Huami Magazine Atlanta May/June 2021 by Terry Watson

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Awards, Accolades, and Alignment A Letter From The Editor

There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!

Sometimes I reflect on where I have come from in life. With each reflection, the feelings are always different from one another, and it makes good sense for them to be. There are peaks and valleys; good moments during A Letter fromthe thevalleys, Editor and even bad ones when I thought things should have been great. I guess you can describe it as a roller coaster ride that never ends.

What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes

I am thedreams secondwouldn’t youngesthave child ainstreet a family six,on. withWhat two additional and toof park if big sisters. With this arrangement, the amount of stories to share are everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never plentiful. Even more, the steps that I’ve taken have painted its own happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy picture, validating my individuality and uniqueness, and eventually day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making revealing what I am purposed for. There is a saying “what you don’t promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired know, can’t hurt you”. For me, learning what God has destined for my life today? What would youto do? and not responding according His desire is sort of an opposite parallel to that adage, meaning once I learned who I was supposed to be, every I’ve been told I often seem I do too much. act of disobedience thatthat followed has beenlike painful.

Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm believer knowing God wouldn’t put been anything on me I have takeninpart of a lotthat of things in life. I have acknowledged that and I couldn’t handle. sometimes wonder how life would for some, for some I haveInot, and in my dusty collection one might be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to I find a few plaques, trophies, certificates, and awards. Though, me. I haven’t have found that to be boring. Incoming. my opinion, opportunity received many accolades, yetvery I know they’re I confess that I once believed would, I am now at a place where thoseAitems just don’t is a they blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. challenge do it for me.isI an realized such symbols merit havethat onlycan provided short to me adventure. What isofthe worst happen? moments ofnothing, enthusiasm, any record ofinstead them are fleeting. If I If I do I fail,and and if Imental try I don’t, but learn have no memory,new thenabout it’s likemyself. it neverRelinquish happened.your pride and in something return acquire life. But when I slowed down and allowed my life to get into alignment with what has purposed me,toeverything that I when gave value to TheGod best advice ever for given me happened someone before, I used as a foundation to stand on to obtain that which will never told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so lose its value; and that is God’s favor. I realized that when God blesses I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only me, the sensations are unending, and the benefits will open doors I can hope provided. I have also learned the difference between have open on my own. When I walk with God, and that means allowing what me with and what can burden God to leadGod me, blesses every desire, want, and needlife appears to justme fallwith in place.

as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and when to be quiet, because I have learned that awards and someone may it confused accolades are good butget being in with being alignment with Godarrogant. has way more value. What God gives us will last, a whole lot Make you tomorrow longer than anything the world gives us. happen but most He promises nottoday, to keep any good thing from us,importantly and all we have toitdo is trust in make count. Him. For me, being loved by God Life is but a whisper and is the purest form of anput award and accolade, we must ourselves in a and oneposition the world to will hearnever whatbeit able is to duplicate or measure up to. telling us.

www.huamimagazine.com Terry L Watson Publisher www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief Writer Ellen Richardson Terry L. Watson Terry L. Watson Writer Alana Allen - Deputy Editor David Hendricks III Writer Gamal Williams Writer Writers

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huami.atlanta@gmail.com Mykel Media Company Linda Bennett (336)340-7844

mykelmedia@yahoo.com (336) 340-7844 HUAMI MAGAZINE is published bimonthly quarterly by the Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any portion of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication may be submitted to the editor by E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com Email or Telephone terry.editor@yahoo.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to 336-340-7844 Mykel Media Company, LLC Mykel P.O. Media BoxCompany 20102 LLC Greensboro, NC Greensboro, NC 27420 2021 All Rights Reserved HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved

Terry L. Watson

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Terry L. Watson Atlanta - Editor/Founder May/June 2021

On The Cover

Photo by Shaw Photography Group

CONTENTS

MAY/JUNE 2021

ATLANTA

Love For Music, Love For God

Samaje

On The Cover

Legendary Travel Swimear Shanna Jennette

She Is Ready To Listen

Tenethrea Buffington

Community & Basketball

Corey Williams

Patience Always Wins

Monica Hawthorne

Also Featured

Alvin D. Ford He has launched a company to provide vending services throughout the Motor City. Detroit, MI

Crystal Eatman This serial entreprenuer is always up to something. Learn more about her. Chicago, IL

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Hannah Grace Thomas She is the cutest, and has been selected as Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby.

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Shanna 6

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By Ayana Bryant Photos by Seawards Dawson

Greensboro, North Carolina native Shanna Jennette is becoming the ultimate one stop shop for all your traveling needs. After five years in business, she is expanding her traveling agency, My Legendary Travel LLC to now include a fashion sector. Her creativity and desire to help others have served as a foundation to bring her business and ideas to life. A graduate of University of North Carolina Greensboro, Shanna began her career as a special education teacher with the organization Teach for America. After accepting the position in 2011, she was relocated to New York City to teach in the public school system for the next two and a half years. Moving to New York was Shanna’s very first major traveling experience and the first time she had ever traveled by plane. This was the furthest she had ever been from North Carolina and as most could imagine this experience introduced her to a lot of new things. Living in New York City exposed Shanna to so much diversity, she became intrigued with all the new people she met and cultures that she was now exposed to. An interest in learning more about the cultures of her students and friends began to grow and she decided that she would travel to these places and see them for herself. When she began planning her first international trip, she learned a lot of new information and thought about how she could share this knowledge with others.

