OSM and I most say it has been a pleasant journey thus far. I have been constantly surprised and delighted by the response to what started out as an idea. I’m happy to report that the dream of owning our own media outlet has surpassed all of my expectations. It has been a pleasure to be in a position to work with so many interesting and creative people. To meet and tell the stories of every day minorities that are doing extraordinary things in business and in their communities. It is with this same pleasure that I proudly introduce to you what we are calling “The Relaunch” of what is now Substantial Magazine. That’s right Substantial Magazine. See God has blessed and continues to bless us with opportunities to develop and expand and in doing so change is sometime unavoidable. I read an article that truly help me put into prospective the decisions that I was faced with at the start of the “Substantial” project. The article was called 7 Good Reasons to Rebrand.
Of considerable importance, size, or worth. Strongly built or made. In the pre-thought of this project we not only wanted to create a means to tell stories, print words on paper with pretty images. We wanted to inspire, to motivate our minority community to see just how important we are. To know of our successes, understand our trials, and relate to our journeys is inspirational. We wanted to let you know that you are substantial and so is your purpose. And, just like that yet again the birth of an idea, which we will now watch grow into a very important reality.
Greg Hedgepeth President and Editor-in-Chief of Substantial Magazine.
“We are substantial and so is our purpose.”
The article started by stating that rebranding can either be ‘Evolutionary’ or ‘Revolutionary’ but regardless of the process, the intention for rebranding is always the same: To differentiate the business or service in the minds of their target market.’ Rebranding can also be one of the most rewarding and transformational undertakings an established business can make.
5 Substantial | Jul - Sept. 2013
What to expect from Substantial Magazine Substantial Magazine strikes a balance between inspiration and information, traditional and digital, community and family. Through creative photography and the written word we celebrate the stories of the minority community. Substantial Magazine, the premiere minority magazine in Eastern NC, motivates and educates on the importance of living a SUBSTANTIAL lifestyle.
“We are substantial and so is our purpose.� We do amazing things on our jobs, in our communities and through our arts. Our accomplishments and body of work is extraordinary. Substantial Magazine is the tool by which we "toot our own horns." Our community is sophisticated, unique and bold in all that we do. For that we exist to tell your story. A wise man once said "If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way" that man was Dr. Martin Lurther King.
substance We want to share the future prosperity of the minority community through efforts such as increasing access to health care, job creation, revitalizing schools, and the development of underserved communities.
Not only do we want you to be substantial; we want you to dress the part. Find out about the latest fashion dos and donts. Look to Substantial magazine for fashion commentary, latest news about seasonal collections, and fashion tips/trends from our editors.
Look to this column to bring you the latest as it relates to financial advice and news. Substantial magazine will highlight raising entrepreneurs, successful business owners, and minority for and not for profits that are playing a substantial role in their commnities.
From spoken word, to the latest in hip-hop news. Substantial magazine is teaming up with the best in the business to bring you a diverse reader experience as it relates to the arts. Here we will also showcase creative work of our readers and freelance photographers.
take a closer look for yourself at www.substantialmagazine.com 7 Substantial | Jul - Sept. 2013
This southern lady was born and raised in Greenville, NC. Most that know Denisha know that she’s consistent and lives her life by a set of philosophies learned by living. Her faith is the most important thing to her.
8 Substantial | Jul - Sept. 2013
A conversation with Denisha Harris SM: How long have you worked for the City of Greenville? Denisha: Since 2005 SM: Tell us a little about what you do for the City? Denisha: As the Minority and/or Women Business Enterprise Coordinator, I help ensure that minorities and women have an equal opportunity to sell their products and services to the City of Greenville and the Greenville Utilities Commission. I do this by serving as a single point of contact for M/WBE business owners, providing knowledge on how to do business with local government, access to government buyers and project managers as well as connections with valuable business resources. Combined, these efforts are called “outreach.” I am most known for this type of work, but the behind the scenes work of policy development, training, compliance, reporting and serving as a subject-matter expert for M/WBE in both the City and GUC and the community is the oil that makes the machine run. SM: Tell us about any persona/professional accomplishments? Denisha: I have been blessed to accomplish many things I am proud of. One is being awarded the Robert H. Wright Leadership Award at East Carolina University, the most prestigious award present to seniors during annual commencement exercises. I am also extremely proud to have founded two organizations while at ECU: VOICE, an equal rights advocacy organization, and Wisdom for Living Campus Ministry, a small group bible study. I tend to be a trailblazer (as you can see by my knack for creating things!), so it is no surprise that I was hired as the first full-time Coordinator for the City and GUC and have accomplished many “firsts” in this role. I am blessed to be able to fulfill my purpose, and I believe that has led to success.
