Huami Magazine California July/August 2023

Espresso.Community.Culture

Defeating The Distractions

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

I’m a firm believer in God-given purpose and assignments. Huami Magazine is a result of answered prayers and isolated conversations with God. I could hear God’s voice mainly due to my ability to block out any unnecessary noise and ultimately focus on what I was seeking God for. I had a yearning for something more, something greater than myself, but I knew I didn’t possess the ability to visualize it by my own efforts. I had no choice but to rest on what I needed for God to show me.

What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired today? What would you do?

The experience I just described exemplifies the power of defeating distractions blocking and holding our blessings and purposes hostage. Distractions are often present as a means to prevent us from seeing or hearing the things needed to grow. Distractions are only effective when we allow them to be. Even more, distractions have no power unless we give them power.

Terry L. Watson Publisher

Monica Montgomery Writer

Terry L. Watson Writer

Dorjae’

What are you allowing to have relevance in your life that serves as a distraction? What are you giving energy and attention but serves you no purpose or benefit? If you can identify what is fruitful and what is not in your life, you will take the first step in clearing the path to what is purposed for you—your destiny.

I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in return acquire life.

Distractions can present themselves in various ways and forms. Distractions can be friends or associates. Distractions often appear in text messages, emails, and other places such as social media platforms. Distractions can begin as small meaningless occurrences but can grow into things that consume your time and affect how you act, move, and live.

The best advice ever given to me happened when someone told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only hope provided. I have also learned the difference between what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and when to be quiet, because someone may get it confused with being arrogant.

We must eliminate distractions to reach our goals and live more purposeful lives. We must focus on the things that help us become the most excellent versions of ourselves. While many things in life can be reproduced and duplicated, time isn’t one of them, and with the time that life offers us, we must make the most of it.

Make you tomorrow happen today, but most importantly make it count. Life is but a whisper and we must put ourselves in a position to hear what it is telling us.

My best advice is for you to live your life to the fullest potential by identifying and defeating distractions.

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

Tamara Smith

Todd Youngblood Photography

Howard Gaither Photography

Terry L. Watson

Espresso.Community.Culture

By Terry L. Watson

There is an adage that it takes two to make a thing go right; well, in the case of DRiP Espresso, a collaboration of three minds has made the difference. Keiona Williamson, Jasmine Bronson, and Taylor White, all natives of Sacramento, own DRIP Espresso in Sacramento, CA. Their company is a local gathering spot known for its award-winning specialty drinks, Bomb Bites, and good vibes.

One of their best sellers is Melanated Mocha, an espresso brewed into premium chocolate with a dash of cayenne pepper. They make many spiced lattes, including the Cuff It, a housemade brown sugar and spice latte, and their Golden Hour, a Tumeric, Ginger, and Cinnamon latte. The DRIP Espresso’s Bomb Bites include loaded Avocado Toast made with fresh, locally baked salted lemon, rosemary sourdough, avocado, tomato, and in-house pickled purple onions. The bites are topped with fried garlic and chili oil. Their menu also includes a Strawberry Cinnamon Roll Pop Tart.

DRIP Espresso opened its doors in September of 2021. The three entrepreneurs first dreamed of opening Good Vibes Vegan in their hometown Sacramento, CA. “The dream was a vegan soul food shop that Jas’s mother, Jaeda, and stepfather Lenny, meant to open before the Covid-19 pandemic. With lockdowns delaying our grand opening and Lenny’s passing due to chronic illness, Jaeda postponed her dream, subleased her space, and sold her equipment,” the group shares.

Photos Provided by DRiP Espresso

Around this time, Keiona wanted to open a community coffee shop in a different part of town with free Wi-Fi, fresh food options, and a space for people to feel alive. She convinced Jasmine they could find a space, buy Jaeda’s equipment, and be up and running quickly. With perfect timing, Jeada asked Jasmine and Keona, “Should ya’ll sublease this place instead?” Jasmine and Keona scrambled their money together, called their shared baby sister Taylor, who matched their contributions and paid $5000 to Jaeda to lease the space. They got the keys to their new shop by October 1, 2021, and DRIP Espresso was born.

The trio of business owners share they love their community and the customers that support them. “When people come to DRIP, we try to make it an experience. From our staff to our space, we want your time in DRIP to be the best part of your day,” they said.

While it has only been a few years since opening, they have faced some challenges in building their business. They share, “Our biggest challenge is capital. We have bootstrapped our business mainly from the ground up. We didn’t start with a big investment, loan, or tons of saved money, but have fundraised, applied for grants, and given lots of our personal funds to get through the awkward phases of starting a business.” Yet, they are determined to succeed regardless of any hurdle or obstacle that may present itself.

