ARKANSAS
®
July/August 2021 Volume 1 Issue 6
Sold By Monica Arkansas - July/August 2021
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There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
Understanding PowerOr of Buts YourAbout Influence There Are NoThe If, Ands, It! A Letter from the Editor
A Letter From The Editor
Now that I amfrom many years settled into fatherhood, I sometimes reminisce A Letter the Editor on those What precious moments son was a baby. Though if tomorrow when didn’tmy arrive? All only of your plans, hopessmall and quite fragile, I wanted to make him tough and brawn, selfishly and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if hoping that heeverything would out the and dreams I had for myhopes life. That that youhopes decided to put off until tomorrow never Whatlive if tomorrow didn’t arrive? Allthat of your plans, is what dads do, or at least I think they do. My son would eventually happened? would beano reason to save a rainy and dreams There wouldn’t have street to park on. for What if grow up right before my eyes to be a very grown man, which I am quite day, and you could someone theuntil trouble of making everything that youspare decided to put off tomorrow never proud of. Still, I reminded of his dependence on me and his mother for promises. What your last happened? Thereif would be opportunity no reason toseemingly save for aexpired rainy everything while he was a child and our responsibility to understand and today? wouldspare you do? day, andWhat you could someone the trouble of making provide for his needs.
promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired I’veand been that I often do too What would you do? seem As atoday? baby nottold yet able to form words,like myI son criedmuch. and made other Honestly, I feel like I amtonot enough I’m a firm baby sounds when he wanted letdoing us know he wasand hungry. When his inhe knowing that GodI am wouldn’t put on Itme I’ve been told I[dad, often seem likeinstead, I do anything toohemuch. diaperbeliever was wet, didn’tthat say wet]; cried. was my that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm duty to determine his need and translate the information he was trying be ifThank I chose toI sit and accept it presented to believer inGod knowing that God wouldn’t put anything onme. me to share. wasidle able to, and mywhat son was fed and cared for.I have that to be very boring. In myhave opinion, opportunity that I found couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how Though I can only imagine how difficult it would beenlife forwould him had I is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge ignored or to was to accept understand behis if Icries chose situnable idle and whatthem. it presented to me. I to mefound is an adventure. What is the In worst that can opportunity happen? have that to be very boring. my opinion, As adults and not babies, our methods of communicating our pains, If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge wants,to and needs aren’t generally boggled into a baby’s cry. However, something new about myself. yourcan pride and in me is an adventure. What is Relinquish the worst that happen? it doesn’t mean that we areand not if crying. return acquire life. If I do nothing, I fail, I try I When don’t,we butbecome insteadprideful learn and shamed, it can be new difficult to express is truly your hurting us, which something about myself.what Relinquish pride and in causesreturn us to internalize these issues and not let them out. The best advice acquire life.ever given to me happened when someone told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so When Godpressed blesses His to be adoors well or source forthat others, I have mychildren way given through with a key onlyit The best advice ever to me happened when someone often comes with some form of influence. With influence, there is power hopeme provided. have also learned the today. difference between told to makeImy tomorrow happen In doing so and the ability to impact someone’s life. Not understanding the power blesses and what cana burden with Iwhat haveGod pressed my me waywith through doorslife with key thatme only of your influence is just as careless as someone who is driving a car at 100 as well. I compare it to knowing when be confident and hope provided. I have learned the to difference between miles per hour with their eyes also closed. whenlife tocan be quiet, what God blesses me with and what burdenbecause me with someone may get it confused as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident Influence attracts the interest of others. Because influence isand often with being arrogant. when to be quiet, because associated with power, it oftentimes attracts weakness. What I am someone mayfeel getlike it confused trying to share; If someone is treating you wrong you you are Make you tomorrow with being arrogant. being “hated on”, it might mean that person is actually crying out and happenwhat’s today,hurting but most cannot convey them. As importantly make these it count. Make youignore tomorrow Christians, we can’t cries. Life is but a whisper and We should listentoday, with our hearts happen but mostand seek God’s instruction toitrespond. we must on puthow ourselves in a importantly make count. position to hear what it Life is but a whisper andis If youwe aremust in aus. position of influence, telling put ourselves in a fill yourselfposition with theto love of God hear whatonit aisdaily basis. I telling was able to determine what my us. son’s needs were only I loved Terry L.because Watson him. God’s love gives us power and the Editor/Founder ability to understand the cries and pains Terry L. Watson of others.
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CONTENTS
ARKANSAS
JULY/AUGUST 2021
Lorria Grant-Eubanks 16
Reality Check Mentoring Inc..
A Different Stroke of Arrt
On The Cover
Plush Homes Co. Realty Monica Hale
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The Bond of Sisterhood
Keesha & Larissa
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Jermaine Johnson
Huami Magazine Cutest Baby
Asher Grady
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Also Featured
Chess’Mia James Her vision is becoming a reality. Meet the founder of Kingdom Step Academy. Atlanta, GA
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Eric Watson He is leading by example as the Deputy County Administrator of Public Safety. Charleston, SC
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Arkansas - July/August 2021
Ukwensi Chappell It’s all about art. Meet the owner of Galleie Ukwensi at Ghent. Norfolk, VA
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Arkansas - July/August 2021
Monica Hale Sold By Monica
Plush Homes Co. Realtors
By Ayana Bryant Photos by Randall Lee
Makeup Artist: Francys Patricia Alanis - Eyelashes: Candace Thompson Stylist: Ty Jackson - Hair: Cierra Vance Yates
At a very young age Monica Hale understood that her life’s calling would be to help people. In what capacity exactly? That was to be determined. However, life experiences, unexpected struggles, and a powerful, prophetic voice would all eventually lead her to finding her true purpose. Today, the wife, mother, and businesswoman is the owner and CEO of Plush Homes Co. Realtors. Monica was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas. After gaining fifteen years of experience in property management, Monica decided that she’d conquered that field and wanted to elevate her career to the next level. In 2013, Monica enrolled herself in real estate school. While this was an exciting time in her life, things didn’t go as planned. When she took the real estate exam, unfortunately, she did not pass the first time around. This hurdle discouraged her, but she didn’t let the dream die there. Monica remained focused on her goals and pressed toward the mark, returning to sit for the exam four years later.
