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There Is Purpose In Your Storms
There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
A Letter From The Editor
Hawaii is a prime destination for tourist and vacationers. Made A Letter from the Editor up of six unique islands, it is known for its abundant beaches, white sands, colorful landscapes, and beautiful weather. Hawaii is also richly embedded in cultures, which are complimented by delicious What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes foods and traditions that date back hundreds of years. and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never Recently I learned that unlike other tropical islands and beaches, happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy Hawaii isn’t subjected as often to hurricanes and other tropical day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making storms. I found that to be quite interesting, especially because promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired Hawaii sits in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The conditions are today? What would you do? similar or just as other locations like Miami, Florida or the coasts of North Carolina, but the storms seem to stay away. And then life I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. happened. Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm believer knowing that God wouldn’t puterupt, anything on me Earlier this in year in Hawaii volcanos began to spitting fiery, that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would hit lava hundreds of feet into the atmosphere. The streets of this if I chose to sit idle to and accept it presented to me. oncebe peaceful place began crack andwhat buckle from the lava fires I have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity that were flowing beneath them. The calmness had been interrupted a blessingtothat to in everyone. A challenge and itisappeared meisn’t that afforded Hawaii was its own kind of storm. to me is an adventure. What is the worst that happen? Instead of pouring rain and 100 miles per winds, the can disturbance I do nothing, cameIffrom below. I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in return life.in Hawaii, was something that I see happens What hadacquire happened in my life as well. God loves me enough to allow me to enjoy peace. The best advice ever given to happened when someone He blesses me with an abundance andme gives me an opportunity to told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so enjoy His blessings and showcase them to others. Still, God shows I have pressed my through doors his love by allowing me way to experience pain. with a key that only hope provided. I have also learned the difference between what God mepath withofand what life can always burdenget mewet. with Though I mayblesses be in the a storm, I don’t asmercy. well. IAnd compare to knowing when be confident andI That’s duringitthe times when theto storms do hit me, can’t complain because God has spared me before and He promises when to be quiet, because to restore anything lost. grace. someone may getThat’s it confused with being arrogant. Through every storm and every trial, I have learned there is a purpose Make you tomorrow in my pain. There are also some pains happen today, but most that I must endure just as well. These importantly make it count. occurrences must happen. Without Life is but a whisper and them, my would be nothingin a we life must put ourselves more than a fantasy or fairy position to hear whattale, it is and uselesstelling to those us. who God has written in pages of my life. My storm is merely a formality, and my story is someone else’s door Terry to deliverance. L. Watson
Editor/Founder Terry L. Watson 4
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www.huamimagazine.com www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief Publisher Terry L Watson
Terry L. Watson
Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Dawn C. Thornton Writer Dr. Marrissa Dick Writer Writers Terry L. Watson Tonya Dixon Writer Terry L. Watson
Alana Allen Todd Youngblood Tamara Smith Photographer Jeuron Apollo Wonex Dove Photographer JLG Photography Photographer Photographers Perfect Lenz Photography Todd Youngblood Photography
LolittaShaw Stanfield Editor Photography Group Still Shots Photography
Howard Photography Who Shotya Keep UpGaither With Photography Us on Facebook Huami Magazine For Charlotte Layout “A Group For Followers and Mykel Media Company Supporters of Bennett Huami Magazine Linda
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HUAMI MAGAZINE is published bimonthly quarterly by the Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any portion of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication may be submitted to the editor by E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com Email or Telephone terry.editor@yahoo.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to 336-340-7844 Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2018 All Rights Reserved 2014 All Rights Reserved
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CONTENTS
Deanna Smith
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Divine Designs Randi Blakeley
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Exclusive Realty One
On The Cover
Star Broadus A Rising Star
SEPT./OCT. 2018
CHARLOTTE EDITION
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Gracious Hands
Sonja Chisolm
Huami Magazine Cutest Baby
Kaydence Jeffries
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Also Featured
Chameka and Wakenya The W.O.K.E. After School Program
Lynette Jewell Author of Survivor and Empowerment
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20 Charlotte - Sept./Oct. 2018
Shuntae Goodjoine The Shepherds Watch of Greenville
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Charlotte - Sept.Oct. 2018
S tar B roadus Financial Freedom is Very Possible
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One never knows how or when their blessings will be delivered. How many times have you asked your creator for a change, but overlooked it once it was provided because of its packaging? How long did you work a dead-end job day after day, or even a promising job that you just didn’t love, only to get laid off and find something more fulfilling, but completely different than what you thought you would be doing? Star Broadus is proof that if you have faith and take chances, you may just find your calling where you least expect it.
