Huami Magazine Atlanta Jan./Feb. 2022

AT L A N TA

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Jan./Feb. 2022 Volume 2 Issue 3

In The Key of Dance Studio Atlanta - Jan./Feb. 2022

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Makeisha Melton Owner

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My Expectations and The Truth A Letter From The Editor

I would have up poor worldAbout standards.It! There Areto say Nothat If,I grew Ands, OrbyButs I never felt like it because my mother constantly poured unconditional love into my other siblings and me. Her love wouldn’t meEditor to focus on what I didn’t have or anything A Letter allow from the I could be missing. However, as life happened, I realized that when compared to others, my experiences were more What if tomorrow arrive? All oftoyour plans, hopes complex.

Even still, I haddidn’t the opportunity overcome them. and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that you decidedthings to putIoff until tomorrow One of the most important learned from my never happened?

There would be no reason to save upbringing is that the truth will always override for my a rainy day, and youThe could spare trouble of making expectations. very first someone car that I the owned, I purchased promises.

What if your last opportunity seemingly for myself. It wasn’t a new vehicle, but it was mine. Itexpired had a today?

What would you do? few dents, and the tires didn’t match either. The heat or air conditioning didn’t work, and the exhaust pipe would shake I’ve been that I the often seem like I do too much. like a leaf whentold I started car, probably because it was Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm being held in place by the wiring of a close hanger. With all of believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me its imperfections, my car was a beauty in my sight, and I was that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would very appreciative to own it. 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 Though it seemed like I drove that car for all eternity, it only is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge survived with me.

I didn’t keep gasthat in the tank, to me one is anyear adventure.

What is the worst canfuel happen? andIfIInever changed the oil either.

I drove it fast, and on do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learncold mornings I didn’t to warm up. Rarely didpride I bathe or something newallow aboutitmyself.

Relinquish your andit in even provide it with routine or preventative maintenance, and return acquire life. before I knew it, my first and only method of transportation slowed and shut offgiven in the of the road.

Thedown best advice ever tomiddle me happened when someone told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so See, I expected myway car through to run forever, but athe I have pressed my doors with keytruth that is only I never did anything to ensure that it would.

I expected hope provided. I have also learned the difference between mywhat car toGod go blesses when I needed to what but never considered mywith me with itand life can burden me thoughtless and erratic treatment’s impact onconfident it. I expected as well. I compare it to knowing when to be and to ride forever, but the truth is I never invested my cars’ future. when to bein quiet, because someone may get it confused with being I’m saying that arrogant. we will only get out of life what we put into it. How Make you tomorrow will we ever expect to know God happen today, but most if we never spend time with Him? importantly make it count.

My goal in life is to win. For this Life isI must but a be whisper to happen, willingand to do we must put ourselves in a what is necessary to win and align position to hear what it myself with what is true, whichis is telling us.

God’s expectations.

TerryL.L.Watson Watson Terry 4

Editor/Founder

www.huamimagazine.com Terry L Watson Publisher www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief Writer Ellen Richardson Terry L. Watson Terry L. Watson Writer Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Dorjea’ McClammey Writer Arielle Kilgore Writer Writers

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On The Cover

Photo by Shaw Photography Group

CONTENTS

JAN./FEB. 2022

ATLANTA

The Confidence Coach

Brian K. McNeill

On The Cover

In The Key of Dance Studio Nykisha Banks

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Ladies 1st Sports Agency

Shajuanna Jordan

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Style Me Stephanie

Stephanie Hobbs

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Railyn Kate

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Also Featured

Lakesha Spencer Learn more about her journey of becoming a healthier version of herself. Drink 2 Shrink with Coach Lakesha.

Atlanta, GA

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Timika Thompson Her life has a purpose. Learn how she is using her platform to help others from domestic violence.

Richmond, VA

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Chiquita Jordan They say a smile is worth a thousand words. Learn more about Allure Teeth Whitening.