"Pursue your destiny to the fullest, and let God do what He said he would do…"
SM: Tell us a little about the Minority and/or Women Business Enterprise? Denisha: M/WBE is the term given to the overarching policy of equal opportunity in government contracting and procurement. The purchasing power of government is estimate to be between 10-15% of a country’s gross domestic product. At the time M/WBE came into existence, less than 1% of federal procurement was being completed with minority and women-owned firms. As an issue of fairness and equal opportunity, the federal government began implementing programs to ameliorate these disparities. States and local governments who had to comply with federal law began passing state laws to accomplish the same goal for state funded projects that showed similar disparities. SM: What motivated/sparked you to get into your current field? Denisha: If there is one philosophy that I strive to live by every day, it is to treat others the way I desire to be treated. Many inequities in our society are born out of subtle and overt differences in the way we treat others simply because of their gender, race or some other difference. Many of us do not want to be treated unfairly, but justify our actions towards others that produce unfairness, thereby, negating the golden rule.
9 Substantial | Jul - Sept. 2013
As a young lady who read Nancy Drew mysteries and loved to hear Claire Huxtable say “let the record show,” I was determined that no one had the right to tell me what I could and could not do based upon something as simple as my gender. The golden rule says that I should treat others the same – and so that is what I champion every day. SM: What are some of the concerns, if any facing the minority community as it relates to owning their own business? Denisha: Being a minority or a member of any disadvantaged group has the opportunity to affect every aspect of a person’s life. Therefore, a minority who also owns a business must overcome the same disadvantages just played out in the business arena. Therefore, discrimination, bias, and prejudice are all challenges that can affect business operations and are a very real concern of the M/WBE community. SM: What advice would you give to other minority females that look to become successful business women? Denisha: The only person who can stop you is you. As long as you believe in yourself and your goals, you will never give up. And, eventually, you will succeed. Failure is to give up to soon. SM: What is your prospective on Success? Denisha: Success is when you wake up every day knowing that you are fulfilling your purpose. I believe that we are all born with gifts, talents, and abilities that are fully expressed only when we are doing what we were born to do. What motivates us, our passions, are designed to solve a problem in the world that utilizes our unique attributes. The place where you and destiny intersect is where success lives. I had the privilege of delivering the commencement speech at my college graduation, and the topic was “Find your Destiny, and Pursue it with a Passion.” You will never be fully satisfied, even with all the money in the world, if you are not able to accept your destiny and then go after it with everything you have. SM: Denisha thank you so much for allowing us to tell our readers “why your substantial”. What else if any thing would you like to share with our readers? Denisha: Perhaps a lesson I am learning as I enjoy the journey: Never be afraid of your own power. Pursue your destiny to the fullest, and let God do what He said he would do…
10 Substantial | Jul - Sept. 2013
12 Substantial | Jul - Sept. 2013
Joshua Burney; A product of his environment... Name: Joshua Burney Age: 23 Hometown: Winston-Salem, NC Occupation: Student/ Business owner Education: BS English, East Carolina University Who is Joshua Burney? I am a young man from Winston-Salem, NC. I like to say I am a product of my environment. Everyone usually assumes that's a bad thing but it is all about perception. One thing about me is that I am trying to change the world and not just be in it, so I work every moment of the day to not just be a better person but to help others be good people. My motto is simple: Live and do what’s right. Life is meant to be taken serious and be serious at the same time and gaining balance in that thought and every point of my life is where I am now. I am working to be a family man and this business is helping me get there. What motivated/sparked you to want to start your own business? It started with a conversation with my mother who has owned businesses over the years. We were sitting at home she said “Josh, you should get into this type of business. There will always be a need for food service items and there is a lot of opportunity available.” “Why not?!” I thought to myself. Secretly, ever since I was little I wanted to own my own business. I wanted to be my own boss and this was an opportunity for me to do it. Tell us a little bit about your business? I am a wholesale/distribution company that focuses on the wholesale of cutlery kits, paper and plastic products, disposable food service items like aprons, gloves, cleaning supplies, food products such as condiments and baked goods such as loaves of bread, all types of buns and pastries. My target area is governmental entities such as schools, military bases and prisons. Do you think it's harder as a young African American male entrepreneur? Simply, no it is not. I believe we all have the capacity to be successful. If I say that it is harder for me to be a young African American business owner, then, to me, I am saying that I have already started at a disadvantage than others and I am no where near disadvantaged. We are all equal just at different stages. I will say it is harder being a young entrepreneur, solely because I attend school and other things pulling me, so finding the time to complete business work becomes a challenge at times. Also, going in to meetings with potential clients, who are older, I am given the look of “what is this young kid doing here?” But I embrace the challenge and prove that I can grow, survive and thrive in this ever-changing business world. At the end of the day, we are all trying to live, whether you are African American, Caucasian, Latino, Italian, etc. Who are some of your mentors/people that inspire you? My mother, Evelyn Burney, is one. Not only because she is my mother, but because of her strength, knowledge and wisdom as a human being and her efforts to impart those same attributes into me daily. Another is Eric Barnes, owner of Young Vision Barbershop,
