Your assignment is not the assignment of everyone else. Once I learned what those nine words truly meant, my focus on life changed. Of course, I have been told that God gives His toughest battles to His strongest warriors, but that memo didn’t include details of when the battles would end. Instead of sticking my chest out during my victories and hanging my head during the moments of defeat, I’ve decided to learn from each circumstance, and by doing so, I am prepared for the next battle with each new day.
A Letter from the Editor
What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired today? What would you do?
The best advice I have ever given myself is to be satisfied in my attempts to be better. When I first launched Huami Magazine, I was presented with a situation that adversely impacted the quality of my relatively new publication. I was frustrated, but I also knew what had occurred and why it happened. The idea of quitting never came into my mind, even while I sat motionless, staring at the balled-up copy in reference. I didn’t know then, but God was preparing me for something greater.
In November of this year, we will begin our seventeenthanniversary celebration of the birth of Huami Magazine. When I think about all of the layouts, the photo shoots, the interviews, and the distributions that have taken place, all I can say is God has been faithful and continues to keep His promise.
I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in return acquire life.
Had I given up in the beginning, the stories and testimonies of countless individuals may have never been published. Had I given in to the pressure of operating in the unknown, my mother would have never been able to mail magazines to her friends. Had I not decided to pour everything I have in me into producing something my community would celebrate, the hope that others have in God doing a great work for them may not exist.
The best advice ever given to me happened when someone told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only hope provided. I have also learned the difference between what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and when to be quiet, because someone may get it confused with being arrogant.
All of my assignments have come with a lot of responsibility. What is more interesting is that the same set of instructions has accompanied them all: to seek God first and operate according to His plans. My assignment is not everyone else’s, and I know everything I desire is connected to how it aligns with God’s plan. Learn your assignment and align it with God. He will handle the rest for you.
Terry L. Watson
Make you tomorrow happen today, but most importantly make it count. Life is but a whisper and we must put ourselves in a position to hear what it is telling us.
Information and Photos
Provided by Terrius Mykel
He is the visionary bridging dreams and reality.
Atlanta, GA, based producer Terrius Mykel has consumed the last decade involving himself with everything associated with production. Music, television, visuals, podcasts, movies; if it relates to creativity, Terrius Mykel has fed on it.
Terrius Mykel shares that he has always been captivated by creation and innovation. “I’ve always possessed a keen interest in music and entertainment. As fate would have it for me, I discovered the perfect amalgamation of my talents in brand development and entertainment production. What I have enjoyed more than anything is innovation. It’s about being an inventor and a visionary, and this approach has guided me through my journey in the entertainment industry,” he says.
Although Terrius Mykel has been part of over 1,500 video productions and worked with thousands of artists, some of his most significant impacts stem from his involvement with independent TV networks. He says it isn’t just about making videos; it’s about creating opportunities for new creators and jobs. He also believes that his network, Orgen TV, will serve as the cradle for an entire generation of creative individuals.
Orgen TV was launched in 2022, and the network app went live on platforms such as ROKU, Amazon Fire Stick, and others in 2023. On the Orgen TV platform, viewers can enjoy infinite entertainment from any location at any time. Terrius Mykel is also the brains behind Real Big Vision, an independent production and film distribution company that focuses on film and television production and provides film distribution services.
www.realbigvision.com
www.mykelfirm.com
In a fast-paced industry filled with diverse personalities, Terrius Mykel has had to learn quickly. He’s navigated the intricacies of the business and adapted to the challenges, always staying ahead of the curve. He has also stretched his capabilities in developing a platform that houses a collection of businesses, ranging from entertainment to lifestyle enhancement.
The independent television network isn’t Terrius Mykel’s first foray into the respective industry. He started a similar project about five years ago without a clear direction. Inspired by Dame Dash, an entrepreneur and record executive best known as cofounder of Roc-A-Fella, Terrius Mykel shifted gears, reimagining the network with a more defined and purposeful vision.
With his marketing agency, Global Push Agency, he specializes in offering brands a curated experience. The agency prides itself on forming long-term relationships with clients, going beyond one-off services to work with some of the industry’s most significant brands and entertainment moguls.
Terrius Mykel says his primary goal is to turn dreams into a reality for others. It is obvious that he has a gift. “I can look at a project or a concept and visualize how to make it come alive. This innate ability to turn dreams into reality is not just a philosophy for me; it’s an evolving skill set that I continually refine,” he shares. In his early years, he played a pivotal role in shaping Rubi Rose’s music brand, transforming her from a model into a music sensation. He also mentored Druski, helping him discover the reality of the entertainment industry and directing his first music video.
He is also a talent curator. He looks for commitment and longevity in artists and brands when considering collaborations. He also questions whether they can create timeless content, ensuring their work can stand the test of time. That is the direction in which the industry is pointed.
With high hopes for his TV network and production company, Terrius Mykel is in full-throttle mode. He’s committed to making his network “bigger than big” and elevating his production company to unprecedented heights. “In the long term, I aim to make a lasting impact by creating thousands of jobs and producing countless pieces of content. I desire to bridge the gap between dreams and Hollywood, making success in the entertainment industry feel more attainable in less time,” he says.