Greensboro, NC

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Get The Latest Music by Anjelah Evans

In The Key of Dance Studio Photography by Bricen

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By Dorjea McClammey Photos Provided by In The Key Of Dance Studio

New Orleans, LA native Nykisha Banks loves to dance. Dancing has been in her blood since she was three years old. She shares, “As a child, I was one of those kids who cried on stage. That didn’t sit too well with my instructor, and my mother was told not to bring me back to participate until I was ready.” That time didn’t come until she was age eight.

From there, Nykisha found her footing and continued to dance and flourish. She has danced in many productions, all the way to high school. After graduating, she worked with a dance company where she traveled, continued her training, performed, and ultimately became a dance instructor.

Today, Nykisha owns In the Key of Dance Studio based in Conyers, GA. She also has founded a nonprofit organization, In the Key of Dance Performing Arts Inc., and published a book, A Dancer’s Leap Into Accountability. Her book details her 22 plus years as a dancer and dance instructor.

Nykisha teaches ballet, tap, jazz, modern, lyrical, and musical theater dance with her studio. She also offers a thorough stretching and conditioning regime, starting at age three up to eighteen, and it’s available for some adult classes. She also takes every health and safety precaution to ensure a safe, covid-free environment for her students.

Nykisha’s success as a dance instructor and business owner is rooted in her ability to connect. She is very imaginative, loyal, and, most importantly, an effective communicator. Her success in the small things translates to everyone else’s success, while her goal as a business owner is to be prepared for whatever the day may present. Nykisha takes pride in being a very hands-on, proactive leader.

Her loyalty has gained a lot of respect from both her students and parents. “I’m held accountable every day, all day. As a dance instructor and studio owner, I hold the parents accountable, especially when it comes to having their kids ready to perform,” she says.

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Nykisha founded In The Key of Dance Studio in 2011. That was during a period when she was often hired to train girls and boys in various locations. She ran her company as such until the opportunity for a brick-and-mortar location presented itself.

She holds registration twice a year, once in the fall, and another registration session in January immediately after the holiday season. That session is open until March.

She also offers summer dance camps.

Photography by Bricen

Nykisha has always found a way to give back, and it made sense for her to launch her nonprofit. In the Key of Dance Performing Arts Inc. sponsors children in need after a thorough interview process. “I am committed to nurturing my community by providing art enrichment through dance. With the nonprofit, our mission is to provide lifelong tools that will aid in building a disciplined lifestyle from a solid technical foundation. There are many ways to reach our youth; we just happen to do it through dance,” she says. Nykisha also partners with another nonprofit, SelfDiscovery: Pain, Positioning, & Purpose Inc. The mission for connecting with them is to promote mental wellness, and they also gifted Nkisha’s company with BuildA-Bears for each dancer that registers. All proceeds Nykisha receives from her book and donations go directly back into her nonprofit.

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Nykisha’s gift speaks for itself. They have won several awards, including the World Dance Championship for a lyrical piece, and received The World Dance Championship Choreography award for that same production.

When asked what she loves most about her business, Nykisha shares, “I can do the creative work without push back or constraint.” As someone who used to work in corporate America for years, dance was always her place of escape. Now that she is a full-fledged studio owner, she can do the work that she desires.

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Photography by Bricen

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“I love teaching my young students major life values such as working independently or as a team, holding themselves and others accountable, and presenting themselves in front of others without any fear.”

Nykisha also values the impact she has on the lives of those she trains. “I love teaching my young students major life values such as working independently or as a team, holding themselves and others accountable, and presenting themselves in front of others without any fear. For me, it’s bigger than dance,” she says.

Nykisha says her inspiration comes from seeing her dancers grow as individuals. “Seeing them no longer calling their parents feeling upset or wanting to give up because they felt like their teacher was too hard on them shows growth to me,” she shares.

While Nykisha has enjoyed her journey, it has come with a few challenges. The Covid 19 pandemic has been one of them. After having to stop teaching & training as a result of the pandemic, Nykisha held a brick-and-mortar soft opening last June. She outfitted her facility with new mirrors, floors, ballet barres, fresh paint signs, and a sound system.

