Huami Magazine for Charleston Nov./Dec. 2021

CHARLESTON

®

Nov./Dec. 2021 Vol. 1 Issue 7

Jennifer

Anyikude

What Are Your Fitness Goals?

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Provision And My Purpose A Letter From The Editor On any particular day, I can open the doors to my refrigerator and see a familiar sight. Nothing. I mean, there may be some of the usual players there, such as eggs, condiments, protiens, veggies, along with a few leftovers. Though it’s never full, and it makes sense not to be. I am a single man, and I only require the bare food essentials to survive, and if I overfill my icebox, a lot will go to waste.

Again, that doesn’t make any sense. But what does is how God has still made provisions for me by supplying my needs with a resource to store and maintain food items. He knows I must eat to survive, but He leaves it up to me to select what to eat and how much. Gratefully, I often eat as I go and don’t allow much room for waste. By acknowledging the hands of God working for me in this matter, I can comprehend His works in every area of my life.

I have experienced my share of hard times. Often I have felt as if mine were more challenging than anything in the world. Though I have once complained during my moments of lack, somehow I adjusted, and life continued. When there seemed as if there was no hope for tomorrow, and tomorrow still came, life continued. I realize that I didn’t succumb during all of this, even during the most sorrowful situations. As my faith has increased with my walk with God, I am learning the reasons why.

www.huamimagazine.com Terry L Watson

Publisher

Terry L. Watson Writer Ellen Richardson

Writer Dorjea’ McClammey Writer Arielle Kilgore Writer Tamara Smith

Ashleigh Crawley Photographer Santana B Photography Photographer

God has a plan for my life. That is called purpose. To fulfill my purpose, He has gone before me to ensure that everything I need is in order and available. That is called provision. I have learned that God allowed me to experience heartache and suffering as a child just so that I would be equipped to handle and thrive through anguish and suffering as an adult. He has allowed me to fall, get back up and fall down again so that I don’t become too comfortable with success and forget what it feels like to struggle and work my way up from wretchedness. God allowed me to lose; even when it appeared, I didn’t have anything left in my stable. I know He allowed it to make room for something greater. That’s provision.

I am truly grateful that God doesn’t give me everything He has prepared for me all at once. I am blessed because I can’t see what is going to happen, and because I have faith in knowing that God will make it happen according to His will and purpose for my life. God has made provisions for each of us.

Terry L. Watson 4

Greensboro, NC 2021 All Rights Reserved

CHARLESTON

CONTENTS

NOV./DEC. 2021

Stay The Course

Kaliah Ballon-Leo

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On The Cover

JennFitnessDC

Jennifer Anyikude

The Paperwork Guru

Dr. Marrissa R. Dick

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Lucas Health Care

LaToya Lucas

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Madison Naomi Jeffers

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Also Featured

Anjelah Evans Meet the face and founder of Anjelah Evans Ministries. There is power in her praise.

Indianapolis, IN

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Tenisha Walker Are you planning to take a vacation in 2022? Do you need help with booking or planning? She can help.

Milwaukee, WI

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Tanisha Bankston She is using story of pain and hurt to help others.

Meet the author of My Pain is My Power.

Grenada, MS HuamiMagazine.com

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JenniferAnyikude What Are Your Fitness Goals?

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Jennifer Anyikude

If you can’t hang with the bid dogs, then you might as well stay on the porch. While trying to measure or gauge the energy and enthusiasm Jennifer Anyikude exudes, that assertion is fitting. However, the fitness expert soft side and approach is usually the first impression others will have of her.

The Nigerian American is very proud of her roots. She is the owner of Jenn Fitness DC, located in Capitol Heights, MD. Her name is Jennifer, but many refer to me as Jenn, and she has worked as a certified personal trainer for over 10 years. She has a bachelors degree in Exercise Science and two masters MHA and MHEP. JennFitnessDC was launched in 2012.