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In 2016, Monica met a woman who she said “prophesied over her life.” “This woman spoke love and light into me, giving me the encouragement and confidence that I needed to realign myself with God and my true purpose,” she shares. That prophetic word was just the push Monica needed to restart her journey for her real estate license. After many nights of studying along with a sincere determination to succeed, Monica passed her real estate exam in July 2017 and began working at her first brokerage. The remaining pages of Monica’s story would now start. Within the first thirty days at the brokerage firm, Monica sold her first home. She continued to push herself and eventually became the top producing agent as she continued her real estate journey with another brokerage. While still working in property management and working at the brokerage part time, Monica decided it was time to commit to her dreams fully and follow her purpose. So, in August 2019, she quit her fulltime job and began her journey to becoming an Executive Broker. Three months later, she passed the Arkansas Real Estate Broker Exam and began building her legacy. As Monica set her sights on her future, things began to happen pretty fast. In June 2020, she launched Plush Homes Co. Realtors, operating as its Principal Broker. Things were set in place and Plush Homes Co. Realtors immediately claimed
its place in the real estate arena. With a growing staff of 25+ agents, this brokerage is well equipped to handle any future home buyer’s needs. They currently offer commercial property leasing, credit repairs, transactions with both sellers and buyers, and listings. When asked what she loves most about her company, her answer was “building it from the ground up.” “I enjoyed starting from scratch. From picking the name of the company to finding an IT (Information Technology) person, and even securing the location; the whole experience was more rewarding than franchising another company,” says Monica. Although the Covid 19 pandemic negatively impacted many businesses and industries, real estate wasn’t necessarily one of them. Monica says the pandemic was more helpful than anything for her company and ironically gave her business a boost. “All of a sudden, there were so many buyers that surfaced, mainly due to the low-interest rates,” says Monica. The demand eventually became more significant than the supply leading to a shortage in inventory within the real estate market, not only in Arkansas but also around the country. This trend has continued as the inventory of homes remains lower than the number of prospective buyers searching for homes.
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The Plush Home Co. Team
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Porsha Thompson Realtor
Shay Gray Realtor
Kameron Brown Realtor
Immanuel Israel Realtor
Veronica Jones Realtor
Kali Cloird Realtor
Ashley Givens Realtor
Eboni Gilmore Real Estate Agent
Lynn Johnson Realtor
Audrianna Barnes Realtor
Cornelius Hood Realtor
Tennille Merritt Realtor
Vanessa Morris Realtor
Ronitia Bland Realtor
Demesia Watts Realtor
Dwight Hall Realtor
Shannon Smith Realtor
Nikki Byrd Realtor
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The Plush Home Co. Team
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Stephen Willoughby Realtor
Calisha Kirk Realtor
Donna Petersen Realtor
Kanda Calamese Realtor
Keisha Burton Executive Broker
Camilia Jones Realtor
Rakena Turner Realtor
Danieal Williams Realtor
Jessie Morris Realtor
Katrina Wilson Realtor
Phiffany Spruill Real Estate Agent
Valencia Green Administrative Assistant
Monica Hale CEO & Principal Broker
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“I enjoyed starting from scratch. From picking the name of the company, to finding an IT (Information Technology) person, and even securing the location; the whole experience was more rewarding than franchising another company.” While her journey has involved a few challenges, Monica says she wouldn’t have it any other way. “The journey I’ve traveled hasn’t been easy, but it has been rewarding. This profession isn’t for everyone; however, if you can commit yourself to pushing through the difficult times, you can and will be successful,” she shares. “The biggest piece of advice that I would give to anyone who is considering a career as a Realtor is to stay encouraged. It’s important to always congratulate and reward yourself for your accomplishments. You may have to work harder than others at times, but don’t give up. If you fail at something today, it doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road. Pick up the pieces, dust yourself off, and try again.” Moving forward, Monica hopes to expand Plush Homes Co. Realtors throughout the United States. “I won’t name what states we are considering at this time, but there are a few specific places that we have our eyes on,” she says. “Who knows, Plush Homes Co. Realtors might even become a franchised company one day. Let’s see what God has in store for us!” While Monica is the owner and CEO of Plush Homes Co. Realtors, she wanted to give a huge thank you to her co-CEO’s Destinee and Delvin Hale. They were the driving force behind her motivation to start this amazing business! She shared that if it had not been for her daughter and husband, there would be no Plush Homes Co. Realtors. To find your dream home or for more information on this great black-owned business, visit their website or contact them directly.
415 N. McKinley Suite 1020 Little Rock, AR 72205 501-817-8511 www.plushhomesco.com 14
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Lorria Grant-Eubanks A Different Stroke of Art
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By Arielle Kilgore Photos by Lorria Grant-Eubanks
Everyone has a passion, but a few people get to turn it into a career. For Little Rock, AR resident Lorria Grant-Eubanks, the magic happened for her. She is the owner of A Different Stroke of Art located in JFK North Little Rock, AR. Her studio arranges different art sessions for people who are seeking to find a passion within themselves. A Different Stroke of Art offers silk scarf painting, summer camps for children, sip-n-paints, and art kits on the go. Other classes include pottery, private lessons, and handmade decorated face masks. Their products and services are available throughout the United States and even internationally. During Lorria’s summer camps, she would host art classes and allow students to explore on field trips. Her groups would take the city bus and travel to museums or other historical places, searching to find the meaning of art. When Covid-19 shut down some of the exhibits, she provided yoga or social circles to help young adults express and educate themselves. How did it all begin for Lorria? “I remember drawing and sketching as early as age two. I was really blessed with the opportunity of having parents who allowed me to follow my passion for art,” she shares. In college, she majored in Speech Pathology and Ideology with a minor in studio art. “The bug hit me and I thought, “Oh my God,” I can do poetry. I can do this, and I can do that,” Grant-Eubanks exclaimed as she relived her college epiphany. However, she chose only the journey of speech pathology and continued her work at the University of Arkansas for Medical Science. Ironically, art would resurface and play an exciting role in her field of study. “While working with patients with severe brain damage, the only way to get patients to remember certain things was to draw,” she says.