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Shanna then reconnected with an old college friend via social media who happened to be a part time travel agent. After many conversations Shanna eventually learned of all the required classes and certifications that she would need to begin this new venture. “So that’s what I did, after completing my travel agent certification, I filed an LLC to begin my business and in 2016, My Legendary Travel was born,” she shares.

“So that’s what I did, after completing my travel agent certification, I filed an LLC to begin my business and in 2016, My Legendary Travel was born.” My Legendary Travel provides quality care and service for every one of its clients and their vacation plans big or small. International or domestic travel, cruise or land adventure this agency does it all! Now with their newly added fashion sector they hope to help women find functional and affordable swimwear for their vacations.

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While planning her own vacations Shanna seemed to always find trouble picking swimsuits that complimented her shape. Swimsuits that provided the coverage she needed were never quite that stylish and the more fashionable swimwear that she would find would be too revealing. She figured that other women were probably experiencing the same issues, so she made the decision to begin creating her own pieces. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020 traveling came to a complete standstill all around the world. As you can imagine this would be a travel agents’ worst nightmare but not for Shanna, this situation shifted her attention and revealed an opportunity for her to expand the business. During the lockdown she was able to forge new business relationships with a swimsuit vendor and a fashion designer that had made personal swimsuits for her in the past. Through collaboration with the vendor and the designer Shanna was able to produce multiple designs for monokinis, one pieces, and two pieces. Each swimsuit has a price point that ranges from about $25-$45 depending on the style. As of now Shanna is finding success with promoting her line via social media and by hosting pop up shops as she prepares for her big re-launch later this year. Shanna finds motivation from the community of women entrepreneurs that she is now surrounded by. She stated that attending business workshops and seminars where other black women are sharing their success stories inspires her to keep going. “Going to those kinds of events allows me to network and build new friendships and business relationships, we are all able to help each other and keep each other motivated,” says Shanna.

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“I get so many returning customers, and for me that’s big, I love that they always come back because it is a testament to the service I provided.” The one thing that seems to make her the proudest regarding her business would be the rapport she has built with her clientele. “I get so many returning customers, and for me that’s big, I love that they always come back because it is a testament to the service I provided,” says Shanna. She also gets a lot of business from the referrals made by her previous clients which is something she is very grateful for. In the future Shanna plans to continue expanding the fashion sector of My Legendary Travel. The line will include swimsuit coverups, airport and lounge attire, as well as travel accessories such as passport booklets. Avoid the headache of planning your next vacation by utilizing a travel agent, My Legendary Travel might be the fit for you!

Connect with Shanna Jennette at www.mylegendarytravel.com or via Instagram @legendarytravel1

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Alvin Ford VendMe Co.

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By Ellen Richardson Photos by Alvin Ford

Let’s be honest. Who didn’t love candy and snacks when they were growing up? Certainly not Huami Magazine’s very own real-world candy man, Alvin Ford. The owner of Detroit, MI’s own VendMe Co. vending machine company hails from a long line of entrepreneurs that never relied on other business owners to help them find success in the work world. Beginning with his great great grandmother and grandmother; who owned their own herbal tonic business; as well as his grandfather; who owned a line of small businesses including a couple of bars, a party store and served as a landlord for a couple of rental properties, Alvin Ford knew that he wanted to start his own business that would both lead to success and would make others lives better. This desire led to the birth of Metro Detroit’s premier vending company that supplies candy, healthy snacks and beverages to businesses throughout this growing area. “Seeing my grandparents operate successful businesses while I was growing up inspired me to do the same, so I decided to start selling candy,” said Ford. “I would start out by buying a box of candy and selling individual packages in barber shops, to my family and friends and even classmates as early as middle school.” After continuing his successful candy selling business all the way through high school, Ford would eventually find himself moving into the vending machine business. “I actually stopped selling candy for a little while but was led back in the direction of food sales while I was in college obtaining a business degree. This is where I started learning all about opportunities in the vending machine industry,” he shared. Before long, this born to be tasty treat vendor was investing in vending machines with more than just candy. “When I started setting up vending machines in the Metro Detroit area, I knew that I wanted to provide a product that would do more than just cure a sweet tooth. I also wanted to supply local businesses with machines that offer a wide variety of healthy and traditional foods to choose from,” said Ford.

“Seeing my grandparents operate successful businesses while I was growing up inspired me to do the same, so I decided to start selling candy.”