She says, “It was a faith walk. I opened the doors knowing it was a possibility that no one would show up, but I had to try.” Her faith paid off as In The Key of Dance Studio has enjoyed constant growth, even during the pandemic.

As for what the future holds, Nykisha’s plans are very clear. “ I want to grow and produce bigger and more positive memorable experiences for my community,” she states. One thing is for sure; she will continue to dance her way into the lives of others for many years to come.

To learn more about In The Key of Dance Studios or purchase a copy of Nykisha’s book, A Dancer’s Leap Into Accountability, please visit their h website. Her book is also available for purchase online at Amazon.

Nykisha Banks In The Key Of Dance Studio 1910 Georgia Highway 20 SE Conyers, GA 30012 678-806-5168 www. inthekeyofdance.com

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We Are Athletes, Not Tomboys

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided By Shajaunna Jordan Chicago native Shajaunna Jordan has her hands and mind all over the place. She is the owner of the first-ever female-focused sports agency in the world, Ladies 1st Sports Agency, LLC. Ladies 1st Sports Agency, LLC provides women the opportunity to pursue their lifelong dream of playing professional sports. It also offers an Agent Training Course, which prepares a new generation of women’s sports agents with knowledge, critical thinking, ethics, and integrity in sports management.

Shajaunna is a former student-athlete and attended Simeon Vocational High School in Chicago. There, she played three sports, including Volleyball, Basketball, and Softball. She was also an Academic Scholar. After graduating from Simeon, she attended Northern Arizona University as a scholarship student-athlete. She also attended Marshalltown Community College and Texas A&M Corpus Christi. She brandishes four degrees (A.A.-Communications, B.A.- Sports Marketing, M.S.- Physical Education/Coaching, M.S. Sports Management) with a Certificate of Athletic Administration. Additionally, she has coached and taught at the elementary, high school, and collegiate levels.

Besides the Ladies 1st Sports Agency, Shajaunna has developed other projects such as Men2 Sports Management, The Independent Professional Women’s Basketball League, The Independent Professional Women’s Basketball League, and The Girls Become Women Sports Foundation.

The IPWBL is the first of its kind, as Shajaunna is the first woman to own her a league, including all teams. It provides women the opportunity to compete for experience and exposure or to stay in the game. The league is made of three regions, Midwest (Chicago, Indiana, and Wisconsin), Deep South (Tennessee & Mississippi), and Southern (Texas).

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Shajaunna shares the idea and concept began in Spring 2016 with her Professional Women’s Basketball Team pro team, The Chicago Breeze. “My Vice President, Angelina Williams, is a former WNBA Champion and played overseas professionally for over 15 years. Angelina, along with my sister Constance Jinks is why I started the agency. I knew I wanted to change that process for women and make sure they were understood as a woman first and an athlete second,” she says. In 2018, the Ladies 1st Sports Agency, LLC was officially formed.

Shajaunna credits her mother with having the most significant influence over her life.

“My mother was my first example of hard work and taught me how to control my destiny,” she says. There is another woman who has helped to shape her life. “I thought I would never meet another woman like my mother, but I was wrong. My high school coach Chris Pruitt showed me how to be selfless, be a teammate, and work with diverse groups of people. Coach Pruitt is why I work for women in sports.”

Shajaunna admits that her journey hasn’t been easy. She has operated and funded her business without sponsors or donations for the past five years. All she had was a dream to help girls become women.

There have been times when she wanted to walk away from the very thing she loved. Yet, she held on, and now others benefit from her commitment. “I have quit seven times in one day. I wanted to go back to being a regular person. Though I didn’t give up but instead stood solid in what I knew,” she says.

Thankfully, Shajaunna didn’t give up. Her son, Alvin, a 12-year-old student-athlete, owns one of the programs she developed, Men2 Sports Management. “He shows me every day that I did something right in my life. I made him the owner of Men2 Sports Management because I wanted to leave my son with a business, not debt,” she says. Shajaunna understands that his eyes are looking at her as he positions himself to be the carrier of her dreams.

