Huami Magazine California March/April 2021 by Terry Watson

CALIFORNIA

March/April 2021 Vol. 1 Issue 1 FREE

A Radical Singing Sensation California - March/April 2021

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Your Purpose Is Not A Laughing Matter A Letter From The Editor A long time ago, when I was a much younger man, and a student at the most prestigious high school in the city of Greensboro, something happened to me that would change my life forever. This segment of time was during my fourth period English class, and the first week of a new schoolAyear. Letter from the Editor

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

Back then I was mischievous, very sarcastic, and a self-proclaimed ‘class clown’. I would try to setdidn’t the tone for my amongst my What if tomorrow arrive? Allclassroom of your plans, hopes classmates with jokes, and I thought, the bigger the audience, the grander and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if my performance in this class, the teacher everythingcould thatbe. youHowever, decided to putparticular off until tomorrow never was a formidable opponent. She was short in stature, very elegant and full happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy of finesse, and seemed to lock in on me like a torpedo before the tardy bell day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making even sounded. Her name was Mrs. Kerr, and I would soon learn that she if your last opportunity seemingly expired wasn’tpromises. one to playWhat around.

today? What would you do?

One day while in English class, I began to get comfortable and execute been told that often like and I doatoo much. my form ofI’ve cheap humor. I ledI off withseem a cough, slight sneeze; silly Honestly, I feel like I amwell notwith doing enough and I’m ainto firmposition. acts that usually worked pretty getting my audience But mybeliever act was snuffed out immediately. “Don’t you sneeze or cough in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me in my. Take that outside”. Those were the words spokenhow directly to me and I that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder life would knew she was serious by the way Mrs. Kerr stared into my eyes. be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented toFrom me. that I point on, I never laughed in her class unless I was led by her permission to have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity do so. is I must admit that my ego was a little bruised, but I would eventually a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge get over it.

to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn In so many words, she helped me to understand my purpose in no something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in laughing matter. I genuinely appreciate Mrs. Kerr. She helped me to return acquire understand the Englishlife. instruction she provided was not a laughing matter, and I or anyone else wouldn’t prevent the learning and growth of other students.The best advice ever given to me happened when someone

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

I have pressed my way through a keytothat only As the school year progressed, I begandoors to lookwith forward my fourth period hope English class and Ispending time with Mrs. I soaked up every bit provided. have also learned the Kerr. difference between of information that she had towith offer,and studied poem, and recited them what God blesses me whatevery life can burden me with back to her with precision, and made as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and it a point to show thatquiet, she changed whenher to be becausemy life by stopping me may fromget robbing myself of someone it confused sound instruction. with being arrogant.

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

www.huamimagazine.com Terry L. Watson

Publisher

www.huamimagazine.com Teyah Glenn Editor In Chief Writer Terry L. Watson Writer Terry L. Watson Alana Allen Dr. Marrisa Dick - Deputy Editor Writer Dorjae’ McClammey Writer Writers Gamal Williams Dixon Writer Tonya Terry L. Watson

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Who Shotya Photography huami.california@gmail.com (336)340-7844 Layout Howard Gaither Photography

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mykelmedia@yahoo.com (336) 340-7844 HUAMI MAGAZINE is published 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 Greensboro, NC may be submitted to the editor by 2021 All Rights Reserved E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved

Terry L. Watson 4

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

On The Cover

Photo by Shaw Photography Group

CONTENTS

MARCH/APRIL 2021

CALIFORNIA

Community Activist

Terence Doctor

On The Cover

805 South Recording Artist La’Tesha Eturnul and Angelique Jonelle

The 99th Squadron

Ramone Hemphill

Ross Financial Group

Jaquilla Ross

A Single Suggestion

Erika Burnett

Also Featured

Kimberly Brown Meet the face and founder of The Perfect Skin Code LLC St. Louis, MO

Germany Inke She is a serial entrepreneur, who loves helping others succeed. Charlotte, NC

California - March/April 2021

Izabella McDonald She is the cutest, and has been selected as Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby.