13 Substantial | Jul - Sept. 2013
who just moved to a new building on Evans Street. Issac Blount, the owner of Enriched Taxes and other businesses. Bishop TC Daniels, Bishop of Power of His Presence Ministries on the corner of 11th and Forbes. All three of these men have shown me the possibilities of reaching your dreams and more. They are an example of hard work, maturity, family and the idea of “keeping life simple.” What advice would you give to other young minority that look to become entrepreneurs? Just do it! The concept is simple. As I continue to learn, there is nothing in this world that I cannot do. And given, as we all know there will be big and small challenges along the way, don’t stress them, stay focused, they are meant to try to distract you and test you. If God gives you an idea, run with it, for it will work out. You are already given everything you need to reach your goals and overcome every challenge along the way; you just have to believe that you do. While understanding that the road is long, be patient. You will lose sleep, miss meals, but you must continue to ask yourself, “How bad do you want it?” “Do you believe in what you are dreaming of?” Let it become your magnificent obsession, for then you will never quit. And on the way to the top, be true and honest in ALL dealings and be intentional. What is your prospective on Success? Success is a personal idea that creates happiness. For example, a woman who owns her own house may believe she is successful because when she was younger her family was homeless. Or the skinny boy who wants to be a starter on the high school football team so he works out every day for two hours, lifting weights and doing drills and gets the starting position. Success, in some instances, is a desired quota. If there was one thing you could change about our younger generations perception on success what would it be? That success has nothing to do with money. For some reason, we place a correlation between the amount of money one has and how successful one is. But that is not true. If a young girl gets pregnant in high school, drops out and then goes back to school, gets her diploma and then goes to college, is she unsuccessful because she does not have tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in her bank account? She worked at what she believed in was best for her and put her heart into. Joshua where do you see yourself and your company in the next 5-10 years? I would like to have contracts with a university and a hospital and have employed at least 10 people. Everything else, I’m keeping a secret.
14 Substantial | Jul - Sept. 2013
"We are substantial and so is our purpose." www.substantialmagazine.com
Riality Check! By Maria D. Grandy Contributing Writer
Excited, that was me. After talking with Greg Hedgebeth, President and Editor-in-Chief of now Substantial Magazine. His enthusiasm and hunger for what he does was contagious. I had my deadline and I was ready to write. For my first piece for SM, I would do an opinion piece. That would be a little easier, I wouldn’t have to juggle the deadlines, meetings and interviews of my daytime career with the magazine, Next edition I will hit the pavement. I am sure I would have no problem coming up with a topic. Ummmm…. Wrong.
dream that turned into a nightmare. But wait, maybe I should share my questions about how does Easter, Christ’s resurrection and a bunny laying eggs have to do with one another? Am I the only one who thinks that is strange? And did the annual fish fry become a staple because of the two fish? Just asking. Scratch that. Next… What did we do before social media? Who did we share our deepest thoughts with? Did we just mumble to ourselves about how bad we were feeling? Where did we get our daily inspiration? Were you unaware of what God wanted you to know before FB got an app for it?
I could always get deep and emotional as I sat wiping tears thinking about my During my day job (it also goes into the mom who I miss so much. Three years night) as a staff writer/ reporter, I have have passed and not a day goes by that more rules and regulations finally I would I wish this is not a dream. It seems like be able to do more daring, more heartfelt, everyday more and more of my friends, not so by the book stories. Expand my family and associates are joining the horizon so to speak. club, I never wanted to be in, motherless child club. How do you explain to 4 year So here I sit speechless. old that “Gammie” couldn’t just tell God that she wanted to stay here with us and I could speak on my bought with wasn’t ready to go with him? Or tell him bronchitis. After two weeks of battling, I that no getting an airplane won’t get us to finally went to the emergency room. What heaven to visit her either. a shame I will get charged an arm and a leg and maybe a kidney because my What do you say to the teenager who family doctor is so booked, I couldn’t get shockingly says he doesn’t want anything an appointment until April. The pain of for Christmas because it has felt like increase health bills and prescription Christmas in three years? costs is something that many could relate to. I could also invite people to join my FB group Tears in Heaven, which is a group Or I could talk about how mother-nature for people who have lost family members has been April Fooling us all year with and need somewhere to share their true this weather. I really want to put out an feelings. APB on that ground hog. He sold us a
Decisions, decisions, decisions. Too many options. But one thing is for sure, I look forward to sharing my thoughts, the accomplishments, feelings and life stories of others with the readers of Substantial. I am ready to allow the gift and talent that God has blessed me with to connect people with people and share stories that may otherwise go unheard. I still have lots of ideas running through my head, but narrowing it down to one seems impossible. So I ask the readers, what would you like to read about? Who do you know, work with or admire who is doing something that makes them successful. And to me success is not weighed by the amount of money or recognition received. Success can just be making a difference. I would love to hear from you, send me your thoughts at rialitycheck3940@gmail.com. So let me introduce myself, my name is Ria and this is my first Riality Check.