By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Todd Youngblood
Growing up, Star’s father and her older brother were incarcerated regularly. Even still, her mother tried to do the best as possible as a single mother of four who was limited by an inability to work because of Lupus. Those circumstances forced Star, who was the eldest in the household, to transition into the role of a parent, caring for her twin siblings and working a full-time job while attending school. Not to be denied, she later obtained her GED and began attending a community college, eventually obtaining an Associates of Science degree in Psychology. Life continued to happen for Star. At the young age of 19, she became a single mother herself after her daughter’s father became incarcerated. She soon realized that she was repeating the same cycle as her parents. Star refused to allow that generational curse to have precedence in her life or future. That same year, she stumbled upon a newspaper ad offering help with home ownership. She applied but was not approved because her credit score was too low due to several unpaid medical bills. She later received instruction on how to remove those bills from her credit, she followed them, and it worked. While most people are struggling to get through school or simply find a job, Star purchased her first home and her first car as a teenager. “It was tenacity and persistence that allowed me to accomplish these goals. Not only was I the first in my family to be a homeowner, I was the first to graduate from college,” she said. After all of Star’s accomplishments, things were beginning to look good. But as life happened, chaos and confusion would find its way back to her. By the time she was 21, Star was already juggling several responsibilities. She was working in the credit card banking industry as an inbound call center representative, while also working nursing jobs on the side. While working there, she experienced a lapse in judgement and made a decision that led to being incarcerated for a year and away from the one thing she lived for, her daughter Serenity. She also lost both jobs and once released, she could no longer work in her previous 9-to-5 career because of her felony conviction. So, she decided to become a hair stylist and salon owner in her hometown of Hagerstown, MD. “After doing hair for some time, I realized there had to be something more. I wanted a lot more out of life,” Star reminisces. Continued on the next page
Daughter Serenity as a college sophomore at A & T University in Greensboro, NC
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In 2012, the resourceful, single mother packed up her home and her daughter and relocated to Charlotte, NC. “I didn’t have a job lined up, but I had a little bit of money in my savings, so I took a chance and leap of faith. I got my first job at a movie theater downtown and I loved it,” she giggles. When it was time to enroll her daughter in school, she was hired as a Teacher’s Assistant, simply by asking a counselor about entry-level opportunities. A few short years later, Star was assigned her own class, teaching middle and high school math. Her persistence and determination were paying off and the odds were definitely in her favor. Quite often, teachers must supplement their income because of the ever-growing problem with the tight budgets within the school systems. Teachers often use their personal funds to purchase school supplies for the classroom, and additional items for children whose parents cannot afford them. As she enjoyed having an impact on her students, Star was forced to consider part-time employment. One day, while scrolling on a social media site, she ran across an opportunity to assist others who needed help cleaning up their credit. She applied and was accepted. Within four months of becoming a “independent” credit repair agent with a reputable company, Star was able to leave her teaching job and dive in full-time as an entrepreneur.
“Money is power, but credit is king. And being an entrepreneur in this particular business can change your life also”.
“I love helping people obtain financial freedom. Knowing I helped someone buy their first house or obtain their first credit card is fulfilling, “says Star. “Having only this business has allowed me to earn more income than I was making teaching and working two and three job’s. It has also enabled me to pay for my daughter’s tuition at NC A&T in Greensboro, without any financial worries at all.” Star has grown her business tremendously and services clients in all 50 states. She also has extended the business opportunity to others that were looking to be financially free and tired of the “rat race” of working dead end jobs. She states, “no one will ever be able to become a millionaire by working a (9 to 5) job. This is just the reality that most do not understand.” What she loves most about her career is the fact that she is changing lives and being financially rewarded at the same time. There are more than 43 million Americans living with challenged or poor credit and she loves being the one to help. “If a person has bankruptcies, medical bills or even student loans reporting negatively on their credit file we can help remove them,” Star explains. There are many things that can plague a consumer’s pockets. From health issues to crime, to the lack of education, or a simple mishap. All of these can cause a setback. With the economy on the upswing and housing currently shifting to a buyer’s market, Star stresses this is the perfect time to get your finances in order. Money is power, but credit is king. And being an entrepreneur in this particular business can change your life also. Any business owner will tell you that they’d much rather work for themselves, adhering to their own schedule and controlling their income, instead of making someone else wealthy. Star enccourages anyone who is interested in owning their own business and that would love to join the team on this mission of financial freedom to definitely contact her. “It doesn’t matter what city or state that you live in, we have agents nationwide. Training is provided, no degree is required, and there are no background checks. We are looking for self motivated go-getters. You have nothing to lose! Don’t let someone else control your destiny,” she encourages. All it takes is a leap of faith. This business will allow Star to retire in five years. A question she likes to leave upon others is “where will you be in five years, based on what you are doing today. ” h