Her success as a fitness expert happened rather organically. In the beginning, she discovered that her charisma helped people to trust her, eventually exposing their vulnerabilities. She started by training anywhere she could find a place available but now trains out at her home, in a space that she has transformed into a gym/shop. “I’ve trained in corporate, private, and in government spaces,” she says. Additionally, Jenn teaches health and physical education to elementary school children (pre-k - 6th grade).

“I am an exuberant certified personal trainer who is changing lives and inspiring people every day! I set the example of how adopting a balanced lifestyle (healthy diet and active lifestyle) can benefit someone mentally, physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. My training style incorporates HITT (High-Intensity Interval Training), calisthenics, resistance training, weight training, and sprinting. I avoid sticking to a particular style, which helps keep workouts fun, challenging, and different, and teaches clients how to adopt health and fitness beyond losing or gaining weight,” she says.

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Jenn’s clients are typically people looking for the continuous betterment of themselves. “I love helping people build their self-efficacy! I teach my clients how to strengthen their minds, bodies, and souls,” she says. “I am inspired by growth. That involves seeing growth in my clients and seeing myself mature over the years as well.”

One area of focus for Jenn is Cardio and Weight Loss. Cardiovascular health is critical to those both young and old.

She says that if you find yourself getting winded while climbing the steps or experiencing shortness of breath, then it’s time for you to increase your daily physical activity. “One of the most difficult aspects of weight loss is a lack of daily physical activity to counteract the consumption of calories consumed. There is no magic trick or substitute for physical activity. I’m here to help guide and motivate you, so you can make steady and consistent improvements that you’ll see quickly,” she says.

Jenn also stresses the importance of proper nutrition. “Eating right is not always easy. Nowadays, there are so many temptations with easy access to unhealthy foods. Your health is the most valuable thing you have, and you should treat it as such. If you’re tired of trying new diets every few months, we can help you transform your lifestyle overall. We ensure that you combine your diet with the required physical activity to reap the most benefits and feel the most results long term.

Some advice she offers to others who may follow in her footsteps is to always be consistent. “Do your research constantly because the information is always changing and evolving.”

Moving forward, Jenn hopes to tap in more into her community. She believes the best possible way to accomplish that is through children. As a result of her belief, she hopes to host a summer camp one day.

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Currently, she is offering flexible programs for one-on-one personal training and interactive group sessions. She also provides virtual Zoom classes as well.

“There’s no excuse left other than for you to make up your mind to transform your life for the best,” says Jenn.

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

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Anjelah Evans God Truly Loves Me

By Ellen Richardson Photos by Anjelah Evans

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise – Psalm 98:4 (King James Version).

Few inspiring women have a testimony like that of Christian songstress, actress, and amazing child of God Anjelah Evans. This Gary, Indiana native, grew up dreaming about becoming a singer or actress. In fact, if you are a child of the 1980s and remember a movie turned television show called Fame, then you will want to keep reading. Evans is a graduate of Emerson School For The Visual And Performing Arts School in Gary that focused on performance and media arts.

“People likened this school to the one shown in the 80’s television show Fame,” said Evans.

“Instead of taking the average school classes, I was a vocal music and theatre major who spent a lot of time in the hallway with other creative types harmonizing and dancing. I also graduated in one of the smallest high school classes that most have heard of, only 52 students, so we grew up a lot like the type of school family that you saw in this show.”

During her time there, the future artist honed her skills as both a singer and an actor and even found the escape she needed from the family she was born into. “Music was an escape for me,” she said. “My mom was an uninvolved parent that was often physically and verbally abusive, so going to Emerson became my escape. It was the place that said I was good enough to become someone.” During her time at this school, Evans also found her faith in God. “Somewhere along the way I found my way to church, and this opened up a whole new realm for me because it allowed me to take what I had learned singing at Emerson and bring that into the church.”

“Somewhere along the way I found my way to church, and this opened up a whole new realm for me because it allowed me to take what I had learned singing at Emerson and bring that into the church.”