17 Substantial | Jul - Sept. 2013
Four things you should know
about
saving your money...
1. Save before you spend
2. Prioritize your savings
If you're not doing it now, you have to find a way to save and the best thing you can do to help yourself is automate. If the money lands in your checking account and you see it on your ATM receipt, it's too easy to find some "need" to spend it on. Arrange for it to be swiped out of your checking account before that happens and put into an IRA or other savings account.
Emergency fund first: If you've heard it once, you've heard it a hundred times. You need at least six months of living expenses - in cash - just in case. When you first start to have money to put away, it's important to fill up this bucket first. That way, you have cash to fall back on when the roof leaks or the computer breaks and you don't have to reach for the credit cards. Put this money in a boring old savings account, where you may not earn much interest but you can get at it if you need it. Contribute, contribute and contribute: A 401(k) is one of the easiest and best ways to save for retirement. Contributing money to a 401(k) gives you an immediate tax deduction, tax-deferred growth on your savings, and -- in some cases -- a matching contribution from your company.
3. Set a realistic savings percentage per month Start by saving 2 percent per month. It will force you to cutout the small things that you probably won't notice. Avoid a "crash diet" savings approach (setting unrealistic goals just like some people do with food) in order to guarantee long-term savings success. Almost ANYONE can save 2 percent. In the long-term, aim to save 10 percent to 15 percent per month, but you can't start there. Start small and up it as you go along. Something is better than nothing at all.
18 Substantial | Jul - Sept. 2013
4. Save when you can When you find yourself with some extra cash, don't go out on a shopping spree. Resist the urge to spend it all. You never know what the future may bring. At the end of the day there is no magic formula or top secret way to save money. It's about ones mental ability to live within their means, prioritize, save before they spend, and set goals.
blessed, genuine, funny, engaging, kindhearted, motivated, creative, committed, giving, sensitive, playful, thoughtful, inquisitive, and loving
The introduction of Phelicia Price 'Our Substantial Woman' 19 Substantial | Jul - Sept. 2013
building relationships with the individuals you come in contact with will help you continue expanding your network. Birds of a feather flock together and people love exchanging ideas with other like-minded people. I have a wonderfully diverse group of people in my contacts, many of whom I had the good fortune to meet through networking.
SM: Who is Ms. Phelicia Price? Phelicia: Phelicia Price is blessed, genuine, funny, engaging, kindhearted, motivated, creative, committed, giving, sensitive, playful, thoughtful, inquisitive, and loving.
PSP Image Consulting is a firm committed to developing one’s inner and outer attributes. We partner with Career Centers from universities to community colleges to prepare students with the additional skills they need other than resume and interview skills. Although they SM: How long have you been in your are very important, if you send the wrong current profession? message non-verbally you have lost the Phelicia: I have been in my current progame before you began to play. This is a fession as a fiscal officer for 4 years and new economy and our college graduates an economics instructor for 3 years. are, in many cases, competing with potential employees SM: Tell us about your current their parent’s age. Being prepared to be entrepreneur initiatives? properly dressed, understanding verbal Phelicia: I am the Founder and CEO of and non verbal communication, diversity PSP Image Consulting. Additionally I am and multi-generational differences will be in charge of expansion for an internet key to their ongoing success. This will marketing company. also help make the on boarding process a bit smoother for both the employer and SM: What made you start PSP Image employee. PSP Image Consulting is Consulting and tell us a little about it? dedicated to helping college and Phelicia: When my previous employment university graduates become true conended, I began seeking employment tenders in their chosen fields. opportunities in the banking industry. Although discontent with banking, that SM: As a professional networker, tell our was the basis of my limited experience. audience the importance of proper netAs a graduate assistant in ECU’s Student working. Professional Development/Career Phelicia: Proper networking is a vital part Services Office, I often told students only of success, growth and lifelong 15% of Americans enjoyed their occupa- learning. No one truly successful made tions. It became obvious I was applying it to the top alone; it takes a village. to jobs to jump right back into the 85% Gaining exposure is a key element to bracket. After 18 months of rejection networking, assuming you don’t want letters and emails I had enough and your business/product/opportunity to decided to pursue other options. Rather remain a secret! Each day we should than wait for someone to hire me, I destrive to build our networking skills until it cided to hire myself. Combining my love becomes a natural habit. Be certain you for fashion, networking, public speaking have something to offer, this is a mutual and working with students, PSP Image exchange, not a chance to see what you Consulting was born! can get. Know what you can bring to the table and articulate that clearly. Exchanging contact information and
