Huami Magazine California May/June 2022 by Terry Watson

CALIFORNIA

May/June 2022 Vol. 1 Issue 8

Manifest In You Consulting LLC California - May/June 2022

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We May Wish, But God Has A Plan A Letter From The Editor

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

Modern technology, such as the internet and smart devices, has changed the way consumers shop for everyday necessities. Everything from groceries to televisions, tires, medications, and A Letter from the Editor patio furniture can be purchased directly from a smartphone or computer. Foot traffic in stores has been greatly reduced, and the CovidWhat 19 pandemic may didn’t have played bigof role in that also. if tomorrow arrive?a All your plans, hopes Anyhow, many retailers have adjusted how they make their and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What ifproducts accessible in order foryou them to survive. everything that decided to put off until tomorrow never

happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy As aday, child, I remember the huge department store catalogs that and you could spare someone the trouble of making wouldpromises. come in the mailifevery year,opportunity usually around the Christmas What your last seemingly expired holiday season. I would look at them and prepare my list of items today? What would you do? that I wanted before submitting it to my mama. Sometimes I got most of what I wanted, but not always. I’ve been told that I often seemStill, like looking I do toothrough much. the catalog and believing thatI Iam would get them was very exciting Honestly, I feel like not doing enough and I’m a firmfor me. Unfortunately, the catalogs are long gone now and have been believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me replaced digital ones. Awwwe, technology. thatbyI couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would

be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I I compare those childhood catalog surfing moments to some have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity experiences I have as an adult. I have often tried to plan out my life is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge by creating a wish list for various stages without the assistance of to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? a department store catalog. I have made plans for various things If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn and experiences and made plans on how to acquire and accomplish something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in them. Those plans were submitted to God, and I’m always amazed return acquire life. at what I receive from God in response. The best advice ever given to me happened when someone See, I have learned that even though I make plans, God has the told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so final say. What I think is good for me, God knows what is truly best I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only for me. Even in my lowest moments, God has already prepared a hope provided. I have also learned the difference between path to higher ground for me. And even when I choose to follow my what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with own way, He redirects. as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and when to be quiet, because I strive to live a better life, a life someone may get it confused that is connected to God through with being arrogant. obedience and grasping a better understanding of what He desires Make you tomorrow for me. I admit that I don’t have all happen but most the answers, andtoday, sometimes I make importantly make it count. mistakes. It’s good to know that even Lifeoffis track but ain whisper andlove when I get life, God’s we must put ourselves in a never changes. position to hear what it is telling us.

www.huamimagazine.com Terry L. Watson

Publisher

www.huamimagazine.com Monica Montgomery Editor In Chief Writer Terry L. Watson Writer Terry L. Watson Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Ellen Richardson Writer Dorjae’ McClammey Writer Writers

Tonya Dixon Terry L. Watson Micheal Duncan Alana Allen Photographer Tamara Smith Charles Beason Jeuron Dove Photographer Photographers Perfect Lenz Photography Todd Youngblood 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 2022 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

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

On The Cover

Photo by Shaw Photography Group

CONTENTS

MAY/JUNE 2022

CALIFORNIA

YaKima Davis 14

Chelsea Whittington

Marrel Gravely Foushee

Bliss Within Coaching

On The Cover

Manifest In You Consulting LLC Danielle Gilbert

The Wealthy Child

Delvin Sullivan

Who You Whitt?

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Also Featured

Alexis Williams She has turned a loss into a phenomenal gain. Learn more about Aloha Glamour and her journey. Gulfport, MS

Shanna Jennette It’s that time again. The warm weather months have arrived. Have you planned your vacation? She can help. Greensboro, NC

Kwaku Bentil From Ghana to The DMV and around the globe. Learn more about this ambitious fashion designer. The DMV

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By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Danielle Gilbert