Business ownership is something Taylor was familiar with before DRIP Espresso. She grew up watching her grandmother succeed as a serial entrepreneur. “Every weekend, she’d take us to flea markets while she sold goods she bought and repurposed from thrift stores and vintage shops. She also ran a community daycare in the neighborhood we grew up in, and our uncles owned barber shops and music labels,” she says. Jasmine’s parents, Lenny and Jaeda, were also serial entrepreneurs. Jaeda owned a popular hair care business in Sacramento and a popular vegan pop-up. “We’ve all had examples of hustling and building destinies within our families. It is important to us to continue that legacy,” they shared.

Owning a business in the heart of the Sacramento community means they are committed to serving and meeting the needs of their customers. They say, “Community is first in everything we do. We believe in building with our vendors, customers, and peer businesses. We call our customers “The Besties” because we know we stand for something as a business. We hope to attract a community of patrons who believe in what we believe in.”

The owners of DRiP Espresso hope to launch a private label of coffee beans. They will also start looking for a second location soon, as their vision is to see DRiP worldwide.

By Terry L. Watson

I Can Overcome,

Angel Johnson is sort of a world traveler. Her feet have touched down in many places, such as Kuwait, Qatar, and Afghanistan. However, she is still a true Southern girl.

Originally from Charleston, SC, she attended the Citadel Military College there and is one of the first one hundred black women to graduate from there in its 150 year history. Her next move, she was commissioned into the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant and enjoyed an eight-year career there, obtaining the rank of Captain while, of course, traveling abroad.

All of her experiences have shaped Angel into the person she is. Today, she resides in Denver, CO, and owns ICONI. “I consider myself a start-up founder that likes leggings,” Angel says. Her company offers products for men and women, such as leggings, sports bras, shirts, shorts, and tops. Angel adds, “ICONI activewear delivers motivation and empowerment, and we guarantee to safeguard and support our customers’ bodies. More importantly, we aim to ensure our customers can focus on their workouts instead of see-through, non-supportive, low-quality, and boring activewear.”

ICONI is an acronym for “I Can Overcome, Nothing Is Impossible”.”The ICONI logo represents power, strength, and versatility. The base is a power button representing your power to accomplish your goals. The overlay is the Adinkra symbol for strength and versatility. It takes all these elements to control your total wellness, especially when starting a fitness journey.”

likes

“I consider myself a start-up founder that

leggings.”

Photos Provided by Angel Johnson

ICONI Leggings

www.iconi.com

Facebook @ICONI Leggings

Instagram @ iconileggings

Tiktok @ iconileggings

Twiter @ iconileggings

While still in the military, Angel started her company. The idea came about in October 2019, but the company was launched in January 2020. Angel says, “I got tired of spending so much money on activewear. I never understood why women’s activewear was see-through, and I wanted to change that. I also learned that other women shared the same concern, as well as others regarding active wear.”

To build the ICONI brand, Angel utilized the power of social media. “I asked questions about the issue other women had about activewear. One thing I learned was the issue they had with leggings falling down. I thought to myself, well, I need to ensure that leggings will not fall while my clients work out. I need to make sure they are not see-through and have compression. I used social media and the feedback from my friends to help create the best products.”

In addition to finding ICONI products on their website, they can be purchased from their Amazon store. Their goal is also to have them available in five to seven boutique stores and gyms by the end of 2023. “We are moving slowly with distribution because gyms will reach out to us to have our products available in their business, but they are not an inclusive environment. We only want to work with inclusive environments because our customer base is very diverse.”

Angel credits her mother, Pearl, with having the most considerable influence on her life. “She has always taught me the value of having a hard work ethic. She taught me the value of working hard at some things and keep going,” Angel said.

After launching her brand, Angel faced the challenge of the Covid 19 pandemic. She had an activewear line, and her original marketing goal was to go into the gyms, but most gyms across the country were closed. She overcame this challenge by networking and applying to various databases and even hired a marketing company to assist with her marketing needs. Those challenges Angel shares have only made her a stronger and wiser businesswoman.

There have been some highs and lows with running her company, Angel shares. One high was when it was listed as one of Oprah Winfrey’s favorite things in November 2020. Angel says that experience turned her side hustle mentality into a fully-fledged business. Since its inception, they have done over half a million dollars in sales. Now, with the assistance of outside investors and a marketing company, the projections look promising.

Looking ahead, Angel says she hopes to give back and mentor other aspiring entrepreneurs. She also wants to expand their size range and incorporate more fabric technologies into their clothing.

To learn more about ICONI, please visit their website. h

The Woods Way Home

By Terry L. Watson

Tenisha is a Nashville native and a God-fearing woman who puts God first. She obtained a degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and later became a licensed Realtor. She is a mother of five beautiful children, a son, Isaiah, her oldest and four girls: Keshona, Alora, Amya, and Ava.