“I remember drawing and sketching as early as age two. I was really blessed with the opportunity of having parents who allowed me to follow my passion for art.”
Lorria eventually went back to school to get her Master’s in Art and taught students for over a decade. From her in-home art studio with 20-25 children, to her space on JFK North Little Rock of 60 people, Lorria
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has found a way to teach kids and adults to express themselves through art. Her reason for teaching, she shares its her natural love of people. “People inspire me. Just to be able to talk to an individual, find out who they are, and where they came from really motivates me. Seeing people enjoy art inspires me.” Her students and clients come back for her inviting presence as a free spirit and loving person, not just to draw. Lorria passion goes beyond her business. She says that art is something that everyone can do, engaging the community to come together. It also provides a form of therapy. She desires to teach art to young adults or seniors with mental disabilities. In her previous line of work, art helped patients express or communicate. All in all, A Different Stroke of Art serves as a safe space and open service for Lorria’s customers. Nevertheless, she wants everyone to know that her space is for those who need it. Her logo, an African American painter in overalls, and a paintbrush behind her back are just that. In light of this, she sees the challenge and misconception that it may bring to have a wider audience. The studios’ goal is for people to love and for every person to experience the joy of painting no matter who you are. “The paintbrush doesn’t decide who gets to create the picture. It just wants an artist to use them.”
Lorria Grant-Eubanks
A Different Stroke of Art 3702 JFK North Little Rock North Little Rock, AR 72116 501-744-3684 www.adifferentstrokeofart.com
As for her plans for the next year, Lorria hopes to expand her business. Expansion is not only her goal, but a dream she shared with a friend. “My friend suffered from mental illness, and was not able to carry out the dream with me. However, I’m going to do it for the both of us,” she says. Once approved of a government grant, she would be able to place different services in bigger, better rooms. She could also move her program, “Artistically Speaking,” in a space by itself to cater to more kids. Just like “Artistically Speaking,” there are other community services that Lorria participates in. Pulaski County youth services partake in an afterschool art program taught by her. She transferred to online classes during the pandemic and eventually made free kits to-go for the whole county. She also works with URL Children’s International afterschool art program. As a collaborative piece with her husband, they would have a night of music and painting. As her students served the guest, the public could listen to jazz and paint their art kit provided to them. The following year, she created Valentine’s Day baskets for couples in the pandemic. “It just brings me joy to see how the Lord has opened up so many doors for me, allowing me to share what I love with the world.”
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Brandon Thomas Insurance Services, LLC By Terry Watson Photos by Brandon Thomas
One of the primary responsibilities we have as adults is to ensure a succeeding plan is left intact at the time of our demise. The purpose of this plan of action, or what is often called final wishes, is to execute our last wishes and ensure there are no financial burdens for others to absorb. Brandon Thomas has firmly planted himself in the soil of future preparedness with his company, Brandon Thomas Insurance Services. Brandon was born and raised in Austin, TX. After attempting a run at the college route and working meaningless jobs, he learned at the age of 22 that entrepreneurship was the way for him. “When I first jumped into entrepreneurship, I had my hand in a lot of things. Yet experience taught me that if I focus on one thing at a time, I have a better chance of being sustainable,” he says. Utilizing his advice led Brandon to pursue a career as an insurance provider, one that has lasted for almost four years. “I began in 2018, working for a financial services network marketing organization. After about a year there, I realized that I did not like their business model. I wanted something I had control and ownership over, so I decided to start my own brokerage,” he says. Brandon Thomas Insurance Services is a life and health insurance brokerage that educates its clients on the importance of avoiding financial distress due to life-changing circumstances such as death, disability, or financial hardship. Many of the products offered by Brandon include life insurance, final expense, and health insurance for families and individuals, but specifically, he provides both term and permanent life insurance for seniors, adults, and children. He also offers services for business owners and benefits for their employees, such as group insurance and key person life insurance. Brandon shares what he loves most about his work: providing life insurance for our clients and knowing that I am playing a small but integral role in making sure the next generation inherits a legacy. “I enjoy being a person of interest on the subject of life insurance when it comes to educating the community,” he says. Brandon shares his primary inspiration is financial freedom, providing for himself and his family. He wants to make sure his mother retires soon and ensure that he passes something on to his children that they can pass on to their children’s children. His advice to anyone chasing a dream is to change your mindset. “I’ve been around poor people, I’ve been around rich people....the only difference is the mindset. Change the way you view the world, and focus on how you can be the best person you can be in the world. You must always strive to be a victor and never a victim,” he shares. Moving forward, Brandon has plans to build his brokerage firm up and give more opportunities to people who look like him, and help as many people as possible with their services. He also has other ideas that involve venturing into other industries but shares that he’s taking things one step at a time. To learn more about Brand Thomas Insurance Services, please visit their website. h
Brandon Thomas Insurance Services LLC Brandon Thomas - CEO/Owner 512-549-6123 www.bthomasinsurance.com 19
Deputy County Administrator of Public Safety 20
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By Gamal Williams Photos by Calvin A. Brown
A young man is hanging out in his neighborhood with some friends. The group are approached by two officers, and what started as a calm conversation, quickly turned hostile. One of the officers told the group to leave the area and go home. The teenager informed the police that he and his friends were in their neighborhood already, then pointed to his home just a few houses away from where they stood. He told the officer that was where he lived. It was to no avail. The boy complied and began to leave, yet as he passed the officer, the officer began to harass him. The officer accosted and grabbed him, then slammed him to the ground despite protests from neighbors and his mother as she ran screaming towards the situation. The boy was arrested for disobeying an officer, fingerprinted, and pushed through the court system, before all charges were later dropped and his record expunged. During his 27 years in law enforcement, Eric Watson, the former Charleston County South Carolina Deputy Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief of Operation, fought against occurrences like the one above. After college, Eric began his law enforcement career as a Detentions Deputy at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center in North Charleston, SC. After three years in corrections, he received a lateral transfer to become a Deputy Sheriff for the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office. With tours as a patrol deputy, a detective in the Criminal Investigations Division, patrol supervisor, the Office of Professional Standards, and Sheriff’s Office spokesperson along the way, Eric rose to the rank of Chief Deputy of Operations, one of the highest command positions in the Sheriff’s Office. Stories of unjust arrests are all too familiar within the African-American community. There are far too few stories like Eric Watson, a Black man holding one of the most powerful positions within law enforcement. Yet the first story is what motivates Eric Watson. Why? Eric Watson was that boy. “When I was arrested, they didn’t even tell me what I was arrested for. I didn’t find out the charge until we got to the station,” recalls Eric. “The worst part was, there were two Officers; one was White, the other was Black. The Black Officer started teasing me when I was in the back of the police cruiser crying, saying ‘look at the little baby cry.’ When we got to the station, I challenged the Black officer and protested that I was arrested on a bogus charge. When he asked where I actually lived, I showed him my I.D. I lived at 18A Washington Street, and they arrested me on Washington Street. He knew he was wrong, but they threw me in jail anyway.” Eric defines the incident as pivotal, not just because he was arrested on a false charge, but because while he sat in the police cruiser, he heard the real reason why he was in handcuffs and on his way to the police station.