Star Broadus
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5 Star Credit and Financial Services 980-395-6691 starbroadus21@gmail.com www.myfes.net/cbroadus
Text “MissCredit” To76626
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Charlotte - July/August 2018
By Dawn Cauthen Thornton - Photos by Todd Youngblood Randi Blakeney is a self-proclaimed ‘super girly girl’. If you’ve ever laid eyes on the 5 footer, you can tell that she enjoys all things that will enhance inner beauty but showcase it on the outside. Over the years, she has had a reputation for putting fierce outfits together or having a banging hairstyle that no one else could pull off. She excels at pairing bold ideas with simple ones, no matter the object. To add more fuel to the fashion fire, in recent years, she has perfected her crafting game and created her own line of jewelry dubbed Divine Designs by Randi. She shares that she’s always had side hustles, but the Greensboro native somehow fell in love with accessories and started creating neck pieces just for herself. “Jewelry always catches my eye when I’m out, so I would see something that I liked then buy the materials to make it myself,” says Randi. While on maternity leave with her second son in 2007, she was up late one night for his feeding, and caught a glimpse of older women making jewelry. That gave her the confidence to try and make a few more items for herself. “I went and bought a couple cheap jewelry-making kits to just see what I could come up with.” Soon after, her friends and family took notice and requested their own personal pieces. The more pieces she made the more orders she received. It didn’t take long for her to realize she could turn it into a business. By December of that same year, she had made enough items to launch Divine Designs by Randi and had an official launch party in downtown Charlotte. The best part of creating her gorgeous pieces, is that she truly enjoys it. “It relaxes me. When I first started, I had two small children, so it was my outlet. And it’s something that doesn’t take me away from home too often.” If you have a hobby that allows you to make money, you’ve truly found a winner. While Randi worked on her masterpieces in the wee hours of the morning, the N.C. A&T graduate held many different roles in Corporate America, the most recent one, a project manager at a major bank in Charlotte. She dreamed of one day committing herself full-time to her passion and this spring God said it was time to make the move. After months of preparation, she and her husband of 15 years, agreed. She left her position in February of 2018 and has never
Continued on the next page
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been happier. She’s grateful to finally have the opportunity to grow her business and even venture into new territory. She recently created a men’s collection and has plans for a children’s collection. Currently, the line of chunky statement pieces are in three boutique stores. Happy Kat Candles and Gifts in Concord Mills and a soon-to-be south Charlotte location, and Jewelry Unique in downtown Winston Salem. She plans to be in many more locations in the coming months. Randi often attends vendor shows and most recently sold over 200 items at a convention. Her popular neck candy ranges from approximately $30 to roughly $75 and can differ for custom pieces. The busy mother of two hesitates as she talks about how long she’s been growing her business. She doesn’t realize that it’s a sign of perseverance and dedication, not failure. I regularly converse with women who give up on their dreams or put them on hold because life has gotten in the way. Myself included. But Randi keeps on pushing, thinking of ways to be seen by promoting her business wherever she can. Next year she plans to attend her biggest event yet, a convention for Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., a sorority of which she is a proud member. (I joked that she needs to start making the pieces now, because she will absolutely sell out.) Yes, she’s partial to her favorite crimson and cream colors, but she is equally supportive of all Greek letter organizations and creates jewelry specifically utilizing their colors. She also specializes in wedding and bridesmaids pieces and loves to create one-ofa-kinds for each bridal party.
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“What I do doesn’t even feel like work. Sometimes I can work on pieces until the sun comes up and not even realize it.”
Randi makes a point to set high expectations for herself and has made a personal goal to place merchandise in larger boutiques across the south. When giving advice to budding entrepreneurs, she advises to focus on something you love. “What I do doesn’t even feel like work. Sometimes I can work on pieces until the sun comes up and not even realize it.” With any venture, passion is number one. If you only like what you’re doing, grow to love it. You’ll never want to give it up, even if it takes years to flourish.