20 Substantial | Jul - Sept. 2013
SM: Tell us about some accomplishments you’re most proud of. Phelicia: I am most proud of taking an active interest in the last 10 years of my grandmother’s life. After graduating from ECU, most students are anxious to relocate and start a new chapter in their lives, but I knew I wanted to stay to take care of her. I have not regretted it. I am also proud of the successes I have had working in teams or in groups to make a difference for a common goal. For instance as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., I actively participate in one of our numerous scholarship fundraisers – Jabberwock. This is a program for school-aged girls giving them an opportunity to increase their self awareness, develop and display presentation skills, raise money for scholarships, form new friendships and be mentored by positive, professional African-American women. I participated in this program for several years and to see how these young ladies have developed and to know I played a small part in their continued success gives me a sense of purpose. SM: Give us your prospective on success. Phelicia: The barometer I use to measure success is truly the impact I have had on the lives of others. It is not about me; it is about helping someone else. I am a firm believer that helping others reach their goals and meet their needs, will guarantee my needs are met. SM: What motivates/inspires you? Phelicia: My name motivates me. My name means happiness. I want everyone to be aware that true happiness is obtainable. It sounds so simplistic, and in essence, it really is. Unfortunately, we live in a time where everyone is looking outwardly for happiness, unaware that it lies within. From a
very young age I became keenly aware we are only given one shot and I am motivated not to waste it. SM: Do you have any mentors, if so who are they and why? Phelicia: Yes, I have two mentors, Carmelitia Coleman-Agee and Sonya Barnes. Carmelitia (Coco) is my “sister” and a voice of reason in many aspects of my life. I appreciate and value her input for two reasons – 1) she has already been down many of the paths I am currently on and 2) she has known me since I was a teenager. It is hard for someone to really understand you and/or parts of your journey when they don’t really know you. Coco was there for my highs, as one of only two African-American females to graduate from ECU with a Master’s in Economics. Then she was there for my lows, when I was unemployed, unfulfilled and uninspired for nearly two years. Understanding the importance of networking, reaching out and not being afraid to go after what I wanted in life was a seed planted by my parents but Coco definitely nurtured that seed. Without that confidence I would not have had the wherewithal to seek mentorship from Sonya Barnes. Sonya Barnes is CEO & Founder of Harris & Barnes Image Consultants. She is an innovative leader with nearly a decade in the image, style and fashion industry. Recently, Harris & Barnes launched a training division, the International Fashion Style Academy in Charlotte, NC. On three separate occasions God beckoned me to contact Sonya. At the time, PSP Image Consulting was merely a dream and I couldn’t image anyone with her vast experience, taking the time to nurture my dream. I discovered how wrong I was, when I attended my first Image Consulting Conference in Vancouver, Canada. I volunteered while there, met Sonya, and the rest is history.
SM: Anything else that you would like our readers to know about Phelicia? Phelicia: I was born and raised in Charlotte, NC, an ECU alum with Bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Communications and a Master’s in Economics. I Love Lucy is my favorite television show. I have an addiction to Walt Disney Feature Animation and musicals. Cheese and bacon are good with everything and make life better. Grandmothers make the best, best friends. Girls with curly hair rock! I actually do take the time to smell flowers and look at a beautiful sky; I think it is important. Crying in the shower makes all the difference. I have road rage and I am not working on it, I want people to learn how to drive. You should never pass up a chance to hear free music, period. A quote from Zig Zigler I just heard that I love: “People often say motivation doesn’t last. Neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.”