From one vending machine to two, Ford would eventually give birth to his dream of owning his own small business. Now, just six months after starting VendMe Co., which offers sleek new vending equipment with a full line of healthy and traditional snacks, the newest member of the Ford entrepreneur family is quickly making a name for himself with area businesses, hotels/motels and even a nationally known chain of retail appliance and electronics stores. “It is funny because this business almost started off as a lemonade stand when I was a kid, but after deciding to sell what I love, which was candy, it morphed into something that I love doing now!” exclaimed Ford. “Who would have thought that selling snacks at the barbershop as a kid, then out of my locker in middle school and even out of my backpack in high school would have turned into a vending machine company with contracts and national clients? God amazes me more and more as time goes on.” Atlanta - May/June 2021

Continued on the next page

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Along with becoming one of the newest small business success stories in his home city of Detroit, MI, Ford and his company are also doing their part to give back to others within his community. “Part of this company’s mission is to help others who are interested in starting their own vending machine business,” said Ford. “When I started this business, I knew that I wanted to be the kind of inspirational mentor that my grandparents and even my parents, were to me, so we also provide both mentorship and training for those who are interested in starting their own vending machine business. In fact, I often assist people in setting up locations and even help them get the proper machines for these businesses to get them started.” Along with giving birth to his own vending machine franchise, this business oriented young man is currently serving as a Business Analyst for the Nation’s No. 1 Wholesale Mortgage Lender - United Wholesale Mortgage Company and is preparing to graduate with his Master of Business Administration from The University of Detroit Mercy. After which, Ford will be joining the world’s largest e-commerce retail giant, Amazon, as an area manager. “It is kind of cool that I will be working at Amazon and running the vending machine company simultaneously because I believe that one day these companies can someday work together to grow worldwide,” stated Ford. You would think that a man with both a full and part-time job as well as completing a master’s degree would be satisfied with just focusing on himself and his career. If that were true, we would not be talking about Alvin Ford. Along with a heart for providing tasty treats and owning his own business, this real-life candy man also has a passion for leading others to the restoration power of Jesus Christ. “I know that I have a lot going on in my life, but I also know how important it is to follow a calling that I received when I was a young man - helping others find Christ,” said Ford. After starting this journey by becoming a minister at his family’s small church, Ford would eventually decide that he wanted to share the good news of Jesus Christ with more people. This desire would lead him to yet another mentor - Bishop Clarence Langston. As this successful, yet humble businessman would begin his tutelage under the Founder and Senior Pastor of Word in Action Christian Center he would continue to rise through the ranks to become a well-known minister at the famed Detroit church. As he continues to walk this road of success, Ford has just one suggestion for those who are walking a similar path. “No matter what your dream or calling is, do it scared and have faith that God will make a way,” said Ford. “Be sure to also invest in yourself by finding the right people and knowledge to help you get down the road further and faster than you could ever imagine.”

www.VendMeCo.com 844-836-3669 16

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To learn more about Alvin Ford visit his website.

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C.C.E. Enterprises LLC

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Crystal Eatman

Most people don’t have the courage or strength to walk by faith and leave the security of a good paying job to follow their dreams. Crystal Eatman isn’t one of those people, a native of Chicago, Illinois and an all around #GirlBoss she is solidifying her own path to success. After working in Corporate America for the last 16 years and serving in multiple roles around the healthcare industry including Assistant Director of a pediatric clinic as well as running the ER (Emergency Room) for one of Chicago’s top hospitals, Eatman made the decision to step away and retire. At the start of the pandemic like many others Eatman contracted COVID-19. She suffered for a while going in and out of the hospital trying to regain her health. During this terrifying time while battling a deadly virus Eatman says that she realized something. “When I became extremely sick, never once did anyone from my job ever call to check on me or my children, not so much as a get well soon card. I realized that I was just a number to that company. If I would have lost my life to COVID, my position would have been posted to the bulletin to be filled the next day,” says Eatman. She knew that if anything were to happen to her that her children would have been the ones to suffer most, receiving only a cap of the pension that she had been paying for years. That experience was an awakening for her and helped her to realize that she wanted to be in control of how much money she made and handle her business on her own. Eatman is a self-made businesswoman owning not one but two businesses in the Chicago area. She holds a general contracting license and has since started her own construction company CCE Enterprises LLC. Majestic Transportation Corporation, her second business, is a non-emergency fleet of vehicles that transports patients to and from their doctors and dialysis appointments. The construction company specializes in painting and installing drywall for commercial properties and is signatory to the union. The transportation company initially started off with only one vehicle and in a year her fleet has grown to 15 vehicles and an ambulance.