Danielle Gilbert of Richmond, VA, can easily be described as a go-getter. Along with being a wife to Markie, and mother to twin girls, Mariah and Makenzie, she is the CEO of Manifest In You Consulting. Her firm evaluates, elevates, and equips small to medium-sized employers with valuable human resources to minimize risk, avoid lawsuits and save thousands of dollars. She also focuses on measurable results leading to increased value, improved employee morale and engagement, and overall organizational performance while minimizing risk. Danielle holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and management with a minor in Criminal Justice from Virginia Commonwealth University, a Master of Business Administration concentration in Human Resources Management, and a Master of Public Administration degree from Strayer University. Her leadership abilities, servant leadership, business acumen, project management skills, and executive presence have distinctively positioned her to effectively lead enterprisewide human resources transformations, which have saved companies over $50 million. She has also provided techniques to increase employee engagement by 50%, reduce unemployment claims by 30%, and streamline human resources processes. Even more, her company provides a full range of human resources as well as strategic planning development, employee relations, labor relations, compliance, talent acquisition, training and development, and organization development.

MANIFEST

I N Y O U CONSULTING, L L C

www.daniellemgilbert.com

In addition to her consulting company, Danielle is the visionary leader of The Gilbert Group, LLC, which oversees M & M Creative Arts, Gilbert Transportation, Creative Designs By Danielle, and Galas By Gilbert Travel. She has also developed Gales By Gilbert Event Planning, and Women Can Inspire 2. She also serves as a professor at Virginia Union University and teaches Employee Relations at Sydney Lewis School of Business.

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In January 2013, Danielle was certified by the Human Resources Certification Institute as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR). She was later approved by the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) as an SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) in 2015. Later in 2019, she completed the Women in Entrepreneurship through Cornell University and most recently became certified by the Institute for Healthcare and Equity as a Diversity Management in Health Care Practitioner. Presently, Danielle is currently pursuing her Ph.D. Danielle was recognized by the Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., Gamma Delta Chapter as 2021 Emerging Business Women of the Year, 2018 Allen and Allen Hometown Heroes. She was also recognized by the Catholic Healthcare Association of the United States as one of nine Tomorrow’s Leaders in 2015 and was a 2016 Style Weekly Top 40 Under 40. She was featured in CEO Magazines, Women Who Do It All, and received the American Hospital Association Gary Willis Leadership Award. More of her civil achievements include National Association of Women Business Owners Community Service Leader, Partnership for the Future Helping Hands Community recipient, 2015 and 2016 Chamber RVA HYPE Icon award finalist. Finally, she received the 2014 Strayer University’s Outstanding Alumni Award, which is given to a graduate who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in his/her professional, public, and personal life since graduation.

“Don’t allow others to dictate your success. You are in charge of your own imagination, so don’t allow others to change your mind.” As if her plate wasn’t already full, Danielle has found time to publish a few books also. She is the author of “The Unspoken Words: Pain, Patience, and Progress,” HR Is Not That Bad: 7 Ways to Create An HR Department on a Budget, and co-author of Letters to My Legacy, Breakthrough, I AM ME, YOU ARE YOU (Co-Author with her daughters), and Courageous Enough to Launch.” Danille says she loves that her career allows her the ability to walk in her purpose and passion. She also notes that some things have greatly impacted her life and career and shares they have helped her to become the best version of herself. While her journey has been eventful, Danielle says there isn’t much she would change about it other than the time it took for her to understand her value, learn how to manifest her desires, and love herself first. Her advice to others who may follow in her footsteps is to create your own path by believing, speaking, and writing your life desires. “Don’t allow others to dictate your success. You are in charge of your own imagination, so don’t allow others to change your mind. Shift your mindset always to be great.”

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#WhoYouWHITT By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Cheslea Whittington Her name is Chelsea Whittington, and her motto is “Who You Whitt?” Chelsea has called Gary, IN, home for her entire life. She is the youngest of four children and describes herself as a late bloomer. Her father was an entrepreneur, and it was fate that she would follow in his footsteps also. Chelsea was formally educated at Gary Westside High School and graduated as the Salutatorian. Next, she attended Howard University, an HBCU, and later received her degree in Broadcast Journalism. She received a second degree in Organizational Communication from Purdue University. Chelsea has established herself in a career in Public Relations. However, she admits this field wasn’t part of her initial plan. “I actually thought I would be a Broadcast Journalist. That was my first degree, and I wanted to be like Oprah Winfrey, but a couple of things happened that changed my mind,” she says. Her career in Public Relations and Communications spans more than 25 years. She has worked for the Peace Corps Recruiting Office in Arlington, VA, the Office of Congressman Charles Rangel (D-NY), JWA Boys and Girls Club, Lake Area United Way, the Gary Community School Corporation, and Johnson Publishing Company, publisher of Ebony and Jet Magazines. In 2009, Chelsea joined the executive team at U.S. Cellular Corporation as Communications Manager. There, she managed 4 of the company’s public relations firms while promoting the brand of the nation’s sixthlargest wireless phone company.