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La’Tesha Eturnul

Paving The Way, While Blazing Her Own Trail

By Terry L. Watson - Photos by Eternul La’Tesha Ni’cole is shattering glass ceilings in the music industry by providing inspiration and opportunity. The San Diego, California native turned her passion and natural gift into a business by becoming a full-time artist, Chief Executive Officer, and record label owner. Also known as her artist’s name Eturnul, La’Tesha Ni’cole is a long-time songwriter and artist. She started her indie record label “805 South” in hopes of helping other artists build up their brand as well. “I have been doing music for a while and recently decided to go full fledge,” La’Tesha said. “I am still in the process of building the label and getting a few more basics but I have made the platform going forward pretty smooth.” La’Tesha said that she started her business because she realized that there was something more that God required her to do. There was indeed a true calling on her life. She realized that she wanted to live for a true purpose, a God purpose. She realized that she was called to inspire others through music, positive slogans, and more. In addition to her record label, La’Tesha also has a clothing and apparel company too. The brand shares a name with her record label. “We have over fifteen designs, but we are currently running the 805 South Brand hoodie and masks sets,” she said. “We like to create slogans that inspire other people.”

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The inspiration behind 805 South was also in hopes of inspiring and uniting her community to come together for the greater good of each other. “805 South was originally started in 1998 to help bring our city together without discrimination, color, creed, or prejudice from neighborhoods from each other,” La’Tesha said. In addition to inspirational designs, 805 South also produces designs that raises awareness around physical health and common diseases. “We also like to implement health wellness designs too,” she said. “Some of our upcoming designs, are Overcome Lupus, Overcome Cancer, God or Nothing, The Heart of San Diego, and more.” La’Tesha said that her biggest challenge as a business owner has been finances and focus. “I would say finances and the full focus was challenging,” she said. “Having to provide for your family and run any business takes both.” Now that she has found a way to manage her finances and focus, La’Tesha said that she has seen substantial growth in her business. Being able to balance them now has been a huge turnaround for her. She’s finally starting to experience the fruit off all her labor. When times get hard, however, La’Tesha looks to a few individuals for motivation to keep going. “My purpose, my children, others, and God Almighty motivates me.” La’Tesha said that when it comes to building a business, she would encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to educate themselves. “The educating yourself is the first step as an indie artist,” she said. “Placing yourself around likeminded individuals like yourself that may have more seasoned experience in your desired profession. Saturate everything like a hard drive. Keep balance at home and work. Believe in yourself and never be afraid to invest in yourself.” La’Tesha said that when doing that, you should not put out a budget before making a busines and marketing plan first and stick to it. “Remember you can do it, no matter who says you can’t.” Continued on the next page

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“When I was younger, I used to watch the Disney Channel a lot. China McClain really inspired me. Every time I saw her sing and act, I wanted to be just like her. I also wanted to be an inspiration to others and inspire people the same way that she inspired me.”

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Although there have been bumps in the road, there is nothing that La’Tesha would change about her journey. For the most part, she believes everything happens for a reason and in due season, she adds, “there are divine connections that are taking place and what is supposed to happen will happen.” One of these such connections exists between La’Tesha and the artist signed to her record label, Angelique Jonelle. La’Tesha’s current focus is assisting Angelique with getting her brand up and running with the release of her first single coming out March 2021. Angelique, also from San Diego, is a 20-year-old inspirational and gospel singer who currently lives in Murrieta, California. She is an inspired vocalist who loves to sing, dance and act. She was singing for as long as she can remember and her mom said when she was four years old, she used to wear her ponytail as a wig, and put on make up and put on high heels and sing as my alter ego. “I am an inspirational and gospel singer,” she said. “That is what I want my ultimate brand to be.” The rising singer has always had a passion for singing and encouraging others, and that is what ultimately inspired her to begin her singing career. “When I was younger, I used to watch the Disney Channel a lot. China McClain really inspired me. Every time I saw her sing and act, I wanted to be just like her. I also wanted to be an inspiration to others and inspire people the same way