Moving forward, Shajaunna plans to continue with her mission and vision for Ladies 1st Sports Agency, LLC. She also intends to help as many women as possible. “There will be more girls who will become women and show men that they are athletes and not tomboys!”

Please visit her website to learn more about Shajaunna Jordan and her programs. h

www.ladies1stsportsagency.com 16

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MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

Railyn Kate The daughter of Raisha Mercer and Dexter Bozeman

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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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I Love To See You Smile

By Arielle Kilgore Photos by Katrena Wize Artography As much as people hate to admit it, the one thing that everyone notices is someone’s smile.

It can brighten a stranger’s day or be the key to securing an interview. Our teeth are the first thing we cleanse in the morning, and hopefully, the last thing we do at night. No matter the cause, our mouth’s health should be a top priority. For over 15 years, Chiquita Jordan has made sure that you’re putting your best smile forward.

“I’ve always had a passion for caring and helping others,” she says” In 2019, Chiquita Jordan decided to open her own business, Allure Teeth Whitening in Greensboro, NC. She offers 30 to 60-minute teeth whitening sessions and also installs tooth gems for clients who want to add a little bling to their smile. As a part of her services, she offers lip fillers, a newer service in her toolbox that is gaining popularity.

Chiquita is a Greensboro native and graduated high school as a single mother.

Her personal challenges never stopped her from pursuing her purpose and dreams. After deciding not to finish her nursing pathway at North Carolina A&T State University, Jordan decided to pursue a career in Dentistry. She shares that Dentistry allowed her to do what she loved and still assist those around her. She received her certification as a Dental Assistant from Guilford Technical Community College in 2006. With well over 15 years of experience, her expertise ranges from working in pediatric, dental, and oral surgery.

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Chiquita says her customers are always her top priority. She does acknowledge her soft spot for children and believes it is her responsibility to shape them and prepare them for a healthy smile for their future. “It is important to teach them the importance of good oral health at a young age. If they don’t take care of their baby teeth, they can affect their permanent teeth, something that will last for the rest of their life,” she says.

Starting proper oral care at a young age is not just the right thing to do, but it can also save a life. Chiquita says the health of teeth goes beyond having a pretty smile. It can affect the health of your body as well. She says, “Lowerincome families don’t receive education on how to take care of their teeth. As a result, it creates a lack of importance or the disconnect of teeth to body health. They don’t see the connection to their health, so I strive to inform everyone about proper oral hygiene.”

It is important to Chiquita to provide the clients of Allure Teeth Whitening with the best possible customer service experience. Her dedication is also the connecting tool that helps her clients trust her services. “The first thing you notice about someone is their smile. Someone always wants to make sure that their smile is always beautiful or white,” she explains. “I always wanted to help and care for others. That’s just mainly my passion.”

As a business owner, Chiquita believes that everyone deserves the care and service they desire. She also believes in giving back to her community. That is why she makes her services affordable for almost anyone. “It doesn’t matter what situation that they come from, I am here to serve everyone,” she says. Throughout 2021, she taught children how to take care of their teeth and volunteered in community events to provide dental care. One of these programs was Giving A Kid A Smile Day.

In the future, Chiquita plans to offer teeth whitening classes for those interested in learning more about the process. She also plans to bring her oldest daughter into the family business to keep her family close and provide them generational wealth and job security. When it’s all said and done, Chiquita says she hopes her legacy will be based on serving her community and providing everyone with a healthy smile.

To learn about Allure Teeth Whitening, please visit their website. h

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Drink 2 Shrink with Coach LaKesha 24

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By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Lakesha Spencer Drink 2 Shrink sounds almost unheard, yet the concept is a reality for Coach Lekesha Spencer. The fitness enthusiast has transformed her life simply by addressing her health needs head-on.