Tenisha says her journey of being homeless inspired the name Woods Way Home. “We lived wherever someone would allow us to lay our heads. In 2016, I found myself and my girls living in a women’s domestic violence shelter. Because of my son’s age, he could not live with us at the shelter and could only visit on weekends. Because I was ashamed and broken, I hid this from my family/friends. Eventually, I returned to an unhealthy relationship because I felt I had nowhere else to go. I prayed for help, and God gave me a plan of action to get myself and my children out of that situation and to help others. That plan included real estate. While pregnant with my youngest daughter, in 2017, I earned my degree in Business Administration. And in 2018, I finally left my ex for good. I studied and became a licensed Realtor. I used real estate to help pull my family out of financial bondage, and in 2021, I purchased our home. My road to homeownership was a long, hard process without real direction. However, that journey taught me what worked and what didn’t, mainly from trial and error. Now, I help my clients avoid the road bumps I hit.”

Real estate transactions have many intricate parts and can overwhelm the average person. Tenisha states, “As a Realtor, I must make the transaction as seamless as possible. Whether that is providing information on buying, selling, and/or investing in real estate, hosting an open house, or preparing a market analysis. I am here for it all! On inspection day, you will often find me suited up in the crawl space. Why? Because that is one of the places where you will learn the most about the home.”

Tenisha is also known for rolling up her sleeves and offering a hand with any moving needs. She will help pack, clean, or do something as simple as bringing lunch. When necessary, she will even provide emotional support to her clients. Whatever the need, she will lead you to the proper resources.

The path to homeownership in Nashville happens with Tenisha Woods of Woods Way Home brokered by eXp Realty. Woods Way Home is designed to help people make great real estate decisions for residential and commercial transactions.

Photos Provided by Motelwa Smith Photography

“As a Realtor, I must make the transaction as seamless as possible. Whether that is providing information on the process of buying, selling, and/or investing in real estate, hosting an open house, or preparing a market analysis. I am here for it all.”

When it comes to buyers, she has found that the idea of gaining homeownership can be very frightening and discouraging, especially amongst those in the African American community. Many are reluctant to even think of becoming a homeowner, and homeownership within our community is at its lowest since the nineteensixties. Many buyers believe they must have a perfect credit score to obtain their goals, making convincing them otherwise more complicated and challenging. She says, “Although a perfect score would be phenomenal, it is my job to assure you that a good credit score will work too, but you must at least try.” Tenisha manages these challenges with one-on-one interactions and gaining her clients’ trust.

For anyone who may follow the Woods Way Home, Tenisha advises them to learn the three D’s; drive, determination, and dedication. “Without the Three D’s, you’ll find yourself stuck on repeat. You need the drive to get up and get moving, the determination to keep going no matter what obstacles may arise. You need dedication to stay when you want something bad enough. Rome wasn’t built in one day, and dreams don’t come true overnight. And goals are not reached by sitting.”

Without the hand of God in her life, Tenisha admits she wouldn’t be where she is today. “God has brought me out, pulled me through, and in that process, He has removed burdens and brought so many wonderful people into my life — people to help me or for me to help and encourage them along the way.”

In the future, Tenisha’s goal is to purchase several multi-family properties. They would serve as transitional housing for domestic violence victims, from abuse to freedom and homeownership. That is the Woods Way Home.

For more information about Tenisha Woods and the Woods Way Home, please visit www. WoodsWayHome.com or scan the QR Code below. h

Dan Smith Charon Thompson and The Porter House KC Creating Opportunities For The Betterment of Others

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by The Porter House KC

The Porter House KC is an inner city-based co-working community that provides entrepreneurship access and resources to underserved populations in the Kansas City, MO, Metro area. Founded by Dan Smith and Charon Thompson, the organizations’ mission is to be a bridge for underrepresented individuals who typically don’t have access to the entrepreneurial dream. They also assist in representing entrepreneurs of color by providing an affordable business space to grow an idea into a full-fledged business.

Dan is a native of Kansas City and graduated from Bishop Hogan High School. He has worked in for-profit and not-forprofit sectors for the past 18 years, and in addition to the Porter House KC, he has started, owned, and operated five businesses. Dan’s affinity for the not-for-profit sector, explicitly helping underserved populations, started over 20 years ago when his mother exposed him to the importance of helping others. This experience gave him a deep appreciation for the not-for-profit work in underserved communities of color and fueled his drive to help those in need. Dan will serve his first year as a professor at the University of Kansas School of Business this fall. He previously taught at the University of Missouri in Kansas City. He shares two boys, Michael and Daniel Jr, with his wife, Aisha.

Charon is not a native of Kansas City, but he has lived in the “City of Dreams” since he was seven years old. Most of his family lives in Dallas, TX, and Shreveport, LA. Charon was a military brat who traveled all over and found his way there by way of his grandmother, a Kansas City resident. He attended Lincoln College Prep and the University of Missouri in Kansas City. At UMCK, he majored in Electrical Engineering, and from there, he started several businesses with Dan and worked with the BNSF Railway for 17 years. One of the businesses he and Dan created was a coffee wholesale company called Black Drip Coffee. Dan is married to Lauren, and together they share two boys and a girl, Caleb, Dylan, and Bryson.

