Huami Magazine Atlanta March/April 2021 by Terry Watson

AT L A N TA

Mar./Apr. 2021 Volume 1 Issue 10 FREE

La’Roy Crumble Atlanta - March/April 2021

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Your Purpose Is Not A Laughing Matter A Letter From The Editor

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

A long time ago, when I was a much younger man, and a student at the most prestigious high school in the city of Greensboro, something happened to me that would change my life forever. This segment of time was during myfrom fourth A Letter theperiod Editor English class, and the first week of a new school year.

Back then I was mischievous, very sarcastic, and a self-proclaimed What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes ‘class clown’. I would try to set the tone for my classroom amongst my and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if classmates with jokes, and I thought, the bigger the audience, the grander everythingcould that be. youHowever, decided to put particular off until tomorrow never my performance in this class, the teacher happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy was a formidable opponent. She was short in stature, very elegant and full day, and andseemed you could spare someone trouble of making of finesse, to lock in on me like athe torpedo before the tardy bell promises. yourMrs. lastKerr, opportunity seemingly expired even sounded. HerWhat nameifwas and I would soon learn that she Whataround. would you do? wasn’ttoday? one to play One day while in English class, I began to get and execute I’ve been told that I often seem likecomfortable I do too much. my form of cheap humor. I led off with a cough, and a slight Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m sneeze; a firm silly acts that usuallyinworked pretty gettingput my anything audience into position. believer knowing thatwell Godwith wouldn’t on me But mythat act Iwas snuffed out immediately. “Don’t you sneeze or cough couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would in my. Take that outside”. Those were the words spoken directly to me and I be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I knew she was serious by the way Mrs. Kerr stared into my eyes. From that have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity point on, I never laughed in her class unless I was led by her permission to a blessing afforded to everyone. do so.isI must admitthat that isn’t my ego was a little bruised, butA Ichallenge would eventually to it. me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? get over

If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn new myself. Relinquish my your pride and In sosomething many words, sheabout helped me to understand purpose in noin return acquire life. laughing matter. I genuinely appreciate Mrs. Kerr. She helped me to

understand the English instruction she provided was not a laughing matter, and I or anyone else wouldn’t the learning and growth of other The best advice everprevent given to me happened when someone students. told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so

I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only

As the school year progressed, to the lookdifference forward tobetween my fourth hope provided. I have alsoI began learned periodwhat English class and spending time with Mrs. Kerr. I soaked upwith every bit God blesses me with and what life can burden me of information that she had to offer, studied every poem, and recited them as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and back to her with precision, and made it a when to be quiet, because point to show her that she changed my someone it confused life by stopping memay fromget robbing myself of with being arrogant. sound instruction.

Make you tomorrow Mrs. Kerr obviously loved me and happen today, but most her other students, thousands of them she encountered for several importantly make itdecades count. of teaching. She myahero. Students Life is isbut whisper and like me all deserve a hero such as Mrs. Kerr we must put ourselves in ain their classrooms, eithertoinhear the form position whatofitaispeer or instructor. She helped me to understand telling us. that my purpose was no laughing matter.

Terry TerryL.L.Watson Watson 44

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Editor/Founder

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www.huamimagazine.com Terry L Watson Publisher www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Trea’Sure Prince Chief Writer Terry L. Watson Terry L. Watson Writer Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Laci Ollison Writer David Hendricks III Writer Writers Gamal Williams Tonya Dixon Writer Terry L. Watson Writer Fanta Dorley

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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

On The Cover

Photo by Shaw Photography Group

CONTENTS

MARCH/APRIL 2021

ATLANTA

Determined and Purposed

Jayresa Sass

On The Cover

La’Roy Crumble Wine

Latony Crumble and Willie Wilkes

Cooking Good Food

Chef Brandon Emmitt

Jay Maxwell

Terra Cornelius

Meantime Max

Terra’s Boutique

Also Featured

Juliette Chambers Do you have a sweet tooth? Any Day Desserts LLC has something to fix it. Grand Prairie, TX

Ramone Hemphill Meet the founder of GlamHer Hair Addictions Nashville, TN

Atlanta - March/April 2021

Prince Antonio Kelly He is the cutest, and has been selected as Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby.

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La’Roy Crumble Wine Company

By Ayana Bryant Photos by Seawards Dawson Starting a business during a global pandemic could be a daunting task for most, but Latony Crumble and Willie Wilkes have embraced the challenge with open arms. The year of 2020 introduced several obstacles to the world but also birthed La’Roy Crumble Wine for these two business partners. Wilkes, 31, originally from historic Memphis, TN didn’t necessarily intend on becoming a business owner within the wine industry when first starting his career. Upon graduating from Job Corps pursuing the electrical trade, Wilkes then relocated to Atlanta, Georgia with hopes of becoming an electrician. When this career path revealed itself to be unsuccessful, Wilkes then returned to school and pursued a track in heating and air. This opportunity eventually led him to meet his now business partner Latony Crumble. Crumble, a Virginia native and former professional dancer saw the potential of creating his own wine from being so heavily involved in the entertainment industry. So, from there an idea as well as a distillery contact in Detroit would propel the duo to start La’Roy Crumble Wine. The name La’Roy comes from a cross between Crumble’s first name Latony, and Wilkes middle name, Roy. This black owned business is based out of Atlanta, Georgia and has grown pretty quickly since their launch in late 2020. La’Roy Crumble has developed five signature flavors that are currently available for retail, a Moscato blend, an Alicante, a Dago red, Pinot Grigio, and a Chamblee.