To learn more about the various companies offered by Terrius Mykel, please visit one of his websites.
So many words and adjectives can describe Nycole Johnson. Imaginative, inventive, and servant are appropriate, yet there is more to her story. First and most importantly, she is a lover of God and professes that she wouldn’t be where she is today without God.
The East Chicago, IN, native and current Indianapolis is the youngest of three sisters of her mother’s children and the youngest of seven children of her father’s. Her adult son, Xavyon, is her only child, and the village she relies on for support consists of many family and friends.
At the age of 18, Nycole moved to Indianapolis to attend IUPUI. She initially pursued a degree in communication but was intrigued by the world of Technology and what it had to offer. She would eventually pivot and change her major and become the first African American female to obtain an Associate’s Degree in New Media. Next, she got her Bachelor’s degree in General Studies and would later work for the Indianapolis Urban League as their IT Coordinator. While there, she started an initiative to encourage young minority females to pursue careers in various areas of Technology and entrepreneurship and led high schoolers in programming to assist with closing the digital divide within their communities. To date, she has provided instruction and mentorship to over 300 youth and countless others.
Everything Nycole had accomplished up to then was already impressive. Still, there was more for her to do.
Nycole returned to school and obtained her Masters in Business and Administration, focusing on Leadership Development from Indiana Wesleyan University. She has worked in IT for over 25 years for the profit and nonprofit sectors.
Today, Nycole owns Rose of Sharon All Naturals LLC (ROS), a health and wellness e-commerce store. Rose of Sharon All Naturals is named after her late mother, who pushed Nycole to help make the world a better place. “I learned early on as a child that making a difference in my community was imperative. My mother taught me what it truly meant to give back and stand up for what was right,” she says.
Her company offers a variety of sea moss and functional mushroom-based products, some being consumable and others intended to be applied to the skin. “My products are designed for individuals seeking alternative methods to experience healthier lifestyles. They are intended for those who seek natural, life-changing results minus the artificial preservatives and colors. They are primarily vegan-based, but the face mask uses raw honey,” Nycole explains.
With Rose of Sharon All Naturals, there is something for everyone. “We have six Sea Moss flavored gels that are a true delight for your taste buds. The flavors are pineapple, strawberry, peach, green apple, not your ordinary lime, and original. Not only are they delicious, but they are packed with the incredible nutritional benefits of sea moss. Sea moss is known to boost immunity, improve digestion, promote healthy skin and nails, and much more,” she says.
Nycole also has four sea moss splash drinks. Made with coconut water and infused with the delightful flavors of strawberry lemon, peach mango, watermelon, and pineapple, these drinks are the perfect way to quench someone’s thirst. Not only do they taste amazing, but they are also rich in essential vitamins and minerals to keep her clients energized throughout the day.
For those looking for a quick and invigorating health shot, Nycole offers pineapple ginger sea moss shots to boost their wellness journey. “These shots are loaded with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and immune-boosting benefits and combine the power of sea moss, fresh cold-pressed ginger, pineapple, lemon, aloe, and coconut water. Say goodbye to fatigue and hello to a revitalized body,” Nycole says.
The Chaga Tea is a delightful blend that tastes like sweet peach tea and comes in a plain variant, and the Lion’s Mane Lavender Tea with a hint of lavender. This unique blend combines the brain-boosting benefits of lions’ mane mushrooms with lavender’s anti-inflammatory yet calming properties.
With her skincare line, Nycoles offers a sea moss face mask, of which she describes as a powerhouse combination of sea moss, aloe, and raw honey, specifically designed to tackle acne, dry skin, and problem skin. This face mask is a natural and effective solution to achieve clearer and healthier-looking skin.
There is the Sea Moss Body Butter, available in four delightful scents: Baby Powder, Lavender, Mango, and Plain. There is also the ROS’s Pain Kicker cream. This unique formula combines sea moss with essential oils, which aims to relieve minor inflammation and pain.
I learned early on as a child that making a difference in my community was imperative. My mother taught me what it truly meant to give back and stand up for what was right.”
Nycole says the vision for her company came from her stumbling on the ideal while trying to find alternative ways to cope with some issues she was dealing with. These were pre-covid conditions, heavy weight gain, loss of hair, and much physical pain resulting from a car accident in 2013. “I tried many western world medical remedies that did nothing but made me feel worse. Someone recommended sea moss, and I initially hesitated to try it. I eventually accepted the challenge but under one condition: I would have to tolerate the taste easily. I figured out a way to gain the wonderful benefits of sea moss and made sure it was naturally flavored.,” she said. The word quickly spread among Nycole’s family and friends about the transformation of her weight loss and improved health, and requests began to pour in for her sea moss. This is how Rose of Sharon All Naturals was born.
Nycole says what she loves most about her company is seeing the surprising look once someone tries her sea moss for the first time. She also appreciates the feedback and testimonials from her clients.