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Like many other famous artists whose dreams started coming alive in the church, Evans began to see the future that she had envisioned begin to shape.

“I was that little kid in church with the big voice, and everyone was trying to figure out who was singing. Before long, the voice that seemed to be the one that controlled the chaos in the world took me down a path towards God’s plan for my life,” said Evans. Along with appearing in pageants and winning titles like Miss Talented Teen, Miss Gary Indiana, and even Miss Black Ball State, Evans started finding herself on stage singing background for many well-known gospel artists throughout the country. “I have been a backup singer for many different gospel artists from Yolanda Adams, Bishop Marvin L. Sapp, Benjamin BeBe Winans, and even opened for Grammy Award-winning gospel singer CeCe Winans.

“I have also traveled with gospel groups and ensembles, including Leanne Faine, who took me all over the United States, to Paris, France, and even Morocco. It was things like this that allowed me to finally find the confidence that I had been missing as a child as well as what I needed to make the next move in my career – acting.”

Much like singing, acting came naturally to the woman who refers to herself as inherently comical. “Due to my silly or fun side, along with my God-given talent to sing, acting on stage became the next logical step in my career,” said Evans. This new career path would begin alongside writer, producer, and director John Ruffin, who cast Evans in one of his first on-stage plays turned made for a television movie entitled Love Me or Leave Me. “This was an amazing experience because I got to act alongside a group of all-star castmates like Elise Neal, Carl Anthony Payne II, and Clifton Powell. I just kept asking myself, how in the world did I get here?”

Along with attributing her faith and the study of her chosen craft, Evans also attributes her success to “not being afraid when those huge opportunities present themselves.”

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After continuing to travel performing plays and singing backup for R&B artists like Bobby Brown and Johnny Gill, Evans made the move from Gary to Indianapolis, where her career would take another turn. “Not being near Chicago made acting a bit more challenging, but it would not take long before I fell in with a production company called KaidyDid Productions,” said Evans. “It was neat because the directors saw me in a production that I returned to my hometown to do and came up to me after the show to offer me a role in a holiday show that they were doing.”

Before long, this born songstress turned actress was performing on stage with this urban-based, all-female theatrical company in shows like The Wiz and even played the part of Shug Avery in The Color Purple. “It was crazy because I auditioned for The Color Purple on a Zoom call and tried for a different part before I was asked to audition for my favorite person in this story,” she said. Following what she calls “the role of a lifetime”, Evans moved on to her current role. “I am now playing Effie in a stage production of Dreamgirls, and I am loving it!”

Despite all her success, the most important thing that this talented lady wants others to know is that everything was not easy. “I experienced a lot of highs and lows, including divorce and even homelessness, but I never gave up and even served as a worship leader at my church during this time,” said Evans. “No matter what happened, I knew that I couldn’t give up because God called me to use the voice that he gave me to bring healing and encouragement to others, and that is what continued to push for the dream that he placed inside of me. Besides, he knew that I always wanted to have a testimony, and I knew that I couldn’t have that without the test that comes with it.”

Along with using her talents to perform and hoping to someday achieve on Broadway, Evans is also doing what she can to help her community through her home church of Kingdom Apostolic Ministries, led by Bishop Lambert Gates, as well as being a worship leader at Living Water Fellowship Church, led by Pastor Kim Outlaw, and is even a national worship leader for the Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith International, Inc. Evans is also going back to school to obtain a master’s degree in Human Services to start her own ministry someday. It is evident that he genuinely loves her and all that she does! h

Anjelah Evans Ministries www.anjelahevans.com 317-956-7614 15

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Lucas Exceptional Healthcare and Consultation, PLLC

By Ellen Richardson - Photos by Santana B. Photography

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things, and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” NKJV (3 John 1:2) While the pandemic brought with it a lot of loss, God also used this challenging time to open some amazing new doors of opportunity for His people. One such miraculous door opened is sure to be one of interest to those throughout the Triad who need exceptional healthcare without spending hours at a doctor’s office.