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“When I became extremely sick, never once did anyone from my job ever call to check on me or my children, not so much as a get well soon card. I realized that I was just a number to that company.” HuamiMagazine.com

The construction company was initially started to provide employment for Eatman’s oldest son who had been previously incarcerated. As a mother, it was difficult for her to allow her son to have doors closed in his face for the rest of his life due to one mistake. She made it her mission to create a table of her own for her family so that they would never be denied opportunities to provide for themselves. “That was really big for me, like I said I am a mother of four boys. So, this was something I knew I had to do to make a way and to create a legacy for them,” she says. Something that she values and stresses to people is the importance and significance of pursuing trades. As we know college isn’t for everyone and Eatman believes that schools should encourage more students to pursue the trade industry. There are other lucrative ways for individuals to support themselves rather than working for fast food chains and miscellaneous jobs. “You can climb the ladder at McDonalds but how much does a manager make annually? Working in these trades and being signatory to the union, you’re making $46 an hour with benefits and that’s something that I’ve always had my eye on,” says Eatman. Pouring into others is where Eatman finds inspiration to continue moving forward. She enjoys helping others create opportunities for themselves as she has done for herself. She describes herself as being a people pusher, “I’ve helped so many of my friends start businesses. No one can tell me what they can’t do, because I’m going to find a way to make it happen by any means necessary,” she shares. Understanding that she has the potential to do those things and seeing the impacts of helping others is where she finds her motivation. Majestic Transportation Corporation is on its way to becoming the first Black woman owned ambulance company in the state of Illinois. Eatman is also working to make sure that CCE Enterprises becomes the top contracting business in the state. Her plans for the future also include expanding both businesses beyond the Chicago area and into different regions. She is also currently looking into starting an apprenticeship program to create jobs and opportunities for communities of color within the trade industry. Make no mistake about it, Eatman is a woman clearly full of finesse! Building black owned business to support her family as well as the community she lives in.

Crystal Eatman C.C.E. Enterprises LLC 312-539-7872 www.cceenterprisesll.com 20

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Corey Williams Space Coast Stars Basketball 22

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By Gamal Williams Photos by Corey Williams

Basketball- a round, rubber sphere, encased in leather. For some people, a basketball engenders visions of athletes running up and down the court, their artistry on full display, maneuvering with precision to complete their objective. Others see a basketball as a way out of poor neighborhoods or violent environments. A basketball may be the best (or only) chance to make their life, and the lives of those they love, better. For Corey Williams, it holds the same meaning, but for different reasons. Corey sees a basketball as a way to help the people of Brevard County, FL realize there are multiple avenues available to them to achieve their goals. For Corey, a basketball isn’t a way out; it’s a way in. Corey Williams, the 2021 LEAD Brevard “4 Under 40” Leadership Award recipient, started his basketball journey following in the footsteps of his older brother, Chris. “As a younger brother, you look up to your older brother. Everything he did, I wanted to do. He started baseball, I started baseball. He started basketball, I started basketball. I just fell in love with it. It became my calm and grace.” His journey wasn’t without trials. Corey laughs when he recalls his “Michael Jordan” moment. “I didn’t make my middle school team! I was told I was too short and dribbled too much.” The next year, he made his high school team, then experienced a major growth spurt in between his sophomore and junior year, growing from 5’8” to 6’4”. Corey’s growth on the court matched his physical growth, and the opportunities to play college basketball began coming in. Corey chose State College of Florida (formerly Manatee Community College) and eventually had a Division I school with their eye on him. Then, a poor decision changed everything. “I got kicked out for petty theft. People don’t understand the life of a college athlete. I had a meal plan at IMG Academy, but trying to leave practice and rush over to another school to eat was impossible,” Corey recounts, “My parents were trying to take care of my three younger siblings, two of which were in college. They were paying for everything. I didn’t want to go to my parents for money. So, I took food out of Walmart one night, got caught, went to jail, and they ended up kicking me out of school.”

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“Initially, I was upset about it, but it drove me to do what I am doing now. I felt betrayed because as a coach, especially a Black coach, you should want to look after your players. You don’t just push them to the side like ‘There’s no hope for this kid. I’m gonna leave him.’” Getting expelled from school wasn’t the worst part; a scholarship to Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut was withdrawn. “My coach was like ‘You’re on your own.’ He just threw me away and you don’t do that to kids.” At his lowest moment, a friend reached out to support him. “Mr. (Stanley) Cromartie (father of former NFL cornerback Dominic Rodgers-Cromartie) looked out for me. He told me he heard what happened and he didn’t want me to give up.” Mr. Cromartie contacted Tim Gates, the Head Basketball Coach at Allen University, an HBCU, in Colombia, SC, who offered Corey a scholarship. Corey graduated from Allen University with honors, earning his Bachelor of Science in Human Services, then returned home to Brevard. He started playing basketball for a Semi-Pro team in Orlando but left the team for personal reasons. A year later, he received a phone call that would change his life. “The owner of the league called me. He told me that they missed having me on the team, then he said that if I couldn’t come back to Orlando, why don’t I start my own team down here.” Thus birthed the Space Coast Stars. The Space Coast Stars is more than just a Semi-Pro team. The 501(c)(3) organization boasts basketball programs that support children from ages 5-18, to include both local and travelling teams. “I wanted the Space Coast Stars to be more than just men getting together to hoop. There’s a lot of talent here in Brevard County, but I wanted the Space Coast Stars to be more. I wanted it to be a way to give back. A lot of times, people make it and never give back,” he says. “It’s sad because people start to say nothing good ever comes out of Brevard. I wanted to change that and set a better example.”