The journey of an entrepreneur can be very challenging. However, Nycole is a “Solopreneur,” which makes her business experience even more daunting. She shares, ‘I realize I can’t be everything to everybody at all times. I am not an expert in every aspect of what my business needs. Though I do most of it myself, I still have to contract certain aspects of the business needs, such as social media and marketing tasks, finance, and accounting. I also have a few mentors who offer sound advice and valuable resources.”
Funding has also posed a challenge for Nycole with her business. She has relied on her personal funds to build her brand without seeking assistance from any other source. Fortunately, she applied for grants and was awarded one earlier this year. “That funding has been a tremendous blessing and supported my business as sales continue to increase.”
As her future happens for Nycole, she is positioning her brand to be very successful on all stages. She shares, “ROS is steadily gaining momentum and is on track to be a go-to company for wellness needs. We are working hard to improve our brand and product offerings. Currently, we are working on rebranding, styling, launching a new name to trademark, and enhancing products. ROS will be known for its healthy and great-tasting natural sea moss and for being a wellness brand.:
Please visit their website to learn more about Rose of Sharon All Naturals.
The son of Shannon Hairston
“Be a pebble to someone else’s path. We must find a way to bridge the gaps within our communal restraints.”
That is a quote taken from Dannell Marshall, the founder and Executive Director of Men of Faith Inc., based in Louisville, KY. Dannell Marshall Sr. attended and Graduated from Shelby County High School. He studied in the Kentucky Union Pipe Fitter Apprenticeship and attended Rowe Bible Institute and the University of Louisville.
Men of Faith Inc., is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with three core principles: Preserve, Empower, and Restore. Along with his vice president, Tim McFarland Sr., this organization has positively impacted countless men’s lives in the Louisville, KY, community.
“We strive to preserve the community we live in, empower every citizen, and restore faith in all,” he says. “Although people associate the word faith with religion, the definition of faith also includes hope. In efforts to achieve our mission, we offer mentoring, do various outreach throughout the whole community, and assist the elderly and the unfortunate. Many call the people we call unfortunate, such as the homeless or displaced. At Men of Faith, we call them unfortunate and acknowledge that everyone is one or two dire situations from being truly unfortunate.”
Dannell’s organization hosts an event called “The SPARK”, which is also free to the community. SPARK events, he says, are embodied around health, wealth, and awareness. They also host an annual breast cancer banquet called, “Fighting Cancer with Faith Banquet,” in which they honor male and female breast cancer survivors and those recently diagnosed with breast cancer. A segment of this production educates its audience that men can be diagnosed with breast cancer. They have partnered with other 501(c)(3) organizations, including Moments Matter. “By collaborating, we present a spring and fall break camp for girls and boys that includes guest speakers, S.T.E.A.M projects, and a variety of extracurricular activities. Our ultimate goal is to assist and share resources when resources are not readily available or even aware for the youth, women, and men.”
Dannell says the idea of his organization was conceived in 2015, but did not become official until 2016. Originally, he wanted to form a group to work with a particular group of churches, but God guided them in a different but parallel direction. Once the mission was formed and event concepts were shared, the idea of Men of Faith was well received by men in Dannell’s community. He says, “They relished participating in the planned outreaches and giving back to their community. The one thing about me is that I am a person of action. A lot of people will talk and never do anything. Men of Faith prides itself in doing.”
Dannell says he finds joy in constructing a group of men from various backgrounds, ethnicities, and even political or religious preferences who assuredly care about improving their community, not only for their family but the overall good of humankind. “To
build and fill the gaps in our broken society and communities, we must overcome our differences and capitalize on our similarities. When you see men banding together to restore and replenish our communities’ social disparities, it exemplifies hope. I get inspired and rejuvenated when I see the smiles of individuals who felt the weight of the world minutes before. It is equivalent to pulling someone to safety. God blesses us in a way for us to help someone else; we should not hesitate to share that blessing,” Dannell shares.
Men of Faith’s core values are embedded in their desire to serve and help others succeed. Dannell leads by example and hopes to create opportunities while doing so. “I heard as a young man the more you give, the more you’ll receive. Serving others is not about receiving something directly. I enjoy knowing someone’s situation; although they are amid an emotional storm, you can offer an umbrella from the pain, if for just a little while. It is also refreshing to know that some genuine people genuinely care about the welfare of others. It is trendy to see people brag about assisting others on social media, but honestly, that comes from a place that is not sincere. Matthew 6:21 says, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” We are not doing these things in the community for a show or to be seen. It comes from each man’s heart to progress and sharpen others who may feel dull.”
Understandably, Dannell’s organization has faced a few hurdles and challenges throughout the years. One was sustaining the assistance they provided during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the rest of the world shut down, they were able to continue their operations and meet the needs of those they serve. Such challenges and finding ways to persevere through them have proven Dannell’s effectiveness as a leader of his organization. He says, “I firmly believe that our life and the adversities within form the purpose we must find. Years of uncertainty about personal and professional outcomes molded me into the man or puzzle piece I am today. My journey was never perfect or practical, but with each new day, I became even more convinced that it was all worth it.”