The Porter House KC was developed when Dan and Charon were challenged with access to few resources when starting their business. “We wanted to help entrepreneurs in the community have a sustainable business. We reached out to a couple of businesses and noticed gaining access wasn’t easy. We had to ask the hard questions to make it easy for others who look like us to have access and operate successfully,” they share. “The plight of the minority entrepreneur is one with many struggles and hardships and very few victories. We aim to reverse this narrative and help entrepreneurs grow in victory.”

Why do they serve their community, one may ask? The answer is simple. Dan and Charon are committed to bringing change and opportunity. “We love improving our community and seeing generational wealth pour in.”

Others have shaped and molded the minds of these servants, whom they both acknowledge. Dan says his grandfather and mother impacted his life while growing up. They showed him how to be the man he has come to be. Charon says his mother, twin sister, and brother, John Wilson, helped make him the man he is today. Additionally, he had role models in Deion Sanders and Derrick Thomas as a child.

“The plight of the minority entrepreneur is one with many struggles and hardships and very few victories. We aim to reverse this narrative and help entrepreneurs grow in victory.”

Running a business will always come with its own challenges, and the Porter House KC is no exception. Charon says marketing and getting known in Kansas City is one, while Dan says one of his challenges has been figuring out better ways to connect with his community. “Even though I come from the same community as our target population, the population we’re serving is ever-changing for business owners and changing for them as well,” Dan said.

Their advice to other entrepreneurs, whether in business or thinking about getting into business, is to keep grinding. “Believe in yourself and have confidence in your abilities and your vision. Those two things are very crucial. Also, trust your instincts, stay true to your values, and believe in your potential to positively impact your business.” Dan emphasizes that it’s essential to have the power to create a successful business and inspire others as a minority entrepreneur. “Stay resilient, persevere, and let your passion guide this rewarding journey,” Dan says.

In the future, Porter House KC will open another space at 811 W 31st St in Kansas City. The opening is planned for August. “Instead of trying to figure out eCommerce and how to get in the next pop-up show or ‘First Fridays’ type deals, we want founders and business owners to be able to have stores and be a retailer out of their own space. We want to create opportunities for entrepreneurs,” they shared. There will be a lot of surprises when their new space is finished, that is for sure.

To learn more about Porter House KC, please visit their website.

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www.theporterhousekc.com

Focuses on two groups of business owners.

Individuals Just Starting Out:

Those wanting to launch a product or create a start-up

Have an idea and the motivation to learn

Needs the resources and facilities to get started

Looking for the education to start on the right path

Entrepreneurs In The KC Metro Area:

Their company is 0-2 years old

Looking to expand operations

Success is haltered

Needs the expertise to continue growing

It’s All Part of The Story

By Terry L. Watson

He is a native and resident of Detroit, MI, also known as the “motor city”, so it makes perfectly good sense for Reginald Todd to work for one of the major car manufacturers located there. However, it didn’t take too long before he realized there was another purpose for him; entrepreneurship.

Reginald shares that family is a huge part of his existence and has contributed to the man he has become. In 2010, after graduating from Southfield High School in Southfield, MI, he completed a few courses at Schoolcraft College in Livonia, MI. Shortly after, Reginald decided to transition into the workforce and settled in the automotive industry as a Production Operator. In 2020, he got his first taste of entrepreneurship and began working as a Car Salesman for a local auto shop. In only a year of working there, he found his passion in photography and videography, which led to his business’s birth, Reginald Todd, LLC.

Reginald’s company offers a variety of photography and videography services, including studio photography, events (weddings, birthdays, baby showers, etc.), business and commercial branding, and lifestyle shoots. “My whole purpose is to help people turn ideas into a creation,” he shares.

“While working in the plant, I came up with a wedding visual for my cousin, a well-known professional videographer who works in the film industry and owns MyTouch Films. He asked me if I knew anything about videography, which I did not. I barely knew what the buttons on the camera were for. He handed me an old camera and told me to shoot something and return it to him. It took me about a week to get it done, and he was so pleased with the outcome that he decided to allow me to shoot weddings with him part-time. I was very grateful for the opportunity, and that is where it all started,” Reginald says.

Photos Provided by RT Photography

As a professional photographer, Reginald’s gift allows him to see things from unique viewpoints. While his clients may simply pose in front of his camera lens, Reginald’s gift and creativity make the difference. He says, “When people get in front of a camera, they often get camera-shy and point out their flaws and insecurities. I love helping to relieve that. I take pride in putting a smile on my clients’ faces and seeing their friends and family’s reactions when they see the finished product. I also enjoy building my clients’ confidence during shoots and encouraging them. Creating a memory that will last a lifetime and helping companies and brands grow their business in an impactful way is what makes this all worth it.”