Continued on the next page

When asked what motivates and inspires them to continue growing their business, both gentlemen stated that being able to network with so many people and seeing the growth they’ve already acquired is the biggest drive for them. For Latony Crumble, his faith has played a big role in never giving up stating “I believe God gave me a gift to start something from the bottom and bring it to life.” Wilkes explains that connecting with people has always been an easy thing for him and that he is grateful for this business opportunity. He sees it as “a platform to be able to reach an even broader group of people”.

“The sky’s the limit and I see no limits on where this brand can go.” Crumble and Wilkes discussed the challenges they have faced. One of them is being unable to secure investors and acquire loans to start their business, but they explain it has only encouraged them to work harder to fund it themselves. They both understand they are still in the early stages of this new journey and face more challenges that haven’t yet been reached.

Continued on the next page

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After only operating in four months of business and starting out with five different flavors of wine, both Wilkes and Crumble have no desire to slow down any time soon. Plans to continue growing their business are already in motion with four new flavors already in development. So, what lies in the future for La’Roy Crumble Wine you might ask? “The sky’s the limit and I see no limits on where this brand can go” says Wilkes. Plans for mainstream distribution are definitely in the cards. Despite the challenges and issues these young men might have encountered, they both say that it hasn’t deterred them. They plan to continue moving forward one day at a time. Let’s all raise a glass to the success of this thriving new business and say Salud! For more information about La’Roy Crumble Wine, and to purchase your selection, please check out the company via Instagram @La’Roycrumble_wine, and on Facebook at La’Roy Crumble. h

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Jayresa

She Is Bringing Others Up By Terry L. Watson Photos by Jay Resa

Where Brooklyn at? Where Brooklyn at? These three words were made famous by the late, great rapper, Notorious Biggie Smalls. Ironically, March is the month that celebrates women as well as the birth month of Christopher Wallace (Biggie Smalls). Though there isn’t any blood connection, if you’re from Brooklyn, then you are family, so Jayresa is family. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Jayresa Sass wears many hats and offers her love unconditionally. She is a mother of two, a dog mommy of two, and a plant junkie. She is also a Certified Spiritual and Trauma Informed Coach, speaker, author, healer, humanitarian, visionary, mentor, talk show host, radio host, and solopreneur. Her journey throughout life has been full of laughs and some tears. There have been ups and some downs, some gains, and a few losses. Though not defeated, Jayresa says those moments have shaped her into the total and complete woman she is today. Jayresa started her career in coaching after experiencing several traumatic incidents throughout her childhood. She searched for answers and an outlet to manifest true love within herself. Eventually, she decided that sharing her unique story would change the lives of others. One way was to create a unique media platform under the brand, She is Not Her Trauma. Through this platform, she shares her own message while also teaching women how to strengthen their emotional and spiritual mindsets. They learn about avenues for restorative healing, support, engagement as well as how to embrace their truth, their trauma, and their transformation. “I seek to change the narratives for women during their difficult moments by hosting several interviews, masterclasses and workshops. These programs are focused on teaching them how to recognize and insert themselves into the healing process, from trauma, helping to define freedom and success,” she says. She is Not Her Trauma is designed for women and coaches to educate and empower them on how to share their stories, which opens new conversations people often shy away from. The platform provides exposure on all social media platforms, including iHeart radio and other streaming services. Continued on the next page

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There’s also Jayresa Sass, LLC, through which she provides one-on-one coaching, group coaching, and workshops for women looking to define freedom and success after trauma. Through her business, I Am Enough, Inc., she equips people with mental health and intellectual disabilities on how to improve their social life both virtually and physically within the community. In August 2019, things began to happen real fast for Jayresa. She lost two full-time jobs due to a knee injury. Not knowing what her next steps should be, she decided to utilize her skills to make a living. During October 2019, she was invited to a domestic violence event to speak, encourage women, and share more about I Am Enough, Inc. “When it was my turn to speak, in that very moment, God used me to share my testimony on my experiences with domestic violence. From that moment I began to learn my own story from childhood with God’s direction,“ she says.

It’s obvious that she is walking in her purpose. Things are happening and lives are being transformed all because she opened the windows of her life and provided a transparent experience for the pains and fears of others. “My favorite part of business is helping people who once felt lost gain exposure and provide them a place to shine their light on the world through their stories. I am encouraged simply by encouraging others. I’m inspired by laughter, healing, and anything that has the potential to create and maintain the passion of healing. This gets my heart and creativity pumping,” she shares. While the road could have been easier, there isn’t much she would change about it. “To learn about my own trauma so late in life showed me how we are all silently crying out for help. God has designed my journey in a way that anyone who needs my services can find me.” For others who may follow a similar path as Jayresa, her advice is simple, “Become the scientist of your own life. Ask questions regarding those things that once left you curious.” Her plans moving forward is to continue creating and developing outlets for people to take ownership of their story and shine their light on the world. To learn more about Jayresa Sass, please contact her directly, or visit her website. h

MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

Prince Antonio Kelly The son of Dominique and Latisha Kelly

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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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Beannie’s Body Therapy & Botanicals

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Lately, the world’s lens has been focused on maintaining better skincare. Beannie’s Body Therapy & Botanicals does just that. The owner, Juliette Chambers, gives consumers the chance to embark on their skincare journey. Huami Magazine caught up with Chambers and allowed her to explain how she became the innovative entrepreneur she is today.