Thanks to Lucas Exceptional Healthcare, this is now possible.

Owned and operated by CEO and founder LaToya Lucas, this all-new mobile healthcare company offers unique home-based health services like telehealth care for prescription refills, primary care for cold or strep throat, annual physicals, IV Hydration Therapy, and even Rapid COVID-19 testing. Their services are provided all from the comfort of your own home.

Lucas is a board-certified adult nurse practitioner and highly skilled and licensed nurse practitioner who has been in healthcare for more than 26 years. She shares, “This company was birthed out of my desire to fill a care gap for our community. During the height of the pandemic, there were a lot of people who could not get in to see their doctors or nurse practitioners in an actual office setting due to closures and delays. This resulted in many residents having trouble maintaining their proper health and nutrition or even obtaining their medication refills in a timely manner.”

Thanks to a calling to fill a serious need within her community, Lucas decided to go old school.

“For anyone who was also a fan of Little House on the Prairie, you might remember Doctor Baker, who used to go around to people’s houses with his medical bag to treat people. I decided to go back in that direction to provide the personalized care that people need without ever having to leave their homes.”

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“After I obtained my license, I started working as a nurse practitioner for several different healthcare agencies, including one of the largest insurance companies in the country. I also served as a primary care practitioner in the assisted living and nursing home realm to assure that these citizens received the quality care that they so richly deserved.”

Prior to becoming a successful small business owner, this former North Carolina A&T State University graduate earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1995, after which she earned a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and a Post Masters in Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Along with extensive medical education, Lucas has also worked in the medical field for over 26 years. She has served patients as one of the most talented nurse practitioners in the Triad since 2009.

“I started my career in cardiac nursing at Moses Cone Hospital, where I also served as the Assistant Director of the Cardiac Unit,” said Lucas. “After receiving my master’s degree, I was allowed to become a professor at North Carolina A&T State University, where I taught nursing for eight years.”

While assisting rising nurses in perfecting their craft, Lucas went back to school to become a licensed nurse practitioner. “After I obtained my license, I started working as a nurse practitioner for several different healthcare agencies, including one of the largest insurance companies in the country.

I also served as a primary care practitioner in the assisted living and nursing home realm to assure that these citizens received the quality care that they so richly deserved,” she says.

This past candy stripers’ dream came from a vision given to her by an inspiring relative who envisioned Lucas owning her own doctor’s office. That vision would eventually become a reality. Today Lucas is giving it her all to provide quality primary care to anyone in need without ever having to worry about these patients having to make it to a brickand-mortar location. “I am so thrilled to see my uncle’s vision come to pass, despite me not owning an actual office or even being a doctor,” said Lucas.

As a board certified nurse practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Lucas wants to assure her patients and all of those reading this story that while nurse practitioners are not MD’s they undergo rigorous training and credentialing, which allows them to assess, treat, diagnose and care for every patient. ” Continued on page 21

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“The funny thing is when people visit their primary care provider’s office, they often do not realize that they are being treated by a nurse practitioner and not a physician (even though it is explained to them). Nurse Practitioners are highly qualified medical professionals who must be registered nurses before they complete the nurse practitioner degree. Nurse practitioners focus on illness prevention and staying well. Our abilities as a medical professional are effective because we have been educated and trained to provide full care to patients,” she says.