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The Space Coast Stars is built around five core values: UNITY, COMMITMENT, INTEGRITY, FAMILY and RESPECT. Their goal? To “empower and develop the next generation of student athletes through sports, and our CORE VALUES. The SCS MENTALITY way!” Corey’s eyes light up when he speaks of the impact the SCS has had in the community. “We ended up partnering with the Orlando Magic to create the Space Coast Stars Junior Magic League. Through that, we are able to help develop children’s motor skills, improve their overall health, all while stressing the importance of education.” With the Stars entrenched in the community, Corey has plans to expand his reach. “There are so many kids that grow up, play basketball in high school or college, and have no tools or skills after basketball. We want to give kids a trade. We are creating our own college.” Upon opening, Legacy College plans to offer 32 online certifications, tuition free, in a variety of disciplines to include credit counseling, Real estate, insurance, sport agent, customer service, data entry, media and public relations, entrepreneurship, intro to computer science, graphic design, sports management and scouting, among others. Through basketball, Corey Williams has found a way to provide his community a way up, not out. His commitment, his selflessness, his drive for and love of his community provides exponentially more. He is something good, something special, something important that came out of Brevard County. Corey has given Brevard what it needed most, an example.

The Space Coast Stars www.spacecoaststarsbas.wixsite.com www.spacecoastbasketball.com

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Licensed Professional Counselor and Mindset Coach

Elevate your thinking, Elevate your life By Ellen Richardson Photos by Seawards Dawson

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer – Psalm 19:14 (English Standard Version). Ever since she was a child growing up in Bearden, AR Tenethrea Buffington knew that she wanted to help people. While this desire would once upon a time begin to lead this Lover of God and His people towards a law degree, the current professional counselor quickly found the path that her Heavenly Father had for her while in college. “I originally went to college with a dream and a vision to become an attorney,” said the bubbly Mrs. Buffington. “The funny thing is it didn’t take long for me to realize that was not what I really wanted to do with my life.” While taking a different trajectory so early in their college career can leave some students spiraling out, this would not be the case for this born communicator. Instead Tenethrea would find her calling after taking both a psychology and communications course her freshman year. “During this time, I fell in love with the whole concept of helping people learn how to communicate effectively and talking through things,” shared this born people person.

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As she continued to follow her passion, Tenethrea would obtain her Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies, in 2002, and would move quickly to pursue her Master of Science in Counseling, in 2005, from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. After also obtaining a postgraduate certificate in marriage and family therapy from the University of Arkansas in Little Rock this deeply caring, nonjudgmental woman would begin to see her career as a Licensed Professional Counselor take shape. During this time, the Christ centered woman also began to pursue a career in ministry. “While in college I started working with kids at a church called Fellowship of Champions, in Fayetteville, AR, where I became a Youth Minister for their Victory Zone program. During this time, I began to learn how to become a mentor and counselor to the younger generation, which was instrumental in my becoming a counselor for families and even couples who often have children of this age,” said Tenethrea. Along with developing a passion for teaching and counseling others, the young woman from a little town in Arkansas developed another dream – to become an actress. “When I was a child and all the way up into my adult years, I had a secret dream to act, and it was during my time working inside this church that my pastor seemed to give this dream the spark that it needed after calling me a star!” exclaimed the artist now known as Tenethrea Buffington. “I actually started this dream through a small film that was filmed in Arkansas, called The Phone in the Attic, in 2014 and this eventually led to my next big life decision.” As she continued to pursue her latest passion, the newly divorced mother of a 3-year-old would decide to start a new life in Atlanta, GA. Despite moving to pursue a new dream/career in acting, which included taking some acting classes,

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obtaining an agent, starring in a PSA for an area nonprofit, being featured on some print work for the Atlanta Transit system and even seeing her daughter Brielle land an acting role in an Amazon Prime movie called Mixed Emotions Vol. 2, Tenethrea never strayed far from her goal of helping people through therapy. In fact, along with chasing her newest acting dream Tenethrea also gave life to a new business that gives Christian women a fresh start and perspective in Christ. “915 Enterprises is based upon a six-week online course that I developed called W.O.R.T.H, which is centered around my book called Who Told You That? Both this study guide and course focus on topics like identifying unhealthy limiting beliefs, forgiveness, recognizing your talents and goal setting, learning how to see yourself in a healthy place, building confidence and so much more,” said the woman whose own goal it is to set God’s daughters free from what holds them back. Along with this course, Tenethrea also offers one on one counseling and life coaching for women who are ready to overcome feelings of anxiety, poor self-esteem, anger, relationship issues, communication problems, overcoming a negative identity and even moving past feeling stuck in a certain area of life. “For so long, even in religion, women have been viewed as those who need to stand to the side, be quiet and play nice no matter what their feelings or thoughts may be. I don’t believe that is why God created women to be here on this earth,” stated this purpose lead woman. “Instead, He has a plan and a positive message for each one of us to share and I just want every woman to know that. This is in despite of something that they may have gone through in their past or is going through in the present. As a woman, who has had my own life journey, that has included its own hardships, I know how to relate to these women, and I feel like this is what God has called me to do.”