These women are my mentors because they embody many of the characteristics I seek to increase and develop as I grow into all God has planned for my life. SM: Are there any current projects that you are working on that you would like to share with us? Phelicia: I am very excited to resurrect the blog I started a few years ago called StyleEcon. This was a play on Style Icon and my educational background in Economics. It was a weekly blog dedicated to dressing well for less and detailing the staple pieces in your closet that every man and woman should have to remain stylish and timeless. Substantial is the perfect platform for me to get back into my writing, connect with others and hopefully inspire the fabulous readers of this awesome publication. SM: Tell us one of Phelicia's biggest likes and dislikes. Phelicia: One of my biggest likes – Creating unforgettable memories and having peak life experiences One of my biggest dislikes – People attempting to live a positive life with a negative mindset
21 Substantial | Jul - Sept. 2013
LaBarron Burwell
22 Substantial | Jul - Sept. 2013
Victoria P. Loveless
Joshua Rashad Epps Tiara Arna Birtha
'Young and Ambitious' Meet the Executives of M.U.V.E. (Motivating & Uplifting via Exercise)
These four leaders are making a difference in our community through exercise and activity. M.U.V.E. is a service based organization that believes in inspiring growth in all dimensions of wellness. The non-profit organization is a unique organization on the campus of East Carolina University, that is dedicated to serving as many people as it can in our community. The groups executive board plays a huge role in the operation and growth of M.U.V.E. and the dedicated four do not take their positions lightly. The executive board is made up of LaBarron Burwell, Victoria P. Loveless, Tiara Arna Birtha, and Joshua Rashad Epps. SM: Let's start with the young ladies. Victoria and Tiara. Tell us a little something abuot yourselves. Victoria: I’m a 21 year old college student entering my senior year at East Carolina University. I’m majoring in Communication with concentrations in Media Studies and Interpersonal/ Organizational communication, and minoring in Apparel Merchandising. I'm from Raleigh, NC. Tiara: I am a junior currently in the School of Hospitality Leadership at East Carolina University. I am a founding family member of M.U.V.E along with Treasurer. I am also a member of the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH). I enjoy experiencing new things, leading a healthy active lifestyle and being a role-model for my younger sister. My intended career path is to work at a boutique event planning or media consulting firm in the southeast region of the United States. I'm 20 years young and I'm a native of Charlotte, NC. SM: Josh tell us a little about yourself. Josh: I’m from Oxford, North Carolina. The only child of Mary and Wiley Epps. Played high school football, where I received an All-Conference, All-Area award. I was study body vice president of J.F. Webb High School. Grew up in the church, started playing drums at the
24 Substantial | Jul - Sept. 2013
age of 10. SM: LeBarron we've had the pleasure of featuring your in one of our pervious publications. Welcome back! Tell us briefly about yourself. LeBarron: I'm a 23 year old senior at ECU, majoring in ---, I'm also a personal trainer and I'm from Oxford, NC. SM: Guys what motivated/sparked you to want to start your own organization? Josh: I wanted to do something that was bigger than myself and impact the lives of others. I also wanted to apply everything I’ve learned in school and apply it to real-life situations. LeBarron: This organization was prompted by the eagerness to serve the youth and community. This readiness was heightened by the denial of several volunteer coaching positions. SM: Why are you guys so passionate about giving back and helping others through service? Tiara: Giving back is something that is instilled in you as a child. Giving back is something that is unquestionably important to me because I feel like I owe it to the community. Everyone on this earth is all equal and no one is above another. When you can find it in your heart and life to give something back to others, you will find more and more opportunities opening up for you. Giving anything of yourself allows more room for you to receive. The possibilities that come to you when you give are endless. LaBarron: My actions are shaped by my Faith. Understanding that I have been blessed with gifts of leadership and the passion for positively impacting the lives of others, I am obligated to do so! It is fun and rewarding serving others. I get the most joy out of seeing others smile or reach a goal they have set for themselves! SM: Victoria, as an African American women do you think you have to work twice as hard to be taken serious within
the business world and as the leader of an organization? Victoria: Being a young African American woman I have to work three times as hard to be taken serious within the business world. I am not only a woman; I am a African American woman. If that wasn’t hard enough, I have to be three times as great, and three times as smart. I do not look at this as a negative aspect. This is a part of my journey, something I can use to my advantage and once it becomes my testimony I will be able to use my power for good and encourage other African American women to know that they can thrive within the business world and as leaders. SM: Who are some of your mentors/ people that inspire you? Tiara: One person that I look up to more than anyone is my mother. She is an inspiration and I hope to become at least half of the woman she is. I do have a faith leader at my home church, St. Marks United Methodist in Charlotte, NC. Who helps me get through certain difficulties in life when they do arise. Josh: God, my father, Eric Thomas, Steve Harvey Victoria: The three people that are inspiring me right now are my mother, Joyce Loveless, Oprah Winfrey, and Kerry Washington. These successful black women in my life have taught me so many things when it comes to learning about life and living with purpose. My mother has guided me since birth and has always told me to be the person that Victoria wants to be and do what Victoria wants to do. Sounds easy, but it’s the hardest lesson I’ve had to learn! Oprah Winfrey and Kerry Washington are both strong black women in the media that I’ve been drawn to. I love what they do in the world by helping others and the characters they portray on TV. LaBarron: My Mother, Rhonda Taylor-Nickerson has always inspired
me to take lemons and make orange juice! She always taught me that regardless of my situation, I can do and be anything in this world if I desired to. SM: What is your prospective on Success? LaBarron: Success is the point when I am completely comfortable with my finances and the well-being of my family. Success is when you are making an impact in your field, and being known as an innovator in your field or craft.
equates to success. Success is about giving to others and I don’t think you can be successful without being in a position in where you can do so.
