Huami Magazine Atlanta July/August 2021

AT L A N TA

®

July/August 2021 Volume 1 Issue 12

Kingdom Step Ahead Academy, LLC Atlanta - July/August 2021

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ATLANTA

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Understanding The Power of Your Influence A Letter From The Editor Now that I am many years settled into fatherhood, I sometimes reminisce on those precious moments when my son was only a baby. Though small and quite fragile, I wanted to make him tough and brawn, selfishly hoping that he would live out the hopes and dreams that I had for my life. That Letterdo, from theleast Editor is whatAdads or at I think they do. My son would eventually grow up right before my eyes to be a very grown man, which I am quite proud of. Still, I reminded of his dependence on me and his mother for tomorrow didn’t arrive?

All of your hopesand everythingWhat whileifhe was a child and our responsibility toplans, understand provideand for dreams his needs. wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if

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

everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never

As a baby and notThere yet able to form words, my to sonsave cried and made other happened? would be no reason for a rainy baby sounds when he wanted to let us know he was hungry.

When day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making his diaper promises. was wet, heWhat didn’tifsay [dad, am wet]; instead, he cried.

It was my your lastI opportunity seemingly expired duty totoday? determine hiswould need and the information he was trying What youtranslate do? to share. Thank God I was able to, and my son was fed and cared for.

Though I can imagine howI often difficult it would been for him had I I’veonly been told that seem like Ihave do too much. ignored his cries or was unable to understand them.

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 As adults and not babies, our methods of communicating our pains, that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would wants, and needs aren’t generally boggled into a baby’s cry. However, be mean if I chose idle and accept what presented to me. it doesn’t thatto wesitare not crying.

When weitbecome prideful andI have found that totobeexpress very boring. myhurting opinion, shamed, it can be difficult what isIn truly us,opportunity which is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone.

A challenge causes us to internalize these issues and not let them out. to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen?

If IGod do nothing, I fail, and iftoI try instead learn it When blesses His children be aI don’t, well orbut source for others, something new about Relinquish your pride and in often comes with some form ofmyself. influence.

With influence, there is power return acquire life. and the ability to impact someone’s life. Not understanding the power

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 Ayana Bryant Writer Gamal Williams

Writer Writers

Tonya Dixon Terry L. Watson Alana Katrena Wize Allen Tamara Smith Photographer Jeuron Dove Photographer Santana B. Jerry Barbry

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of your influence is just as careless as someone who is driving a car at 100 miles perThe hourbest withadvice their eyes everclosed. given to me happened when someone

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

Influence the of others.

Because often I haveattracts pressed myinterest way through doors with ainfluence key thatisonly associated with power, it oftentimes attracts weakness.

What I am hope provided. I have also learned the difference between trying to share; If blesses someoneme is treating wrong you burden feel like me youwith are what God with andyou what life can being “hated it might it mean that person is actually crying outand and as well.on”, I compare to knowing when to be confident cannot convey what’s hurting them. when to be quiet, because As Christians, we can’t ignore these cries. someone may get it confused We should listen with our hearts and seek with being arrogant.

God’s instruction on how to respond.

mykelmedia@yahoo.com (336) 340-7844

told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so

you tomorrow If you areMake in a position of influence, fill happen today, but yourself with the love of Godmost on a daily importantly make it count. basis. I was able to determine what my Lifewere is butonly a whisper son’s needs becauseand I loved we must put ourselves in athe him. God’s love gives us power and position to hear what it ability to understand the cries andispains of others.telling us.

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

Terry L. Watson

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Terry L. Watson Atlanta - Editor/Founder July/August 2021

On The Cover

Photo by Shaw Photography Group

CONTENTS

JULY/AUGUST 2021

ATLANTA

God Did It Again

Tifanie Rudd

On The Cover

Kingdom Step Academy Chess’Mia James

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The Nailz Mogul

Tracee Hester

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Reality Check Mentoring

Jermaine Jefferson

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Asher Grady

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Also Featured

Monica Hale Meet the face and founder of Plush Homes Co. Realty Little Rock, AR

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Steve and Kaliek These guys are impacting the lives of youth in their community.

Philadelphia, PA

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Shawn M. Nicholson Learn more about him and his company, SMN Square Inc. Richmond, VA

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Kingdom Step Ahead Academy, LLC

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Chess’Mia James

It’s all about the kids for Atlanta, GA resident Chess’Mia James. This loving woman and mother enjoys the very thought of family and strives to live a life pleasing unto God. This is precisely the kind of love and compassion required to lead the young minds she encounters at Kingdom Step Ahead Academy. Also known as KSA, they provide early childhood education for children ages (3-5) in the community of Covington, GA, and surrounding areas. Their curriculum teaches everything from Bible scripture reading, literacy, arts and crafts, early math, social studies, science, green screen videography, and camera presence. “Our mission is to get students a step ahead in their education and prepare them for their future,” James shares.

James’ journey of becoming the face of KSA began when she decided to be obedient to what God had called her to do and embrace her educational convictions. “In January of 2019, my Shepherd, Dr. Gabriel Allen Powell, instructed me to leave my occupation at that time. Of course, I did not want to listen because that was my source of income, and I had a one-yearold daughter. So, I told God, “If this is in your will, then you are going to have to show me through someone else that doesn’t know me as well as my shepherd knows me.” The very next day, my co-worker approached me and stated, “I had a dream about you last night, and you were leaving the company”. I cried, but in my obedience, I surrendered and said, “Yes, Lord!”

I attained a master’s degree from Central Michigan University in 2018. This educational venture became a highlight for me, as I held a 3.8 GPA and was recognized as Magna Cum Laude. As time passed, I knew there was more for me to do, so I continued to seek God for direction, and He delivered. In February of 2019, I walked away from my job and became a stay-at-home mother,” she shares.