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Deanna Smith She Keeps Things Moving By Terry L. Watson Photos By Todd Youngblood Things are looking up for Buffalo, NY native, Deanna Smith and Exclusive Realty LLC. Real estate is not what Deanna Smith set out to pursue. The former Corrections Officer with the New York Department of Corrections knows quite a bit about grinding and hustling. She is a wife, mother, and entreprenuer. More than anything, Deanna has a hear for helping and serving people. When she was presented with the opportunity of becoming a Federal Agent in 2002, she jumped at the chance and relocated her family to Charlotte for the job. After settling in the Queen City, she started to miss interacting with young children, so she worked part-time at a childcare facility. She also decided to become a foster parent to make an even greater impact, eventually adopting two infant girls. After working a child care facility, Deanna would continue on a successful path and eventually become Assistant Director of one. But as much as she enjoyed seeing tiny smiling faces everyday, going home to four children proved to be a larger job than she bargained for. Her husband, Everett, could see his wife stressed out as the days passed. She loved her job, but grew tired. Her other half, who is also her biggest supporter, proposed that she take a couple years off and gather herself, while finding her niche. Since he sold homes wholesale in his spare time, he mentioned that she should consider the same thing, but after a few months of testing it out, she concluded that path wasn’t the one she wanted to take. She eventually obtained her real estate license and would volunteer for a real estate firm. She was soon offered a paid position due to her work ethic and willingness to learn. She was so dedicated that she recruited and trained other agents. When she moved on to another firm, the agents followed her. Under the wings of more seasoned agents, Deanna absorbed as much knowledge as she could, then when the time was right, God told her to embark on her own endeavor. It’s evident that she has turned this negative into a positive. She has allowed her naysayers to motivate her to keep going and prove to them and herself, that she has what it takes to succeed. In May of 2017, Deanna had the grand opening for ‘Deanna Has a Home For You Realty, what is now ‘Exclusive Realty, Inc.’. The business has already become a true family effort. Since opening, she has helped her daughter purchase and close on her first home and now she wants to help others. Deanna’s grandchildren help with office work as well as assist with writing cards to her clients. She has taught them about entrepreneurship and to always set a goal to create your own source of income. This philosophy holds true with her husband too, as he owns and operates Ultimate Asphalt and Concrete in Charlotte. Most recently, Deanna has moved her offices to a new and much larger location that is capable to accomadate more agents.
“It’s evident that she has turned this negative into a positive. She has allowed her naysayers to motivate her to keep going and prove to them and herself, that she has what it takes to succeed.” Continued on the next page
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Meet The Team of Exclusive Realty One
Dagmar is a native of Charlotte. With an unparalleled devotion to her clients, she exudes professionalism, courtesy and expertise. Helping others find a place to call home is her life’s mission. With a family of her own, Dagmar understands her role of helping making someone else’s dream become a reality with homeownership. Even in her free time, she serves as treasurer of a non-profit organization that provides transitional housing to homeless women. “Everyone deserves to live in a home they can be proud of,” she says. Whether clients are relocating, buying or selling, she’s been in their shoes. Dagmar seeks to develop relationships with her clients, and not just act on their behalf as a real estate representative. By learning, serving, and putting her clients’ individual needs first, Dagmar shares the joy of helping clients find a home that meets their needs and stays within their budget.
Dagmar Damour Phone: 704-750-0088 dagmar@exclusiverealtyone.com
After earning two bachelor’s degrees from the University of North Carolina Charlotte (Political Science and Sociology) and working in childcare in Charlotte for 11 years, Etta decided to branch out and help her community by striving to help them purchase homes. Even in her spare time, Etta gives back to those around her. “I wanted to help people realize the same dream that I had of homeownership. I love that I get to help people become homeowners. This is especially true of people who once thought they could not reach this dream. I work with buyers, as well as, sellers in residential and commercial real estate,” Etta said. She has served as a long-time volunteer for Charlotte Pride, is a member of her community’s HOA, and hopes to soon be a foster parent to dogs looking for their forever home. Let Etta help you find the home of your dreams, today.
Etta Harrison 704-724-3335 etta@exclusiverealtyone.com 16
Delia was born and raised in New York City, NY. She attended elementary school, middle school, and high school there and obtained a Master’s degree at John Jay College for Criminal Justice (MPA), and also attained a Master’s degree from Stonybrook University in Long Island (MSW). She worked as a Case Manager and Social Work Supervisor for the Administration for Children Services for 23 years. In 2008, she along with her family, relocated to Charlotte. After arriving, she continued to work in the field of Social work for an additional eight years. “It has always been very gratifying to assist families towards becoming stable and self-sufficient,” she says. “Three years ago, I decided that I needed a change. I wanted to continue helping families, but in a different arena. I asked myself, “what could be more gratifying than assisting someone to reach their goals of home ownership?” Being an real estate offers its own set of rewards and perks. “I love the freedom that being an agent offers. It is hard work, but you can do your work from home, the office, and anywhere you can access the internet. I also want to make the home buying as pleasurable as possible. I ensure that the home is priced correctly if my client is selling a property, and if they are buying, I make sure the buyer isn’t paying too much for the property,” she says. Della offer some advice to both buyers and sellers. Market the property effectively to gain the exposure needed to sell. Communicate effectively with either the seller or buyer. Keeping them informed of every step of the process. Make sure that the buyer is qualified to buy property. Negotiate the best terms for my clients. and finallly, finalize loose ends for closing.