that she inspired me,” Angelique says. Angelique has lit the stages at The “Texas Gospel Music Excellence Awards 2019” with Eturnul, and graced the stage with srtist Angela Bennett, Detroits Young Men 4 Christ, Lemmie Battles, Nikki Berry, Gloria Cooks, and many others. Along with Eturnul, they performed at the Bobby Jones Presents Show In July 2019, adding a new flavor to the Gospel Music industry. Angelique said her biggest challenge as an artist and singer has been gaining the confidence to fully be who she was called to be. Finances have also posed a hurdle for her. “I didn’t have the finances to really invest in myself, so I didn’t have the confidence and it made me a little bit more nervous,” she says. Although Angelique wishes that she would have invested in herself earlier on, and gained more experience as a performer, she is now more confident than ever and is ready to continue her journey of becoming an artist. She also hopes that other aspiring artists will learn from her journey and take advantage of opportunities to perfect their craft as early as possible. “I would tell other entrepreneurs to keep investing in yourself,” she said. While Angelique hopes to continue to grow as an artist and eventually expanding to become an actor, La’Tesha hopes to grow her record label into a lucrative business.

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Perfect Skin Code By Arielle Kilgore Photos by Kimberly Brown

Confidence is not just a feeling. It is a look. Kimberly Brown, a dermatologist, understands the importance of having great skin and wants to share her talent and knowledge with everyone. Perfect Skin Code, founded by Kimberly Brown, is a personal brand that prides itself on helping people achieve great skin, and keeping it. Brown’s company can be found in St. Louis, Missouri. She shares how her clients would come into her office and ask how she was able to get her skin so perfect. “Truth is, you can’t have someone else’s skin, you just have to develop a code that works for you,” she says. Some of her products include a vitamin C serum and retinol for discolored skin. Her company also provides tools and tips for the face that help educate the masses. While most people believe that skincare has to be strenuous and costly, Brown consistently demonstrates that having good skin can be as simple as one, two, three. Brown has served as a professional dermatologist for ten years. While in her capacity, she has dealt with discoloration of skin, and other facial problems such as acne. Perfect Skin Code LLC is about finding your secret combination that can give you clear results. She released her product line on January 26, 2021, with the goal to help people not ignore their skin anymore, but to embrace it and feel better about themselves. Moreover, since Covid-19 has reached its one-year anniversary, she believes that achieving what you want most, should not stop you. Not even a virus. Continued on the next page

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Although skincare can make or break any opportunity for anyone, Brown believes that women of color should be invested in more. “Women of color are at a deficit when it comes to taking care of what’s important. I just decided that it was time to kind of reach out beyond the confines of my office and help educate women about their skin, especially African American women,” Brown explained. In an article published by the New York Times, women of color are more difficult to treat because of their high frequency to contract dark spots, discolorations, yellowing, or other problematic skin conditions. Even three years after the release of the article, a few brands, including Brown’s, have developed lines specifically for African Americans and their problems. “We tend to either ignore our skin or we don’t know what to do based on the special needs that we have. That’s what made me decide to start by providing education and then branch out into offering a few products,” she says. Furthermore, the inspiration for her work does not only come from the women in her community, but her personal experiences also drive her to make other people’s lives as uncluttered and as close to as arrant as she is today. Several years ago, Brown was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her diagnosis then helped her achieve what she was made to do, which was help other clients succeed in their dreams and in hers. Writing down her plan and doing things one day at time is how Brown met her goals. She also explained that having a support system and having specific people to do things she isn’t able to, aid in her accomplishments as well. “We all have strengths and weaknesses, but we must know them and ask for other ideas and expertise. This is how people grow and become great. It takes a village,” Brown said. Moving forward, her goal is to keep making products, specifically for African American women. As a dermatologist who’s worked in skin for 10 years and has concise knowledge on women, it is her duty to continue to empower and educate those around her. “Vanity is not a bad thing, neither is wanting to look good. I believe you shouldn’t be deprived of that. It should be a part of who you are,” she says. To learn more about Kimberly Brown and the Perfect Skin Code product line, please contact her directly or visit her website. h