Chelsea has also served in the administration of Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson, the City of Gary’s first female mayor and the State of Indiana’s only female African-American mayor. As Director of Communications, she oversaw media relations, crisis communications, special events, branding, and marketing for her hometown of Gary. On her birthday three years ago, Chelsea launched her business, C Whitt PR. With her company, Chelsea says she is a brand builder. In her capacity, she assists clients with making their brand visible and heard. She develops public relations and social media strategies for clients and presents workshops and training on social media and public speaking. This may involve hands-on, personalized training for TV, radio, print media interviews, and speaking engagements. Chelsea shares that what she loves most about what she does is that no two days are the same. “Today, I was at a meeting at iHeart in Chicago, and tomorrow I will be in Gary teaching kids at the YMCA how to get on a computer,” she says. “It’s about being creative, and I don’t have any boundaries. I don’t have a clock to punch, and I love that,” she says. Chelsea shares that her late mother has made the most significant impact on her life. “I was 29 years old when my mom passed. I had so much I needed to get from her, but I promised myself that I would make her proud. When I got the job at Ebony, I thought about her because she loved Ebony and Jet magazines. Every step I took in my career, I would benchmark it against my mama’s thoughts and how it would make her proud,” she says. She also credits her husband for being her biggest cheerleader and encouraging her to step out on faith and start her own company. When asked if she would change anything about her journey, Chelsea says she would have become an entrepreneur sooner. “Now that I know what I know, I would have done this long ago. We are in the shadow of Chicago, and many of the businesses located in Gart need marketing services, and my company provides these,” she says. Moving forward, Chelsea shares she would love to retire and settle into a life of teaching, lecturing, and traveling. “Even though I love what I do, I don’t want to do it forever. I would like to travel the world with my husband and see what else life has to offer,” she says. In the meantime, her focus is on building up others and creating spaces for them to thrive in her field. To learn more about Chelsea Whittington, please visit her website. h

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Bliss Within Coaching By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Yakima Davis

Yakima Davis of Dallas, TX, has dedicated her career to helping others. She is the owner of Bliss Within Coaching, a Life Transitions Coaching firm that helps men and women navigate life transitions with purpose and encouragement. Yakima says life transitions are a part of discovering your purpose. Yakima was born in Beaumont, TX, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism: Broadcast News and Sociology from Southern Methodist University. Additionally, she completed two programs to become a Certified Professional Coach and Certified Life Coach from the Life Purpose Institute. Over the years, she has performed as an actor on stage and served as a guest speaker at numerous events. “I love working with clients in an intentional way. Serving as a coach is one of my sincerest passions. I love people, smiles, quotes, scriptures, music, flowers, and nature,” she shares. As a Certified Professional Coach, Yakima specializes in Life Transitions, Life Purpose, Relationship Coaching, and Spiritual Coaching. She also offers complimentary introductory sessions, individual coaching services, life coaching group classes, encouragement, and life purpose talks for men and women. The journey to becoming a life coach began early in Yakima’s childhood. “I have been wholeheartedly coaching for a little over six years. I have always loved helping people, interviewing people, and learning about different behaviors and societal norms. I’ve always enjoyed teaching also,” she says. h California - May/June 2022