In the state of North Carolina, nurse practitioners are regulated jointly by The NC Medical Board and NC Board of Nursing. While there are states that allow professionals such as Lucas to practice without the collaborative supervision of a MD or physician, North Carolina is not one of these states. As a result, she has hired a collaborative physician to consult with on an as-needed basis. Still, Lucas can provide the bulk of the care without consult, including writing prescriptions. To find out more about Lucas Exceptional Health Care & Consultation or to schedule a home visit for yourself or a loved one, please visit their website. h

LaToya Davis Lucas Lucas Exceptional Healthcare and Consultation, PLLC 2203 Eastchester Dr. Suite 101 High Point, NC 27265 336-543-0480 www.lucasehc.com 21

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Stay The Course

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Kaliah Ballon-Leo

Her goal is to maintain a humble spirit and take on all the characteristics of God’s personality and heart. She also aims to dominate the kingdom of God. That is who Kaliah Ballon-Leo is.

The current Anderson, SC resident was actually born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education with a specialization in Family and Community Services; a tool Kaliah utilizes as a Program Director for a non-profit organization, New Foundations Home For Children/Empowering Families. Kaliah is also the owner of Stay the Course LLC, a business platform that represents her entire life story. “Stay the Course LLC is not just a brand but a movement,” says Kaliah. “A couple of years ago, God gave me the tagline, (Trust the Process, Stay the Course, Be Great & Soar). And she has done just that.

Kaliah isn’t your typical worship leader. She loves dope kicks. She has 22 tattoos. The sides of her hair are shaved. She is totally out of the box. “At 42 years of age, I embrace all of me and who I am still becoming. As a worship leader, I enjoy seeing lives changed through encounters with God. I love being in the presence of God and being able to tap into so many intimate and profound places of Christ. When someone encounters the heart of Jesus, they are forever changed,” she says.

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Kaliah was raised in a very strict religious atmosphere. That upbringing has played a huge role in developing her into the woman she is. “I realized at a young age that my true calling was to spread the gospel of Jesus through song. As a child of God, Worship Leader, Psalmist, Levite, and Intercessor, my goal is to allow God to get the glory in all that I do. My focus is one audience; Christ. I am solely committed to the role God has placed on my life and will continue to chase after the heart of Christ without hidden agendas or motives,” Kaliah confesses. “The late Bishop Tony Miller said these words that will forever stick with me, “Worship is where you become Undone.”

“I lost my dad, Allen Robinson at the age of three and my mother, Celeste Ballon, at 11. I was raised by my grandmother, the late Agnes Ballon. My grandmother was my rock and strong tower. She raised me in a Christian home, and I will forever carry what was instilled in me through her teachings. She lived and taught by example and instilled morals and values within me. She showed me what a life lived with Christ looked like. My grandmother taught me how to fight, tarry, and pray. I knew that prayer must always be my foundation. Now that I am older, I appreciate her strict structure and discipline. She loved me, pushed me, motivated me, and encouraged me. She was my biggest cheerleader and made it known that I was her baby,” she shares.

The adage “No weapon formed against me shall prosper” can fittingly be applied to Kaliah’s life. Losing her parents at such a young age has empowered Kaliah in her role as a wife and mother. “Grief as a child and then as an adult is totally different. Both of my parents suffered from years of drug addiction and depression, which brought on other illnesses. Both were HIV positive when they passed, but that was not the cause of their deaths. The drug addiction was the root of it all, and God called them both home. I know that my mother gave her heart to Christ weeks before her passing and that gives me peace in knowing I will one day see her again. In June 2020, I lost my brother Keith Ballon, the only sibling birthed by my mother. I miss him deeply,” she says. Grief, depression, illness, divorce, molestation, and almost losing her life to gun violence; So many weapons have formed, but none have prospered in Kaliah’s life!

Kaliah finds inspiration in the life of others, mainly those who have gone through similar circumstances such as hers. “To see my 16-year-old son who the doctors told me I would not have, be born again, and live out God’s promises and singing for Jesus inspires me. Having my loved ones around me inspires me to keep going and stay the course. To see so many lives saved, healed, and delivered through my gift inspires me.

My testimony inspires me because, without the crushing and the pressing, there would be no oil,” she says.

Moving forward, Kaliah plans to expand her brand “Stay the Course” by adding athletic apparel. There are plans to produce a gospel album and EP soon. Most importantly, Kaliah hopes to continue to make God smile and stay in His perfect will.