SM: What advice would you give to other young minorities that look to become entrepreneurs or start their own organizations? Victoria: Never let anyone tell you no. Sometimes we hear the word “no” and think “Well, it was fun while it lasted” and move back onto doing the same ol, same ol. I believe that when someone tells you Tiara: Success is right standing with God, “no” that is God’s way of making you success is prosperity in all things and rethink your thoughts and rephrase your be in good health. (John 3:2) Success is mindset. If you feel in your heart that what having your life under control; and having you think is right, it is right. a plan for what you want out of life and achieving it. SM: Appearance and presentation is everything; would you agree? Tell us why SM: If there was one thing you could you think it's important to have a clean change about our younger generations appearance as a striving business perception on success what would it be? professional? Josh: To believe in your dreams, and Josh: My mother always taught me that don’t stop until you achieve them. your first impression is your best Tiara: Success is not easy and you will impression. not attain it over night. Victoria: It’s important to have a clean LaBarron: The perception of success appearance all the time! You never know in our youth is focused around material who you will come in contact with when things rather than personal achievements. you leave the house every day. Some Younger generations think that having people say appearance doesn’t matter nice cars, clothes, and lots of money but at the end of the day, your potential
boss will remember if you had too much cleavage, or a rip in your stockings during your interview and it could cost you that position. LaBarron: You only get one time to make a first impression. SM: Where do you see M.U.V.E. in the near future? LVTJ: The sky is certainly not the limit for M.U.V.E. In the upcoming semesters, we expect for the M.U.V.E. chapters at UNC Wilmington and UNC Chapel Hill to be running full throttle. We hope that our budget allows us to travel outside of NC to help kids in the northeast region of the United States. SM: These are some great leaders. Get more of the M.U.V.E. interview at substantialmagazine.com
25 Substantial | Jul - Sept. 2013
Keeping Traditions
While Living the AnAmerican Dream Interview with Aleshia Hunt 26 Substantial | Jul - Sept. 2013
Keeping Traditions While Living the American Dream
Interview and Photography by Angela Marshall
Aleshia Hunt is of Native American decent born in Eastern North Carolina and received her Bachelor’s degree in Cultural Anthropology from East Carolina University. In a candid interview with Substantial Magazine Aleshia discusses Native American traditions and the American Dream. Most often it feels as though individuals fail to realize that Native American cultural is alive and well. More to the point, Native Americans are not the individuals seen in western movies, with long straight hair always wearing regalia and unable to clearly articulate the English language. The Lumbee tribe of North Carolina is the largest tribe east of the Mississippi with over 55,000 enrolled members. North Carolina has the highest population of Native American/American Indians on the East coast. Compared to the United States North Carolina rank 9th in its Native American population. There are 8 state recognized tribes (1 federally recognized tribe), and 4 tribal associations. North Carolina is also home of the first Native American fraternity, Epsilon Chi Nu Fraternity, Incorporated and the 2nd Native American sorority in the Nation, Sigma Omicron Epsilon Sorority, Incorporated. Nevertheless, it sometimes feels like we are the forgotten people. I find this to be especially true in the education arena. SM: What is your Native American heritage (tribal affiliation)? Aleshia: I am from the Lumbee tribe of North Carolina. Our tribal home is in Robeson County. We are the largest tribe East of the Mississippi with over 55,000 enrolled members. We have members located in Robeson, Scotland, Hoke, and Sampson Counties. We have an annual spring powwow in May and fall powwow in October. Our tribal homecoming is always the week of July 4 with many activities - 5k, parade, car show, pageants for little Miss Lumbee to Senior Miss Lumbee and ends with parade and fireworks. All are always welcome to come. SM: How do you incorporate Native American customers and traditions into western life? Aleshia: I am proud of my Native American heritage. As a child I was taught the tradition of my cultural; as an adult I have made it a point to learn as much as I can about the Lumbee tribe. I participate in various Native American activities; make crafts associated with my tribe; I also enjoy preparing Native American dishes. I am proud of my Native American heritage and I teach
27 Substantial | Jul - Sept. 2013
my son the importance of keeping our traditions and I make sure he understands the meaning behind our traditions. SM: What is one of the Native American customs important to your culture? Aleshia: Remaining close to family. Families are the keeper of our stories and traditions. Our families teach us how to cook, dance, sew, bead, pray, and even our language and many other things. Our families bring us in the circle when we dance. Native Americans have a high regard for their family. SM: When you hear the term "American Dream" what comes to mind (what does it mean to you)? Aleshia: WOW, there is no short answer to this one. To me the “American Dream” is a set of ideals in which freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and success and includes an upward social mobility achieved through hard work. Personally, I want to make the world better for my children and future grandchildren. For me success is not about money or status it’s about the people you help achieve their goals, as you journey toward your own. Achieving the “American Dream” is process that cannot be completed without lending yourself to the needs of others. I learned this from my maternal great grandmother, the daughter of a sharecropper with a 1st grade education, didn’t have much but she always shared with others not expecting anything in return. Other lessons of success came from my paternal