He says that he might still be at the plant today if his cousin hadn’t put that camera in his hand. He credits his cousin for the life-changing opportunity. “I would be remiss if I didn’t also give credit to my lady, who keeps me grounded and level-headed. Being an entrepreneur is tough, and she brings me the peace I need.” Reginald’s ability to create a timeless memory is what keeps him inspired, and he shares that many years from now, and even after he leaves this earth, he knows that he’ll leave a legacy of work for generations to enjoy.

Getting his business off the ground came with a few challenges for Reginald. He had to build a business model and purchase the necessary tools and resources, such as a laptop and camera. He had to create his website and many other things for a solid business foundation. Currently, he has dealt with the challenge of structure and stability. “Sometimes business is booming, and sometimes I wonder when my next payday will be. It’s a continuous learning process and uncomfortable sometimes, but it’s pushing me to grow and improve during this journey.” While challenged at times, Reginald admits he wouldn’t change how things have happened. “I feel like everything happens for a reason, and I’m right where I’m supposed to be. It’s all a part of the story.”

So, what’s next for Reginald? He’s hoping to have his own studio in the metro Detroit area and continue to grow his business partnerships within the next one to two years. He plans to continue inspiring more creatives like himself, to take a risk and step out on faith. “You’ll never know if you don’t try,” he says.

To learn more about Reginald Todd and his business, Reginald Todd, LLC, please visit his website.

I feel like everything happens for a reason, and I’m right where I’m supposed to be. It’s all a part of the story.” Reginald Todd

MANNING RANDON

It’s All About Paper &Podcasts

By Terry L. Watson

Devin Manning Radon of Houston, TX, is a woman of many talents. “Dev, the Paper Girl, Your Fairy CARDmomma, Creative_Devin, along with a few other nicknames this savvy businesswoman has acquired over the years. For the most part, Devin is a designer, creative, speaker, cupcake-loving, green bean-eating, earring-loving, and peoplesupporting dream catcher. For all intensive business purposes, she is the face and founder of Once Upon A Paper.

Devin shares that while her stationery business is her primary source of income, it is not her calling. “Paper is my passion, but my calling is leading, inspiring, and hosting workshops to empower young women and entrepreneurs to keep going. I am super sentimental, and I love pretty papers. Putting all of that together created Once Upon a Paper. It’s about creating something from the heart, celebrating people, and making someone smile.”

Currently residing in Brazoria, TX, Devin is the wife of a t-shirt guru and entrepreneur, Byron “Stampd Up” Randon, a union established in 1996. Together, they share three entrepreneurs, Caitlin, a University of Houston graduate and owner of Chic Lash Co.; Byron, a college student and author of the viral children’s book “Be Something Great”; and Kaya, a 2023 high school graduate and future HBCU student, who also manages her own hair braiding business.

Photos Provided by Once Upon A Paper

Paper is my passion, but my calling is leading, inspiring, and hosting workshops to empower young women and entrepreneurs to keep going.”

Once Upon A Paper provides custom stationery and graphic design services. They can produce custom, out-of-the-box invitations, logo/branding services, signs, banners, cards, funeral programs, and beyond. Once Upon a Paper prides itself in designing from the heart and using its God-given gift of loving people to meet its customers’ design needs.

Devin says the idea of Once Upon a Paper has been a part of her for as long as she can remember. She shares, “Stationery has always been my thing! My nickname, Paper Girl, came from being a stationery lover since I was a little girl. I often was scolded for spending all my allowance on paper, crayons, glue, markers, and stickers. Lisa Frank and the Sanrio brands were my heroes and “paper heroes”...”

Devin’s wittiness often got her into trouble, but she also learned of a way out. “ I learned at an early age the effects my creative hands and love for stationery had on those around me. Anytime I found myself in trouble at home, school, or on the school bus, I would draw a pretty picture with a handwritten letter. That always did the trick!”

Devin says what she loves most about her business is helping her clients understand their vision. Devin says that often, her clients have no clue about what they want. No problem; she knows how to get them to a place of clarity. Even more, she loves people and all things design. Her slogan is “Celebrating Life in Print”, and getting paid to be her naturally creative self is the most amazing and rewarding feeling ever, she shares.

Owning a business doesn’t mean that you will do everything right, and Devin admits that without the feedback of her clients, she wouldn’t be where she is today. “I can go on and on about the clients who have given me positive feedback and had great experiences, but, as a transparent business owner, there are times when I am reminded of areas where I struggle. I’m grateful for those moments as well. Although we are still not exactly where we want to be with OUAP, I realize my company’s growth and what we need to continue.”

Breaking bad habits have been a challenge for Devin. In 2005, when she started her business, the internet was not a primary source for obtaining information as it is today. Devin says she learned a lot by trial and error and fell hard multiple times. Through those experiences, she became resilient.

She also faced the challenge of learning which clients to take on and which to walk away from. In the beginning, she took on everyone, and at a low cost. She often found herself working harder than she needed to. Once she raised her prices, her clientele changed. She remains committed to giving the best quality service and products but does it a lot smarter.