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“While we were enroute to the station, the Black Officer asked his partner ‘what happened back there?’ The White Officer responded, ‘I don’t know, I just snapped.’ It was in that moment I decided that this (becoming a cop) was what I wanted to do. I needed to know what they knew and what gave them the right to just take someone’s freedom unjustly. I used that to motivate me.” “Being a Black Officer anywhere in this country, we bring a unique approach. I grew up in the projects. I didn’t have access to quality education or real tangible jobs. I grew up in a drug infested, poverty stricken environment,” he explains. “But on the flipside, I am a first generation cop. My mother didn’t want me to join, my family and friends didn’t want me to join. Being a cop, my community looks at me as an outcast, as an individual that took part in an organization that for decades has oppressed our community. But my counterparts in law enforcement don’t see or understand the why: why people are committing these crimes, why they are doing what they are doing.” Eric developed and implemented a mentorship program within the Sheriff’s Department, aimed at new recruits (mostly White), to teach them that it is important for law enforcement to relate to the community, to understand them, and treat them as human beings. New recruits joined Eric at food drives and other community outreach programs. “I told my new recruits that the people that trust us the least, need us the most. It is important that we develop that trust,” Eric proudly stated.
In 2020, Eric was offered a new opportunity: to leave the Sheriff’s Office and create a new directorate as the Charleston County Deputy County Administrator of Public Safety. From his new position, Eric continues his efforts to improve police relations and their attitudes towards the African-American community, and vice versa. He now manages Emergency Management, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Charleston County 9-1-1 Consolidated Dispatch, and the Awendaw Fire Department. He also serve as a law enforcement liaison for Charleston County Government. One of the innovative ways Eric has deployed his power and vast experience in the field, was to help identify new strategies to deescalate situations where the deployment of police may not be the best course of action. He has also served on multiple nonprofits boards and volunteers his time mentoring youths as a way to give back to the community. This past August, in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Health, Consolidated Dispatch began utilizing mental health counselors in the 9-1-1 call center to identify situations where a mental health professional would be better suited to respond vice the police. Additionally, he procured a $4.4 million budget increase for EMS, allowing for raises, better resources and equipment, and the hiring of additional staff. It’s this type of insight and forward thinking that can give us hope a better relationship between the African-American community, and not only the police, but all state and local emergency services can and will be better. “I didn’t enter this profession to become a millionaire; I entered it to make it (law enforcement) and my community better than when I got into it.” h
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Gallerie Ukwensi at Ghent 26
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“Black is not the absence of color, it’s a particular color…there are seven (colors of black). They all may look the same, but when you stack them on top of each other, the variations are more pronounced. That means I have a palette that is just as complex as any other color on the spectrum.” -Kerry James Marshall Artist, from the film Black Art: In the Absence of Light By Gamal Williams Photos by Ukensi Jones
Black artists and their work have long been marginalized as untrained, uneducated, and lesser than their White counterparts. The terms “Black art” and “Black artists” by definition prove this marginalization. The artist is seen as Black first, and then through a less than approving lens, their work is viewed in its own little box, unworthy of comparison to the likes of a Rembrandt, a Van Gogh, a Picasso, or a Warhol. The aren’t seen as impressionists, abstractists, sculptors, cubists, expressionists, or realists. They are merely Black artists that make Black art that only Black people could understand and appreciate. Ukwensi Chappel sees art as art. In 2018, Ukwensi Chappell opened Gallerie Ukwensi, located in the Ghent District of Norfolk. Ukwensi (he explains it’s pronunciation in his energetic tones as “Oooo, Quincy”), opened Gallerie Ukwensi to do what other gallery’s wouldn’t: expose and educate people to the beauty of art crafted by Black artists. A tour through his gallery reveals something deeper, something powerful and beautiful, rooted in centuries of exclusion. Ukwensi takes the time to greet every customer, young or old, Black, White or purple, rich or poor. He doesn’t just greet people; he engages with them. Ukwensi, or “Uki” as his friends call him, watched as I marveled at the beauty held on his walls. As I leaned in to admire a piece, Uki would offer the story behind the art, revealing something special and personal about the artist that inspired the work. When asked why he knew so much about not only a particular piece, but the artists themselves, he said “Most gallery’s in the area didn’t greet me when I came in, and if they did, they didn’t tell me about the art. But every piece has a story, and every story was an experience by the artist.” Arkansas - July/August 2021
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Ukwensi’s art, rich abstracts made of layers of crushed glass and pigments suspended in clear enamel that form 3-dimensional kaleidoscopes, line the main wall. Uki calls his work “My windows to your imagination.” No matter what you think you see in his work, its correct. I told him I saw a deep sea scape in one piece; an alien world in another. Uki smiled and tilted his head. “If that is what you see, then that’s what it is. It’s your imagination.” As we continued the tour, I was astonished to discover the backgrounds of some of the artists. High school teachers, college students, and working class people’s work hung amongst artists that made their living solely through their art. What was more surprising, was that they weren’t all Black. “Yes, my plan was to become the #1 gallery for Black artists because they don’t get a shot. But I wanted to highlight all artists,” Uki explains. “If their art spoke to me, I wanted them in here. We have Black, White, Asian, and Hispanic artists.” At the conclusion of our tour, Uki offered me a glass of wine or water. He then sat in the soft, leather couch below one of his pieces in the lush seating area in the heart of Gallerie Ukwensi. We were soon joined by two other artists featured in the gallery. Artist Gia Labidi, a dynamic powerhouse of triumph and beauty, and self-taught painter Ralph Thomas, whose infectious energy and slight Southern twang lights up any conversation. Gia and Ralph had no business to conduct. They were merely stopping by, an action I soon found was welcomed in Gallerie Ukwensi. To Uki, Gia and Ralph weren’t just business partners, they were friends, each with a mutual respect and appreciation for the others.