Delia Sumter 917-319-5063 delia@exclusiverealtyone.com
Kemar is a veteran of the US Army and a real estate agent in Charlotte and surrounding areas . He became a Real Estate agent in 2017 and has strong personal integrity and is very knowledgeable about real estate. “I work for renters, buyers, sellers and investors seeking residential property,” he says. “I have strong leadership ability and I am able to learn new concepts quickly because of my time in the Military.” Kemar is a graduate of Winthrop University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He comes to Exclusive Realty from Wells Fargo Bank as a Compliance Consultant. He has also worked at H&R Block as a Tax Associate. Because of these roles he is able to provide great customer service and can be a strong negotiator for his clients. “I am a husband, and a father of one child, and a active member in my church. He is also a member of the veteran community in Charlotte. I have good understanding of the real estate market and the numerous intangible benefits of life in Charlotte and surrounding cities, with its unmatched weather, culture, diversity and the ever growing population,” Kemar said. “I provide service to renters, buyers and investors seeking residential properties, and I also providing listing services for sellers looking to sell their residential property.” Kemar chose a career in Real Estate because of his passion for, and knowledge of properties, and his ability to interact with people.
Kemar Johnson 954-830-2580 kemar@exclusiverealtyone.com 17
Georgia is a native of Pennsylvania. She is a product of Penn State University and the American Institute of Banking. She spent her earlier years in banking before working for the Urban League and PA Department of Public Welfare for most of her career. Longing for sunny skies and good weather, we moved to the Charlotte area about six years ago. We are happy and here to stay. Georgia is a wife, and mother to three adult children and five delightful grandchildren. As service to mankind is the highest form of praise, she takes on individual causes and stay active with the Missionary Circle of Springfield Memorial Baptist Church, Stanley, NC. “Some there refer to me and the Missionary Realtor. “Over the past 30 years, we have bought and sold seven homes. As our family and employment dynamics changed, we moved forward with our lives. Each experience was joyfully-exciting; each purchase was interesting,” she says. “A couple years ago, I looked back and found happiness as I spoke of my experiences. I felt the desire to help others feel so positively about buying and/or selling homes. I combined my lengthy career as a social worker with the desire to help and realized real estate was my next frontier. The combination of knowledge keeps me working to match people and homes. I still find each interaction joyfully exciting and each deal interesting.”
Georgia Ellebie
704-747-1991 georgia@exclusiverealtyone.com
www.exclusiverealtyone.com (704) 907-3422 18
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Charlotte - Sept.Oct. 2018
W.O.K.E.
After-School Program At Sterling School By Terry L. Watson - Photos by AWaddellImages
Chameka Duncan and Rakenya Lewers Chameka Duncan is a native of Spartanburg, South Carolina but now calls Greenville home. She is a quiet, introverted woman of God who loves to serve. For many years, she was very comfortable with being behind the scenes and “making things happen”. However, the calling on her life has pushed her from the back to the forefront. Chameka has a passion to serve, love, an assist people in any way that she can, and unwaveringly shares her heart with children and adolescence. From a very young age Chameka says that others identified her teacher like qualities. “Many people would tell me that one day I would be a teacher,” she says. “Being a teacher was not the career I wanted for myself, but I later learned that being in education and a counselor was certainly a part of my calling. I was always very concerned about my friends and others and how they perceived life. My goal was to simply help people. For a long time ran away from my calling and worked in other fields.” Chameka currently serves as a professional School Counselor, Behavior Intervention Specialist, and Director of the W.O.K.E (Working on Knowledge & Excellence) After School Program at Sterling School. She received her Bachelors of Art degree in Business Management from Winthrop University, Masters of Art degree in Human Resources Management from Webster University. She also obtained her Masters of Education degree in School Counseling from Liberty University. She is also certified as a licensed Professional Counselor Associate, National Certified Counselor, and a Global Career Development Facilitator, and a successful clinical therapist who specializes in individual and family therapy. She has been a K-12 school counselor for the last six years and has also worked in higher education. “My mission is to assist all children with maximizing their potential by building positive relationships, providing resources, and exposing children to new experiences,” she says. Rakenya Lewers is a native of Greenville, SC and the Nicholtown community. She has been employed by Greenville County Schools for over seven years and has a passion for outreach and advocating for families. Besides an affinity with wood fired pizza and the arts, she loves bridging the knowledge and real-world experiences of professionals to families and children in a way that uniquely augments who they are and where they want to be. With experience in overcoming adversities such as sudden loss of loved ones, health challenges, homelessness, raising three children as a single mother, she developed a deep appreciation for how non-profits seek to improve the quality of life for our community one program at a time.