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“I’ve discovered that there are cascading levels of life. As I seek to help others discover their purpose, my purpose is continuously revealed. Sharing love, showing compassion, being encouraging, providing support to others matters the most to me. Living in obedience to God and in service to others makes each day colorful for me. It is my sincerest honor to love my neighbor as I learn to love myself more and more,” she says. What Yakima loves most about being a life and personal coach is the opportunity it provides to help people move forward in life and encourage and empower them. “I am honored to be an integral part of supporting clients in achieving their goals and embracing who they are as a whole person. I enjoy learning, listening, communicating, and working with people from all cultural and religious backgrounds. I love for clients to feel seen, heard, and valued. There is something magical about witnessing clients unearth their answers through guidance, techniques, and facilitating questions.” She shares that Jesus, her mother and father, her younger but very fierce sister, dearest friends, and countless others. She also credits her faith for being a source of strength for her. “My God-given ability to love people has greatly impacted my life,” she says. While she specializes in coaching and building up others, she still finds the time to advise others. “Pray for an amazing support circle of people in your life and appreciate them. Check in with yourself to confirm what you really want to fulfill from season to season, and pray for revelation and clarity of your dreams and purposes. Develop a healthy perspective of rejection, and work hard with purpose and strategy. Also, encourage and be kind to yourself, and be grateful for the small things, and keep pressing on amid every rainbow and storm,” she says. Yakima shares her plans for the future are to create online courses, become an author, speak at life-changing engagements, and evolve as a coach, both personally and professionally. She also hopes to collaborate with other coaches and charities. To learn more about Yakima Davis and Bliss Within Coaching, please contact her directly. h

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Mother Hustlers Network 18

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By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Kamisha Petgrave Kamisha Petgrave is a go-getter. The Atlanta, GA resident is a young single mother and graduate of Strayer University. There, she obtained her degree in Criminal Justice before venturing off into the world of entrepreneurship. Kamisha shares that being an entrepreneur has always been a goal for her. Another goal for this single mother was to become financially secure and provide a future for her daughter. “Everything I do is for my daughter and to better myself for her. As a kid growing up, I knew that I didn’t want to work a traditional job. I also didn’t know where to start, and because of that, my entrepreneurial journey didn’t begin until I became a mother in 2015,” she says. During that time, Kamisha was on maternity leave, and she had no income. Soon she discovered an opportunity with a direct sales company and took her last $100 and jumped in. She says that was the beginning of entrepreneurship for her, and IamKamishaP, The Networking Strategist, was born.. “During my journey as an entrepreneur, I discovered another passion; motivating and empowering single mothers like myself to take charge of their financial freedom, and become “a YES MOM”. That is how Mother Hustlers Network was formed, an organization geared towards helping single mothers earn additional income by starting a business in the network marketing industry, while building a personal brand and erasing the need to work a second job,” she says. They also cater to single mothers who are already on their entrepreneurship journey. “As single mothers, we understand that attempting to build a profitable business while you are raising a family can be very challenging. That is why it’s essential to have an adequate support system.”

“During my journey as an entrepreneur, I discovered another passion; motivating and empowering single mothers like myself to take charge of their financial freedom, and become “a YES MOM”

Mother Hustlers Network began with only a thought five years ago. The vision took years to come into play due to many hurdles that Kamisha had to overcome. The Mother Hustlers Network community organization officially started in 2020.

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While Kamisha says she finds enjoyment in seeing mom’s faces light up when they become “Yes Moms,” she admits there are some challenges that come with being your own boss. “It has not been a smooth road, especially being a single mother. There were times when I felt like giving up because things weren’t going how I wanted them to go. People who I thought would be happy for me were the same people wishing the worst on me. I also had to drill it into myself that your friends and family will not be the most supportive. I learned to keep my head held high and tell myself that no matter what, I will keep pushing. Even though I didn’t give up, I did take a break to refocus on my why, and I was able to jump back in like I never left,” she shares. Her advice to others who might follow in her footsteps is to have faith in yourself. “It does not have to be perfect to start. Start exactly where you are and grow from there. Business is forever changing, and you will always find a new way or a new system that makes your business better,” she says. h