“For so long, even in religion, women have been viewed as those who need to stand to the side, be quiet and play nice no matter what their feelings or thoughts may be. I don’t believe that is why God created women to be here on this earth.”

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Along with counseling, encouraging and motivating women through her business, this experienced therapist also offers cognitive behavioral therapy to women, men and children through Lifestance Health as well as couples therapy through Atlanta Couple Therapy. “I really connect with women, but I also enjoy helping anyone who needs to work through something,” said Tenethrea. “The truth is, we all need to do our own soul work and we often get lost in being there for other people and bury what is going on inside of ourselves. Therefore, I make it my goal as well as my advice for anyone out there who wants to be a good person, and who may want to be someone that reaches out to others, to talk with someone like me to work through their issues before bleeding on others.” To learn more about Tenethrea Buffington visit her website.

Tenethrea Buffington

To schedule an appointment with Tenethrea, please send an email to tenethrea@gmail.com or visit www.tenethreabuffington.com

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Semaje

Love For God, Love For Music

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Atlanta - May/June 2021

By Dillan Teabout Photos by Semaje

Semaje is a phenomenal gospel singer who was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. It all began with love for him. With the love that he was provided by his family as a young child, he shares that he has always been encouraged to push for his dreams. Raised in a detached home, Semaje spent Monday through Friday with his mother. He would then go to his father’s house Friday through Sunday. His father kept him in church every Sunday, faithfully. That experience is what shaped his spiritual foundation as Semaje loved the sound of church music and picked it up early and began playing drums and eventually singing. “I knew that it’s something about the soul and message in the gospel that uplifts people and brings them to a different space,” Semaje said. “That is why I started to love it.” Semaje was a crafty child and turned every theme song from shows like “The Parkers,” “Martin,” and even “Power Rangers” into a gospel remix. Once he noticed how his peers were constantly entertained by the things he did, Semaje knew he could make this into something extraordinary. Why did Semaje choose music to follow, it all makes sense to him. “I developed a love of music because it speaks to many different emotions. Music embraces a feeling or takes the feeling out of the listener. I believe gospel music is the best because of the type of power it has over people,” he shares. He compared gospel to people like gas to a car and how gospel pushes him for more in his life. “Gospel music makes you feel like you can conquer the world. It’s saving music and healing music. No matter how you’re feeling,” Semaje said. “Gospel music can take you out of that mood. It’s the best genre ever because it puts you in a place like no other.” Semaje, at the age of 18, went to Philadelphia by himself to audition for “Sunday Best” in pursuit of his dream. However, with the opportunity came disappointment. “I had people very close to me like family. I didn’t feel the support at all, and I felt discouraged,” Semaje said. “However, my grandmother on my mom’s side encouraged me to go after whatever God placed in my heart.”

That reassurance Semaje got from his grandmother helped him conquer the lack of support. He gives her enormous credit for lifting him up. Now, when he looks back, he knows it was a part of God’s plan. Recently, a song with Fred Jerkins and Semaje hit #4 on the Billboard called “Reason to Praise.” Semaje is doing everything possible to leave his mark in the industry. Talking about his Billboard appearance is still crazy to him. He expressed that seeing his name on the charts with artists he listened to as a child is surreal. Currently, Semaje has his first EP coming out soon and he remains extremely excited to get his work out to the world. He shares his music is for everybody, and it will save, deliver, inspire, and motivate listeners. Semaje’s plans for the future are big. In addition to honing his craft, he is looking to acquire experience in acting, radio, podcast, and even start a clothing line. h

Atlanta - May/June 2021

HuamiMagazine.com

Atlanta - May/June 2021

Monica Hawthorne Patience Always Wins

By Tonya Dixon Photos by Santana B Photography

At one point, Monica Hawthorne thought things couldn’t be any better in her life. She was happily married. Had a thriving hair salon in Charlotte, North Carolina, and her family were safe and healthy. But in one instant, it all changed. She found herself single, dealing with an undiagnosed illness and a declining business and bank account. Before she knew it, she found herself back in Greensboro, living with her mother and making countless trips to the doctor. But as she looks back on it, it was nothing short of God’s divine hand upon her life. She gained more than she ever had before, physically, spiritually and emotionally. However, it didn’t seem divine at the time. “God directed me to come back home to Greensboro. I thought I was hearing things because I thought there was no way HFe was telling me to leave. I was doing well in Charlotte. My business was thriving and I was successful,” said . “But I did what I heard God say. I packed up and moved.” With her life virtually upended and turned inside out, Hawthorne had to do something she had previously never really done. She had to relinquish control to gain restoration. She had to depend on someone else.