W.O.K.E., Working on Knowledge; Excellence, is an after school program that seeks to specifically address the various academic, behavioral, and social needs of students who are enrolled in the Sterling Program at the Sterling School. Students who participate generally reside in the Nicholtown community and are not currently enrolled in the school’s existing, for-profit afterschool program. The program supports the school’s mission to provide an environment that promotes the development of the Whole Child. The Whole Child framework highlights five key elements that children need in order to become engaged, productive members of society: healthy, engaged, challenged, safe, and supported. A Whole Child approach to education develops and prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of today and tomorrow by addressing students’ comprehensive needs through the shared responsibility of students, families, schools, and communities. A Whole Child approach sets the standard for comprehensive, sustainable school improvement and provides for long-term students success. The WOKE Afterschool Program at Sterling School directly supports this effort and our school’s collective mission. A key component of the program is mentorship. Unlike traditional afterschool programs, the WOKE Afterschool Program at Sterling School provides students with adults who can support our students’ development of resilience and hope. Mentors also encourage students to consider careers and professions by developing relationships and life skills. The program provides students with academic enrichment and opportunities to develop life skills through various activities such as dance, music and organized sports. Our program also offers various resources and workshops to our families through community partners. Chameka says she is most inspired by the children and families that she has the opportunities to work with. “To serve people that I come in contact with is my true calling. I am motivated to pull the best out of people, and to assist people with understanding that they can do anything that they set their minds to. My greatest inspirations are to see a diverse group of people come together and support each other. I am big on diversity, multiculturalism, and forming positive and supportive relationships,” she says. Ra’kenya finds inspiration in her own children. “Their resilience is inspiring and the fact that they know my imperfections and still see greatness and believe in me completely encourages me to want to be better,” she said. This dynamic duo is able to provide a safe place for children while meeting a need so they will have a greater sense of confidence in themselves. They are able to watch children grow and be more social and experience undesired behavior changes. With the assistance of positive and supportive mentors they are able to develop the whole child. W.O.K.E. has had it share of challenges. They are a program that operates fully on donations and grants, therefore the availability of funds is very critical. “Although we had a successful four months with our pilot program, the two days per week doesn’t provide an adequate amount of time to build in the academic and enrichment activities that we feel is needed for our students,” they said. Another challenge is the stigma that comes with children who need extra social and emotional help. In the future there are plans to continue to secure additional funding so W.O.K.E. will be able to operate to its fullest potential. They want to be able to continue to provide their students with the best opportunities and increase learning by providing more enrichment activities, tutoring, and have a dedicated mentor for every child. Another focus for WOKE is bridging the gap between schools and communities. There are plans to increase the number of days of operation from two to four days per week and partner with more community leaders and organizations for positive relationships. h
Charlotte - Sept./Oct. 2018
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Charlotte - Sept.Oct. 2018
By Terry Watson Photos by Todd Youngblood
L Michelle, is a native Washingtonian but was raised in Southern Maryland. She currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has a sincere love for her community and educating and helping people. L Michelle has a background in sales, marketing, television production and advertising. Her interest in radio and broadcasting is what drives her to explore the radio industry and has learned from the ‘best of the best’ and sat in on various talk shows as a co-host. “Being on different panels and workshops has allowed me to learn more about networking,” she says. She will bring her own unique and classy style to radio and to the Focused Radio Family starting in September. L Michelle is a published Author of two collaboration books that cement her dream of her telling her stories of tragedy and triumph. The first one is titled, ‘From Employee to Entrepreneur - The Journey to Empowerment’. Within the pages, she describes a journey to empowerment. It is also designed to help those who want to get in the business and allow them to see the journey others have already experienced. The second book is ‘I Am A Survivor’ is seven women telling their story from tragedy to triumph of being a survivor of abuse. The book is designed to help people understand they are not alone and how they can be victorious, and not ashamed, or feel guilty about the situation that they are in. It shows them to live and be victorious. As a motivational speaker, L Michelle promotes her books that shares her story of being a survivor and being an entrepreneur. She hopes she can help somebody and make a difference in their life. “What I love most about what I do is getting information to people allow their voices to be heard. I am driven to letting them know that they their voices will no longer be silent. By me speaking and being transparent, I allow my voice to help someone understand and know their worth. I also teach them how to believe in themselves. If I can just touch one life, my work is done. I love meeting new people and learning what’s on their mind,” she says.
“It’s not about you being seen on the scene, it’s about making a difference on the scene.”