Kamisha Petgrave

Mother Hustlers Network www.iamkamishap.com 20

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Kwaku Bentil DYHYT LLC By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by DYHYT LLC While Kwaku Bentil proudly professes he is a Ghanaian, with roots in the African West Coast country of Ghana, the 32-year-old loves everyone, regardless of where they are from. He is the owner of DYHYT LLC, a company that produces urban streetwear and loungewear. Their two main goals are to make sure their clients are comfortable in what they wear and be responsible for their own happiness. Kwaku says his merch is designed for any and everyone. He has stuff for infants, toddlers, and adults, including t-shirts, hoodies, and crewnecks. Kwaku is a native and current resident of the DMV. He attended Frostburg State University, and while there, he received his bachelor’s degree. He later acquired his master’s in Cyber Security from the University of Maryland University College. Kwaku shares that he is a Senior Compliance Specialist by day, and Deejay and CEO of DYHYT LLC at night and on weekends. So how did things begin for DYHYT LLC. Kwaku says he had been saying the phrase “happy yourself” over the course of some years. “The term “happy yourself” is African slang to pretty much say do what makes you happy. I’ve always wanted to get into the merchandise business but I had no idea or real concept. I would be doing research here and there, and then one day in 2019, while I was in Ghana, I decided to take a risk, get some samples made and try my hand. It’s been a great journey ever since.”

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Being a business owner has its perks, and Kwaku says he enjoys the opportunity he has to express his creativity through his current merch, and is equally excited about what is coming in the future. “This experience has made me a better businessman and taught me how to handle my business thoroughly,” he shares “I am inspired by the success of my peers and others, and I truly love a good success story. I love seeing people run and go after their dreams. That motivates me even more because naturally, I am selfmotivated.” Kwaku says he wouldn’t be where he is in life without the love and support of family and friends. “I know a lot of people, but the ones closest to me have been thorough with me and honest. I trust them and they trust me, and it’s a never-ending building process.” Kwaku has put some great plans in place for the future. One, he would like to own either an NFL or an NBA team. He would also like to build a major state of the art hospital in every major region in Ghana. He also has film and documentary ideas he would like to make happen. His immediate plans are to make DYHYT LLC flourish as much as possible and hopefully partner with a major retail store. Finally, he also plans to get into real estate and build up a good stock portfolio. To learn more about DYHYT LLC, please visit their website.

Kwaku Bentil DYHYT LLC www.dyhyt.com California - May/June 2022

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Aloha Glamour 26

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Information Provided By Lexi Williams and Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Aloha Glamour Credible influencers remind the world of its limitless possibilities when charisma is met with expert potential, tenacity, and sincere cause. Existing as a living attestation of that theory; is the effervescent professional, Lexi Williams. Lexi Williams of Gulfport, MS, is an author, advocate, creative mogul, CEO, and Founder of Aloha Glamour, a multi-faceted heritage-enthused brand house that provides both trend-savvy apparel and inspiration to a diverse clientele. Slogan-ed as the Afro-Waiin Boutique, Lexi provides consumers with the opportunity to enjoy a unique blend of African and Hawaiian inspired fashions, alongside an unyielding positivity and an energetic online community. Born after the tragic loss of Lexi’s daughter (Lauren Taylor), Aloha Glamour has remained a community of women, empowering others to find and use their voices, turning their tragedies into triumphs and their mess into a message. Lexi’s mantra is simple. “I believe that women should live boldly and love themselves wholeheartedly, while using their voice and fashion to promote living their life in color.” Lexi couples an impressive career in fashion. This is paired with a buoyant reputation of innovative leadership, trailblazing success, and community achievement. She has also created, chaired, and hosted the first-ever, Black-owned business Awards on The Mississippi Gulf Coast, highlighting more than 250 black-owned businesses. The sold-out event helped to solidify her reputation. She is no stranger to the limelight. She has been featured four times in Gulf Coast Women Magazine and has had two sensational write-ups on Aloha Glamour. She styled Tamika from the hit Bravo TV show, Southern Charm and was interviewed herself, by Ms. Jamiee on the MS. Congeniality Show. She was also featured twice at the Inaugural Black Business Awards and has experienced more television coverage for her contributions, at Aloha Glamour. Lexi’s propensity for success is imminent, and she displays proficient know-how in the world of sales, earning as much as $33,000 in under five days. When Lexi is not out changing the world for the better, she is an asset to her communal body and a loving member of her family and friendship circles. She is a medically retired veteran, having served more than 17 years in the US Air Force. She is also a mother to aspiring model Laila Williams (16) and Marine Kaileb Williams (18).