“I stayed on my mom’s couch for nearly three years because I had serious health problems and God wouldn’t allow me to do anything else,” she said. “I prayed and had many conversations with Him. I was going through a lot mentally and physically and I was practically broke because I was supporting my daughter in college.” “I left my source of income in Charlotte. I virtually started over. I had to come back to Greensboro and rebuild my business and myself. A licensed minister, Hawthorne admits she “ran” from God and her calling for more than 15 years. She had a people problem. “I was concerned about what people would say. What would they think of me?” she said. But it was in her weakest moment when she heard God as clear as she heard him say move back to Greensboro. She received the instruction and strength she needed to begin her journey of restoration and wholeness for herself and for other women. “God told me the I didn’t need to be concerned about the opinions or actions of anyone else. He said I was already qualified, verified and approved by Him, so I didn’t need to seek approval or validation from man because He had already given me that,” said Hawthorne. It was at that moment that she spiritually and physically birthed her ministry, a new business and strength to regain her footing as a hair stylist. But she says founding “GOoD GIRL” (intentionally spelled with mixed case) has been the most profound and rewarding because it impacts everything else in her life. “I thought I would call it ‘GOod GIRL,’ because it symbolizes being a light, knowing your worth and getting approval only from God,” said Hawthorne. “But then one day God said, ‘you’re a good girl, but I want you to make one of those “Os” very small so that you can see me in it.’ And that’s how it became what it is today.” After developing a logo, Hawthorne designed a few shirts and the rest is more than just history. It’s a situation she believes only God could have orchestrated and ordained.

“God told me the I didn’t need to be concerned about the opinions or actions of anyone else. He said I was already qualified, verified and approved by Him, so I didn’t need to seek approval or validation from man because He had already given me that.” 38

“I hadn’t even planned to launch it until May 2020, but COVID hit and everything changed. As soon as they were released, women from all over were buying the shirt,” she said. “So that’s how it started. But there’s more. There’s a community component for all kinds of women. Young, old, every race and every background.” Ultimately, she says the mission of GOoD GIRL is to teach women that they are enough and only need God’s approval. Plain and simple. “I want girls and women to know you don’t need that [blue] check on Facebook. You don’t need that [blue] check on Instagram. You are already verified. It’s about women learning who they are in God,” she said.

It’s important to note that Hawthorne continued to suffer from a mysterious illness for many years. She was in and out of hospitals and doctor’s offices, without receiving a definitive diagnosis. It took a serious toll on her life, to the point where she couldn’t fulfill the requests of her salon clientele. Yet and still, there was still a blessing amid her illness. “I had issues for 10 years and didn’t even know what it was until I moved back to Greensboro and I think that was a blessing within itself because God knew and he told me to come home. As soon as I went home, I got extremely sick. I needed to be home because if I had been in Charlotte, I would not have had any one to help me care for myself,” she said. “I needed to be at home with my mom who was helping me. She understood that God brought me back home for a reason even though at the time I wasn’t sure exactly what it was, but I was trusting him.” “It turned out to be my gallbladder, but it was affecting my whole body. It would take me down for 2-4 weeks at a time. Imagine having no income and being so sick you can’t get up. But it’s important to remember, even when things look bad in the natural, there’s always a blessing though God.” As much as she struggled, she was able to resurrect her salon – Hawthorne Hair Studio. Not only did she rebuild her clientele, she realized it was another part of her ministry. God strategically sent clients that needed spiritual, emotional and mental restoration. She admits, it had nothing to do with her. It was all a GOoD GIRL thing.

To learn more about GOoD GIRL Apparel, please visit their website at www.goodgirlgoodguy.shop 336-740-4090

“I’m really ready to retire from that,” she jokes. “But God hasn’t released me from it yet. For some reason this salon has been a place for people to get renewed and repaired. People come and they get what they need from God when they are here. If they need it, I pray with and for them. It goes down in here some days, but it’s part of my Ministry. I used to say I have a ministry behind the chair. I asked God to meet people here when I first opened the salon and that’s what he’s been doing.” While Hawthorne is passionate about hair and is known for her precision cuts and styles, she’s looking to expand in a different way – one that she says doesn’t necessarily require her to stand on her feet behind the chair as much. She’s looking into her own hair product line, including everything from washing supplies to equipment. “I already have my own hair oil, but I’m working on my own hair shampoo and other products and styling tools – blow dryers, curling irons, flat irons,” she said. Just like GOoD GIRL empowers women, she plans to use her styling expertise to help others as well. “I’ve taught before and I want to continue, but not in a traditional setting with multiple students. I prefer individual classes so that I can give one-on-one attention.” As Hawthorne expands her product line, she isn’t leaving GOoD GIRL behind. There’s much more to come and there are many more lives to impact. “GOoD GIRL is much more than a t-shirt. It might be how I got my foot in the door with some people, but it’s ministry. It’s more motivational speaking. It’s expanding on the books and series’ I’ve already written.” But most important, Hawthorne says it’s about lifting someone else up along the way.