To be an effective leader, L Michelle states that a person must know their strengths and understand their power. “This also means being successful in your accomplishments and in your dreams and moving towards your purpose and your passion. A leader must take charge. Sometimes you have to grind and not everyone is going to like it. It’s not about you being seen on the scene, it’s about making a difference on the scene. It’s not about being a boss, but it’s about being determined to take charge and having a drive to go to the next level to reach your success and helping somebody else to be a successful by putting them on the right path,” she says. h
301-659-9766 @ Lmjewell68 @Lynnette M Jewell
@lmichelleshow @Sistar2012 21
Sonja Chisolm
Gracious Hands
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Charlotte - Sept.Oct. 2018
By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Todd Youngblood
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We see it every day. Without fail, there stands a person on a street corner, clothes tattered, backpack soiled, and unsteady hands holding a sign that reads, “Please Help…God Bless.” Oftentimes I feel compelled to dig in my purse and hand them whatever I can find that will sustain them, at least for a few minutes. Two days ago, I handed a gentleman a cold bottle of water and a small bag of pretzels that was supposed to be my daughter’s snack. She didn’t mind. When we got home she went and grabbed her piggy-bank and asked could we go back and give it to him so he could buy himself a house. According to the Housing Instability and Homelessness Report of January 2017, 44% of the homeless population in Charlotte were female and 21% were children. There were close to 2,600 permanent housing beds available for occupancy, which has increased 16% from the previous year and 321% the last seven years. One of the silent soldiers helping to fight the good fight and increase these numbers is Sonja Chisolm, co-founder/Director of Gracious Hands Transitional Housing for Homeless Women and Children. Sonja has never been homeless but she does know how it feels to not have a place to call her own. For a moment in her life, she and her three children lived with her mother, until she could afford a home. Gracious Hands initially just offered a bed and a hot meal to whomever was in need. As time passed, Sonja and her former partner noticed the women needed guidance in other areas as well. They began to offer onsite psychological counseling, life coaching, credit repair, and job related skills that would allow them to obtain and sustain a paying job. After Sonja’s partner decided to leave the venture, Sonja expanded her services further and partnered with a staffing agency to ensure more women would have the opportunity to work and earn her own money at a decent hourly wage. She also partners with ResCare, a program that helped women 25 years and younger attend school. She has also been in contact with Habitat for Humanity in hopes of a resident eventually being blessed with a newly constructed single family home. Even Commonwealth Bank wants to help the women open a bank account, the first for some, and deposit the first $25. Acceptance into the program isn’t automatic and it’s not easy to live up to Sonja’s high standards. Potential residence must have experienced domestic violence, homelessness, and/or substance abuse to be considered. The women and children can reside at the transitional home for one year, provided they are in good standing with the expectations. “Each resident must have a job and go to work every day, they must save 50% of their income and put it into escrow, and they must abide by the curfew of 9:00 pm unless they have a job that ends a little later,” Sonja explains. There are other rules, and some can’t cut it and decide to leave shortly after they move in. But most want to change the lifestyle that landed them there in the first place. Sonja becomes a mentor to many of the ladies, and a grandmother to the precious children who become a part of her life for a short time. She feels a tremendous sense of responsibility to help her residence succeed after they’re ready to move out and start over. “Getting a call from someone who is doing really well because of what they learned here always makes me feel good,” Sonja’s voice beams. The counseling the women receive while at Gracious Hands doesn’t stop when they leave, they’re able to continue the services for as long as they want, free of charge.
Over the last three years, the facility has housed 108 women, 111 children, and transitioned 47 families. The house can serve up to 6 families at a time. Because there is such a need, Gracious Hands is forced to turn families away every day. Those families may end up on the street if another housing facility doesn’t have space. Sonja admits, “That’s the most difficult part of what I do. Where are these families going to go?” Those instances happen much more often than the city would like to admit. Managing lives that aren’t yours can be stressful. The matriarch runs a tight ship in hopes of changing the path some ladies have already created. As strict as her residence thinks she is, Sonja knows what’s waiting on the other side of the door when they make the decision to leave. She attempts to protect her ladies as long as she can. Her goal is to open nine more transitional homes across the city to help tackle Charlotte’s sky-high homeless population. “Every single shelter in the city is full right now. We need more housing.” h
Gracious Hands Transitional Housing For Women and Children 245 N Hoskins Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28216 (704) 962-6147
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Charlotte - Sept.Oct. 2018
Shuntae Goodjoine
A Modern Renaissance Man By Toya Moore Photos by Apollo Wonex