The Detroit, MI native, says her company, Drink 2 Shrink with Coach LaKesha, was born in 2020 through her millionaire mentor, Stanecia Graham. Lakesha says Stanecia was the movement’s visionary, which allowed each partner to personalize and brand themselves in business. The concept is much like a franchise, minus the milliondollar startup cost.

“It all began when I went to the doctor for a routine physical. My doctor prescribed me four medications to go along with the six prescriptions I already had. As a nurse, I knew the effects of drugs and the side effects. I had to make a change, so I got my mind right and lost 45 lbs. The rest was history. To this day, all 10 of those prescribed medications have been discontinued,” Lakesha says.

For the most part, Lakesha shares her life is one of resilience. After several failed marriages, she learned how to bounce back and become the person she always knew she was. “After committing myself to better my health, I changed my mindset around food and unhealthy behaviors. As a result, I have released 45 pounds, and I look and feel amazing. I now walk with conviction about the product I offer. My ultimate goal is to help others who are serious about changing their health and weight loss,” she says.

Lakesha describes herself as a devout woman of God and a beacon of light to her family and friends. She was reared as an only child by her loving mother, whom she describes as her best friend. Growing up, Lakesha shares she was taught she needed to go to college to get a good education to become a teacher, doctor, lawyer, or nurse.

So that’s what she did. She studied hard, and I obtained her Bachelor of Science

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degree in Nursing. After three years of working as a nurse, she knew that it wasn’t for her. “I often questioned if it was even my calling at all,” she says. That doubt led her to dabble in entrepreneurship. “After I had an emergency surgery at the start of the pandemic in April of 2020, I relinquished the safety net of nursing and became a full-time entrepreneur.”

Lakesha shares that entrepreneurship has afforded her the freedom and flexibility to do exactly what she wants. It also provides her with a chance to take care of her parents.

“We have allowed the opportunity to travel the world and enjoy one another,” she says.

She shares what she loves most about her business: the results her clients obtain when they follow the designed regime she provides. “I love knowing their results put them in a happier place where they feel so much better about themselves. There is nothing like a girl being able to fit into her favorite pair of skinny jeans again, or her going into the backside of her closet and grabbing her favorite dress that she refused to give up after many years.”

In addition to the positive results from her clients, Lakesha says their testimonies of overall improved health inspire her to keep pushing. “I am inspired because I am a product of the product, and I know firsthand the feelings I have from my transformation.

I know that I am transforming lives, not just selling a product,” she says.

As a coach, she offers advice to anyone who wants to achieve in life and in health.

“Be very persistent and never give up on your goals and dreams. Be yourself and know that you can fulfill your heart’s desire if you don’t give up.”

Her plans for 2022 are to stay consistent and build upon the double digits of the year with the expectation of doubling the number of clients that she can help. She also plans to double her income which she says will allow for her to help her family and people in her community.

Coach Lakesha Spencer www.healthylivingwithcoach.squarespace.com Coachblings@gmail.com 26

To learn more about Drink 2 Shrink with Coach Lakesha, please visit their website. h

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The Sales Confidence Coach

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Brian K. McNeill Brian K. McNeill of Charlotte, NC, is Brian K. McNeill is a true champion in the arena of “how to sell”. He has accumulated over 30 years of study and practice of professional selling. By his own count he has read over 700 books on Sales, Sales Management and Self Development. Brian has produced coaching programs, published several Best-Selling Books, and is committed to helping and serving others. The loving, caring husband and father is also a proud veteran of the US Army.

Brian is the founder of The Sales Confidence Academy. In this capacity, he provides training and certification for entrepreneurs. He is the current president of Virtual Team Network, a global online networking organization.

Brian exhibited signs of effectively communicating with almost anyone at an early age. He shares, “I entered the wonderful world of professional selling at the age of 23. That was 31 years ago. I soon came across some books about selling. After reading the first book, my interest grew, and before long, I had read several hundred books about sales. Some of the other topics were about Sales Management and Personal Development. The more I read, the better I became at selling. I eventually became a sales manager and my job. Sales and the knowledge and understanding of sales seemed easy to me, and soon I decided to start my own sales training company. Over the years, thousands of salespeople and entrepreneurs have benefited greatly from my sales training workshops, classes, and platform.”