What key elements from your background have contributed to the foundation of Beannie’s? I’m an original Charlottean, (Charlotte, NC) but don’t ask me for directions because I give landmarks, not street names. LOL. My mom was an LPN and honestly, I developed my love for nursing and helping people from her. My father was a man that worked with his hands and could perform up to any task, so he had several irons in the fire. When I was born, my father said that I looked like a butter bean because I was fat and yellow. He also chose my first name, Juliette. However, the name “Beannie” came from my cousins because they didn’t want to say Butter Bean. “Beannie’s”, came about because I use the beans and the seeds of plants in every product that I make.

Explain your journey from nursing student to business owner. As a nursing student, I was following the footsteps laid down by my mother. I inherited the want and natural inclination to nurture others. Working in the inpatient pharmacy at the hospital for years eventually left me with a bitter taste for the medical system. I didn’t take medications and, I couldn’t see shoveling them out to patients at such a large capacity anymore. I wanted to do some sort of holistic healthcare. My mother had started seeing a massage therapist around 2004, and was raving about how great that she felt after years of wear and tear on her body as a nurse. I was excited to learn how massage therapy could heal a person! And, In massage therapy school we talked about the open opportunities of being an independent contractor and working for yourself, which was music to my ears.

So, I did holistic massage therapy for nearly 10 years before I set out to move in another direction. In 2015, I took my bucket list career as a flight attendant and decided that wherever I got based that I would just move there. While it was an amazing career, I could never loose sight of my passion.

Seeing that black businesses are prospering right now, how does it feel to have a successful black business? This is a wonderful and interesting time to be Black and a Black woman! As a Black woman in business, it feels amazing to receive patronage from my people. The explosive movement to “buy black” has been important in maintaining our companies so that we can continue to serve.

How are you able to not give in to imposters syndrome while there are various companies in your industry? I have been making products since 2007, so there has been a lot of trial and error. There was no Youtube University when I started doing this. I quickly stopped worrying about what others are doing because a rose does not look to other roses to see how they are growing, it does its own thing. Regardless of the saturation in the skincare market, there is plenty of money out there for us to all be successful. Beannie’s Body Botanicals utilizes minimal, key ingredients that deliver maximum results. Made specifically for those with ultra-sensitive skin is why I don’t use a lot of ingredients.

During the development of your brand, what were some hardships you faced? How were you able to overcome them? Since starting to develop a brand, I have faced challenges because I wasn’t given a handbook on how to build a successful business on my own. I have never had a business partner and so I have always had to be a jack of all trades. There have been issues in the past where I reached out to other companies for things like help with my labels/packaging, website design, and business development/coaching. However, I ended up with incomplete work, loss of money, or stolen ideas. I just keep doing what I can do on my own 13 years later. I am still in this, and very happy to be.

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Juliette Chambers

Beannie’s Body Therapy & Botanicals 832-995-2730 www.beanniesbody.org

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Bridging The Gap for Minorities in Aviation

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By Gamal Williams Photos by Ramone Hemphill Flight (noun) – the action or process of flying through the air. For Ramone Hemphill, flying is a dream come true. A 9-year licensed pilot and Charlotte, North Carolina native, Ramone now resides in Melbourne, Florida working as a Systems Engineer in Avionics. “The first interest I had in aviation was in high school. I was in this group called The Explorers Club, and I was looking into Air Traffic Control. I got to go to an air traffic control tower for the first time. That’s what got me geared up thinking about aviation in general. Fast forward, I ended up with a career spanning from aviation electronics (avionics) and flight controls, to flight test engineering. From that point, it was about getting a deeper understanding of aviation. The idea early on for me was that if I could obtain my pilot’s license, I could have a deeper operational understanding of it,” he says. Ramone recognized the lack of African American representation in the aeronautics field. While African Americans are present at airports as baggage handlers, flight attendants, or security guards, they are vastly under-represented in the overall aviation community. Aeronautical engineering, air traffic control, aviation maintenance, all have low representation of African Americans, but none more than aircraft pilots. According to a 2018 report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, less than 3% of all commercial pilots in the US are African American. Ramone wants to change that. Along with his wife, and Board of Directors, Brinkley Wright, and Richard Winchester, Ramone formed The 99th Squadron in Brevard County, Florida. The 99th Squadron, so named after the first African American fighter squadron, the 99th Pursuit Squadron, is a non-profit organization dedicated to bridging the gap between the aviation field and our community. According to their website, The99th.org, Ramone and his team “expose our youth to the vast opportunities of the aviation industry, starting with the most basic fundamentals of flight for middle school and high school students.” Continued on the next page

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The 99th offers a “free to students” 5-week curriculum, or “Flight Plan” as his website states, that involves 1-hour courses on Saturdays, with a 30-minute homework review every Wednesday to gauge student comprehension and potential topics of discussion. The 99th teaches students a wide range of fundamentals: Aerodynamic Principles, Instruments & Engines, Air Traffic Control, Decision Making, Charts, Navigation Systems, Aviation Weather, and Weather Services. At the end of the course, each student (along with a chaperone) gets to take to the air for a handson flight, allowing students to co-pilot and apply what they have been learning. “I’ve had the most fun introducing aeronautics to people, specifically people that didn’t realize there are hundreds of airports, not just the big ones, but smaller ones. People don’t realize that ‘Hey, you can do this too. You can get your pilot’s license and here’s what that looks like,’” Ramone explained. “I have seen that people don’t see this as a tangible field. I had one student tell me they were thinking of being a flight attendant… but there are other things besides that. That tells me in their day-to-day, they are in an environment that is limiting their options. We don’t even limit the program to being a pilot, it just starts out with that because that is what the industry is centered around. But we expose them to all facets of aviation,” Ramone says.