KSA was birthed from prayer and meditation. One day, while soaking in God’s presence, James says the idea of starting a preschool fell into her lap. “I heard God so clearly, and I immediately enrolled in school to pursue early childhood education. I enrolled in January 2021, and I completed my certification with honors in May 2021,” she says.

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I dream big because I know:

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.

Ephesians 3:20

Her passion for Early Childhood Care Education ignited when she began teaching her toddler educational fundamentals. After discovering this, James’ way of teaching landed her toddler with the ability to recognize numbers, letters, colors, and shapes. By the age of one, she could adequately place them all on the learning boards.

Additionally, James has always been intrigued by American Sign Language. To further her interest, she has studied ASL to teach it to her two-yearold. “There are no limitations to learning in my book. Every moment can be a moment of teaching,” she says.

Coming from a place of working for someone and now finding herself responsible for the growth and development of children has been life-changing for James. She shares, “My mind is blown away as I know that God handpicked me to build in the kingdom. I am following the will of God in my life, and the fact that God called me to do this job is what keeps me going.” God has made a way for James to impact the lives of others. “I love how I can pour into the little innocent minds of young people and share my lifes experiences. I love to see toddlers get excited, smile, and laugh. It warms my heart. I also like that I can do what I love and have my daughter right beside me.”

In the future, her plan is to have one of the largest and most effective academies in the state of Georgia. Her advice to anyone that may follow in her footsteps is t0 keep going, stay organized, and keep God first. “Don’t look for the finish line, but take it one day at a time, and eventually you will get there if you keep walking and be obedient to the Holy Spirit,” she says.

P.O. Box 226 Porterdale, GA 30070 www.kingdomstepahead.com

To learn more about Kingdom Step Academy, please visit their website.

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& Sisterhood, Business, & Faith

By Tonya Dixon Photos by Katrena Wize Artrography

Sisters, Larissa Gilmer and Keesha Sinclair are successful entrepreneurs, growing and expanding their businesses, meeting the needs of customers and planning for the future. The two have separate businesses, but their family bond and strong entrepreneurial spirits keep them connected and producing great products for an increasingly supportive and expanding clientele in the customized product and services industries.

Entrepreneurship is far from new to them.

It’s a way of life; one they have been exposed to since they were born.

“We come from a family of entrepreneurs,” said Gilmer. “It was only natural for us to do the same.”

“I believe it’s just instinct. It’s just in us. Our dad currently owns and operates R&B Janitorial, and Lawn Care Services. Our mom ran a lucrative daycare for many years,” said Sinclair.

“Their hustle was always inspiring.”

Gilmer – the younger of the two – is the owner of Elle Accessories and More, selling and designing hand-crafted, custom earrings, pin-back buttons (the kind often worn on jean jackets, backpacks, and other pop style items), Jibbitz (the cool accessories worn on Crocs shoes) and custom branded items for businesses. She’s been growing her business since 2012, but over the last few years, Gilmer has really tapped into her specialty and honed her craft.

“A lot of what I do is cultural-based. For example, I have a Black Excellence collection which include croc jibbitz, custom pins, button earrings and stickers. It’s all based on black culture surrounding HBCUs, sororities/ fraternities, and popular culture tag sayings in the black community,” said Gilmer. “I can do customized buttons and earrings and more for customers. It’s all specific to what they want.”

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Keesha Sinclair

What started as a hobby and sporadic opportunities to earn extra money has become a true labor of love. “I do a lot of custom branding items for my clients who want to market their businesses with custom logo pins, button earrings, and stickers,” she says. Gilmers options are limitless. It’s specific to what her clients want.

“I think we are all in a space that we are striving to create multiple streams of income. And that’s fine, but it’s more than that. My products resonate with me and hopefully my customers,” she said. “When I saw the interest of people; I was prompted to take it to another level.”

“At first, I didn’t know my business worth, but that was because I was looking at it like it was a hobby.

Someone once told me as long as I looked at it like a hobby that’s all it was going to be. Once I started putting time into the business and allowing it to be big on paper and in practice then it would be big to everyone else as well.” Gilmer says that sentiment has not only been true, but it has been one of the guiding forces and principles in her entrepreneurship arsenal.

Older sister and entrepreneur veteran of the two, Sinclair owns and operates Kreat’ N Stitches, a customized product business Specializing in custom apparel, embroidered designs, t-shirts, etc.

“I have always love the idea of creating and I love to craft in my spare time,” says Sinclair. “Years before my current business, I created gumball machines made from flower pots.

I also made fleece tie blankets and personalized them by hand. Many of the things I do now evolved over time.”

www.kreatnstitches.com IG:kreatnstitches FB: Kreat’ N Stitches kreatnstitches@gmail.com 336.405.8676 12

Sinclair was bitten by the entrepreneurship bug many years ago in elementary school. Her business model may have changed somewhat, but her passion never waned.

Larissa Gilmer

“I was the candy girl in school. I sold candy out of my bookbag,” she said. “During the summer, my parents allowed me to sell candy from our patio to the neighborhood.”

“I’ve always had side jobs. I want to create generational wealth for my family. I don’t want to live paycheck to paycheck. More importantly, I love what I do and take pride in what I do. I love to create something and see that the customer is proud of it too. I get joy when I get emails, texts or phone calls after an item is received. That’s satisfaction. It’s a little piece of me and Kreat’ N Stitches spread all over the world. I love that. I want people to enjoy it as much as I enjoy making it.”

Born and raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Gilmer and Sinclair followed similar paths. Both graduated from Fayetteville State University, are members of the same sorority – Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, and ultimately became Career Technical Education teachers in the Guilford County School System.

Their connection is strong. They admit they are fiercely protective of one another and support each other’s endeavors.