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By Ayana Bryant Photos by Jaquilla Ross Far too often, so many people suffer the devastating consequences of bad spending habits. This issue seems to be a direct result of those same individuals being uninformed on the concept of financial literacy. Milwaukee native, Jaquilla Ross of Ross Financial has made it her mission to educate and uplift her community to achieve financial freedom and regain control of their lives. After graduating from Marquette University in 2011 with a bachelor’s in Accounting, Ross then immediately went on to receive her master’s in Professional Accountancy from The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, graduating in 2013. After experiencing financial hardship of her own, Ross decided that it was her calling to educate others on how to avoid making the same mistakes she did. Launching Ross Financial, LLC in July of 2016 would help her do just that, and after almost five years in business there is no denying the impact that Ross has made in her community. The relationships she creates with her clients is something she sees as financial therapy. She states, “I’m not a therapist but my coaching sessions are something that really motivates my clients to change their habits.” Ross Financial prepares personal and business income tax returns, handles bookkeeping and accounting services for small to medium businesses. They also offer financial coaching services. Ross has been able to help her local community save nearly 30,000 dollars in taxes, successfully serving nearly 100 clients every tax season. Throughout the remainder of the year, Ross Financial facilitates financial literacy workshops with organizations such as the African American Chamber of Commerce in Milwaukee, and the North West Side Community Development. Ross still holds a strong understanding of how it felt to experience her own financial struggles and how a lack of knowledge got her to that place. That period in her life is what really keeps her motivated to continue moving forward and helping others.

“I’m not a therapist but my coaching sessions are something that really motivates my clients to change their habits.”

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Ross adamantly states that it is critical people understand the importance of managing their finances. When asked what major advice she could offer to someone just starting out Ross pushes three solid points. The first one is budgeting, creating a monthly budget will help to show you how much money you have and exactly where it is going. Secondly, be sure to save! A person should always pay themselves first by saving at least 5-10% of their income. Finally, plan for retirement no matter how young you are, “The younger you are the better! Starting off early just allows for more money you will have in the long run” says Ross. Last year in 2020, Ross Financial helped to secure over 50,000 dollars in grants and payroll protection program funds for clients amid the COVID-19 pandemic. They’ve also had great success in restructuring many of its client’s tax structures. As a result, her clients were able to maximize their refund and nearly double what they originally assumed they would get back. Along with the success of her business also comes its challenges. One that Ross has faced as a black female business owner has been fighting to be paid her worth. As a woman in this profession Ross notices that it is usually men who are more likely to challenge her prices, and it’s something that she has found to be quite disappointing. Nevertheless, Ross remains determined and says this isn’t something that has discouraged her in her work. The future looks bright for Ross Financial. As the business continues to take on more and more clients, Ross plans to expand her tax business by one day acquiring an office space with a full staff of tax preparers. However, her current focus is to continue facilitating workshops and securing speaking engagements to educate anyone who would like to learn.

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Ross’s ultimate goal is to help her clients make money, keep money, and save money! Her hope is to one day become a global brand and teach others how to build economic wealth. h

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Author, Community & Youth Advocate

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By David Hendricks Photos by Terence Doctor They say that “It takes a village to raise a child.” Terence Doctor provides Hopewell, VA with a much-needed leader in the African American community to lead its village. Terence was born in Queens, New York and spent the first four - five years of his life there before relocating to the Tri City area, where he currently still resides. Theer,Terence is known for his devoted community involvement and concern for the betterment of people, specifically African Americans. After graduating from Hopewell High School in 2004, Terence went onto to attend Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC before transferring to Virginia State University. After a few semesters at VSU, he decided to take some time off from school. “I needed a break and wanted to give myself an opportunity clearly think my next step in life,” he says. He recently reenrolled in school at Liberty University. Terence has faced his share of challenges. He grew up in a single-parent household with his mother, as an only child in Hopewell. This was in a neighborhood where hearing police sirens and gunshots were an accepted part of the landscape. “It was normal in my neighborhood which was also filled with talents and gifts, but had limited resources and little encouragement for the youth,” Terence said. He knew as a child that he wanted more out of life, and he also wanted to give back to his community when offered the chance. Terence’s book, “Please Give Me A Dollar” is essentially the journal of his life, made public. It is an inspirational and motivational book of nuggets or what he calls “life lessons” that he’s learned with the purpose to inspire others to find their happiness and purpose. He says his inspiration for writing the book was rooted in his passion to inspire others to go after their dreams and happiness.