“I’ve had the most fun introducing aeronautics to people, specifically people that didn’t realize there are hundreds of airports, not just the big ones, but smaller ones. People don’t realize that ‘Hey, you can do this too. You can get your pilot’s license and here’s what that looks like.”

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Once the course is over, Ramone and his team encourage the students to stay involved in the aeronautical field. “Once they complete the program, my idea of the best way to keep them engaged is to keep them in the air. We may not be able to get them in the air every week or every month, but we encourage them to continue in the program through our Continuing Education initiative, where we take them on site visits. We’ll also collaborate with other local STEM initiatives, namely the General Chappie James, Jr. Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Inc., the South Brevard County Task Force, and the Rising Star Leadership Development.” Jason Webber was one of those students. The 17-year-old high school senior has always dreamt of being a pilot. “I love airports. When I found out about The 99th, I was excited about the opportunity. My first flight was a lot of fun. I was a little nervous at first, but then what we learned about the instruments and knowledge of the aircraft kicked in,” Jason says. When asked what he did immediately after, he laughed. “I posted a video of it to SnapChat! All my friends thought it was cool and asked how I got to do that.” His mother, Melody, enjoyed her flight as well. “I was a little nervous, but I loved seeing Jason so focused and excited. He has talked of joining the Air Force. Hopefully, this program will inspire him to keep going,” she says.

The 99th Squadron looks for the best in every child, regardless of past academic performance. “The whole point of this is to get the children to dig in a little deeper than what they are getting in school, and actually be able to apply what they are already learning in school to something that is tangible,” explains Ramone. “I’m a firm believer in that. We don’t exclude children because of their grades. A child’s poor performance could be because they haven’t found something that interests them. This could be it for them,” says Ramone. The 2021 fundraising goal for the upcoming September class is $5,000 which would cover the five-week course and flights for ten students. If you would like to donate to The 99th Squadron, please visit their website. h

Ramone Hemphill The99th.org

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By Fanta Dorley - Photos by Michael Duncan “The community was always supporting me, but I know it was God that was guiding me.” From the family kitchen to kitchens around the world, Chef Brandon Emmitt has earned his place as one of the nation’s premier Chefs. If you ask him, he’d say, “I’m just doing what I love to do.” With an armor of modesty and humility, along with a spirit of curiosity and skill, Chef Brandon shows us how carving a path can be all that it’s cooked up to be. Brandon Emmitt was born and raised in the Dallas/Frisco area of Texas. Being the younger brother of five children, he was the recipient of many life lessons and benefits. “My dad kept us in church and busy with school so there wasn’t much room for anything else,” he says. “As a rising high school football star, many of the community supported my journey, and even encouraged me to pursue a professional career in the NFL.” At the time, that did not seem too far-fetched to achieve being that Brandon had begun receiving awards. He was also looking forward to landing a full athletic scholarship at a local university. As the young NFL grew into adulthood, he began to develop strong morals and values, which placed him in a dilemma with his environment. He recalls, “As I grew older, I realized that I couldn’t be in the NFL, because It directly went against my spiritual values of working on Sunday.” Brandon believes Sunday’s are sacred and should be used to spend time with God and family. So, he had to find something else to do.

Just about that time, tragedy struck his childhood. His parents decided to get a divorce which hit him hard emotionally. He remembers thinking to himself, ‘What am I going to do? So much is going on and I just don’t know what to do.’ During this time, his mother became sick. With most of his family scattered around the country, Brandon found himself having to make some tough, life decisions. However, he did what he knew best – he got down on his needs and began to pray. Through his increased prayer life, he was able to reflect on things that molded and shaped his values in order to give him direction. So instead of going to college as planned, life’s challenges took him on a path of self-reflection and new direction. First, he reflected on his father. He shares, “I watched my father work 12-hour days and still came home and cooked for us. And when he cooked, he threw down.” Originally from Louisiana, you can just imagine the various dishes that grazed the table. Hot water cornbread, black eyed peas, and fried chicken. He next reflected on head culinary chef instructor and school mentor, Robert Bifulco. When Brandon’s parents divorced in 2002, he decided to stick around and help his mom out instead of going away to school. While working odd jobs, Brandon was encouraged to take advantage of a program offered at a local community college that provided him with an Associate of Applied Science Culinary Arts Degree. “That’s when I came across Mr. Bifulco. He stayed on me and kept me grounded,” he says. Brandon realized that he not only needed skill development, but also personal development. That’s what Robert Bifulco provided. After finishing at the top of his class in the culinary program, Brandon worked at a major hotel kitchen and that was the beginning of his life’s career. “I decided I wanted to travel the world and learn how to make dishes from other cultures.” After starting at a hotel with a friend in California, he sought opportunities posted throughout the hotel. The position allowed him to make bold and risky moves like Continued on the next page