“We work well together. We often find we can improve the client experience and meet their needs by collaborating,” said Gilmer. Customers might go to Keesha for a shirt, but they will come to me for earrings to match or to design and place a logo on the earrings.” She says they learn together, improving their individual businesses as well as their collaborations.

IG: ElleAccessories&More FB: ElleAccessories&More elleam16@gmail.com 336.355.7936 13

“When customers come to shop with us, we want them to leave feeling good about their experience and excited about a product they love.”

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“I love seeing how we grow together, as well as individuals in our businesses. We are able to feed off each other,” said Sinclair.

“Our collective efforts allow us to provide fantastic products, services, and a solid business model for the community.”

After purchasing her first embroidery machine and developing her products and production system, Sinclair spent years working from her kitchen table, then her home office before making the move to a separate facility on West Friendly Ave., in Greensboro, N.C. A great deal of the clients that she serves also patronize Gilmer. They could be considered an entrepreneurial one-two punch, where customers can get all their items designed and personalized in one convenient stop. Additionally, they host and attend pop-up shops. Not only do they support one another, but they often provide the space and opportunity for other business owners to highlight and sell their goods.

“Larissa and I have a lot of success, but especially when we host holiday pop-up shops or when we set up at other shops,” said Sinclair. “Eventually we even started inviting friends that had businesses to do pop-ups with us.”

“When people come to the shop, we want them to leave feeling good about their experience at Kreat’ N Stitches and excited about their products. To accomplish this, we intentionally create a positive atmosphere. One summer I initiated “Feel Good Fridays.” When, customers come in, they feel a sense of excitement about their experience and leave feeling good!

We hope to share that same experience with our customers this summer as well as everytime they shop with us,” they shared.

The sisters both stress the source of their success. “Before every Pop Up Shop we pray with our vendors, and we ask for God’s wisdom and guidance. We pray that our customers will receive whatever they need, whether it be products, a smile, a hug, or even an encouraging word. We are not just selling products, I consider it ministry and a gift that God has given us,” Sinclair shares.

Clothing/Shoot Stylist: Jatcie Williams

Gilmer and Sinclair often point their success and foundation back to their parents’ example of strong entrepreneurial leadership, family commitment, and love.

Larissa’s Makeup: Pretty GirlGang

Production Credits Keesha’s Hair: Tonieka Michelle Keesha’s Makeup: Darlene Mitchell Larissa’s Hair: Chelsi Majette

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“It’s a family affair,” said Gilmer. “Our parents have been married 43 years.” They are inspired beyond words by their parents and appreciate the many lessons they have been taught as they look to do the same within their own families.

Gilmer and Sinclair are always looking for ways to grow and expand. Although the circumstances were certainly not ideal, the pandemic provided an unexpected opportunity. “We’re always looking for ways to expand and stand out. When the pandemic started, the shop closed for seven months. I couldn’t open the doors. So, I switched up the model a bit and started creating embroidered masks,” said Sinclair. “You have to go with the times and what’s needed and what’s in. We’re always trying to be cutting edge.”

Whether it’s Black History Month, Christmas, New Year’s, a customer’s birthday or maybe it’s not a special day at all, Sinclair and Gilmer can provide custom items that meet the need. For example, they have the “Black Vibes Only” collection – sweatshirts, earrings, buttons, t-shirts, just name it.

Recently, Sinclair has expanded her shop location with more square footage to display products and meet the growing needs of customers. Additionally, she’s looking toward establishing an entrepreneurship camp for children in the future. She wants to invest and instill the same ideals and foundation of business savvy and acumen in them that she gained from her parents.

Like any business, certainly, the point of Elle Accessories and More and Kreat’ N Stitches is to make a profit, but for Gilmer and Sinclair, it’s also about family and positively impacting the life of someone else. To them, it’s not just a pair of earrings or just an embroidered shirt. It’s making and selling a product with love that will bring joy and satisfaction to someone else.

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To learn more about Elle Accessories and More, and Kreat’ N Stitches, please visit their websites, social media pages, or contact them directly. h

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Nicholson SMN Square, Inc.

By Arielle Kilgore Photos by Shawn Nicholson

A company is only as good as its leader. Without a great guide, the company or business can experience stagnant or depleted growth. Shawn M. Nicholson, a business leadership coach, helps other companies, small businesses, and individuals obtain the successful leadership they wish for. Ultimately, his coaching can provide inevitable prosperity for all who work with him.

Shawn is the founder of SMN Square Inc., located in Richmond, VA. It is a consulting/coaching business that helps the executives of small companies, organizations, or non-profits find sustainability in their corporation by learning how to communicate effectively, self-awareness of employees and directors, and have sustainable habits that can grow their staff. As a result, the seven-month program gives the company a chance to rise within themselves and be better clients for their customers.

“I’m a third-generation entrepreneur on both sides of my family, my maternal and paternal. I often tell people that I knew exactly what I wanted to do, even at the age of eight.

I wanted to be a business owner.”

Shawn grew up watching his father and his father’s brother manage a business in construction. In that time, he watched as they led other employees and gave instructions that helped build the company. Although he did not choose his father’s business, he learned that you must care and provide great leadership among your peers to receive wealth and successive victory.

“We provide the building blocks for success, and I model that off of literally building a house. In building a house, there is a lot of underground work that has to be done to have a good solid footing to pour the foundation on,” Shawn says.

Shawn provides different pathways for individuals to take, like one-on-one coaching or team leadership activities.

He also provides an assessment and stakeholder interviews that help determine the kind of leader you are and what needs to be worked on for the corporation at hand to stay above water. In light of this, the time and effort put into the transformation is not his only reason to help, but it’s Shawns’ drive to change institutions that keep him going.

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A small business in stature, SMN Square, Inc. provides connections from corporate friends and other business stakeholders for individuals who need more guidance. His philanthropy draws more customers every day because his prerogative is not self-derived. It is to provide the best help most efficiently and sufficiently possible.