Moving forward, Danell says he plans to expand the Men of Faith Inc. organization to a national level. “Extending past our geographic lines, the expansion would demonstrate an even bigger assembly of more men with faith, more assistance, more resources, and a fervent affection towards humanity.”
“We Are All Pieces In The Same Puzzle. When looking at our logo it explains that everyone has a role in forming this world. We are one piece of the whole puzzle. Regardless of our ethnicity, gender, religion, or political affiliation, we are molded to a particular shape that fits somewhere in fulfilling the puzzle of the world. Some pieces are similar but never the same. Go, find the place where your piece, which is you, fits!”
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There is no secret in her sauce; nothing but savoring deliciousness. Chef Angela (Nikki) Knox is known as “The Saucy Chick”. She is also the owner and founder of The Vine Catering.
She is a native of Cleveland, NC, a small town that neighbors Salisbury. At the age of seven, her family moved to Greensboro, NC. There, she attended Peeler Elementary School before graduating from Ben L. Smith High School. After attending Guilford Technical Community College and Guilford College, Nikki thought her career path would be accounting. However, while preparing for her own wedding, she found herself in need of a caterer. She also learned how expensive the cost of catering services was. Little did she know that her interest in food would open the doors to greater opportunities.
As a child, the structure of Nikki’s family consisted of her mother, father, and stepmother. Nikki’s grandmothers’ she says, had a significant influence on her. “As a small child, I would stand in the kitchen and watch my great-grandmother and watch her cook. I would join in when she allowed me to. I would snap the beans, shook the corn, and even clean the chitterlings.” That exposure helped shape Nikki’s mind, and her love for food and serving others was conceived.
Nikki’s interest in culinary grew from the ground level. She shares, “I got my degree in culinary from the school of hard knocks. I received the title of chef from Executive Chef Femi Frazier.” After marriage, Nikki started selling plates from her home. She also took some to her job, and a coworker recognized her gift and asked Nikki if she offered catering services. At that time, she had never catered anything, but her answer was still “yes”. Her coworker offered Nikki the job, and her journey as a caterer began.
That was in 1997, and Nikki only charged five dollars a person. The name of her first catering company was Genesis Catering. She would also open a restaurant in Asheboro, NC, called Angela’s Chicken & Ribs. After closing that business, The Vine Catering came to life in 2003.
In 2020, during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nikki began to find new ways to sustain her business. She launched a YouTube show called Xtra Sugar Cooking In The Kitchen With Nikki. She also wrote a book that complimented the show. She shares the book was not only a cookbook but a story about her entrepreneurial journey. Today, besides her personal chef services, Nikki focuses on Xtra Sugar and Saucy Chick Gourmet Sauces.
Nikki has a heart to serve and is dedicated to giving back to her community. “I love life and God’s people. My desire is to see people come to the knowledge of the love of Christ, not being judged by who they are or what they do, but to know God loves us unconditionally and sent His son, Jesus so that we may have eternal life,” she says. Nikki has partnered with Cone Health and other non-profit organizations to prepare and serve weekly meals to those in need. Nikki is a mentor to inspiring chefs and offers internships to culinary students.
“With my personal chef services, my goal is to create experiences,” she says. Some of the gourmet sauces Nikki produces are “She Makin Me Krazee , Sweet Thang, She Hot, She Bossy, Triple Berry Bourbon”. Nikki says my favorite is Triple Berry Bourbon, which is marinade. My customer’s favorite is Sweet Thang.
Nikki says what she loves most about her company is the ability to go back and train and mentor others. She also appreciates the opportunity to provide her children with a sound and stable example to look up to. “My journey has come with many challenges and obstacles and hasn’t been easy. I have built my brand from scratch. I have lost some things, but I have learned to trust God. Amazingly, I still feel like I am just beginning, and everything I have accomplished has come by faith.”
The life of an entrepreneur can often be a trying and risky experience for some. If allowed to change how things have happened in her business, Nikki says she wished she had acquired more financial education initially. She also advises others who may follow in her footsteps to study their craft and learn from watching others doing something similar.
Moving forward, Nikki plans to continue producing material to air on her YouTube channel. She also hopes to see her line of gourmet sauces on grocery store shelves nationwide. She also plans to be a guest on the Sherri Shepherd Show. One thing is obvious: Nikki can get the job done if anyone is looking for professional catering services. And by the way, her sauces are also great for personal use and make great gifts.
To learn more about Nikki Knox, please visit her website.
As the world moves towards a more trauma-informed society, our eyes are being opened to the hidden wounds we unconsciously carry. Verlancia Tucker is the founder of BOHEMIA Cares, a mental health advocacy nonprofit organization in Pulaski County, Arkansas, that focuses on empowering, rebuilding, reconnecting, and strengthening the entire family. With all of the mental health and wellness gurus that have emerged since the COVID shutdown, it’s hard to know who to trust. What makes BOHEMIA Cares different is that the wisdom and knowledge Verlancia shares come from hard-won personal experience.