Today, he is recognized as Brian K. McNeill, the Sales Confidence Coach. In this role, he teaches entrepreneurs and salespeople what to say and do, to ensure they are confident and prosperous in selling themselves and their services. His services include Sales Coaching, Sales Training, Sales Speaking, and Sales Workshops.

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Some additional products include personalized and on-demand/self-paced sales training programs. He also has the Basic Essential Sales Training (BEST), a recorded seven-session curriculum covering the basic essentials entrepreneurs must know and the seven reasons why a client will say yes to you and your services. After completing the course, the entrepreneurs will have the correct language and confidence to sell their services successfully. There is also Get Profitable/Stay Profitable (GPSP), which includes everything in (BEST) plus a curriculum that teaches the entrepreneurs what to do with their time. Then finally, there is the Sales Confidence Course, the complete and updated course on How to Sell Your Services in today’s marketplace.

One of the books that Brian has published is The Shortcut! - The Fastest route to Selling You and Your Services so that you earn more money than ever before! Another book he has published is Asking for the Money - How anyone can close more Sales, even you!

Another publication is a children’s book, Why Rhinos Make Great Sales People - Featuring Mr. Randall the Rhino.

Many of Brian’s typical clients are service-based entrepreneurs, Coaches and Consultants, Insurance and Financial Services Professionals, Attorneys, Accountants, and Bookkeepers.

Brian has also founded the M.E.N (Male Empowerment Networks of Charlotte). This organization is a Support Discussion group that meets virtually twice a month and has been doing so since August 2013. “We know that men need men, and teenage men need men. So we provide a safe and transparent space for men to talk about anything.,” he says.

Brian K. McNeill The Sales Confidence

www.briankmcneill.online

Brian says he loves it when people take what he teaches them and earn more money as a result. “It brings me joy. I believe that God has uniquely gifted and qualified me to help people sell themselves and their services.

My work is a ministry, and I honor God by helping people sell better,” he says.

Moving forward, Brian shares he will continue to make his workshops available, especially through online courses, so that people can take the training on demand.

To learn more about Brian K. McNeill, please visit his website. h

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Style Me Stephanie 32

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By Dorjea’ McClammey Photos Provided by Chrissy Bryant Photography

According to Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary, one definition of fashion is to give shape or form to make, construct, or create (something), usually with careful attention or by using imagination and ingenuity. In so many words, this clearly defines who Stephanie Hobbs is.

The talented fashion stylist developed a passion for fashion as a young girl. Stephanie was born and raised in the small town of Moro, Arkansas and learned early on about the importance of looking appropriate for every moment.

“As a little girl, I would walk around in my mother’s high heels. I also inherited my mother’s style and sense of fashion, “she says.

Amongst her friends, she was known to be very stylish. She’s always had a passion for styling others for any event, big or small. While attending these events, people would notice their unique style and ask who created such a look.

Initially, Stephanie had no desire to develop her craft of styling others into a business, but she decided to go for it after prayer and careful consideration. On June 16, 2018, Style Me Stephanie was launched at The Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

During the launch, Stephanie hosted a fashion show that showcased her styling skills. The models’ looks were created using existing pieces from their wardrobe, and Stephanie simply added the Style Me Stephanie signature, which is a pop of color. As a result of the amazing job performed by Stephanie, she began to receive calls for other shows, speaking engagements, and personal styling sessions. Style Me Stephanie was on the move.

Style Me Stephanie has a range of services which includes personal/fashion styling and wardrobe, personal shopping, virtual styling, photoshoot consultations, closet revamps, fashion show coordination, and her own product line.

Additionally, she is a Brand Ambassador for Bag It Up Boutique in Arkansas, SBDNC Apparel in Georgia, Lead Wardrobe Stylist for Chrissy Bryant Photography, and an Independent Contractor with Q Clothier. She also began offering model training in 2019.