Ukwensi Chappell Gallerie Ukwensi at Ghents 424 W. 21st St. Suite 101 Norfolk, VA 23517 757-756-4480 www. gallerie-ukwensi.com
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“I was driving by on lunch one day and saw the gallery,” Gia Labidi, a sculptor and painter for more than 20 years recalls. “I gave him my card so I could be on the list to be showcased. He called me not too long after and wanted my work.” Gia’s work has been displayed in over 30 gallery’s worldwide. “Uki wants to give us a voice. He is endearing and whomever walks through that door, he engages with them.” There was pain in her voice when she spoke that last sentence. When asked why she felt Gallerie Ukwensi was important, the pain is put into words. “The only place we could be seen, was in Black gallery’s. Its irritating that White artists are just artists. They aren’t labeled,” Gia stated, “…and our art isn’t supported. There used to be a beautiful Black-owned gallery just four blocks from here. Maizelle Brown owned her gallery (Maizelle Gallerie of Art) for years. The city condemned it and sold it to Walgreens back in ‘02. There hasn’t been an art gallery like it until Uki’s”
Ralph Thomas, who taught himself using paint-by-numbers kits, echoes Gia’s sentiments. “Most times, art gallery’s don’t even want to speak to you if you’re a Black artist. They look at you like ‘Oh, you doin’ Black art.’ I’m like ‘No, I’m doing art that’s just as good as anything you have up in here!’” Uki nods in agreement. Then, the gallery door swings open, and three ladies enter. They are young, Black, maybe in college or attend Maury High School up the road. Uki politely excused himself and his eyes squinted as his smile pushed his cheeks into them. They are a bit surprised that not only were the greeted so fast, but that the towering man that approached them smiled. They smiled back then walked with wide eyes and gaped mouths as Ukwensi highlighted every piece. They were learning, enjoying, experiencing, and it all started with two words from Uki: “Hello. Welcome.”
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& Sisterhood, Business, & Faith By Tonya Dixon Photos by Katrena Wize Artrography
Sisters, Larissa Gilmer and Keesha Sinclair are successful entrepreneurs, growing and expanding their businesses, meeting the needs of customers and planning for the future. The two have separate businesses, but their family bond and strong entrepreneurial spirits keep them connected and producing great products for an increasingly supportive and expanding clientele in the customized product and services industries. Entrepreneurship is far from new to them. It’s a way of life; one they have been exposed to since they were born. “We come from a family of entrepreneurs,” said Gilmer. “It was only natural for us to do the same.” “I believe it’s just instinct. It’s just in us. Our dad currently owns and operates R&B Janitorial, and Lawn Care Services. Our mom ran a lucrative daycare for many years,” said Sinclair. “Their hustle was always inspiring.” Gilmer – the younger of the two – is the owner of Elle Accessories and More, selling and designing hand-crafted, custom earrings, pin-back buttons (the kind often worn on jean jackets, backpacks, and other pop style items), Jibbitz (the cool accessories worn on Crocs shoes) and custom branded items for businesses. She’s been growing her business since 2012, but over the last few years, Gilmer has really tapped into her specialty and honed her craft. “A lot of what I do is cultural-based. For example, I have a Black Excellence collection which include croc jibbitz, custom pins, button earrings and stickers. It’s all based on black culture surrounding HBCUs, sororities/ fraternities, and popular culture tag sayings in the black community,” said Gilmer. “I can do customized buttons and earrings and more for customers. It’s all specific to what they want.” Continued on the next page
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Keesha Sinclair
What started as a hobby and sporadic opportunities to earn extra money has become a true labor of love. “I do a lot of custom branding items for my clients who want to market their businesses with custom logo pins, button earrings, and stickers,” she says. Gilmers options are limitless. It’s specific to what her clients want. “I think we are all in a space that we are striving to create multiple streams of income. And that’s fine, but it’s more than that. My products resonate with me and hopefully my customers,” she said. “When I saw the interest of people; I was prompted to take it to another level.” “At first, I didn’t know my business worth, but that was because I was looking at it like it was a hobby. Someone once told me as long as I looked at it like a hobby that’s all it was going to be. Once I started putting time into the business and allowing it to be big on paper and in practice then it would be big to everyone else as well.” Gilmer says that sentiment has not only been true, but it has been one of the guiding forces and principles in her entrepreneurship arsenal. Older sister and entrepreneur veteran of the two, Sinclair owns and operates Kreat’ N Stitches, a customized product business Specializing in custom apparel, embroidered designs, t-shirts, etc. “I have always love the idea of creating and I love to craft in my spare time,” says Sinclair. “Years before my current business, I created gumball machines made from flower pots. I also made fleece tie blankets and personalized them by hand. Many of the things I do now evolved over time.”
www.kreatnstitches.com IG:kreatnstitches FB: Kreat’ N Stitches kreatnstitches@gmail.com 336.405.8676 32
Sinclair was bitten by the entrepreneurship bug many years ago in elementary school. Her business model may have changed somewhat, but her passion never waned.