“What sets BOHEMIA Cares apart is how the services are presented to the black community,” Verlancia explained. “We know that there is a stigma associated with mental illness in our community. It casts a dark shadow and causes our people not to want to seek help when it’s needed.”
BOHEMIA Cares is a healing ministry that promotes self-love and spreads mental health awareness. Its mission is to inspire individuals to build strong self-esteem, become leaders, and discover untapped talents leading to a prosperous life.
To overcome the barrier of fear and shame that mental illness can impose, Verlancia has chosen to be the face of BOHEMIA Cares. “I share part of my testimony when presenting my programs because I want people to see someone who looks like them who has suffered with mental illness but has come out on the other side,” says Tucker. “The message I want to convey is that you can get your life back and live an abundant life. I am the face of restoration and renewal. God did a work within me, and I am standing as a witness to what is possible.”
As the ninth of ten children, Verlancia’s childhood was typical for a large family living on a family farm. “I’m from Moro, Arkansas, in The Delta,” she said proudly. “Our family farm sat on one hundred acres. We raised livestock and grew vegetables and things like that. My parents also worked in an auto parts factory. They worked hard because it took a lot to care for our family. My parents instilled in us the value of hard work at an early age.”
The struggles we go through as we mature during adolescence are often called growing pains. The importance of knowing the difference between growing pains and trauma is what Verlancia helps her clients understand. “BOHEMIA Cares was born out of pain,” she explained. “It was birthed out of my testimony.”
It’s common for mental illness to go untreated because of misdiagnosis or unidentified trauma. “My symptoms started around age seventeen while I was still in high school. During that time, I didn’t understand what was happening. I just knew that there were some adverse experiences that I had been exposed to,” Verlancia shares. My struggles with mental illness were devastating and at times debilitating.”
Like most of us, Verlancia’s natural coping mechanisms sustained her as she navigated the perils of high school while dealing with undiagnosed conditions. “Not understanding where my anxiety and sadness were coming from, I just pushed through the best way I knew how,” Tucker explained. “I stayed active. I was in the band because I loved music and dancing. I surrounded myself with good friends I have enjoyed calling my “sisters” for over forty-eight years. Looking back, you could say that I unknowingly engaged in self-care by focusing on what made me happy.”
Verlancia finished high school in the top ten percent of her class and went on to college. But even after surrounding herself with positive things, Verlancia could only keep the issues that plagued her at bay for so long. “Like most college students, I made my share of mistakes. My parents were in their 40s when I was born, so by the time I got to college, I was pretty much self-guided,” she explains. “While in college, I became a mother. The stress of being a single parent and a full-time student while trying to work became overwhelming, and I wasn’t giving it my all. So, I left the university and went to barber college,” Verlancia said. “I had always wanted to do it and still love it, but my body was breaking down for reasons I didn’t understand. I couldn’t work in a shop because I couldn’t stand
“I want people to see someone who looks like them who has suffered with mental illness but has come out on the other side.”
Because physical illness can trigger or compound underlying mental illness issues, Verlancia struggled as an adult with anxiety, night terrors, and depression. Verlancia believes she was here to help others despite everything she was dealing with, so she became an educator. “I loved working with my students. I was that teacher that all the kids wanted to come to,” she explained. “I loved teaching, but it became overwhelming because I had not addressed the issues that had plagued me since childhood.”
By age thirty-two, Verlancia knew she needed counseling, but still fearing the shame and stigma of mental illness, she was too embarrassed to reach out for help. While in graduate school, Verlancia experienced domestic abuse. “Trying to keep it together, I kept making bad choices. I ended up in a relationship where I was being stalked. I lived in constant fear. I wasn’t sleeping, and I didn’t know what to do. Finally, someone from my department told me to take some time off. I looked like a zombie.”
Verlancia took the advice and went to her doctor, who diagnosed her with PTSD. “I was put on antidepressants. The combination of the time off and the medicine worked… for a while. I took it until I felt better. Then I stopped. That’s where most people go wrong,” she shares.
After getting her Master’s in secondary education, Verlancia worked in a Title 1 school district located in an underserved community. In schools like those, instances of trauma are higher than most. “I loved teaching. I loved my students, and they loved me. I started mentoring young ladies because as someone who needed that outside ear growing up, I understood what those girls were going through,” Verlancia explained. “Remember, my mom was forty-one when she had me. As a result, a communication gap often left me wishing I had someone who understood me and what I was going through.”
Verlancia excelled at being the additional support some of her students needed. But the weight of their trauma started to take its toll. “I was that teacher all the students came to when they needed to talk. As they came to me with their problems and issues, my untreated trauma was triggered,” she said with tears in her eyes. “I remember a student coming to me one morning before school with a handful of Tylenol 500s and saying, ‘Ms. Tucker, I don’t want to live anymore.’ I started to see myself in them and realized that what I’d dealt with, I was dealing with, wasn’t normal. I found myself trying to save them because I couldn’t save myself.”