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What makes it all worth it for Stephanie? She says, “It’s the positive feedback I receive from my clients after styling them. I also help to build their confidence and boost their self-esteem.

I desire that my clients be the best version of themselves. I want to inspire, motivate, and educate others through fashion.”

Her clientele includes county clerks, judges, social butterflies, and elite circles.

Because the Fashion Industry is forever changing, Stephanie understands the importance of staying relevant. Stephanie educates herself on the latest fashion trends and posts daily style tips on the Style Me Stephanie Facebook page to keep her clients and followers in the know of the latest trends. She has even learned from Celebrity Stylist J. Bolin by participating in his Fashion Boot Camp. “J Bolin is my biggest inspiration. I see so much of myself in him. He loves color, and he started out styling his clients from their closets, just like me. I’m his biggest fan,” she shares.

In the future, Stephanie desires to become more involved in her community by giving back financially and educating teenage girls in fashion and etiquette. Her advice to others is “If you have a passion, don’t be afraid to explore it and make it happen for yourself.”

Please visit her website to learn more about Stephanie and her fantastic styling skills. h

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The Faces Behind a Purpose for You 36

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By Ellen Richardson Photos Provided by Timika Cousins Thompson

Domestic violence has been an ongoing problem in states throughout the United States for many years, including Virginia. In fact, the Virginia Department of Health has reported that over one-third of homicides occurring in the state in the last few years are related to domestic violence.

While many of these victims become just another faceless statistic, some are doing their part to help bring a face to the warriors who refuse to give up and give in. One such hero is Timika Cousins-Thompson, the founder of The Faces Behind A Purpose For You. A woman who overcame years of abuse is now turning this negative experience into a positive one by providing support and encouragement to others who have or are trying to escape domestic violence.

“Although I was a victim of domestic violence, I started this organization after losing a family member to this form of abuse,” said Timika. “This loss opened my eyes to what I was going through, and while that was hard enough, it also brought about something positive – it pushed me towards my purpose.”

Before the pandemic, we were invited into Richmond Public Schools to speak and educate youth on healthy relationships, no matter their gender or sexuality, and we got a great response. Working with our local school systems is something that we want to continue.”

Timika’s organization also raised enough funds to hold a toy and food drive for needy families in the Richmond area during the holiday season. “It is interesting because we were able to share information about what we do and were surprised to have a few women ask for help during this time. I have always enjoyed helping my community and now doing so with a real purpose in mind feels very rewarding,” she says.

Timika says that domestic violence isn’t acceptable for anyone. If you are involved in an unhealthy relationship, please let someone know and speak up. To learn more about The Faces Behind A Purpose For You organization and to find out more information about the upcoming plays written by Michelle Lee about Domestic Violence scheduled for April and May 2022, please visit their website. h

The purpose she speaks of involves giving birth to an advocacy organization that gives individuals who have experienced domestic violence. It also provides individuals with an opportunity to learn from their circumstances and understand they can continue to progress in positive ways and settings, despite past experiences.

Focusing on the motto “it is not about us, it is about the lives that we can save” Timika offers life skills, individual development, enrichment activities, family support strategies, and activism to improve family relations and safe environments.

“While I also had to overcome an emotionally abusive relationship, including the loss of one of my closest relatives to domestic violence, I make it a point to help others overcome. I strive to help others understand they are worth more and don’t have to endure emotional, verbal and/or physical abuse,” said Timika.

Timika and her partner, Washington D.C. native play writer, Michelle Lee have continued to follow their Godgiven purpose to do whatever is necessary to help those who are displaced by domestic violence. “While we don’t yet have a shelter, we offer support services such as court stewardship, legal assistance, life and job training, as well as any other services that are needed outside of housing,” said Timika. “We recently started a mentorship program for teenagers and work with schools to develop a dialogue about unhealthy relationships. Growing from pre-teen to a teen and teen to an adult has its challenges, so we decided to be that haven for them to turn to when they find themselves in an unfamiliar or dangerous situation.

www.TheFacesBehindAPurposeForYou.org

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