transferring to the hotel’s location in South Beach Florida. After he learned all that he could from the Floridian culture, he traveled to Puerto Rico and worked there for one year. Next on the map, Chef Brandon traveled to San Bernardino, California, but didn’t stay long due to a great opportunity to work in the Dominican Republic. After a short stay there, he moved back to Dallas. In 2014, he reunited with his old childhood friend and got married. In addition to having his son in the same year, he also gave birth to his dream of catering. Unfortunately, in 2016 he had to start all over after going through a divorce. “God got my attention. I began to pray more and ask God for direction.”. He felt like God was punishing him for not being obedient, but soon came to realize the bad experiences were just inspiration and motivation. In the beginning of March 2020, he decided to make a post on social media of a dish he made. He posted a different dish online every day for five months, and his consistency paid off. “I can remember God saying, “You post your food, and I will send them to your page.” Next, he rented community kitchen spaces to prepare meals and Emmitt’s Catering was born. There is no set menu. “When a client calls to tell me what they want to eat, it is a good challenge for me to create that experience for them,” he says. Although based in Southland, Texas, Emmitt’s Catering is open to travel with a staff of six people offering personal chef services as well as meal prepping and online cooking classes. Chef Brandon also finds time to give back to the community by providing meals for frontline workers as well as those experiencing homelessness. He currently has a GoFundMe account called “War Against Hunger” established in November 2020. Cooking for others gives him a level of satisfaction and pleasure that is indescribable. “When I see the happiness my food brings to people, I can’t pick a favorite dish because it’s trumped by the common feeling of providing their favorite experience,” he shares. “With everything I do, I want people to know that their food was made with love. So, I tell them that with every delivery.” Moving forward, Chef Brandon plans to take his “experience” around the globe. He is not sure how God is going to connect all those dots, but he knows it will happen. Currently, he is the number one ranked in a nationwide contest called “Favorite Chef”. This win will catapult his vision into place by awarding him a $50,000 cash prize, as well as a feature in Bon Appetite Magazine. When asked how the ranking makes him feel, he responded, “It is not about titles, but more about the inboxes that I am getting with people honoring me and asking my opinion.” Chef Brandon understands when God gives to you, the more you must give to others. With all of his life experiences, he rose beyond the concrete and proved that all experiences do make you stronger and all gifts will make room for you. You just have to stay focused and stick with it. To learn more about Chef Brandon, please contact him directly, or visit his website. h

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Emmitts Catering www.emmittscatering.com 817-993-9731 Atlanta - March/April 2021

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Leading and Inspiring With Fashion

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Still Shots Photography Hair & Makeup Mikki Nicole by Mikki Liles Stylist freedom clay

The world of fashion is constantly evolving. There is glitz, glamor, and gorgeousness, all of which assume new definitions, every day. For Terra Cornelius, change is another in-demand and exquisite ‘new arrival’ piece; she is ready for it and always up for the challenge. She is a woman full of pizazz and has an effervescent personality that’s reflected in her personal style. Accompanied with her sincere aim to please her clientele, the result has impacted her fashion business, Terra’s Online Boutique, with loyal patronage. She consistently leads with her personal mantra, “What Matters to You, Matters to Us.” Terra quenches her thirst for fashion by offering an extraordinarily colorful experience through her online clothing boutique, where she showcases multiple, curated collections. In the aesthetically pleasing platform, one will find an array of multi-seasonal garments which can be worn on several different occasions. To complete the ensemble, elegant and chic accessories are available — from rhinestone earrings to cow-print fedoras, one might discover their true style through Terra’s eclectic selections. “One of my personal beliefs about clothing is they should align with your personality and aspirations,” she boldly remarks.

Photo by Ward Legacy Studios

April 2018 marked the much-anticipated birth of Terra’s Online Boutique. Opening her own store, she says, is something she has always desired to do. Everyone knew Terra was meant for it; the only thing she needed was a slight push which she had received the previous year. She shared, “I will never forget. I was serving as an adjutant for my cousin, Pastor Bridgett Battles one night. She started pushing me around the church and then suddenly, she stopped, turned me around, and looked me square in the eyes and said, ‘You help push everyone else with their dreams and visions. Tonight, God

Continued on the next page

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Photo by Gregory Jones

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told me to push you!’ That prophecy hit me like a ton of bricks and it never left. I was in the office one day thinking about that conversation and decided to start my boutique. I began messaging website designers while at lunch to see who would respond, to no avail, but I kept pushing. I called my goddaughter, Ariel Thomas, and asked if she could create a website for me. She said yes; So, I gave her my credit card and told her to get started. I added that I needed it to go live by midnight and she went right to work on it. When I got home, we worked on it together and had it published at the exact time I wanted it to be. We created the collections with only one item in them, but it was finally live! After that, I went into my closet and pulled out all of my boutique items. These were the brands I contacted and started shopping with.” Terra genuinely finds joy in being a boutique owner. She expressed, “I love seeing and hearing about my clients lighting up when they try on something from the boutique, affirming their inherent beauty and worth. My boutique has been a source of inspiration, affirmation, and motivation for countless women. It’s not just about selling a product; it’ my ministry. I realized that the most seemingly well put together women didn’t actually feel good about themselves. I wanted Terra’s Boutique to serve as a vehicle of inspiration and recognition of personal power; mainly because I hadn’t always felt good about myself. I knew this wouldn’t just be an on-line boutique, it would be a platform to elevate and affirm women.’