Aloha Glamour offers Afrowiian Clothing and Accessories for the bold individual who believes in living life in color and outloud. Lexi shares, “I started the business in January 2017. I was coping with the loss of my daughter while also serving in the military. I needed to do something for my mental health, and I remembered how I felt when I first tried on a Pu’a Skirt. The drive behind establishing Aloha Glamour was curated from the sense of “ka wiwo ole” (the Hawaiian word for confidence) that I received the first time I put on the skirt.. The floral design and the way it held my figure provided a certain feeling of individuality and boldness. I wanted to share that sensation with other women as well.” Aloha Glamour affords all full-figured a seat at the fashion table by adding a “Pop of Pretty” to their wardrobe. Each skirt is one size fits all and exclusive in design. Lexi says she hopes that with each purchase, her clients will feel the same confidence and unique styling experience as she did, over and over again. She says what she loves most about her business is when others contact her or stop her in the store and say things such as “Because of you, I got through.” “Sometimes our stories are the keys to unlock someone else’s prison, and I am honored when I’m told I was the key for them,” she says. What inspires her the most are the families that are directly affected by her business. “Their hustle is unmatched. When I visited Ghana in June 2021, I had the opportunity to meet Artisans that make Aloha Glamour go around. Knowing that I directly affect their kids’ education and their quality of life inspires me to do what I do,” she says. On the other hand, she says her own children have impacted her life and career the most. She says it’s the resilience and grace shown and given unto her while she was turning her pain into her passion got her through. “I could never repay them for what they’ve done for me,” Lexi said. Moving forward, she has plans to open Aloha Glamour Flag Ship stores in outlet malls around the country. She also plans to offer cultural travel trips to Ghana and Hawaii bi-annually, so that others can experience the cultures, the people, and the food that she loves so much. Her advice to others who may follow a path similar to hers is to do it scared. “There will never be a perfect time to launch or start that business. Someone is waiting on what you have to offer to make it through their trying time. So pray to God and do it.” To learn more about Lexi and Aloha Glamour, please visit their website or contact her directly. h

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I’m Your Traveling Expert By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Todd Youngblood “We are a group of people who are well-versed in the fun and rigors of traveling. Our travel agency came together to help other people plan and book their dream vacations.” It’s that time again. The warm weather months have arrived and if you haven’t already booked your summer vacation, Shanna Jennette of My Legendary Travel LLC is here to help. Last year, she launched her very own swimwear line, showcasing her creativity and style. Shanna, who resides in Greensboro, NC, is a graduate of the University of North Carolina Greensboro. She began her career as a special education teacher with Teach for America. After accepting the position in 2011, she was relocated to New York City to teach in the public school system for the next two and a half years. Moving to New York was Shanna’s very first major traveling experience and the first time she had ever traveled by plane. This was the furthest she had ever been from North Carolina, and this experience introduced her to a lot of new things. Living in New York City ,Shanna became intrigued with all the new people she met and cultures. An interest in learning more about the cultures of her students and friends began to grow, and she decided that she would travel to these places and see them for herself. When she began planning her first international trip, she learned a lot of new information and thought about how she could share this knowledge with others. Shanna then reconnected with an old college friend who also happened to be a travel agent. After many conversations, Shanna eventually learned of all the required classes and certifications that she would need to begin this new venture. Fast forward to 2016, and her company was ready to go. My Legendary Travel LLC provides quality care, and service for its clients and their vacation plans. This agency does it all for international or domestic travel, cruise, or land adventure! The addition of fashion allows them to assist women with finding functional and affordable swimwear for their vacations.