Larissa Gilmer
“I was the candy girl in school. I sold candy out of my bookbag,” she said. “During the summer, my parents allowed me to sell candy from our patio to the neighborhood.” “I’ve always had side jobs. I want to create generational wealth for my family. I don’t want to live paycheck to paycheck. More importantly, I love what I do and take pride in what I do. I love to create something and see that the customer is proud of it too. I get joy when I get emails, texts or phone calls after an item is received. That’s satisfaction. It’s a little piece of me and Kreat’ N Stitches spread all over the world. I love that. I want people to enjoy it as much as I enjoy making it.” Born and raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Gilmer and Sinclair followed similar paths. Both graduated from Fayetteville State University, are members of the same sorority – Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, and ultimately became Career Technical Education teachers in the Guilford County School System. Their connection is strong. They admit they are fiercely protective of one another and support each other’s endeavors. “We work well together. We often find we can improve the client experience and meet their needs by collaborating,” said Gilmer. Customers might go to Keesha for a shirt, but they will come to me for earrings to match or to design and place a logo on the earrings.” She says they learn together, improving their individual businesses as well as their collaborations.
IG: ElleAccessories&More FB: ElleAccessories&More elleam16@gmail.com 336.355.7936 Arkansas - July/August 2021
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“When customers come to shop with us, we want them to leave feeling good about their experience and excited about a product they love.” 34
“I love seeing how we grow together, as well as individuals in our businesses. We are able to feed off each other,” said Sinclair. “Our collective efforts allow us to provide fantastic products, services, and a solid business model for the community.” After purchasing her first embroidery machine and developing her products and production system, Sinclair spent years working from her kitchen table, then her home office before making the move to a separate facility on West Friendly Ave., in Greensboro, N.C. A great deal of the clients that she serves also patronize Gilmer. They could be considered an entrepreneurial one-two punch, where customers can get all their items designed and personalized in one convenient stop. Additionally, they host and attend pop-up shops. Not only do they support one another, but they often provide the space and opportunity for other business owners to highlight and sell their goods. “Larissa and I have a lot of success, but especially when we host holiday pop-up shops or when we set up at other shops,” said Sinclair. “Eventually we even started inviting friends that had businesses to do pop-ups with us.” “When people come to the shop, we want them to leave feeling good about their experience at Kreat’ N Stitches and excited about their products. To accomplish this, we intentionally create a positive atmosphere. One summer I initiated “Feel Good Fridays.” When, customers come in, they feel a sense of excitement about their experience and leave feeling good! We hope to share that same experience with our customers this summer as well as everytime they shop with us,” they shared. The sisters both stress the source of their success. “Before every Pop Up Shop we pray with our vendors, and we ask for God’s wisdom and guidance. We pray that our customers will receive whatever they need, whether it be products, a smile, a hug, or even an encouraging word. We are not just selling products, I consider it ministry and a gift that God has given us,” Sinclair shares.
Clothing/Shoot Stylist: Jatcie Williams
Gilmer and Sinclair often point their success and foundation back to their parents’ example of strong entrepreneurial leadership, family commitment, and love.
Larissa’s Makeup: Pretty GirlGang
Production Credits Keesha’s Hair: Tonieka Michelle Keesha’s Makeup: Darlene Mitchell Larissa’s Hair: Chelsi Majette
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“It’s a family affair,” said Gilmer. “Our parents have been married 43 years.” They are inspired beyond words by their parents and appreciate the many lessons they have been taught as they look to do the same within their own families. Gilmer and Sinclair are always looking for ways to grow and expand. Although the circumstances were certainly not ideal, the pandemic provided an unexpected opportunity. “We’re always looking for ways to expand and stand out. When the pandemic started, the shop closed for seven months. I couldn’t open the doors. So, I switched up the model a bit and started creating embroidered masks,” said Sinclair. “You have to go with the times and what’s needed and what’s in. We’re always trying to be cutting edge.” Whether it’s Black History Month, Christmas, New Year’s, a customer’s birthday or maybe it’s not a special day at all, Sinclair and Gilmer can provide custom items that meet the need. For example, they have the “Black Vibes Only” collection – sweatshirts, earrings, buttons, t-shirts, just name it.
Recently, Sinclair has expanded her shop location with more square footage to display products and meet the growing needs of customers. Additionally, she’s looking toward establishing an entrepreneurship camp for children in the future. She wants to invest and instill the same ideals and foundation of business savvy and acumen in them that she gained from her parents. Like any business, certainly, the point of Elle Accessories and More and Kreat’ N Stitches is to make a profit, but for Gilmer and Sinclair, it’s also about family and positively impacting the life of someone else. To them, it’s not just a pair of earrings or just an embroidered shirt. It’s making and selling a product with love that will bring joy and satisfaction to someone else. To learn more about Elle Accessories and More, and Kreat’ N Stitches, please visit their websites, social media pages, or contact them directly. h
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Reality Check Mentoring, Inc. A life of service is a life worth living. Jermaine Johnson is the face and founder of Reality Check Mentoring, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to developing the minds of young black males, ages 10-17. It provides mentoring focused on character development and education geared toward life skills, social and cultural awareness, conflict resolution, and critical thinking. Additionally, it strives to help males realize they can become valuable assets to society while offering long-term relationships and exposure to professions, resources, organizations, educational support, life skills training, and community engagement. Born Jermaine N. Johnson to Florence and Joseph N. Johnson, Sr., this young change-maker is a native of Prince George’s County, MD. He attended Prince George’s County Public Schools, graduating from Suitland Senior High school in 2008. He is a proud father to his daughter Akirreh and son August. Jermaine is an educator, business leader, writer, speaker, and certified personal trainer. Jermaine attended Frostburg State University, where he studied management and business, ultimately earning a Master of Science in Management with a focus in Project Management from Kaplan University. Currently, Jermaine works full time as a Business Analyst on the Grants Development team under the Systems Technology Division for the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education. However, it’s his involvement and interest in his community that make Jermaine a well-rounded individual.