Born and raised in High Point, N.C., she is the youngest of four siblings. Contrary to the stylish woman that we see right now, image wasn’t important to young Terra. She stated, “I wasn’t a tomboy, but I wasn’t overly concerned with what I wore. My clothing didn’t need to be pressed. My Mom picked out all my outfits and even took care of the ironing until I was in the ninth grade. She wanted to make sure my clothes matched and looked neat.” Things began to change as Terra navigated her way through high school at High Point Central. “I became more interested in dressing well and looking nice. I’d never been into luxury brands, but I knew that I liked quality,” Terra recalls. Growing up, her family did not have a lot of money—however, her mother, Frankie Pike was a gifted seamstress. She made a lot of Terra’s clothing which contributed to her developing style. Terra shared, “Once I was set to go on a field trip. That morning, mom got up early and made me an outfit.” Terra’s Mother worked for a company that made denim wears, particularly trousers. Whenever they had employee sales, she would be able to get some Calvin Klein, Texas, and Gloria Vanderbilt jeans for her daughters. Other times, she would just opt for cheaper jeans. To make them look expensive, she would bring home labels from work and put them on the jeans. Continued on the next page

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Atlanta - March/April 2021

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Atlanta - March/April 2021

Terra’s journey to success has been a bumpy ride. She’s had her share of personal challenges from divorce to not being able to have children of her own. She’s relied heavily on her faith to get her through life’s ups and downs. “I have allowed my faith in God to inspire me, and I clearly understand that I’m only in competition with myself. A friend, Angela Briggs told me once, I had to know I was a “winning hand”. That affirmation took me to a whole new place, mentally. I knew then who I was, and whose I was, and knew I could not lose or fail,” she shares. In candidness, Terra reveals, “I love God, family, friends, and fashion, a good laugh, success, and money. I’m an unapologetic money lover. It’s not everything, but we all need it to survive.” Although earning is a remarkable motivator, Terra discusses that what makes her work harder is her love for the clients. Moreover, her primary focus remains to be her ‘why’—her reasons for sharing her passion for fashion to the world. “I want this to be my retirement plan, so it needs to be successful.”

Photo by Tarsha Burroughs

When it’s all said and done, Terra shares, “Don’t be afraid to be yourself. This is your superpower. There will be many folks doing the same thing or something similar; however, your personality will set you apart. You must be willing to be accountable for your mistakes and treat people well. Often, people will remember their experience with you and not the product or service. Therefore, you must always be kind.” Terra is a proud graduate of North Carolina A&T State University and has been employed for more than 25 years in the field of Human Resources. In addition to being a boutique owner, she also owns T&T Tax and Notary. She’s also an illustrious member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. The future looks very bright for Terra and her boutique. She plans to add more styles and variety to her collection which will provide her clients with a more enriching experience. To learn more about Terra, please visit her website. h

Continued on the next page

Photo by India Reaves

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I love God, family, friends, and fashion, a good laugh, success, and money. I ’m an unapologetic money lover. It’s not everything, but we all need it to survive.

www.terrasboutiquestore.com 34

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By Trea’Sure Prince Photos by Keisha Heggie Jay Maxwell, also known as Meantime Max, was born in Newark, New Jersey to a creative household. He later moved to Greensboro, N.C., and attended James B. Dudley High School. After graduation, Maxwell went on to attend Winston Salem Barber College and obtained his professional barber’s license. He eventually became a successful barber in the triad area. Maxwell was the youngest of three and has two older brothers. He was raised by a single mother and stated that his mother did her absolute best to make sure that she would raise strong black men, even if she had to do it alone. “My creativity was inspired by “school-teacher mother,” he shares. “She has always been artistic, and her gift eventually rubbed off on me.” To keep him busy, Maxwell’s mother allowed him to assist with creating bulletin boards which ignited his passion for a larger scale of art.

“I did not want my artistry to be put into a box. I enjoy how random they can be, as well as the freedom of expression my artwork provides.” Other than seeing his mother taking art courses in college when he was younger, Maxwell hasn’t had any former training but has always been passionate about street art and graffiti. Unfortunately, his interest led to some trouble and mischief. As a teenager, he was charged for painting the wall of a local grocer, Winn-Dixie. After that, he decided to put a stop to it. After his break from street art and graffiti, he evolved to draw and create mixtape covers for other artist and musicians. He also created flyers for a rap group of which he was a member of at the time. Life would happen and he stopped painting graffiti and street art. Then something horrific happened in our country that would inspire artists from all walks of life to become involved. Continued on the next page

After hearing the news of George Floyd’s murder, a black man who was killed at the hands of a white police officer in Minneapolis, MN, the country responded with swift anger and emotions. Many businesses, including those in Maxwell’s home of Greensboro boarded up their business out of fear of being damaged by vandalism. Turns out, that many of these infractions weren’t being committed by the protesters who marched in peace in response to the killing of Floyd. But instead, were being carried out by criminals. The city started allowing local people to paint on the plywood boards. While taking his daughter to go painting, Maxwell noticed there just were not enough black artists out there participating. So, he got busy and soon many of his works dawned the building of downtown Greensboro. Later the city of Greensboro established a Street Mural Program. It was a huge accomplishment for him to be invited to participate in the “One Love” project in downtown Greensboro. Artists painted “One Love” on Davie Street. Here, he met a lot of the big-time artists who were in town to contribute to this unified cause. Maxwell has a variety of artwork that he does. His artwork ranges from graffiti and wall murals to canvases and poetry. Mainly his creative energies lead him to create large street art. He described his creativity as “a free bird flying.” “This comparison may be cliché but, it is accurate.” It is also important to Maxwell to produce pieces that are purposeful. “I did not want my artistry to be put into a box. I enjoy how random they can be, as well as the freedom of expression my artwork provides,” he says. In his pieces, he also wanted to stop making black men look like victims. Maxwell stated, “I wanted to give black men their power back.” One of his most memorable experiences or works came about a year ago when he lost a good friend of his. Maxwell decided that he wanted to make him into what seemed to be a “black superman” like figure. This piece was very emotional for him, so emotional in fact that he had to stop and take breaks to help keep himself maintained. He also wanted to make sure that he got this particular piece done exactly right. It was done such as it should be, and the finished work has been applauded by onlookers and friends of his deceased friend.