“To see them flourish and be successful and sustainable, that’s the greatest joy there. It’s truly a blessing to be able to see my vision come to pass,” he shares.

As SMN Square, Inc. grew in time and clients, their only challenge was not the pandemic but a previous event in U.S.history--the Recession. It was then that Nicholson had to liquidate most of his assets due to a slowing economy.

It was his building blocks and firm foundation, he explains, that carried him through this rough time. He eventually acquired back what he lost but would still like to grow in capital and connections.

His goals go beyond the vocational schools he has established in Richmond and Hampton, VA. There are plans soon to have another vocational leadership school internationally in Cape Town, South Africa. He hopes to expand himself way past the borders of America so other people may have the same opportunities for advancement.

“I’m trying to expand with [vocational schools] and create more trades there. I’m trying to create more entrepreneurs and establish more business,” he says.

SMN Square, Inc. extends their generosity outside of their clients. Shawn offers his expertise to colleges in his area like Stratford University and Virginia State University Reginald F. Lewis College of Business. VSU, a local historically black college, partners with Shawn to help bring the next generation of black entrepreneurs and great business leaders. “I love working with those young people there. It’s a variety of affluent, self-driven students that are excited about the world of business,” Shawn explains. His guest appearances consist of him teaching the theories of business and practical knowledge of the world today.

His other contributions are to the J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College board in dual enrollment and the workforce. Soft skill training and participating in hiring events in like manner are other ways Shawn and his company give back to those who sow into him.

Shawn M. Nicholson 877-367-4359 www.smnsquare.com

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Additionally, strategy, innovation, and vision are core pillars for SMN Square, Inc. to push their clients to be better. “My goal is to be able to duplicate and replicate myself across the country, across the globe, if you will.

Regardless of where they are in their respective places, that other person can have the same success and the same sustainability. The same outcome as what I’ve been able to have through my experiences and my failures,” Shawn says.

To learn more about SMN Square Inc., please visit their website. h

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The Nailz Mogul

By Ayana Bryant Photos by Jerry Barbry According to www.mariam-webster.com, the definition of the word ambitious is: t: having a desire to achieve a particular goal.

Those six words have a deeper meaning for this career businesswoman of Durham, N.C. For Tracee Hester, the hustle is what separates the have from the have nots. “Some have it, and some do not,” she says.

Tracee is ambitious, and a natural-born go getter. She has a strong entrepreneurial spirit, a trait she identified with early on in life. At the age of seven, she remembered being introduced to the artistry of nails by watching her mother do nails for fun at the kitchen table. Later on, at the age of 14, she fell in love with the development and art of acrylic nails while she was being serviced at a local nail salon. This love eventually became her passion and purpose and would lead to her earning the crown of The Nail Mogul.

While attending high school in Durham, Tracee took a course in cosmetology for school credit. This opportunity was rewarding and allowed her to express her artistic and creative side. During this time, she also launched her first business called “Tracee’s Young Adult Job Service” which was a youth employment agency. Though only an infant in the world of entrepreneurship, she exhibited a business savy that caught the attention of many others. Soon she would be featured in Entrepreneur Magazine, Teen People Magazine, and Black Enterprise.

She hired local teens to work in a retail store owned by former NBA standout Jerry Stackhouse with her job service.

“At the time, crime rates and gang activity were rising in the city of Durham involving lots of youth, and I wanted to do something that would positively impact my generation,” she shares. Her community involvement would then lead her to be awarded with an official holiday by the city of Durham, proclaiming May 4th as Tracee Hester Day. Shortly after graduating high school, Tracee passed her N.C. State Board Exam and obtained her cosmetology license in 1998. “Although my love for nails was immense after gaining my license, I had an urge to explore what else life had to offer me in the world of business,” she shares.

Her journey started by cutting hair in great clips before going

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full throttle with her true passion for doing nails. After working for herself as a booth renter, which was not as financially rewarding as she hoped, she was afforded the opportunity to work as a nail technician in an Asian-owned salon. That was the beginning. That experience provided the platform Tracee needed to shine in the nail world. Tracee also happened to be one of the few women of color to break the racial barrier and work in an Asian salon. From there, she was regarded as just as good as her Asian colleges, who had dominated the industry.

She was embraced amongst the Asian nail community. Her presence influenced salon owners to incorporate diversity, which was good for businesses to display inclusion and involve all races.

In 2008, she opened a hair salon, nail salon, and shoe store all in one location and called it “Queens Of Weaves , Trendy Nailz And Tippin Divas”. The brand Trendy Nailz was birthed in her all-in-one salon, yet she still struggled with finding technicians who were coachable or had the skill set to provide quality nail services. Unfortunately, due to the recession, she to work four jobs, and her dream was short lived. “I had to do what I needed to do at the time,” she shares.

For some professionals, the answer was finding a new path to travel in life. Yet for Tracee, there was some unfinished business to attend to, and the journey of becoming the nail mogul continued.

In 2013 her determination fueled her to challenge the NC state board in which she successfully passed and received her manicurist instructor’s license. She knew one day she would pioneer the change needed within the nail industry to represent diversity and quality amongst technicians. “I was to provide proper education, job placement, and ownership opportunities.

So that is exactly what I did,” she shares.

Pictured with Tracee is Director Sabora Daniel

In 2017, her dedication, determination, and discipline pushed her to take a leap of faith and use all of the money she had available on credit cards to open Trendy Nailz Institute.

It is Durham’s first African American-owned, state boardapproved school of her time. Trendy Nailz Institute trains people in 10-12 weeks to become licensed nail technicians, and upon completion of the program, it provides them with job placement and school or salon ownership. She now has two nail school locations (one in Durham and one in Greensboro, N.C.), a Trendy Nailz Salon, a salon staffing agency, a nail product line, Trendy Nailz supply store and a Trendy Nailz Magazine.