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He shares his story of how it all began. “The first incident that sparked this journey occurred while I was working as an elementary school teacher for an after-school enrichment program. I had just arrived to work after buying my first (new) car. As I was walking into the building, I ran into one of my former students. He says, “Mr. Johnson is that your car?” I replied, “Yes.” He then proceeds to ask, “Did you sell drugs to get that car?” I was honestly stuck that he said that to me. It might sound cliche, but it hit me that some of our young males are not too far removed from that being their reality. That stuck with me. At the same time, while working at the elementary school, I was also working at a high school in Prince George’s County as a Special Education Assistant. A few days after the aforementioned incident, a second spark occurred. I was sitting in a classroom where students were asked to present a project on an occupation of their choice, and I watched young males choose jobs such as cashiers at fast-food restaurants and greeters at Walmart. It saddened me to hear them selling themselves short, and I was frustrated to learn teachers weren’t pushing them to strive for better. These young males needed guidance, confidence, and a reality check,” Jermaine shared. Reality Check Mentoring, Inc. began in February 2018 with just three mentees at the first session. In the fall of 2020, they had 19 mentees enrolled. Jermaine shares that he is grateful for the opportunities Reality Check Mentoring Inc. has provided. “I love that I can share knowledge but also learn from our youth who will one day be our leaders. To know that I am having a positive impact on their future and my generation’s future is a true blessing and experience. It’s literally like planting seeds and watching the plants grow right before your eyes. Jermaine understands that it takes a village to raise a child, as well as a community of committed change agents. For those who may be interested in starting a program that is similar to Reality Check Mentoring, Jermaine offers some advice. “First and foremost this work requires being selfless, genuine, and transparent. If you want to be a mentor only for the title or accolades, this isn’t for you. You must be willing to continuously learn and understand there is no one-size-fits-all approach when mentoring. If you’re going to go the nonprofit route, do it the right way. This means filing the proper legal paperwork, building a team, and having a strategic plan in place. It’s a lot of work but doesn’t be overwhelmed; the resources are out there, but you must ask for help. Don’t be discouraged and keep your vision and mission at the forefront of all that you do,” says Jermaine. In the future, Jermaine says he hopes to partner with the Prince George’s County Public School system to implement Reality Check Mentoring program as a therapeutic practice. Recently they were awarded a grant from Adventist HealthCare through their Community Partnership Fund. Reality Check Run 21 is a program geared toward increasing physical activity among black and brown boys in the DMV area through running. The program entails young males completing 21 miles of running for the year 2021, incorporating health education components that will teach members the importance of injury prevention. This includes warming up, stretching, proper running techniques, cooling down, staying hydrated, healthy food choices, and healthy habits. Jermaine shares running is a great activity to help kids build endurance, which is developed when they regularly engage in aerobic exercise. Program participants will be provided with running shoes and athletic wear. The goal will be to complete at least (2-3) miles each month until they reach 21 miles for the year. To learn more about Reality Check Mentoring Inc., h please visit their website.
Jermaine Johnson Reality Check Mentoring Inc. www.realitycheckmentor.org
Instagram: Realitycheckmentoringinc Facebook: Reality Check Mentoring, Inc.
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Crescent Surgical Supply “Fear is not from God. Fear is of the devil. God did not give us the spirit of fear.” By Gamal Williams Photos by Rueben Hays
The comedian Milton Berle once said, “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” Rueben Hays built that door, and the company it led to, Crescent Surgical Supply. The Los Angelos native, and seven-year Navy veteran where he served as a surgical technician, started his journey when he took a chance. After separating from the Navy, In 2003 Rueben briefly worked as a sales representative for a major surgical device manufacturer. The field was very competetive and severely underrepresented by African-Americans. One day, he learned surplus surgical supplies were being sold on eBay. “I asked myself ‘What is this equipment doing being sold online? It was a different time back then,” Rueben recalls. “You can’t do that anymore. That limitation is how I was able to get into the industry, get buyers and connect with vendors.” As Louis Pasteur said, “chance favors the prepared mind.” Formerly kown as RomeMed Inc. which was founded in 2003, Crescent Surgical LLC was birthed in Greenville, S.C. in August 2019. This represented more than a name change, it represented a new chapter in life and business. A painful divorce set the stage for Rueben’s renewed focus and limitless vision. CSS currently employs eight employees and forty contractors that work throughout the country. Rueben and his CSS team focuses on the medical equipment set to expire and be disposed of if left unused. This is the leverage point CSS uses to acquire said equipment from wholesalers, distributors, and vendors at a lower price point, then resells them at a mark-up but much lower than the retail price. “We sell mostly specialized, one-time use devices: electro-cardio devices, mesh, implants used in hernia surgeries, staples for different types of resections, sutures, and harmonic wound sealing devices, for example,” explains Rueben. “If we don’t buy and resell short dated surplus from hospitals, most often they are thrown away. We also donate all the products that we can’t move,” he shares. According to Allied Market Research, in 2019 the global surgical equipment market was valued at $33.72 billion. By 2027, it is estimated to grow in value by 33% to $44.48 billion. Grand View Research estimates the disposable surgical equipment market will be valued at $5.5 billion this year. Yet even with the high value of these products, in the U.S. alone, its estimated that hospitals spend