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Terence also leads a non-profit organization called Blueprint to Manhood, which is geared for young men ages 7-17. It focuses on uplifting, mentorship, and guiding young men into their journey of manhood. He created Blueprint to Manhood due to a lack of programs and events for young men within his communities, outside of sports. He has also currently working on another book, Please Give Me A Dollar, which focuses on mankinds obsession with money. “The concept of using “dollar” was speaking from the viewpoint of searching for self and happiness and compared it to a form of currency. In other words, one’s happiness or “dollar” may appear insignificant to others but has the most worth in their life. I do not want or desire what others have, I want my happiness or “dollar.” Terence’s goal was to always to be active in the community rather than to be a leader. “We are obligated to be active in the community in someone or another. As Brother Malcolm X once said, ‘So early in my life, I had learned that if you want something, you had better make some noise’. Me being active in my community is my ‘noise’ and paying homage to those before me, to carry on and push towards equality,” Terence said. According to Terence, the importance of Self-Love is the most important life lesson. “When you understand and know who you are, there is no limit to where you can go.” Terence’s inspiration is God, his wife Joni, his children Cameron and Peyton Zora, his hometown of Hopewell, Virginia, and the surrounding areas. He is also inspired by young, optmisitic people who are looking to better themselves and their environments. He also considers his family to be his biggest accomplishment. Becoming an author, founder of a non-profit, and enrolling back into college, are some as well. “They’re all big accomplishments because growing up I didn’t feel that they were achievable goals,” he says.

TerenceDoctor22@gmail.com Facebook: Terence Doctor Motivational/Author Facebook: Brother A.P. Instagram: pharaoh_doctor Facebook: Blueprint to Manhood Instagram: blueprinttomanhood

Terence is prouder of “Blueprint to Manhood” than “Please Give Me A Dollar” because he values seeing young men growing more positive in our communities is better than anything he’s done individually. He loves the community aspect of his nonprofit organization. Terence’s advice to young people would be “Accept accountability for your actions, adjust and live your life for the better. Things may be rough right now but continue to stay the course and believe in you! Tap into your greatness. Be great in all you do, for the world is yours,” he says. In the near future, Terence and his wife will be expecting their new baby girl in May 2021. He is also looking to complete his degree and another book will be published in the near future as well. h

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By Dillan Teabout Photos by Todd Youngblood Meet the woman whose desire is to bring out the best in people. Being yourself and not worrying about the opinion of others is her focal point. At first glance of Germany Inke, you will notice that she is embellished with tattoos and piercings. She takes pride in the saying “don’t judge a book by its cover,” something that many people fall victim to on either side. “People have thoughts and parts of their mind that they won’t discover because they don’t want to be seen as a weirdo,” Inke said. “So, I walk around happy as the poster child of weird people even though I think we are the normal ones.” Germany Inke was born in Dayton, Ohio and was raised partly in Ohio and Georgia. Currently, she resides in Charlotte, NC. She made the transition to the queen city nearly eight years ago as a means to start fresh and to regain her focus. Inke studied psychology at Phoenix University and is currently studying to obtain her master’s degree. She owns a consulting business called “Germany Inke & Co.”, where she incorporates her counseling skills with her consulting to bring out the greatness in people. “Part of what I do is mentor and empower small business owners and regular individuals. I build up selfesteem in others, so they will be able to grow within a craft or talent with confidence,” she says. For most of her clients, that newfound confidence propels them into establishing a business of their own. The motivation to help others started from counseling young girls in Ohio. From her own experience, Inke believes that therapists do not fully address the needs of their clients in regards to growing and preparing them for success. This concern is one of her main areas of focus. “What I do is point out people’s strengths. Most people have things they dream of and can’t get out of their minds,” Inke said. “A lot of those people think they don’t have it in them or possess the drive to pursue it. I don’t believe that is true and I work diligently to help them see it as well.” California - March/April 2021

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“I was created to help and serve others. My mother helped me to realize this and it’s my responsibility to do just that, every day.”