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To learn more about Kaliah, please visit her website. h

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Euphoric Travels by Tenisha 26

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Tenisha Walker

Vacations are for everyone, and everyone should live for vacations. Whether your destination is 100 or 1000 miles away, the idea of detaching from the usual hustle of life seems so gratifying. Well, Tenisha Walker is in the business of making dream and fantasy getaways a reality.

The 39-year-old Milwaukee, WI native is the owner of Travel Business Owner of Euphoric Travels By Tenisha. Her company provides travel services, including booking flights, rental cars, hotels, vacation rentals, excursions, cruises, concerts, sporting events, and more.

Additionally, she is a Market Representative, which allows her to educate her clients on saving and earning while traveling. For those interested, Tenisha can assist with starting a Travel Business.

Tenisha now resides in Pheonix, AZ, with her three children and husband. She attended Milwaukee Public Schools, and shortly after graduating, she joined the United States Navy and served for five years. After being Honorably Discharged, Tenisha decided to enroll in college to study as a Medical Assistant. After receiving her diploma, her passion continued to grow for health care. Next, she enrolled in Nursing School but later switched her focus to Funeral Services. “I was enrolled as a full-time student and working full-time. That was a huge load, and unexpectedly I ended up pregnant with my daughter and decided to take time off to stay home with her. I relocated to Arizona shortly after,” she says.

It made sense for Tenisha to venture into the world of travel. Being that she traveled all over the world with the US Navy, she desired to continue journeying, but her life changed and put things on hold. A high school classmate (now business partner) introduced me to the travel business in April 2020, and the rest was history. I was able to talk to some amazing leaders on my team and began training to learn more about the different countries around the world and how others could benefit,” she says. Since her initial launch, Tenisha has become a Certified Dream Maker and has several certifications with the Marriott brand for the Dominican Republic, Los Cabos, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Costa Rica, and more.

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Besides traveling around the world and experiencing various thrills and cultures, Tenisha says she loves being able to help others transition from customer to consumer.

“I love meeting amazing people. I also love saving and earning, all while traveling the world and being able to go at my own pace while still working a full-time healthcare job.

I love making my clients happy and networking with other businesses,” Tenisha shares.

Like most industries, travel has been adversely affected by the Covid 19 pandemic, and this posed a huge challenge for Tenisha. She shares, “I started a month into the pandemic not knowing what to expect. Know one knew if or when we would be able to travel again. It became very discouraging at times, but I kept the faith, and as my grandmother would always tell me, ‘keep a prayer on my tongue and song in my heart.’ I did just that, and by God’s grace, myself and my team of six agents are here today.”

“I love meeting amazing people. I also love saving and earning, all while traveling the world and being able to go at my own pace while still working a full-time healthcare job.”

Tenisha is mostly inspired by her family and friends, whom she says motivate her to go. “I want to show my family and others you don’t have to limit yourself to one thing, but you can have many different streams of income. Doing so will allow them to follow their dreams and work for themselves and not someone else.”

As life continues to happen for Euphoric Travels By Tenisha, there are plans to expand the company through partnerships and form additional teams. “I want to add to my portfolio and learn as much as I can. By God’s grace, I will be able to quit my full-time job and run my company full-time. My husband currently owns a Dump Truck Business in Milwaukee, but we will soon start our Trucking Dispatch Company,” she says. For now, Tenisha will continue to travel with her family and remain a positive influence for everyone.

To learn more about Euphoric Travels By Tenisha, please visit their website. h

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“Our goal is to provide you with quality services that meet your organizational needs.”

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By Arielle Kilgore Photos by Tanisha Bankston According to Merriam Webster and its definition of abuse, it can be characterized as a corrupt action or custom, improper, excessive use of treatment, or physical maltreatment. It may also use ​​ language that condemns or vilifies, usually unjustly, intemperately, and angrily.