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almost $10 billion per year in disposal fees for supplies, equipment and trash.** Rueben has ensured CSS is seizing a piece of that market, with half of the CSS buyers being international. One can understand how Rueben’s medical training, initiative and business acumen have positioned Crescent Surgical Supply to be a key player and large stakeholder in the disposable surgical equipment market, but it was not without obstacles. “There is not another me (African-American person) out there doing what I do. In seventeen years in this business, I have never seen another me.” When asked if entering a market with no African-American representation was difficult, Rueben let out an exasperated sigh. “Of course!” he exclaimed. “It took a while. Luckily, I was able to find a niche market. I don’t have to deal with the end users, like hospitals or clinics. I deal with the distributors. But it was challenging to break in, to get people to trust me. We just ensure that we conduct sound business practices and are trustworthy. That is what has built us into what we are today.” And should a product expire before it can be resold, Rueben has a plan for that as well. “We donate a lot of products, products we cannot move. In the United States, there must be time left on a product in order to resell it. When the expiration date is too close for resale or has expired, we donate it to Partners For World Health.” Partners For World Health, a Portland, ME based charity, has donated over 236 tons of medical supplies worldwide. Rueben ensures CSS donates money and resources to charities in the Greensville area as well. “The biggest thing for me is giving back, philanthropy,” states Rueben. “Most of my donations are focused on the Greenville community.” Some of those charities include Lisa’s Schoolhouse Rocks, which provides camps to teach civics lessons; Vernon Veteran’s Services who help military personnel transition from the military lifestyle to civilian beginnings; Upstate GEMS (Going the Extra Mile for Success) that promotes positive qualities in young ladies; and the “Spread the Love” initiative, a food drive sponsored by Harvest Hope, amongst others. Rueben offers this advice to any young woman or man that recognizes a potential opportunity but is unsure if they should take the chance: “Fear is not from God. Fear is of the devil. God did not give us the spirit of fear. For me, if ever I get afraid of journeying down a path, whether it be in business or in myself, I know that is the devil trying to push me away from what it is that God really has for me,” he said. “I’d tell them to lean into it, even if you fail, failure is not final. You learn some of your best lessons from failing. This wasn’t just a linear track for me. There were ups, there were down. I had many obstacles, much to learn and I didn’t have the privilege of partners or even people that looked like me that really wanted to empower me or educate me. I had to go into places I didn’t know or what to expect. I got ran out of a few places. But I learned h from it. So, I would tell them you have to go for it.”
1327 Miller Rd – Suite B Greenville, SC 29607 1-888-481-1086 www.crescentsurg.com 41
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Kingdom Step Ahead Academy, LLC By Terry L. Watson Photos by Chess’Mia James
It’s all about the kids for Atlanta, GA resident Chess’Mia James. This loving woman and mother enjoys the very thought of family and strives to live a life pleasing unto God. This is precisely the kind of love and compassion required to lead the young minds she encounters at Kingdom Step Ahead Academy. Also known as KSA, they provide early childhood education for children ages (3-5) in the community of Covington, GA, and surrounding areas. Their curriculum teaches everything from Bible scripture reading, literacy, arts and crafts, early math, social studies, science, green screen videography, and camera presence. “Our mission is to get students a step ahead in their education and prepare them for their future,” James shares. James’ journey of becoming the face of KSA began when she decided to be obedient to what God had called her to do and embrace her educational convictions. “In January of 2019, my Shepherd, Dr. Gabriel Allen Powell, instructed me to leave my occupation at that time. Of course, I did not want to listen because that was my source of income, and I had a one-yearold daughter. So, I told God, “If this is in your will, then you are going to have to show me through someone else that doesn’t know me as well as my shepherd knows me.” The very next day, my co-worker approached me and stated, “I had a dream about you last night, and you were leaving the company”. I cried, but in my obedience, I surrendered and said, “Yes, Lord!” I attained a master’s degree from Central Michigan University in 2018. This educational venture became a highlight for me, as I held a 3.8 GPA and was recognized as Magna Cum Laude. As time passed, I knew there was more for me to do, so I continued to seek God for direction, and He delivered. In February of 2019, I walked away from my job and became a stay-at-home mother,” she shares. KSA was birthed from prayer and meditation. One day, while soaking in God’s presence, James says the idea of starting a preschool fell into her lap. “I heard God so clearly, and I immediately enrolled in school to pursue early childhood education. I enrolled in January 2021, and I completed my certification with honors in May 2021,” she says.
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I dream big because I know:
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. Ephesians 3:20
Her passion for Early Childhood Care Education ignited when she began teaching her toddler educational fundamentals. After discovering this, James’ way of teaching landed her toddler with the ability to recognize numbers, letters, colors, and shapes. By the age of one, she could adequately place them all on the learning boards. Additionally, James has always been intrigued by American Sign Language. To further her interest, she has studied ASL to teach it to her two-yearold. “There are no limitations to learning in my book. Every moment can be a moment of teaching,” she says. Coming from a place of working for someone and now finding herself responsible for the growth and development of children has been life-changing for James. She shares, “My mind is blown away as I know that God handpicked me to build in the kingdom. I am following the will of God in my life, and the fact that God called me to do this job is what keeps me going.” God has made a way for James to impact the lives of others. “I love how I can pour into the little innocent minds of young people and share my lifes experiences. I love to see toddlers get excited, smile, and laugh. It warms my heart. I also like that I can do what I love and have my daughter right beside me.” In the future, her plan is to have one of the largest and most effective academies in the state of Georgia. Her advice to anyone that may follow in her footsteps is t0 keep going, stay organized, and keep God first. “Don’t look for the finish line, but take it one day at a time, and eventually you will get there if you keep walking and be obedient to the Holy Spirit,” she says.
P.O. Box 226 Porterdale, GA 30070 www.kingdomstepahead.com
To learn more about Kingdom Step Academy, please visit their website. h
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MAGAZINE
Cutest Baby 46
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Asher Grady The son of Jessica and Justyn Grady
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To submit photographs to be placed in the Huami Magazine Cutest Baby feature, please send a detailed email to huami.cutestbaby@gmail.com
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