In addition to her consulting business, Inke is also a baker. She also owns a desserts company, called Dirty Desserts, and makes CBD-infused treats which offer better alternatives for treating anxiety and insomnia, rather than just taking pills. Her products are THC free, an ingredient found in marijuana, and have proven to be safe for consumption and quite effective. Her typical clients are those who may be suffering from a trauma or ordeal associated with PTSD or other related disorders. The biggest inspiration in her life is her late mother. Her mother’s willpower motivates Inke to keep pushing through trials and tribulations. “She was the matriarch of my life. She was someone who went through a lot, but still exhibited great strength and courage,” Inke said. “Nothing bad that ever happened to her kept her down. or stopped her.” Her biggest accomplishment is selfmastery and teaching it to others. Inke has personally saved a couple of people from committing suicide. Her mission is to be the voice people can’t seem to find for themselves. Projects coming from her in the future are published books, and a pajama line. On March 1st, while celebrating her 42nd birthday, she will also embrace everything that she is. The first step of her doing this will be dropping a new line called “Sassy Mouth.” “I don’t swear often, but the new line will have little fun stuff that my mother would say was the funniest in the world,” Inke said.

Germany Inke & Co.

101 N. Tryon St. - Suite 607 Charlotte, NC 28246 704-534-4897 Germanyinke.co@gmail.com 28

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Inke also has a podcast called “Germany Inke & Co.” where she talks about different things people face in life, while making it relatable by giving examples of experiences she has faced herself. At the beginning of her podcast, you will hear her say, “I’m Germany Inke, your sister, baby mama, cousin, best friend, boo thang.” This is her personal tagline and says she expresses this because she was taught to be all things to all people, all in an effort to save somebody. While the future appears to be bright for her, when it is all over, Germany Inke wants people to remember her as a dependable, loving woman. “I was created to help and serve others. My mother helped me to realize this and it’s my responsibility to do just that, every day,” she says. To learn more about Germany Inke, please visit her website or contact her directly. h

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Be Accelerated Into Purpose, LLC Humbled by His Grace Ministries 30

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Randall Lee It all begins with having a genuine love and concern for others. By doing so, the purest form of God’s love is expressed and perpetuated. This accurately describes the life of Kocysha LaShaun. Born and raised in West Helena, AR, Kocysha is the founder of Be Accelerated into Purpose, LLC. In this role, she serves as a Writing Coach, Editor, and Self-Publishing Consultant. She is also the overseer of Humbled by His Grace Ministries, a teaching and coaching ministry. She serves as a Teacher of Spiritual Growth and Development and a Spiritual Mindset Coach to help men overcome mental blocks that lead to feelings of frustration and defeat. Once these obstacles are conquered, Kocysha believes men are able to walk in their purpose with confidence, power, and humility. Naturally, Kocysha is a writer. Like most writers, it began in the imaginative mind of a young girl, who possessed the ability to see beyond the realms of her reality. “As a little girl, I began writing in the form of poetry, more so as an outlet for frustration. I never expected to be an author. That happened as a result of a job loss when God began downloading messages to me for a book,” she says. She is the author of three books and co-author in three anthologies. Her first book was Humbled by His Grace, originally written in 2013, but re-published in 2018. In the same year, she wrote another book as part of the See Self as God Sees mini-book series titled, Out of The Darkness and Into the Light. That one, Kocysha shares, was difficult to write. “This was the book that would tell what was meant to be written in my first book. This was the book I had to write to begin my own purpose walk with confidence,” she says. “It was difficult because it meant sharing pieces of me that I’d hidden for so long behind closed doors, out of fear of being misunderstood and judged while outwardly portraying a spiritual persona that involved encouraging others to be and do better.

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Some of her accolades include Coaching Certifications from Transformation Academy for CBT, REBT, and Spiritual Coaching, as well as Relationship Workshop Facilitator and Public Speaker Training and Workshop Facilitator. She is also a former Personal Development Writer for Success Profiles Magazine. Kocysha is innately an encourager, giver, and teacher. She is passionate about helping others rise out of their pits of darkness, while also addressing faulty belief systems and addictive behaviors. This helps them become unstuck so they can move forward in their purpose. This passion has extended into her writings, and as an author she uses her platform to teach the importance of selfreflection and the love and grace of God.

There was a struggle with people-pleasing and codependency on others to validate my existence and worth. While encouraging, uplifting and teaching others in the public, I was suffering behind closed doors, battling my own demons.