HuamiMagazine.com

Atlanta - May/June 2021

By Jalessa Rogers Photos by Lora McClain-Muhammad

Growing up as a black child in America, there is and will always be a need for positive black representation. Author Lora McClain-Muhammad has found the perfect way to show that. She has created coloring books that are the perfect representation for young African American boys and girls to learn and become comfortable in their own skin. Born and raised in Gary, IN, this former Fortune 500 sales and marketing manager did not dream of becoming an author. Her journey is what she describes in her own words as something that “God kept nudging her to do.” It all began shortly after graduating from high school. The path she chose was one similar to as one that a lot of members of her family took, entering the corporate world. Instead of attending college, she decided to take an opportunity presented to her. First she took a test, gained a company’s interest with her gift of gab, and would eventually become a sales and marketing manager, enjoying a career that would span for almost 30 years. Although she was very occupied with corporate America, she was still able to further her education and attend Park College while in her thirties. These were modest steps that would soon connect the dots of her career as an author. “Becoming an author was a surprise journey for me and nothing that I even envisioned. However, when my granddaughter was born, I was given a vision to write a coloring book. Representation matters and I wanted my granddaughter to see a book that looks like her,” stated McClain-Muhammad. After

Atlanta - May/June 2021

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“I found my purpose and my calling doing these books. I’m happier and I feel freer than I’ve ever been. Nothing is better than seeing the smile on the little children’s faces during book signings or hearing them say ‘hey that looks like me....” being given this vision, she went on to create the “I Need You to Know” series with the first coloring book being titled “I Need You to Know the ABCs of Black Girl Magic” with her granddaughter as the cover image. Her second coloring book is titled I Need “You to Know the ABCs of a Young Kings Greatness” with another one that followed titled, “I Need You to Know #You Matter”. Despite the naysayers that tried to discourage her from this journey she was able to sell over 30,000 books and depicted members of her family as the images throughout her collection. For Lora, it was all about finding her purpose in life. “I found my purpose and my calling doing these books. I’m happier and I feel freer than I’ve ever been. Nothing is better than seeing the smile on the little children’s faces during book signings or hearing them say ‘hey that looks like me” because they genuinely love the book,” she expressed. Since the world changed because of COVID-19, she has not been able to do in person book signings. However, she found a safe way to continue to tour and reach a broader audience. “I came up with a virtual book tour, along with five other African American women authors. We were able to reach children a lot further, virtually than in person. During these times of social injustice and unrest, I think that it’s a timely piece to show that representation does matter to our kids. Even more, they need to see themselves depicted beautifully. We address these issues with the release of “I Need You to Know...#You Matter,” explained McClainMuhammad. Lora is an indie author, and will be celebrating her two year book anniversary this May. Her books are currently available on Amazon, Walmart, Barnes and Noble, and BAM.

HuamiMagazine.com

Atlanta - May/June 2021

Lora McClain-Muhammad www.coloringbookqueen.com 219-616-8180 Atlanta - May/June 2021

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V. Marie and Company, LLC By Terry L. Watson Photos by Arria Moore Photography

Victoria M. Sparks is the founder and CEO of V. Marie and Company, LLC. She has a passion to help others level up and upgrade their brands, and bank accounts. She is a social entrepreneur and focuses on helping students, parents, and business owners reap prosperity all over the world. Though based primarily in Greensboro, N.C., her services are accessible around the globe. She has been featured in multiple media platforms such as Fox 8 Good 4 Her, Tap-IN Magazine, Authority Magazine, Lotus Riche’ Ingnites Show, and Huami Magazine. With V. Marie and Company, LLC, she offers Website and Landing Page Design, Website Redesign, Logo and Business Card Design, Banner and Billboard Design, Promotional Videos, Social Media Content Creation, Newsletters, Press and Media Kit Creation, Branding Packages, Business and Scholarship Coaching as well as Physical and Digital Resources. “My business took off full force throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. I primarily help business owners establish a strong brand, all within an affordable budget. From a young age, I have assisted marketing specialist in my parents business. I then became a Microsoft Office Specialist while in undergrad. Last year, I saw a great need for my services so I officially opened up shop,” she says. “Many of my clients are well on their way to six figures and beyond, and she shares many have been featured across the nation on daytime tv shows.” Victoria says she has served nearly 75 VIP clients, and her staff and coaches have developed a plan to help her scale her business, allowing her to help as many businesses as possible. While looking forwards, Victoria plans to continue her education and attend graduate school to further explore Marketing. “I definitely see my business reaching across the nation to help students, parents, and business owners in multiple states and countries. I also foresee a small vacation and new products coming soon. Entrepreneurship is in my bloodline and I look forward to making my family and friends proud, and more importantly continuing to walk in my purpose,” she says. To learn more about Victoria M. Sparks and her company, please visit her website or contact her directly.

V. Marie and Company, LLC www.victoriamsparks.com 336-365-8118 arise123shine@gmail.com

HuamiMagazine.com

Atlanta - May/June 2021

MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

Hannah Grace Thomas The daughter of Vakaya and Marcus Thomas

Atlanta - May/June 2021

To submit photographs to be placed in the Huami Magazine Cutest Baby feature, please send a detailed email to huami.cutestbaby@gmail.com

HuamiMagazine.com

May/June 2021

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Huami Magazine Atlanta May/June 2021

Articles inside

Community & Basketball Corey Williams 22

Patience Always Wins

Love For Music, Love For God