grandmother, owner of a restaurant, who allowed her patrons to enjoy a meal even though they had no money to pay. It was the actions of these women who taught me that there are three things that make up the foundation of living the “American Dream”; willingly share what you have with others; help others move upward - it is important to think on others more so than you self; and to always pray to the creator and to love. SM: As a Native American women what has been your biggest challenge when attempting to move forward in your career? Aleshia: The most difficult challenge has been moving from one level to the next in my career. I have always believed that hard work would be rewarded – would contribute to moving upward. However, it seems that hard work doesn’t always move you forward. Unfortunately, doing a good job in one area of your career path can cause others to be blinded to the whole of your skill sets; you are identified by your current position and not thought of in any other capacity. When others think of you in only one way, it makes it extremely difficult to advance. I continue to hope that my experience, dedication to do doing a good job, as well as my education will speak for me. SM: Do you think there are enough Native Americans in business, education, or as entrepreneurs? Aleshia: In my home community we have Native American businesses and entrepreneurs as well as educators. However, across the country I believe we are lacking in those areas. It appears that Native American businesses and
28 Substantial | Jul - Sept. 2013
entrepreneurship is only represented in the community pockets they represent. Given current drop out rates of Native Americans there should be a greater representation of Native Americans in the school systems, including higher education. SM: What do you see as some of the barriers hindering Native Americans from achieving the "American Dream"? Aleshia: One of the major barriers is education. The cost of education is becoming out of reach for so many. Grants and scholarships are not enough and too often working more than one job is required to in order to pay for one’s education. Attaining a degree, at any level, should be encouraged regardless of ethnicity, but putting the cost out of reach makes education a rich man’s luxury. SM: According to Diplomas Count 2013, an annual report released by Education week, the Native American drop out rate is increasing. What would you recommend to increase the graduation rate of Native Americans?
Aleshia: Currently in North Carolina, through the Commission of Indian Affairs, we have Youth Development Specialist (YDS) officers. These positions are paid for thru federal funding given to the state. YDS staff members have to focus on several schools instead of one school. It would be helpful if YDS officers could focus on one school. The impact YDS officers have on the Native American community is invaluable. They serve as a wonderful counselor and recommend grants and colleges to attend. They are also a wonderful resource for and mentor to Native American students during they entire academic journey. SM: What steps would you take to education people about Native American culture? Aleshia: It amazes me that so many people have questions about reservations and why we don't look like what they see on westerns (straight hair, wearing regalia, etc.). People always ask if we still live in teepees. So the first thing I would do is to educate people about my tribe and our customs - discuss NC tribal facts and national facts. I would also dispel any stereotypes and myths about Native Americans. Ideally I would like an audience with those who write textbooks. My wish is that the educational system would move away from using western tribes as their only point of reference. Native Americans are all over the United States. Thee are populations throughout with traditions, languages and customs still thriving. SM: What keeps you grounded? Aleshia: I love to run. Running is my pause from reality, my true time out. While running I can clearly think about the events of the day, pray, listen to music, and enjoy what is going on in the world around me – the beauty of nature, the flowers, the sky over me. We are all in such a rush that the goodness of life can sometimes be missed. In the miles I run I am reminded of my favorite quote by Samuel Taylor Coleridge “And in today already walks tomorrow.” It is during this time I remember that what we do now reflects the next generation.
"I am proud of my Native American heritage.
As a child I was taught the tradition of my cultural;
as an adult I have made it a point to learn as much as I can about the
Lumbee tribe."
"We are substantial and so is our purpose." www.substantialmagazine.com 29 Substantial | Jul - Sept. 2013
The introduction of Damon T Moore 'Our Substantial Man' 31 Substantial | Jul - Sept. 2013
Age: 39 Status: Single Location: Born in Newark, NJ raised in East Orange, NJ / currently residing in Greenville, NC SM: Tell us a little something about Mr. Moore. Damon: They call me TRU. First let me just thank you for this opportunity because I never thought I would be featured in a magazine. I'm a brother that started out on the wrong road in life and it wasn't until I found myself in prison that I realized the road I was traveling on, wasn't taking me in the direction I needed to be heading. The actions that lead me to prison was not the way I wanted to live my life and knew it wasn't what I wanted to continue to put my family through any more. It was then that I gave myself to the Lord.
32 Substantial | Jul - Sept. 2013
I said then I would make a better life for myself any way I could. I attended barber school, got my barber's license and now work at Unlimted Cuts Barber Shop. I find myself talking to the youth about doing the right things, making good decisions and I encourage them to pushing forward. I let them know it's up to nobody but 'them/'us' to better our lives and situations. SM: Why are you substantial? Damon: I'm substantial because I know my self worth. I don't want to change my story, but I want to write new chapters and be known as a successful person that may have started down the wrong road but turned his life around. Damon: Again I can't thank you enough for this opportunity.