Photo by Clinton McCoy

Much like those she serves, Kocysha has had to deal with her own dark pits and addictive behaviors. Parts of her testimony are shared in her books. In short, she was a young girl who lost her virginity at the age of 13, which led to sex addiction in many forms lasting for over 20 years. “There was a struggle with people-pleasing and co-dependency on others to validate my existence and worth. While encouraging, uplifting, and teaching others in the public, I was suffering behind closed doors battling my own demons. Then one Sunday in late 2017, a pastor asked the question, ‘Are you seeing yourself as God sees you?’ That question convicted me so that it literally changed the trajectory of my life. That’s when my own process of being accelerated into purpose began. The process has not always been easy, but more than anything it’s been one of great humility,” Kocysha shares. Continued on the next page

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Although it was God that saw her through different trials, she wouldn’t be the person she is today were it not for the testimonies of others. “I can’t pinpoint one person who’s impacted my life the most because it’s a combination of stories from those who have bounced back from different setbacks in life. Losing my job as an instructor was the situation that impacted my life the most. It was devastating to my pride, but were it not for that, I’m sure things would have turned out completely different. That job loss led to me building a free-lance business as a selftaught transcriptionist and virtual assistant, and now as an author and coach,” she says. The one constant was the ever-present hand of God planted right in the middle of everything.

Pictured with Kocysha is her sister Karena Washington, who also co-authored on the book, The Lost Coin.

For those aspiring to write, Kocysha shares, “Knowing your who and why is most important for the writing process and helps as well with the marketing and promotion process. Create an outline of chapter titles and topics before writing your content. This will help with structure and organization. It will also save you a lot of time and money when it comes to choosing an editor or publisher.” On March 12, Kocysha released her 7th book titled, From the Heart of God to the Hearts of Men. On June 12, she will be joining the Fair Consulting Group as a speaker for the Leadership Experience Tour in Troy, MI. Over the next few months, she’s scheduled for several podcast interviews while continuing to establish her ministry. When not writing, Kocysha can be found enjoying the simple life. Her hobbies are reading, listening to praise and worship music, and painting. To learn more about Kocysha and to purchase copies of her books, please visit her website. h

www.kocyshalashaun.com

Bridging The Gap for Minorities in Aviation

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

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

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

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

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

Ramone Hemphill The99th.org

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A Single Suggestion 40

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California - March/April 2021

By Marrissa Dick Photos by Erika Burnett Handmade, the word, is an adjective and it means not made by machine and typically therefore of superior quality. Most handmade items are crafted in small studios or people’s own homes. With handmade goods, you have the option of customizing your purchase because you can deal directly with the artisan when you purchase handcrafted products. Having something handmade affords you the opportunity to customize your purchase. Because you are dealing directly with the artisans when you purchase handcrafted products, they might be open to tweaking certain aspects of their product specifically to fit your needs. Meet Erika Burnet, founder of A Single Suggestion, a one-of-a-kind handcrafted company where cards and stationery are made that puts a smile on the faces of many people and happy memories in their hearts. A Single Suggestion is a business located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that is dedicated to rekindling the lost art of handwritten notes. Erika shares her story, “I had no idea I would ever start a business until I attended a woman’s only networking event. My cousin encouraged me to go so when I got there and displayed my handcrafted cards everyone fell in love with them. I was told that I should have been in business a long time ago. I was humbled that people actually appreciated my work. Those women gave me all of the support I needed. I found a business coach, an accountant, a mentor, and I was able to connect with all types of people who provided me with advice and information I needed to be successful in my business. My business opened six months later in June 2013.” You may be asking yourself what is so exciting about a card when you can go to Hallmark and buy one. Erik shares, “My business is handmade stationary. I make one of a kind handmade note cards. They don’t have any sentiments on the inside but the card itself says it all. Since they are one of a kind once a particular design is sold, I don’t remake it unless another customer happens to see it on my website and really wants something like it. If that’s the case, then I will recreate something like it to their specifications. I also carry ink pen sets for women that have affirmational messages on them to promote emotional wellness for women and I have handmade journals. I also create handmade