Regarding advising prospective business owners, Devin says she has found that advice really doesn’t motivate people. “Our individual experiences move us in different ways. Although a person may have a similar pathway, their vision and passion should guide them. I encourage any business owner to stay true to themselves, keep pushing, and not be afraid to fail. There will be naysayers along the way, but don’t be so focused on proving anyone wrong. Instead, focus on proving yourself. Also, don’t get so busy building your business that you forget who you are and the ones you are working hard for. Work will always be there when you return, so take that break. Most importantly, pray for your business,” she says.

Moving forward, Once Upon a Paper will introduce a sister brand. There are also plans to bring their brand to store shelves. With all of her creativity and wit, there is no telling what will come from Devin’s camp. To learn more about Once Upon A Paper, please visit their website.

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Virtually At Best, LLC

“Don’t let your learning turn into knowledge, you’ll become a fool. Let your learning turn into wealth, you’ll make a fortune”-

The quote shared is one that Huntsville, AL, native and resident. Brienna Hamlet lives by. She says that education is very important to her, and she has several academic accolades to confirm it. Brienna is a member of the J.O. Johnson’s last graduating class of 2016, finishing with a rank of #5 and a GPA of 3.6. Additionally, she is a 2020 graduate of the prestigious Alabama A&M University and holds a B.A. and Cum Laude title in Psychology.

In Huntsville, Brienna has established herself as an astute businesswoman. Her business, Virtually at Best , LLC, strives to help overwhelmed entrepreneurs create effective systems and automation in their businesses, which will streamline their operations and increase their revenue. Whether embarking on a new project venture, establishing a new program, or enhancing their systems, Brienna’s goal is to help them succeed.

Brienna says, “Being productive doesn’t mean being busy. By working with us, you get to focus on what really matters. Quality is ensured by offering every client smart, agile, and customization solutions. Our digital products, live webinars, 1-on-1 encounters and resources are designed to help you stay ahead without the stress of managing every component of your business,” she says.

Virtually at Best , LLC offers three services. The first one is Your Momentum for Success CRM Set-Up. Brienna says client relationship management is crucial for running a business and retaining clientele. With this service, businesses stay connected with clients, streamline processes, and improve profitability without chasing every aspect of their business. Sustainable and Sane SOP Development is the second product offered and Brienna emphasizes that with standard operating procedures in place, business owners can provide their assistant or team with verbal and written material that will eliminate any second guessing. The third service is Birth the Vision Business Event/Program Operational Support. It is designed for business owners with planned events or virtual programs who feel the attendee lacks experience. This service offers exceptional operational support behind the scenes.

Jim Rohn

Shortly after acquiring her BA in Psychology from Alabama A&M, Brienna decided to launch her company. She says, “I always knew I was made for more, and entrepreneurship was my God-made path. However, one thing didn’t sit right with me. Being an entrepreneur isn’t easy and it was not enough to say “I’m in business, and this is what I do.” Direction, organization, and development had to follow.”

Brienna says throughout her experience, she encountered many entrepreneurs that wanted her service but did not actually need it. They wanted to grow their business and take on more clients, but they needed a little more structure and systems. Creating systems comes from identifying and knowing one’s goals. I ask, “What do you want to achieve, and what needs to happen to reach your end result? I make it my business to help them answer these questions and have effective and efficient systems and strategies in place. After all, everything rises and falls on leadership. It all starts with you!”

Brienna says she appreciates the trust her clients have in her ability to offer solutions for their business. “Seeing my clients get the results needed to boost their momentum doesn’t just make me happy, it’s also fulfilling. I am a firm believer that if your business solves a problem then there is somebody out there that needs what you have. Meeting visionary entrepreneurs who can revolutionize the world makes me want to get out of bed every day,” she shares.

Her son Braylin, is the reason why Brienna started Virtually at Best LLC. As a single mom, her top priority is to make sure she is providing for her son, all while maintaining a decent work-life balance to share the little and monumental times with him. Virtually at Best allows her the freedom to spend that quality time and make an impact. She is also inspired by knowing a need for services exists. “It goes far beyond the money, but the ability to touch and redirect someone’s business is mind-blowing. My mission is to provide our clients with direction, peace, and overall generational wealth within their businesses and to also eliminate burnout once and for all. We don’t just do it right, we do our best, and that starts with cultivating relationships first.”

Brienna’s journey hasn’t been easy, but she says it has been worth it. “I am a believer that everything happens for a reason and that the best teacher is life. Everything that I have been through, still going through, or will go through will only make me stronger in the long run. As you are running the marathon of life, you will encounter many obstacles and challenges but having a relentless pursuit and making up your mind that giving up isn’t in the plan, you will be successful,” she says. Her advice to those whose path in life may mirror her own is clear. “You must evolve into the person you desire to become. You are not called to help everyone, and that’s okay. Some days may be harder than others, but every day will be worth it.”