Tracee says the thing that she loves most about running her company is building other people up. “I enjoy pouring into people and helping them realize their dreams. The Trendy Nailz brand is a beacon of hope and inspiration for others. Our main purpose is to help people design and develop their life’s blueprint,” says Tracee.

Moving forward, the future of Trendy Nailz includes expansion in Atlanta, Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Washington D.C., and California. This year she will be starting the development process for Trendy Nailz International with her first international location in Ghana and the next one in Belize.

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For more information please visit www.TrendyNailz.com Instagram and Facebook @ TrendyNailz

Tracee’s dreams are as big and bold as her nails, and only the best is yet to come from this successful businesswoman.

Tracee’s advice is “never to allow people to dim your light or make you fit into a box. Dare to be different and be different unapologetically. Pursue your dreams with the mindset of no boundaries, surround yourself with iron sharpeners, and know that your network determines your net worth. You should focus and lock in on your target; stay passionate, patient, and persistent!” h

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Brandon Thomas

Brandon Thomas Insurance Services, LLC

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By Terry Watson Photos by Brandon Thomas

One of the primary responsibilities we have as adults is to ensure a succeeding plan is left intact at the time of our demise. The purpose of this plan of action, or what is often called final wishes, is to execute our last wishes and ensure there are no financial burdens for others to absorb. Brandon Thomas has firmly planted himself in the soil of future preparedness with his company, Brandon Thomas Insurance Services.

Moving forward, Brandon has plans to build his brokerage firm up and give more opportunities to people who look like him, and help as many people as possible with their services. He also has other ideas that involve venturing into other industries but shares that he’s taking things one step at a time.

To learn more about Brand Thomas Insurance Services, please visit their h website.

Brandon was born and raised in Austin, TX. After attempting a run at the college route and working meaningless jobs, he learned at the age of 22 that entrepreneurship was the way for him. “When I first jumped into entrepreneurship, I had my hand in a lot of things. Yet experience taught me that if I focus on one thing at a time, I have a better chance of being sustainable,” he says. Utilizing his advice led Brandon to pursue a career as an insurance provider, one that has lasted for almost four years. “I began in 2018, working for a financial services network marketing organization. After about a year there, I realized that I did not like their business model. I wanted something I had control and ownership over, so I decided to start my own brokerage,” he says.

Brandon Thomas Insurance Services is a life and health insurance brokerage that educates its clients on the importance of avoiding financial distress due to life-changing circumstances such as death, disability, or financial hardship. Many of the products offered by Brandon include life insurance, final expense, and health insurance for families and individuals, but specifically, he provides both term and permanent life insurance for seniors, adults, and children. He also offers services for business owners and benefits for their employees, such as group insurance and key person life insurance.

Brandon shares what he loves most about his work: providing life insurance for our clients and knowing that I am playing a small but integral role in making sure the next generation inherits a legacy.

“I enjoy being a person of interest on the subject of life insurance when it comes to educating the community,” he says.

Brandon shares his primary inspiration is financial freedom, providing for himself and his family. He wants to make sure his mother retires soon and ensure that he passes something on to his children that they can pass on to their children’s children.

His advice to anyone chasing a dream is to change your mindset. “I’ve been around poor people, I’ve been around rich people....the only difference is the mindset. Change the way you view the world, and focus on how you can be the best person you can be in the world. You must always strive to be a victor and never a victim,” he shares.

Brandon Thomas Insurance Services LLC Brandon Thomas - CEO/Owner 512-549-6123 www.bthomasinsurance.com 27

Reality Check Mentoring, Inc. A life of service is a life worth living.

Jermaine Johnson is the face and founder of Reality Check Mentoring, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to developing the minds of young black males, ages 10-17. It provides mentoring focused on character development and education geared toward life skills, social and cultural awareness, conflict resolution, and critical thinking. Additionally, it strives to help males realize they can become valuable assets to society while offering long-term relationships and exposure to professions, resources, organizations, educational support, life skills training, and community engagement.

Born Jermaine N. Johnson to Florence and Joseph N. Johnson, Sr., this young change-maker is a native of Prince George’s County, MD. He attended Prince George’s County Public Schools, graduating from Suitland Senior High school in 2008. He is a proud father to his daughter Akirreh and son August. Jermaine is an educator, business leader, writer, speaker, and certified personal trainer.

Jermaine attended Frostburg State University, where he studied management and business, ultimately earning a Master of Science in Management with a focus in Project Management from Kaplan University. Currently, Jermaine works full time as a Business Analyst on the Grants Development team under the Systems Technology Division for the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education.

However, it’s his involvement and interest in his community that make Jermaine a well-rounded individual.

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He shares his story of how it all began. “The first incident that sparked this journey occurred while I was working as an elementary school teacher for an after-school enrichment program. I had just arrived to work after buying my first (new) car. As I was walking into the building, I ran into one of my former students. He says, “Mr. Johnson is that your car?” I replied, “Yes.” He then proceeds to ask, “Did you sell drugs to get that car?” I was honestly stuck that he said that to me. It might sound cliche, but it hit me that some of our young males are not too far removed from that being their reality. That stuck with me. At the same time, while working at the elementary school, I was also working at a high school in Prince George’s County as a Special Education Assistant. A few days after the aforementioned incident, a second spark occurred. I was sitting in a classroom where students were asked to present a project on an occupation of their choice, and I watched young males choose jobs such as cashiers at fast-food restaurants and greeters at Walmart.

It saddened me to hear them selling themselves short, and I was frustrated to learn teachers weren’t pushing them to strive for better. These young males needed guidance, confidence, and a reality check,” Jermaine shared. Reality Check Mentoring, Inc. began in February 2018 with just three mentees at the first session. In the fall of 2020, they had 19 mentees enrolled.