Verlancia started an all-girl mentorship program called Serious Young Ladies. “We mentored girls between the ages of twelve and fourteen. Our girls came from lowsocioeconomic communities, so our goal was to expose them to something different. We wanted to see that life was bigger than their circumstances,” she explained. “The girls were taken shopping and to the stylist. They got their makeup done and everything that would make them feel special. We tried to pamper them a little. I guess, in a way, I was living vicariously through them. The program was what I wished I’d had when I was their age.”
www.bohemiacares.org
501-777-8068
At the age of thirty-six, Verlancia married, gave birth to her second son, and was divorced by age thirty-seven. This caused her to plummet to the darkest place she’d ever experienced. “It was during the time of the Sandy Hook school shooting that I reached my breaking point,” she explained. “After my divorce, I was fragile, but I refused to seek treatment because I didn’t want anyone to know I was struggling. My eldest son had become the primary caregiver for my infant son and me. When I got home from work, all I wanted to do was sleep,” she confessed.
“After Sandy Hook, my anxiety went into high gear. Most schools were implementing stricter security measures, but my administrator’s solution did not put me at ease. There was a vulnerability specifically in my classroom that posed an unacceptable risk. Add the unchecked mental illness I suffered, and everything came crashing down.”
A month after the Sandy Hook school shooting, Verlancia decided to get help. It was when she realized her frustration was out of control. “When I almost went off on a student, I couldn’t ignore what was happening to me any longer. That’s when I knew I needed to step away.”
Verlancia took essential steps towards her healing. “I researched a therapist to find the right one for me. The most important thing about seeking help is being realistic about what you need,” she explained. “And even after deciding to seek treatment, I was still too ashamed to tell my students I was leaving because I didn’t want them to know why. I saw a student years later, and he remembered me, then said, ‘You had cancer, right?’”
Verlancia spent five years in therapy. “It was hard, but I did the work. I even saw a psychiatrist who prescribed medication because sometimes mental illness is caused by a chemical imbalance,” she explained. “While in therapy, I rediscovered myself. I learned to love myself because, before therapy, I didn’t.”
After therapy, Verlancia tried to return to teaching but came to understand it wasn’t what God wanted for her. Then she had a dream. “I can’t remember when, but God gave me a vision. I saw myself speaking at my former church. More people were there than I could count, and I was standing in the pulpit,” Verlancia said with a laugh. “My father was a pastor, but I never saw myself that way. I knew that I was different, and I know I was anointed, but I wasn’t sure at the time what the vision meant.”
Choosing to trust God through her healing journey, she felt led to start a summer enrichment program. “It was for me to activate, and God’s timing is always perfect. Things started happening so rapidly that I knew it was nobody but God,” Verlancia says confidently. “I met a friend of a friend who lived in Warren, Arkansas. We were talking, and I shared my vision with her. She told me her pastor was interested in getting involved with programs like that, so she invited me to church. The name of the church is Union Hill Baptist Church in Warren. The first time I visited, I met Pastor Henry D. Cox. After service, we set up a meeting with Pastor Cox, state representative Jeff Wardlaw, and the Honorable Quincey Ross, tenth judicial circuit judge.”
In the meeting, Verlancia discussed her plans for the program and what she needed to get started. “We talked about location, infrastructure, and what financial support we would need. The group was excited and completely on board. They were happy someone would come to Bradley County, an underserved area, to offer enrichment services.”
A prophecy and several blessings later, BOHEMIA Cares started its first program at Union Hill MB Church. “We ran the program for three years from that location, and we still consider it our home base,” Verlancia said proudly.
As BOHEMIA Cares grew, they could create more extensive and effective programs. “In October 2019, we debuted the Self Love Conference. It was the first time I testified about my struggles with mental illness and the shame that kept me bound for years,” Verlancia shared. “I stood before over one hundred and fifty people as a living testimony of what’s possible if you trust God and do the work.”
Although Verlancia has relocated to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, she still regularly returns to Arkansas. “Warren is the program’s base, and I don’t see that changing. We have online programs and services, and I hope to partner with local schools and organizations in Dallas. After years of suffering in silence with mental health issues, I am open to allowing God to continue to use me. I want the world to know that they don’t have to continue to be tormented by mental illness. There is no shame in seeking help. I want them to know that BOHEMIA Cares.”
“I can’t remember when, but God gave me a vision. I saw myself speaking at my former church.”
By Terry L. Watson
Provided by Mykel Media Company LLC
The Purposed Man Mentoring Group (TPM) is currently seeking to partner with individual and corporate sponsors to assist with making our upcoming “KICKIN IT” Sneaker Campaign 2023 a success.
TPM is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit organization based in Greensboro, NC. Executive Director, Terry Watson, says, “Our mission is to meet the needs and concerns of young males while assisting them with becoming positive citizens through positive role modeling and hands-on activities. We also aim to provide them with guidance and assistance to develop great males of purpose.”
Terry also shares, “We strongly believe in the strength of individual and community empowerment through community building, community reinvestment, and peerto-peer networking and connections.”