While planning her own vacations, Shanna always seemed to find trouble picking swimsuits that complimented her shape. Swimsuits that provided the coverage she needed were never quite that stylish, and the more fashionable swimwear that she would find would be too revealing. She figured that other women were probably experiencing the same issues, so she began creating her own pieces. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020, traveling came to a complete standstill all around the world. That situation shifted her attention and revealed an opportunity for her to expand the business. During the lockdown, she forged new business relationships with a swimsuit vendor and a fashion designer who had made unique swimsuits for her in the past. Through collaboration with the vendor and the designer, Shanna produced multiple designs for monokinis, one-pieces, and two-pieces. Each swimsuit has a price point that ranges from about $25-$45, depending on the style. Shanna finds motivation from the community of women entrepreneurs that she is now surrounded by. She stated that attending business workshops and seminars where other black women share their success stories inspires her to keep going. “Going to those kinds of events allows me to network and build new friendships and business relationships, we are all able to help each other and keep each other motivated,” says Shanna. Shanna shares that her success in business continues mainly due to the rapport she has built with her clientele. “I get so many returning customers. I love that they always come back because it is a testament to my service,” says Shanna. She also gets a lot of business from the referrals made by her previous clients. Moving forward, Shanna plans to continue expanding the fashion sector of My Legendary Travel. She also plans to expand her business to other areas around the country. Recently, she dropped eight new swimwear styles on her website and has plans for more styles in the upcoming weeks. All previous styles are currently 50% off. Additionally, there are lots of summer travel deals. There is still a $200 deposit required per person to book, no matter the destination or cost. Many countries have lifted their Covid 19 restrictions and no longer require Covid testing to travel there, but it is still required to get a test to return to the U.S. Covid testing is available on most resorts, and if not, resorts will provide a location for a fee. Contact Shanna about Covid testing for specific locations before traveling. To learn more about My Legendary Travel LLC, please visit their website. h

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The Wealthy Child “I am a Change Agent on the path to create a culture of wealth for the next generation”

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Ronald Pollard

Delvin Sullivan is a Dave Ramsey-certified Financial Coach who believes that “The earlier money can make sense to a child, the better chance they have at being financially responsible adults.” A native of Huntsville, AL, Delvin is the author of The Wealthy Child, a book designed to teach youth about money and the world’s economic process. As someone who grew up in public housing, Delvin’s passion always led him to mentoring youth and posing as a positive role model for kids, particularly young men. Using the basic principles of wealth, he published his book to level the playing field and offer all children the opportunity to become wealthy through knowledge. Some of the topics discussed in the Wealthy Child production are budgeting, banking, investing, credit, income, and assets. “I am introducing children to the basics of financial literacy in a fun and engaging way and teaching kids about the importance of earning, saving, and spending responsibly. My goal is to ensure they understand the importance of earning, saving, and spending responsibly,” Delvin says. In addition to being an author, personal finance coach, and entrepreneur, Delvin is also a US Army veteran and recipient of the Unsung Hero Award. He holds degrees from Alabama A&M University and Murray State University. He is married to Felichia, and they have two children, Tierra and Jordan, along with three grandchildren. Delvin shares, “I began teaching at the Sparkman Homes Boys and Girls Club in 2017, and decided to develop a book and workbook that would give the students something they could take home with them.” The vision for The Wealthy Child is connected to Delvins awareness of the many challenges that youth face, especially within his community. “Studies show 80% of crimes that send people to prison have something to do with money. I want to change that narrative by teaching children how to earn, save, grow, and respect the dollar at an early age,” he says.

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He shares that he loves being able to change the course of a child’s life by ensuring he or she is financially literate. He is also inspired by youth development and making a difference in his community. Growing up in similar situations that many of the young individuals he’s helping are, Delving feels that he has a sincere responsibility to create realistic opportunities for them. “I made it to where I am because of the men placed in my life at the Boys and Girls Club. It was Ugene Phillips, Cedric Wherry, and Tyrone Langford. They would preach, “if you want to be an eagle, don’t hang around turkey’s”. That kept me from becoming a product of my environment,” Delvin says. Delvin’s future goal is to continue to change the lives of millions of children by introducing them to the world’s economic process. To learn more about The Wealthy Child, please visit their website. h

Delvin Sullivan The Wealthy Child

www.thewealthychild.net 256-468-3227

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