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So, what lies in the future for Mr. Jay, “Meantime Max” Maxwell? He plans to use the art to catapult other projects that he has been working on, and he would like to continue selling more canvases. As of right now, Jay Maxwell is continuing to pursue his passion for art. He is also a local barber who owns a barber shop and has been working on producing music. “Meantime Max” is simply a jack of all trades. If you would like to support artist Jay Maxwell, he uses Shopify, but he accepts direct messages on Instagram where he goes by the handle “MeantimeMax” for serious inquiries. h

Follow Jay Maxwell on Instagram @meantimemax Atlanta - March/April 2021

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Building Tiers To Success By Laci Ollison Photos by Seawards Dawson Many people grow up with dreams of becoming successful. Some wish to be a successful doctor, some hope to be a successful lawyer, and others aspire to build their own business, create an opportunity for themselves, and become a successful entrepreneur. For the few that are lucky enough to build their own business, the road can be long, hard, and tough. Most, unfortunately, quit under pressure. But there are some entrepreneurs, like Latoya Skinner, who have thrived in multiple industries, dominating, and establishing multiple businesses while creating jobs and opportunities for their communities. Born and raised in Belzoni, MS, Latoya Skinner is the definition of a serial entrepreneur. Now residing in Powder Springs, GA, this mother of three, Keydarius, Jamarius Jr., and Jakilah is a mover and shaker, and business mogul. She credits her parents, Brian and Caruthia for instilling in her the courage to push through many adversities. Additionally, Latoya prides herself at being someone who other individuals can look up to for inspiration. Her life she hopes represents what can be possible when you visualize, manifest, and strategize. Latoya may be focused on making moves; however, she hasn’t lost her southern charm or residence. Owning almost ten different businesses, Latoya has built an empire for herself and hopes to inspire others to go after their dreams as well. “Growing up, I always stated that I wanted to own my own businesses,” said Latoya. “When I was nine years old, I wrote a book and one of the topics talked about my dream of becoming an entreprenuer when I grow up.” She also admits, however, that she wanted to build her businesses for financial stability. Growing up in a poverty-stricken environment and watching her family struggle financially is what motivated her to start her businesses. That motivation led to something else, and before she knew it, Latoya was well on her way and leaving no doubt in the minds of those around her.

So, what has she accomplished? Today, Latoya is the owner of Tax Genie LLC. Her firm has three different locations. She also owns Platinum Freight LLC, which operates four over the road trucks and has provided stable employment opportunities to qualified candidates. Additionally, there is Shifting Gears which operates two trucks. She also owns 1st Choice Auto Brokers of Georgia, a used car auto brokerage, Prime Time Investments, which is an all ethnic based real estate invest firm with over fourteen properties in its portfolio, Sheltered Arms Inc. (a group home facility under development), and A Luxury Limo Ride LLC which provides luxury vehicle rentals for parties and events. Although many entrepreneurs who have multiple businesses are tasked with hiring individuals to help them manage and operate their businesses, Latoya prides herself in being very hands on with all her entities. “Other than Tax Genie, I solely run the other business by myself. With Tax Genie, I have entrusted operations to others who I am confident in their abilities to manage it. Sheltered Arms will have multiple people running it once it is fully operational,” she says. One of the primary reasons she relies on assistance with her tax firm is the influx of business during the tax season, which is usually at full speed from December to April. Her investment firm is located in Belzoni, so there’s typically a lot of back and forth traveling involved with building, remodeling, and getting properties ready to go, all year round. Fortunately, Latoya can work from anywhere with this segment of her empire. “A lot of it is internet based, so that provides me with the flexibility of being offsite and still being able to meet the needs of my clients,” she says.

“Seeing my clients win and grow, and be proud of their accomplishments is the best reward this journey has offered thus far.” 42

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One might ask where she gets the drive to do so much. Latoya says it all begins with family. Her family is her biggest motivation and inspiration, and the reason why she desires to be successful. She also has a fear of not being as financially stable as she has always dreamed about. “It is imperative that I leave a legacy for my children, and that is enough to keep me motivated,” she said. What Latoya loves most about being an entrepreneur she says is being able to impact the lives of others. “I do a lot of building and helping other people get set up in the right way. Seeing my clients win and grow, and be proud of their accomplishments is the best reward this journey has offered thus far,” she says. Additionally, Latoya shares that her two biggest inspirations are Oprah Winfrey and a home healthcare mogul from her hometown of Belzoni, Clara Reed. “Mrs. Reed has had a significant impact on my journey as an entrepreneur,” Latoya says. Like most sound businesspeople, Latoya has a fiveyear plan in place. During this period, she is focused on expansion that will involve all her businesses. She also hopes to continue her entrepreneurial journey and remain an asset-based business. Latoya has some advice for aspiring entrepreneurs that she feels is extremely important to know before starting a business. “I am big on legalization. Get all of the necessary things set in place for your company to be a brand,” she says. “Although the process can be daunting, I am confident if individuals set up their businesses the right way, it will be worthwhile and spare them a lot of unnecessary stress down the road. These are tips that I emphasize to up and coming entrepreneurs, which helped me to become more organized and successful as a business owner.”