The future of Virtually At Best LLC involves growing their podcast platform “Your Momentum For Success”. This production is dedicated to overwhelmed entrepreneurs seeking to reduce their stress, manage their workload, and achieve their goals and beyond. Brienna also plans to continue building their online based academy.

Dr.

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Dr. Glenn T. Miller of St. Louis, MO, is a highly-respected chiropractor, esteemed educator, ardent wellness advocate, and pioneering personal and professional development thought leader He is also the face of the brand “Dr. Wellness,” which encapsulates his holistic health philosophy.

“Dr. Wellness” and “Neopreneur®” are the tangible manifestations of Dr. Miller’s philosophy of holistic well-being and individual growth. “These brands are more than just names—they are platforms designed to transform lives,” he says. Under the banner of Dr. Wellness, Dr. Miller offers comprehensive wellness coaching, mindset shifting, and a range of products to improve his client’s overall health and well-being. The brand is deeply intertwined with Dr. Miller’s identity—it is his philosophy, approach, and dedication to wellness made accessible to everyone.

Neopreneur®, on the other hand, extends Dr. Miller’s impact on professional development. This transformative learning platform and its unique curriculum, the “Ninefold Path,” is a testament to his understanding of the needs and challenges entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, and side hustlers face. By providing resources, guidance, and community support, Neopreneur® aids in turning individuals’ aspirations into reality. Both brands are extensions of Dr. Miller’s mission—helping individuals lead healthier lives and achieve their professional goals.

Born from the south side of Chicago, Dr. Miller attended Kenwood Academy High School and was part of a leadership and skill-developing club. That experience sparked his interest in self-development and community building. He later attended SIUE and soon graduated from Logan University as a Doctor of Chiropractic.

Terry

Watson Photos Provided by Dr. Glenn T. Miller

As a student doctor, Dr. Glenn worked with diverse individuals and recognized the need for a more comprehensive approach to health and success that extended beyond physical well-being. “ I was inspired by what I learned and began developing a holistic framework that would address all aspects of an individual’s well-being—mental, emotional, social, financial, environmental, occupational, intellectual, and spiritual,” he says. This led to the creation of the Ninefold Pathways to Wellness and Success.

His extensive experiences as a chiropractor and his interactions with the 100 Black Men organization played a critical role in the evolution of his journey. Dr. Miller shares he loves the opportunity to witness individuals discover their full potential and grow into the best versions of themselves. “Every day, I am reminded of the power of holistic wellness and the incredible change that can be achieved when individuals are empowered to take control of their well-being.”

Beyond the personal transformations he facilitates, Dr. Miller also cherishes the relationships created. Each person he works with brings a unique perspective and story, enriching his understanding of wellness and success. This continuous learning process has become integral to his professional journey, sparking new ideas and shaping his approach. Along with his philanthropic work with various organizations, he shares that he is privileged to participate in a more significant movement of empowerment and mentorship. “The chances I have to contribute to the growth and development of young individuals on their journeys of discovery and success, and the opportunities to inspire, guide, and uplift African American and broader communities is a rewarding part of my work.”

Dr. Miller says the birth of his daughter has been pivotal in shaping his approach toward empowerment, education, wellness, and success. Through his work, Dr. Miller’s goal is to leave a legacy his daughter would be proud of and inspire her to build upon.

For a decade, Dr. Miller grappled with having multifaceted interests. Being a chiropractor, professor, life coach, and business coach aligned with his desire to serve. Yet, translating this diversity of roles into a cohesive brand took a lot of work. “The issue was not just about personal branding but also about defining my professional identity. I loved my work, yet I yearned for a unified platform that covered every part of my professional life,” he shares. Wellness and professional development was his solution and offered a comprehensive framework that could accommodate his diverse skills and interests and provide a platform for holistic personal and community upliftment.

Dr. Miller also realized entrepreneurs, side hustlers, and intrapreneurs often need more practical skills and knowledge to navigate their careers and ventures effectively. Without question, he took it upon himself to learn, grow, and acquire the “intangible currencies” necessary for success.

While Dr. Miller remains committed to helping others succeed in all aspects of their lives, he offers some direct advice to anyone who may follow a journey similar to his. He emphasizes the importance of identifying one’s unique strengths and interests. “This self-awareness is the foundation of a successful journey. Understand what drives you, what you’re passionate about, and what unique contributions you can bring to your field. Yet, keep identifying these traits; also, learn how to communicate and brand them to maximize their impact effectively.” The importance of lifelong learning is something else that Dr. Miller drives home. “The entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial landscape constantly evolves, and staying abreast of these changes requires a commitment to continuous education,” he says.