Although an abuser can possess these traits, the victim does not have to carry their definition but become the opposite—the victor. By Merrian Webster’s definition, it means one that defeats an enemy or opponent, i.e. a winner. Another synonym for a victor, Tanisha Bankston.

Tanisha’s story is one of hurt and triumph. A native of Grenada, MS, and current resident of Oxford, MS, she is a survivor of rape and even incest. Her anguish also stems from domestic violence, childhood sexual abuse, and trauma from an early age. From age 14 to 23, she was abused. When she tried to escape, she was beaten and left to die, along with a child to care for. Even after finding her strength and equilibrium of being a mother and survivor, she felt silenced for 27 years by the events that ruined her life. “I overcame my hurt by breaking my silence, and I realized I needed to rediscover my voice that had been trapped,” Tanisha shares.

Once I found my voice, I then decided to help other victims find theirs and speak life over the situation that could kill them.”

Tanisha is the founder of My Pain is My Power.

Her business cater to victims of abuse while shepherding them into recovery. “I started this because I had to break my silence. I wanted to help others like myself. I knew that it was time to move forward. That’s why I wrote my book. I chose to be a voice and advocate for others and take the energy back from all the trauma that I’ve gone through,” she shares.

Tanisha is the author of her self-titled book, “My Pain is My Power”. Published May 21, 2021, her book shares her story and sheds light on victims of abuse. She gives an inside look at her life and how long and hard the process of the recovery system can be. Tanish uses pieces of her ordeal and the relief methods she relied upon to serve as resources and tools for others. “Talking to other people and listening gives women the power to be heard and understood. They can talk to me, and I can help them because I can relate to what has happened to them. Being a survivor helps me understand other survivors.” she shares.

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One of the first steps of assistance she offers is getting victims to crisis homes and shelters.

There, victims can detach from their trauma in the presence of trained individuals who will direct them to further assistance. The support system for victims frequently involves other victims, and Tanisha is familiar with both roles.

She also advocates and speaks at women’s conferences and radio stations around the state of Mississippi and nationally. She serves her audience exclusively online through her website and Facebook, which will soon be Metra, seminars. Additionally, she sells merchandise such as t-shirts, pens, and buttons, items that assist in encouraging the survivors to remember how important they are and how they made it to the light.

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Along with her book, Tanisha has spoken on various radio talk shows like Miss Texas Show, the Reality Series, CPS the Horror Story, Empowered Voice, a Mental Health Break, and started the first session to speak out about abuse in her area. She also holds conference calls and domestic violence meetings with survivors. The number one way to ensure better treatment and acknowledgment is to bring awareness to what is growing to be an epidemic in America.

A wave-breaking Netflix show called Maid brings to light abuse in the world of women.

Tanisha agrees the production informs the viewer that abuse isn’t just physical, it can be mental, emotional, and spiritual. “Anything that could harm and change a person from who they are is abuse. It is imperative to share the different types of abuse.”

Moreover, she hopes that her business provides that light of knowing that abuse is everywhere and they are here to help.

Recently, her business has received the award for Chamber and Commerce of being a new business. She hopes you expand it to have different agencies that advocate for women victims and survivors. She will shortly launch her podcast that will give advice and provide shelter for abused women.

Most importantly, Tanisha hasn’t shielded anything from her children. She wants them to grow up normal and, if at all possible, help her cause, as well. “In the future, I hope that they never have to go through the things I’ve gone through. I know they can have a successful life and business and move on with their life as well.”

Despite every battle she has faced, Tanisha doesn’t look at her life as a struggle, but instead as a mission to help others conquer.

“I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I don’t have any regrets.”

In the future, Tanisha plans to continue to use her platform to serve and help others in need. “I’m looking forward to raising awareness and advocating, and volunteering in my community to bring an end to domestic violence,” she says.

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For information on Tanisha Bankston’s story or to join her cause, please visit her website. h

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