Jermaine shares that he is grateful for the opportunities Reality Check Mentoring Inc. has provided. “I love that I can share knowledge but also learn from our youth who will one day be our leaders. To know that I am having a positive impact on their future and my generation’s future is a true blessing and experience. It’s literally like planFting seeds and watching the plants grow right before your eyes.

Jermaine understands that it takes a village to raise a child, as well as a community of committed change agents. For those who may be interested in starting a program that is similar to Reality Check Mentoring, Jermaine offers some advice. “First and foremost this work requires being selfless, genuine, and transparent. If you want to be a mentor only for the title or accolades, this isn’t for you. You must be willing to continuously learn and understand there is no one-size-fits-all approach when mentoring. If you’re going to go the nonprofit route, do it the right way. This means filing the proper legal paperwork, building a team, and having a strategic plan in place. It’s a lot of work but doesn’t be overwhelmed; the resources are out there, but you must ask for help. Don’t be discouraged and keep your vision and mission at the forefront of all that you do,” says Jermaine.

In the future, Jermaine says he hopes to partner with the Prince George’s County Public School system to implement Reality Check Mentoring program as a therapeutic practice. Recently they were awarded a grant from Adventist HealthCare through their Community Partnership Fund. Reality Check Run 21 is a program geared toward increasing physical activity among black and brown boys in the DMV area through running. The program entails young males completing 21 miles of running for the year 2021, incorporating health education components that will teach members the importance of injury prevention. This includes warming up, stretching, proper running techniques, cooling down, staying hydrated, healthy food choices, and healthy habits.

Jermaine shares running is a great activity to help kids build endurance, which is developed when they regularly engage in aerobic exercise. Program participants will be provided with running shoes and athletic wear. The goal will be to complete at least (2-3) miles each month until they reach 21 miles for the year.

To learn more about Reality Check Mentoring Inc., h please visit their website.

Jermaine Johnson Reality Check Mentoring Inc. www.realitycheckmentor.org

Instagram: Realitycheckmentoringinc Facebook: Reality Check Mentoring, Inc.

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Monica Hale Sold By Monica

Plush Homes Co. Realtors

By Ayana Bryant Photos by Randall Lee

Makeup Artist: Francys Patricia Alanis - Eyelashes: Candace Thompson Stylist: Ty Jackson - Hair: Cierra Vance Yates

At a very young age Monica Hale understood that her life’s calling would be to help people. In what capacity exactly?

That was to be determined. However, life experiences, unexpected struggles, and a powerful, prophetic voice would all eventually lead her to finding her true purpose.

Today, the wife, mother, and businesswoman is the owner and CEO of Plush Homes Co. Realtors.

Monica was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas. After gaining fifteen years of experience in property management, Monica decided that she’d conquered that field and wanted to elevate her career to the next level. In 2013, Monica enrolled herself in real estate school. While this was an exciting time in her life, things didn’t go as planned.

When she took the real estate exam, unfortunately, she did not pass the first time around. This hurdle discouraged her, but she didn’t let the dream die there. Monica remained focused on her goals and pressed toward the mark, returning to sit for the exam four years later.

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In 2016, Monica met a woman who she said “prophesied over her life.” “This woman spoke love and light into me, giving me the encouragement and confidence that I needed to realign myself with God and my true purpose,” she shares. That prophetic word was just the push Monica needed to restart her journey for her real estate license. After many nights of studying along with a sincere determination to succeed, Monica passed her real estate exam in July 2017 and began working at her first brokerage. The remaining pages of Monica’s story would now start.

Within the first thirty days at the brokerage firm, Monica sold her first home. She continued to push herself and eventually became the top producing agent as she continued her real estate journey with another brokerage. While still working in property management and working at the brokerage part time, Monica decided it was time to commit to her dreams fully and follow her purpose. So, in August 2019, she quit her fulltime job and began her journey to becoming an Executive Broker. Three months later, she passed the Arkansas Real Estate Broker Exam and began building her legacy.

As Monica set her sights on her future, things began to happen pretty fast. In June 2020, she launched Plush Homes Co. Realtors, operating as its Principal Broker. Things were set in place and Plush Homes Co. Realtors immediately claimed

its place in the real estate arena. With a growing staff of 25+ agents, this brokerage is well equipped to handle any future home buyer’s needs. They currently offer commercial property leasing, credit repairs, transactions with both sellers and buyers, and listings.

When asked what she loves most about her company, her answer was “building it from the ground up.” “I enjoyed starting from scratch. From picking the name of the company to finding an IT (Information Technology) person, and even securing the location; the whole experience was more rewarding than franchising another company,” says Monica.

Although the Covid 19 pandemic negatively impacted many businesses and industries, real estate wasn’t necessarily one of them. Monica says the pandemic was more helpful than anything for her company and ironically gave her business a boost.

“All of a sudden, there were so many buyers that surfaced, mainly due to the low-interest rates,” says Monica. The demand eventually became more significant than the supply leading to a shortage in inventory within the real estate market, not only in Arkansas but also around the country. This trend has continued as the inventory of homes remains lower than the number of prospective buyers searching for homes.

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“I enjoyed starting from scratch. From picking the name of the company, to finding an IT (Information Technology) person, and even securing the location; the whole experience was more rewarding than franchising another company.”

While her journey has involved a few challenges, Monica says she wouldn’t have it any other way. “The journey I’ve traveled hasn’t been easy, but it has been rewarding. This profession isn’t for everyone; however, if you can commit yourself to pushing through the difficult times, you can and will be successful,” she shares. “The biggest piece of advice that I would give to anyone who is considering a career as a Realtor is to stay encouraged. It’s important to always congratulate and reward yourself for your accomplishments. You may have to work harder than others at times, but don’t give up. If you fail at something today, it doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road. Pick up the pieces, dust yourself off, and try again.”