TPM is excited to host its first sneaker giveaway, designed for ten young males ages 8 to 13. The sneakers will be awarded to those that demonstrate a need. Each participant must submit a completed application to be considered for the awards. Those accepted participants will be awarded a shoe voucher for $150.
TPM is also looking for sponsorships and donations for the Kickin It Sneaker Campaign that will allow us to purchase T-Shirts, food, and supplies for the anticipated awards ceremony scheduled for October 22, 2023. At this event, the participants will be entertained by a guest speaker and receive other empowering information.
Any donations are tax deductible and are greatly appreciated. Donations can be made by visiting their website.
By Terry L. Watson
She is committed to addressing the needs of her community. Whether it be in the form of volunteering or sharing her resources, Malika Williams is there for it.
Born and raised in Detroit, MI, Malika was originally a foster child. “I went to foster care when I was 14. During that time, it was really hard for me to get placement, mainly because families weren’t interested in taking in teens. By the time I was 16, I was pregnant; when I turned 17, I was incarcerated. I vowed to do better, guide others to become productive regardless of their situation, and spread love,” she says. Malika’s experiences fuel her desire to make a difference and show others that opportunities exist beyond what they see.
Malika attended and graduated from Phillip Murray Wright High School. Next, she received an associate degree from McCone Community College in Business Administration. In 2020, she graduated from Ferris State University with a bachelor’s degree in Integrative Studies. Today, Malika is the Executive Director and founder of L.I.V.E. Outreach. The areas of focus for The L.I.V.E. Outreach are education, responsibility and accountability, mentoring, sex education, ACT/SAT preparation, financial literacy, volunteering, resume and cover letter preparation, goal setting, and more.
Malika believes that education is a key component to a successful future. “It is essential that The L.I.V.E Outreach provides each child with the necessary resources to their individual need.” In regard to accountability, she emphasizes that children must understand that failure is not an option and that success is a choice. “Having a positive attitude with a determined mindset is what we practice. No matter your background or situation,” she says.
“I went to foster care when I was 14.
By the time I was 16, I was pregnant; when I turned 17, I was incarcerated.”
L.I.V.E. is very active in the Detroit community. Launched in 2014, they conduct community clean-ups, feed people experiencing homelessness, and mentor the youth, and within the last year, they’ve expanded their program to include males between the ages of 12 and 17. Furthermore, L.I.V.E. is designed for individuals representing a younger version of herself. “Our mission is to contribute and sustain adequate resources and tools for children and their families in our communities. L.I.V.E. utilizes all available resources to ensure we give the proper tools to children that will enable them to become successful, productive adults,” she says.
Originally, Malika started by volunteering at Vista Maria, a facility where she was once housed. “I mentored there and helped in any area I could. That experience was very fulfilling, and soon, I began looking for ways to do more. That is how my program was created,” she says. “We began by helping young teens, young women specifically, who were transitioning from foster care to independent living.”
Some of the partnerships that L.I.V.E. Outreach has been with Wayne State University, which has provided various resources for L.I.V.E., along with volunteers and more. What Malika loves most about what she does is having an impact on those she serves. “It’s not always on the individuals I serve, it’s also on those who are seeking to do something similar to me,” she says.
What is next for Malika and L.I.V.E. Outreach? Her answer is to do her part to restore love and hope in her community. “There is a lot of blight in Detroit. There are a lot of empty buildings. I hope to gain funding and create a hub for our youth. There are only a few recreational centers available. The downtown scene has changed. When visitors come here, they may be blown away. In one part of the city, it looks one way, but if you travel to another part, it looks totally different. I want to secure a solid foundation and help more people,” she says.
If you want to do what Malika does, you must be consistent. Detroit is not an easy city to succeed in Malika says. You have to be patient and tough. “Proper planning prevents poor performance,” Malika says.
For those who like to learn more about L.I.V.E. Outreach, please visit their website.
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www.liveoutreach.org
Tashira Mone’, also known as “Shi”, has enjoyed a colorful and thrilling journey in life. She is an Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor, 200 RYT Hatha/Tantra/Vinyasa, 300 MTT Yoga Nidra Meditation, Sound Healer, a veteran, mom, and wife in Twin Flame Union.
Tashira is also an Air Force Veteran who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. She has served as a nurse with a career that spanned over ten years. She has many experiences in various demographics, including being a licensed Tantra/Hatha/Vinyasa Yoga and meditation Instructor. Tashira’s training in this field happened in Indonesia. Additionally, she is an Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor and alumnus of Kerala Ayurvedic Academy.
After high school, Tashira joined the Air Force immediately, unleashing her inner warrior and bravery. She hadn’t even turned 18, but she set off with hope! “With only an inkling of who I was or wanted to be, I started my independent journey as Military Police personnel, which led to a deployment to Iraq and serving in mission Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon separating from the military and four years of military police work, I sought healing career options,” she explains. “My own healing journey began after separating from the military, divorcing, and embarking on a new journey as a civilian and single mother. So, I studied Nursing and worked in various fields such as psych to rehab and addiction, corrections, and hospice. For the most part, I’ve always possessed a burning passion for acquiring knowledge through self-study and wisdom through my fearless experience and solitude.”