The future holds boundless potential for Dr. Miller and his mission of whole well-being and professional development. He plans to expand the reach of his work and extend his transformative influence to diverse communities and organizations, including fostering partnerships, leveraging technology, and tailoring strategies to meet evolving needs. He also plans to refine and build upon his innovative framework, the Ninefold Pathways to Wellness and Success, incorporating new insights, practices, and strategies as he continues to learn and grow in his field. “I envision a world where holistic wellness practices and success strategies are not just accessible but also integrated into everyday life.

To learn more about Dr. Glenn Miller, please visit his website.

“The issue was not just about personal branding but also about defining my professional identity. I loved my work, yet I yearned for a unified platform that covered every part of my professional life.”

Dr. Glenn T. Miller

Dr. Wellness

Kiing Le. The Leader of Iconic Truth

Are you looking for new music to add to your playlists? If so, then you must consider Charlotte, NC, very own Kiing Le and the Iconic Truth Band. Iconic Truth Band has the “I.T.” factor capturing a unique and infectious Go-Go vibe. While displaying various components of percussion and vocal excellence, audiences will always be enlightened and entertained.

Born and raised in South East Washington, DC, Kiingi, a natural neo-soul artist, moved to North Carolina in his thirties to pursue music. Surprisingly, he didn’t start as a go-go artist; Kiing was pursing other interests. He was a personal trainer and owned a company, Get Fit For A King. Soon his focus would change, or more so, get in alignment with his true passion for music.

Kiing’s pursuit of music grew while living in Charlotte. He joined a few R&B bands as a lead vocalist. This was his platform until a friend took him to see a go-go band in Charlotte. After attending a few of their shows, Kiing auditioned to be a vocalist, but he didn’t make the cut. Determined to succeed, he didn’t let that stop him and eventually earned the role of the band’s talker. He says, a talker is like an orchestrator; they give shoutouts and help boost the crowd’s energy. “If you know the talker and the talker knows you, you’re popular.” From the platform of band talker, everything started to fall into place for Kiing.

He would stay with that particular band for nearly eight years before leaping to do his own thing. Thus the birth of The Iconic Truth Band happened. Launched in 2020, Iconic Truth started with Kiing, his cousin Darnell, and Keena Thompson. The band chose the name ‘Iconic Truth’ because it genuinely reflects their energy. Kiing says his mentee told him, “You all are iconic, and that’s the truth”. The group was excited about the opportunity to be a fresh new face on the band scene and a new voice for Go-Go.

Like anything else that starts from scratch, there were some hurdles and obstacles the band had to endure. Kiing says, “It was a struggle at first. We would practice in a little section of my home. We had different artists moving in and out, but everything eventually fell into place.”

At one point, Kiing was ready to give it all up. When he started Iconic Truth, it took a toll on his family because of the time and focus he was putting into the band. However, after hearing his music on the radio and his brother’s constant encouragement, he was motivated to continue the journey. He, unfortunately, lost his mother in 2022, but before she passed away, she gave him a folder with his complete bio of work that he did in D.C. When he asked why, she said, “It’s yours.” He says that was her way of reminding him who he was. “You’re Kiing Le, don’t stop; keep it going. She was so proud of me.” From that moment, no matter the trials and tribulations, he decided to move forward.

When asked what he loves most about the band, Kiing says he loves the creativity his band brings. “Everyone is so individual, and together, we make Go-Go magic. We can take Mary Had a little lamb and make it into a cranking Go-Go song. What’s interesting is how we work to formulate an original sound through each song and have fun with it simultaneously. As a band, we focus on doing what feels good without trying to fit anyone’s mold. We want everyone on that stage and in the audience to live in their iconic truth.”

Kiing isn’t just a musician; he is also a businessman. He owns a production company, DC2NC Productions, which allows musicians and bands to go schedule live performances. He also contracts DJ’s, comedians, vocals, and more. He also has a clothing line called ‘I Don’t Think You Ready”, a spinoff to his onstage performance. Kiing has also found a way to combine his music love with personal training. On his podcast Cardio Conversation, Kiing talks music with guests while they work out. Additionally, he has enjoyed some memorable moments in his career, such as performing with Mint Condition and SWV, traveling, and performing with other big bands and celebrities. He has also written a song for Tone-X, the voice of V101.9 FM in Charlotte.

Kiing advises upcoming artists to persevere, stay consistent, and connect themselves with people who will challenge them. “Remember always to follow your heart and passion and trust your gut. Most importantly, always put the creator first with everything you do, and everything else will fall in place.”

Kiing’s primary goal is to be known as The King of Southern Go-Go. He says it’s time for Iconic Truth to be known as the “go-to Go-Go band” in the South. He wants his name to be in the company of other greats such as Chuck Brown, Little Benny, The Masters, Big G from Backyard Band, and many more.

In the future, Kiing Le and Iconic Truth Band will continue to be involved with community awareness programs and teach kids more about live music and performing arts, “Performing arts saved my life, and that is something I want to give back to the community.”

By Dorjea’ McClammey Photos Provided by Todd Youngblood h

The son of Staci Simms and Anthony Austin