Moving forward, Monica hopes to expand Plush Homes Co. Realtors throughout the United States. “I won’t name what states we are considering at this time, but there are a few specific places that we have our eyes on,” she says. “Who knows, Plush Homes Co. Realtors might even become a franchised company one day. Let’s see what God has in store for us!”

While Monica is the owner and CEO of Plush Homes Co. Realtors, she wanted to give a huge thank you to her co-CEO’s Destinee and Delvin Hale. They were the driving force behind her motivation to start this amazing business! She shared that if it had not been for her daughter and husband, there would be no Plush Homes Co. Realtors.

To find your dream home or for more information on this great black-owned business, visit their website or contact them directly.

415 N. McKinley Suite 1020 Little Rock, AR 72205 501-817-8511 www.plushhomesco.com 34

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Steve Gardner & Kaleik Hayes

ChildHoodLost Entertainment Group

By Gamal Williams - Photos by ChildhoodLost Entertainment Group

Steve Gardner was one of the lucky ones growing up in South Philadelphia. At age six, his mother fell ill, yet Steve wasn’t swept up into the foster care system, another Black child endlessly waiting for a rescue that rarely comes. Family members, including the mother of his half-brother, Kaliek Hayes, stepped in and raised him. Kaliek’s mother, Regina, offered a safe environment to a child that wasn’t her own. Again, Steve was lucky.

Though young, the kindness bestowed upon him instilled a protective, nurturing spirit in Steve. “Growing up, I always tried to look out for my younger brothers and siblings. Be that caretaker. I always tried to put myself in their position, whether it was forced upon me or willingly, I always felt it was important to be that rock for my brothers and sisters.”

Kaliek looked up to his big brother. “Steve was always just…” he pauses, trying to gather the words to adequately express his heart, “…he was just that rock. He always looked after me. I remember he would take me with him to his job. I was like 10 and he was 15. It didn’t matter, he always looked out for me.” Steve explains he wouldn’t have it any other way. “I just wanted to make sure he wasn’t on the streets. So, I kept him with me pretty much everywhere I went.” All of that changed when Steve was 17, Kaliek was 12. A boy from the neighborhood brought a gun to the basketball court they were playing on.

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“None of us thought the gun was real, it looked fake,” recalls Kaliek. “We thought it was a starter pistol,” continues Steve. “So, I asked to see the gun, another kid had it, and he fired the gun.”

The bullet struck a dear friend of Steve and Kaliek’s, entering the back of his skull and exiting his cheek. The boys watched in horror as their friend died in front of them. “All I could think was ‘I don’t ever want to be in that position again.’ I don’t own a gun, haven’t touched a gun, and this was over thirty something years ago.” Steve says somberly.

“It still affects us to this day, it changed us. We went on different paths; me the straight and narrow; Kaliek a more seedy one.”

For Kaliek, the trauma, and the inability to express how he felt, started a cycle of self-destruction. “He was a good friend of mine, like, he was someone I could just talk to, ya’ know? After that, and everything that happened after, I just didn’t respect anyone. I was a good kid up until then. I went from doing good in school, making sure the house was clean before my mother got home, to carrying a gun and running the streets. Something just snapped for me.”

Kaliek became one of the many children swept up into the trappings of the streets, his childhood lost due to unaddressed trauma. At age 16, his mother put him out when she discovered drugs in their home. By age 18, he was a father of three and in federal prison on drug related charges. Prison is supposed to provide rehabilitation, yet Kaliek found something different; an unexpected mentor presented itself. “I met man in prison. He had a lot of time, but he was so positive. He humbled me, made see things differently. I would write Steve and tell him that when I came home, we needed to do something ‘cause I didn’t want to come back to prison.”

Kaliek began writing, telling not only his experiences, but those of friends and acquaintances, humanizing children that looked and sounded and lived like he did. He presented his collection of writings to Steve, who became inspired and began contributing to the stories. When it was done, the brothers released their literary work, a book titled “ChildHood Lost.”

“We had no way to advertise it though. We took the book to a brother we knew, Bilal Islam. He was writing and directing plays and he loved it,” states Steve. With Bilal’s help, ChildHood Lost the book, became ChildHood Lost the play. “We write plays about kids, for kids, and talk to the real things they go through,” Kaliek states.

According to www.childhoodlostentgroup.com, the ChildHoodLost Entertainment Group has a simple mission, “to passionately using theater to showcase art with a purpose as both an intervention and preventative tool.”

ChildHoodLost takes a different approach to the medium of theater. Violence, promiscuity, substance abuse, trauma, and crime are just some of the topics their 14 plays have addressed since debuting in 2012. The play “LEGACY: A Story of Boys that Moved Men” took a unique approach

www.childhoodslostentgroup.com 484-300-5468 on Black History, telling the tale of a man that falls asleep only to meet Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Marcus Garvey, and Malcolm X as teenagers. “After the Eulogy” depicts a support group for parents, trying to cope with the loss of their children after gun violence.

“The -N- Word” fostered constructive dialogue about racism.

Theater isn’t the only way ChildHoodLost engages with Philadelphia’s youth. Chess Chat, a program where children meet with mentors at the Urban Art Gallery in West Philadelphia (as well as online) to play chess. Chess Chat’s motto? In life, as in chess, forethought wins. “It’s more than just chess. We actually talk with the kids while we play. Talk to them about whatever is on their minds,” Steve proudly explains.