Latoya Skinner

Tax Genie Usa www.taxgenieusa.com 1-888-TAX-9770

She also adds that aspiring entrepreneurs should have good marketing strategies in place, including reserving domains and reserving social media handles, logos, and getting necessary paperwork and operating agreements in place to ensure their business can be protected. She states it is also wise to consult with a business lawyer or business advisor to assist with filing the correct paperwork to establish your business. “Entrepreneurs should invest in gaining knowledge they may not already have. There are free resources available on the internet and in local libraries. Yet, if you are still needing further assistance, it may be wise to hire a consultant or marketing firm to assist with their business, and to help with reaching the goals they have set,” Latoya says. While the future appears to be very bright for Latoya, she doesn’t appear to be taking any time off. Remember, her children are depending on her. Their legacy is depending on her. To learn more about Latoya and any of her brands, contact her directly. h

Latoya’s book, Tiers to Success will be released December 2021 44

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His Legacy Lives On

By Gamal Williams Photo by CDB Scholarship Foundation Inc

How does one turn tragedy into legacy? When the Butler family experienced the tragic murder of her father, the question wasn’t first and foremost in Khadijah Butler’s mind. Craig Butler’s life was an inspiration to Khadijah. Her face lights up when speaking about him. “My father was a family man; he was the life of the party. He was big on having a moral compass, and how my sister and I were to be perceived in the world. He was also a very giving man. He was murdered when I was 19, shot in the groin by a 14-year-old boy over a dispute. Yet, in that short amount of time in my life, he dropped so many jewels on me,” she shares. The trial of her father’s murderer took a toll on Khadijah. “My first year at Temple University was tough. The trial was over the summer; it was on television and in the newspapers,” she says. She remembered her father’s lessons on education and fearlessness and stayed the course. After graduating summa cum laude with her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (the study of the mechanics of body movements), the native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, saw herself working for her hometown team. “I initially wanted to be an athletic trainer for the Eagles! I thought it would be such a cool thing not only as a woman, but as an African-American woman,” she says. When Khadijah went to ply her craft, the hurdles necessary to break into the NFL as an athletic trainer left her a bit discouraged. “I had to decide and learn how do I pivot. Initially, I though about nursing, but then an old friend said ‘Why don’t you get into clinical research? You have such a big heart and already give back so much. That is an industry you don’t see us in,’” Khadijah says. The idea intrigued her. “I thought ‘Okay. I could still use my degree. I could still focus on science. I could be a part of a new medical treatment or medication that could help people, especially with what’s going on today with COVID-19. Plus, I saw that there wasn’t really a lot of African-American women in that field.” Undeterred and renewed, she decided to recommit herself to school and obtained her Master of Science in Management from Rosemont College. “I get my work ethic from my father, my fearlessness from him,” she shares. Khadijah accepted a position as a Project Data Manager for Clinical Research Organization, an opportunity that became extremely fulfilling for her. Yet, despite all of her success, Khadijah felt she could be doing more. It was then

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she remembered the life of someone that molded her into the strong, black woman she is today, her father. Khadijah wanted to honor her father’s memory while helping the youth of Philadelphia. “We all know the gun violence that occurs in Philly, the educational gaps that exist in America, and when I think of the 14-year-old boy, who is now a man and still in prison, I wondered how could I tie all of that together to honor him? I wanted to redirect our youth on education and not gun violence,” she says. In January 2020, Khadijah started the Craig D. Butler Scholarship Foundation with the goal of providing scholarships to deserving students. According to the Craig D. Butler Scholarship Foundation website, the CDB aims to aid young adults from under-served populations to pursue higher education. Each year, the CDB Scholarship Foundation will seek future high school graduates to offer financial support as they pursue their dreams in the aftermath of gun violence. The CDB Scholarship is an annual, merit-based competition, that focuses on instilling philanthropic values in ambitious, driven, goal-oriented individuals. “I didn’t want to make the scholarship centered around what happened to my dad,” Khadijah explains, “but so many people became connected to my story. I decided if I was going to start a business, I wanted to do something to memorialize him. I toyed with the idea for years, then finally decided to just do it. I said, ‘This is the time!’ I wanted to do something to give back and build our family legacy,” she says. Khadijah smiles now when she talks about her father, because it always leads to discussions of the CDB and how his legacy lives on. “It’s been twenty years since his death, and I miss him, but I am giving back to Philly and getting his name out there in a positive light through the scholarship,” she says. Hard work. Sound morals. Giving back. Principles that define who Craig D. Butler was as a man, husband, and father, and now his legacy lives on thanks to his daughter for future generations to emulate. To learn more about the Craig D. Butler Foundation, visit www. craigdbutlerscholarship.com or you can email Khadijah at info@ craigdbutlerscholarship.com. h

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