Currently, Tashira owns Bloolotus. Her company offers a unique and individualized holistic approach to health and wellness using Vedic knowledge and practices to support individuals in attaining balance, well-being, and optimal health. Her mantra, “The only way out is in”, and Tashira explains she is committed to assisting others in addressing the root causes of their challenges and ailments. “I structure my personal life and business around this mantra and strongly believe in the power of introspection as the catalyst for radical change. A healthy mind creates a healthy body, and healthy minds create a healthy society!”
Her services are designed to guide human beings seeking wellness and health in awakening the healer within, using the powers of the mind, Vedic practices, and through the understanding of the subtle energies in our food, thoughts, and actions. With this approach in counseling, Tashira takes her clients on a holistic journey as they cleanse and reprogram their mind-body-spirit system, bringing optimal health, balance, purpose, clarity, and inner peace into their life experience. “Rather than seeking to heal others, my role is to awaken individuals to their inherent abilities and powers to heal themselves. This approach enables them to walk their authentic path and overcome any obstacles hindering them, ultimately fostering harmony, good health, clarity, purpose, and fulfilling their desires. I intend to create a space where my clients can fully embrace the healing experience and carry it with them long after their program ends.”
Some of the services offered by Bloolotus are 1:1 Yoga/Meditation Path, provided in monthly packages. In Yoga, Tashira says, it is believed that dis-ease results from disconnection between mind, body, and spirit. The path to Yoga begins by monitoring the mental processes, understanding the mental process, and becoming undisturbed by the fluctuations of the mind so you can remain stable amid challenge and change.
They also offer Yoga Nidra + Deep Healing Sound Therapy, which is an ancient, deep meditation practice that facilitates healing from the subconscious mind outwards. It is an ancestral practice that stems from Indian traditions and philosophies grounded in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Tantrism. “This technique uses the body, breath, and awareness to allow you to drop into a deep state of relaxed awareness. Yoga Nidra facilitates awakened clarity and deep relaxation and, with consistent practice, can help one transcend self-created perceptions and limitations, heal psychological wounds, reduce stress, improve sleep, and connect to one’s inner wisdom, which transcends any lineage or guru,” she says.
Next, Bloolotus offers Ayurvedic Counseling. This service emphasizes the food consumption of her clients, which she says is defined by the food they eat, the air they breathe in, and the quality of breath taken in through senses such as sound, visual food, and taste of food. “Ayurvedic guidance helps one identify where disease and imbalance is present, how it shows up, and what triggers it. Based on an individual’s Dosha (mind-body type) we work together to stop feeding the triggers and start feeding the innate healer through changes and management of lifestyle, surroundings, diet, activities, and mental state. It’s all about selecting the right ingredients and combinations to feed the healer within based on which elements support the individual’s mind-body type,” she says. “Ayurveda keeps the body and mind healthy for a sustainable and successful Yoga practice.
Finally, there’s the Ayurvedic Curated Seasonal Cleanses & Packages, which are offered during the Fall and Spring seasons. Living an Ayurvedic lifestyle, Tashira shares means seeing and understanding the nature of the self and the nature of everything the self takes in and making conscious calculations about what to add and what to remove to maintain harmony, balance, and good health. “It’s about understanding Karma, transcending mental limitation, and living in a way that best suits your mind and body. This changes with the seasons, as designed. Seasonal cleansing allows us to shift with this change and live in rhythm with nature. Ayurvedic seasonal cleansing prevents some of your most common and longstanding physical health issues alone.”
Tashira says the vision to start Bloolotus began many years ago, happening along with her own healing and spiritual journey. “I traveled to Peru for an Ayahuasca ceremony in 2016 and had a soul awakening, mind-blowing experience. I experienced a frightening yet beautiful rebirth, faced some of my innermost shadows head-on, and awakened to my unresolved traumas. The ceremony gave me forgiveness, acceptance, a deeper connection with my intuition, and a deeper understanding of nature and the human psyche. My perception of healing and medicine shifted. Shortly after returning home from Peru, I experienced a traumatic event in my personal life: a home break-in and sexual assault at knifepoint. This left me in mental and emotional turmoil. I turned to yoga philosophy and practice to help cope, and I obtained profound healing and enlightenment. With the anxiety and panic attacks resulting from the break-in, I couldn’t find the space to breathe and heal, so I decided to travel to Bali, Indonesia, to earn my yoga teacher certification through intense training and immersive study. I wanted to learn more about Yoga, which led me to the science of Ayurvedic Medicine. At that discovery, I knew I finally found my place, purpose, and path,” she says.
Tashira’s advice to others who may find themselves in places like she was is to let go of what you think your journey should look like because when you do that, you make space for the possibilities. “Any rigid thinking limits you from the infinite versions of outcomes that you can’t even imagine. Your mind only knows what it knows. So have faith, have fun, surrender, and trust the process,” she says.
To learn more about Bloolotus, please visit their website. www.bloolotus.com h