It’s a simple, yet powerful concept, harkening to a saying often used in the Black community; Each one, teach one. Steve and Kaliek have used theater and chess as a vehicle to not only reach and teach children, but to set the example for adults as well. As a January 16th, 2020 ChildHoodLost Foundation Facebook post states “If you want to change our city, start with grabbing up ONE youngin’ and teach them All You Know!” Steve and Kaliek don’t need the lights or the cameras. They have taken action! h

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TifanieRudd God Did It Again

By Ellen Richardson Photos by Santana B Photography

When you sit down and think about your career path, can you honestly say that you love what you do? Maybe you are someone who fell on hard times, which led to a criminal record. As a result, you are probably having a difficult time finding a good job. If either of these statements make you stop and think then you have come to the right place. Allow us to introduce you to your fairy godmother – Tifanie Rudd. The Chief Executive Officer of M8D 2 Rise, Inc. uses her God given gift and passion to restore and build the lives and self-esteem of individuals who have challenges in gaining competitive employment.

Before becoming a real-life hero for many in her community, this Guilford County native learned at a young age of what was required to survive. “My work ethic is something I inherited from both of my parents. They taught me the importance of working hard. They both became entrepreneurs after years of struggle,” said Rudd. “To say that the struggle was real is an understatement.”

Watching her mom work so hard would eventually give rise to this self-professed people lover’s desire to help those in need. While this yearning began with a career in the nursing field, it would not be long before Rudd’s life plan changed. “I was on the job for about a year before I experienced what so many do in the world of advanced careers – envy and hatred for early success,” said the born philanthropist.

Despite receiving awards, like employee of the month, Rudd lost her job and, in its place, was given a feeling that many of us might be familiar with – that feeling of losing a purpose.

While this often takes many people down, this is where Rudd’s new life would begin.

Continued on the next page

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“I have to admit that I did a lot of crying, but before long I decided that I was done crying Fand ready to make my next career move,” said Rudd. After going back to school at Guilford Technical Community College, in 2004, Rudd began to see a crossroads turn into her new path. “After going back to school, I decided to get a degree in Psychology, and before long I was given the opportunity to participate in an internship program. The funny story about this assignment was that I was sent to a company that I really did not want to work for,” she says.

Like many confusing assignments that God may send to us, Rudd began to see the purpose for where her Heavenly Father sent her within a few weeks of this assignment.

“The assignment was to work with people with mental illnesses and developmental disabilities and I did everything that I could to get out of this type of work, but this didn’t happen and before long I realized why,” said Rudd.

“During my time helping these people I began to find my niche or my calling – to serve the underserved.”

As she began to learn the importance of “learning to love people right where they are” and how to become a voice for the voiceless, Rudd said that she could feel her spiritual pathway open right before her. This road would not only keep her working with a company that she was not even sure she wanted to intern for, but would also lead to a bachelor’s degree in Ministry, in 2013, and a master’s degree in Christian Counseling, in 2015, from Grace Christian College. During this time of rising from the ashes, Rudd also had a new life-altering experience that led her to where she is today.

“I lost my brother,” said a saddened Rudd.

“My brother struggled with crime in his life and he was trying to get out of the streets. He was trying to stop getting into trouble with the law. He strongly desired change, however due to his criminal history, he struggled to sustain livable income and his employment opportunities were very slim. He passed before having an opportunity at a second chance.” Despite losing her brother before helping him find his new path, the woman who was gifted with a spirit to serve began to use her latest loss to develop her own company.

Formed in 2011, M8D 2 Rise, Inc. is a supportive employment agency in which individuals with life barriers are assisted with gaining and maintaining competitive employment as well as God’s purpose for their lives. They currently serve multiple counties in North Carolina ncluding Guilford, Rockingham, and Alamance. They will soon begin serving Mecklenburg county. “God is doing it again,” Rudd says.

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When we tap into our inner strength and into the support that is around us the sky is the limit.

What exactly does this acronym mean? “M is for the Milestones in life, the number 8 is for the new beginnings that we receive each day, the D is for Determination and what should we all be determined to do? TO RISE against all that comes against us and tries to stop us from us from tapping into our inner strength,” said the woman who has risen above all that has tried to stop her from her God given purpose. “When we tap into our inner strength and into the support that is around us the sky is the limit. I started to do this by helping a gentleman who reminded me a lot of my brother. Unfortunately, this young guy served 12 years in federal prison and just wanted a second chance.” Before long Rudd’s newest company, which started in a garage, was helping people all over this community realize that no barrier is too big to use the power inside of you to rise above the circumstances to become all that God has created you to be.

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According to Rudd, she has continued to become a successful boss lady in a man’s world due to the strength that God has given her as well as two inspirational mentors that never let her give up. “I have been blessed to have two incredible mentors. The first being Rev. Odell Cleveland who has continued to remind me to ‘fly higher when people throw attacks at you because people cannot get to an eagle’. The second is Greensboro City Council Member Goldie Wells, who always says ‘not to tell people where you tie your goat’ because when people know how to get to you, they will use this information against you.”

As her efforts to help others rise above all that tries to hold them back, Rudd has continued to expand this company to include services like life coaching and even a women’s ministry called M8d 4 H.E.R. Ministry. This born people person is also publishing her first book that is meant to help women learn that they can persevere above everything. The self-published novel entitled When the Tree Moves, will be released to the public in August.

Rudd is a mother of three amazing children and blessed to have five beautiful grandchildren. She is also a a certified, spiritual life coach and the founder and executive directive for the nonprofit, M8d 2 Rise Eagles. She has been commissioned as Chair on the Status of Women Board (Women And Violence), and several other boards in Greensboro. h

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Tifanie will celebrate her 50 th birthday in July. This is a milestone that confirms that she is only getting started.

To learn more about Tifanie Rudd and M8D 2 Rise Inc., please visit their website.

M8D 2 Rise Inc. 2302 W. Meadowview Road Ste 124 Greensboro, NC 27407 336-907-7268 www.m8d2rise.com 44

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MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

Asher Grady The son of Jessica and Justyn Grady

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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