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bookmarks and gift card holders in different shapes, and I have over 400 items on my website and they’re all one of a kind. You know when I first started working at the University of Pennsylvania my former manager was already making cards as a hobby. She offered to take me to class with her; I went and have been hooked ever since. I would buy my supplies and sit at home on the weekends and make cards for family and friends. I did that for 12 years just for fun. I didn’t know I would enjoy creating cards.” One reason people purchase handcrafted goods is because they like having something unique and they find satisfaction in knowing that having a handmade creation means that there are fewer of them on the market. When you make a purchase from A Single Suggestion, you are receiving a unique item. Erika only makes one-of-a-kind cards so that means that the individual purchasing that card will be the only person with it or whomever they give it to will have something really special. Of course there are others who make cards by using computer programs but Erika’s cards are handmade down to the paper. She shares, “I cut the paper myself. I do all of the hand stamping. I use ink and rubber stamping the old-fashioned way. I color with markers, pencils, and crayons. I use watercolors and even bleach sometimes to get the affect I’m looking for. You won’t find my cards in a major store because they are one-of-a-kind handmade cards and stationery. I don’t mass produce them. You’ll never see someone else with a card that you have purchased from me either. For instance, stores like Hallmark have actually come out with stationery and cards that look handmade, but they aren’t. When you get one of my cards in your hands and compare it to one of those I just described, you can see and feel the difference. Their items are mass produced to look authentic, but they aren’t. My cards and stationery are authentic and made with high quality products. Large conglomerates can’t make that claim, but I can.”

Often, Erika will receive solicitations from other merchants to carry her product in their stores, but she is adamant that her creations are not going to be mass produced. “I do want to see my cards and stationery in stores, but what I don’t want to do is lose the concept of the handmade component. Often times when you are picked up by a store, they begin mass producing your work and they want to change things. That’s not what I want to happen. I will turn something down if my cards don’t have the same personable affect.” For those consumers who appreciate one-of-a-kind designs, A Single Suggestion is especially for you. We all know that the pandemic has severely crippled socialization. Some people are suffering with depression because they are unable to see their family or very close friends. Erika understands that this season in America calls for creative ways to share your love. For that reason, she created, Handwritten Love. She shares, “Every month, I send love to individuals through cards or letters. Life can be tough sometimes and not everyone has someone to show them love when they need it or give them a little inspiration when they’re thinking about giving up on their dreams or life in general. Everyone can use a kind word or two. I love to see people happy and if I can’t see them happy, I know they will be when they open the envelope and see that card in their hand. You know, God blessed me with all of this. He blessed me so I can be a blessing to someone else. Doing this work brings me peace and it relaxes me. In this day and time

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“I cut the paper myself. I do all of the hand stamping. I use ink and rubber stamping the old-fashioned way. I color with markers, pencils, and crayons. I use watercolors and even bleach sometimes to get the affect I’m looking for. You won’t find my cards in a major store because they are one-of-a-kind handmade cards and stationery,”

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where everything is digital, we’ve lost touch with the social aspect of sitting down and having a conversation. The intimacy between person-to-person communication is almost obsolete. My goal is to rekindle handwritten notes. Years ago, people wrote letters and sent sympathy cards all the time. We don’t do that anymore and that’s what keeps me going. There are a lot of lonely people out there who don’t have family or friends to check on them, so I think sending even a stranger or someone who moves into the neighborhood a welcome card provides some type of inspiration. Also, I have a lot of companies contacting me now asking me to sell my cards and stationery in their stores, but I hesitate because I don’t want to lose the concept of the handmade component. Oftentimes when you are picked up by a store, they want to mass produce your product. Once that happens that authenticity is lost. The cards won’t have the same affect and that’s not what I want to do so I will turn something down if my cards aren’t going to have the same affect.” Artisan creations offer higher quality details and they also make it possible to preserve the handwriting and hand-crafted skill that is ebbing away due to the advancement of technology. If you are having an intimate gathering of not more than 25 guests and you want to impress them from the onset, then let Erika create beautifully handcrafted invitations especially for your occasion. Your guest won’t toss these cards away. You can see her many creations by going to www.asinglesuggestion.com and you can call Erika at (267) 702-3138 to speak with her about her designs. h

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MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

Izabella McDonald The daughter of Shantell McDonald and Gary McDonald

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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