iscipline. Dedication. Determination. From an early age Shuntae Goodjoine knew that these three words were the foundation for his success. With those three words in mind, he established Shepherds Watch as an official 501(c) 3 in 2014. The mission statement for Shepherds Watch is: Committed to enriching the lives of future leaders through the human and animal bond. Shun (as he is called by friends and family) began the organization as a way to start a movement in the lives of the boys and girls growing up in his community. That movement is deeply rooted in the principles of Pet Education, responsible pet ownership and his true passion, Veterinary Medicine. Shun began to learn everything he could about animals, especially dogs at a young age. He became known for his ability to take care of and train dogs. That was his informal education. The formal education began when he became a kennel assistant, and eventually a Veterinary Assistant. During those years is when he began to call himself a Pet Enthusiast. “It kept me out of a lot trouble. It gave me responsibility and discipline, because all I wanted to do was get home and take care of my dog and learn more about dogs. I guess you could also say there was a calmness in learning about animals. I think I found some type of healing when I was learning about and caring for those animals,” he says. After graduating from Southside High School, Shun went off to college and played basketball collegiately, and had aspirations of becoming a Veterinarian. He quickly lost interest in his studies. “I just didn’t fit in there. Although I’m not sure I knew it at the time, I think I was disenfranchised with the lack of culture. There was really nobody there that I could relate to.” So, he left school, returned to the Upstate and began working for a veterinarian in the area. His informal education continued, but once again he did not feel as if that was where he was supposed to be and again walked away from veterinary medicine. He dabbled in the entertainment industry for a little bit, traveling and writing music. Shun then went into telecommunications work for a few years. He also worked part time for Greenville County with adults that have disabilities and special needs. Currently Shun works as a shift leader in the automotive industry and coaches AAU and high school basketball. He is even an author, having selfpublished his own book called “Dawg Game”. No matter his profession, he has always owned and trained multiple dogs, and he has always taken the time to educate family, friends, and community about responsible pet ownership. Does he regret not finishing school to become a veterinarian? “I am good with where I am right now,” he says. “But I do sometimes think back and wonder what if I had finished. I kind of feel like my lack of commitment to pursuing my goal to be a veterinarian drives me every day to help these kids pursue their goals. I do that with my program for the kids”. The program that Shun has created with Shepherds Watch provides an outlet for any child. Any child between the ages of 6 and 16 can participate in the training that Shun provides with his dogs. He uses dogs to teach life lessons, responsibility, leadership and so much more. But why dogs? “Because I feel a connection to dogs more so than any other animals. The intelligence, work ethic, and instinctual ability of the German Shepherd to guide and oversee is what inspired the name of my organization. The strength, loyalty, intelligence, and tenacity of the pit bull has inspired me to keep moving towards my goals. Just taking care of my personal dogs makes me want to do the best I can for them. That in turn makes me want
to do what’s best for me. But it’s not about me anymore, it’s about the kids. So, I guess the dogs motivate me to do what’s best for the kids.” When the conversation shifted to talking about goals, Shun is very specific. “I want to spark minds. I want to close the disproportionate gap between minorities and veterinary medicine. I want to advocate for those doing the right thing and do the best for the community.” His passion for animals and his commitment to youth are obvious with each word he speaks. “I want to partner with Tuskegee University and take kids there. I want to put kids through veterinary school. I want to relate people’s interaction with animals to their interactions in life. I just want to be a source of education and exposure for those that may not have it on their own or in their family.” Shun is currently working with two community centers and an after-school program in Greenville so he can expand Shepherds Watch. His message of pet education, responsible pet ownership, and veterinary medicine needs to be heard. His method of teaching and developing youth is not traditional, but it works. His desire to serve youth is commendable and his love of animals is admirable. He is humble about the attention and accolades. When acknowledging all he has done, and the greatness that he is planning on doing, h he told me “I just want to find some good, that’s all.”
Shuntae Goodjoine - The Shepherds Watch www.shepherdswatch501c3.org - 864-614-1843 25
Available On All Digital Platforms Spotify & Apple Music - Follow me on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram @Emanthaprofezzor
Eman Tha Profezzor Eman Tha Profezzor, experimental Gospel artist emerging from Johnston County (JoCo), North Carolina. Unable to be contained in a traditional genre, the “experimental” Gospel genre was crafted in the reason that there was no other suitable category. This multi talented musical man of God; starting from age 2, when he discovered his curious attraction to pitch and rhythm, tapping and racking on pots and pans, which persuaded his parents to get him his first drum kit at age three, resulting in his growing skill as a drummer from 5 years of age. Having joined the choir at his home church, playing the drums, he revealed a passion for other instruments as well. While in High School he started realizing that all his talent had gotten to a point that he could start producing music on his own using the Music production software FruityLoops 3, which he had received from a friend. After producing and writing several pieces of music he decided to enter the 2002 talent show at West Johnston High School, taking the show with 3 of his friends, who formed their group in a day. After advancing his gift, he went on to enter The Next Gospel Star Talent Search in 2004 with a close friend, forming The Disciplez; placing in the top 10 finalist, they concluded the competition in achieving runner-up. After his group The Disciplez went after different endeavors in their lives in 2006, Eman put out his first album “I Mean Business: Crunk Worship”. He played an array of gigs in Churches and venues in the greater North Carolina vicinity - Making his first appearance, performing his song “Get Up” on a Local Raleigh television station RN10 on the show Beyond Gifted with Koyah Rivers and his first radio appearance on 750AM interviewed by Bobby Parker, of the Bobby Parker Show, where they played 2 of his singles “Get up” and “In God we Trust” - leading to him producing the music for The Bobby Parker Shows introduction in 2006; all gaining him more exposure and shows. When he began realizing he was becoming more of a Gospel artist; desiring to perfect his craft, having the mind to be professional; he enrolled in Living Arts College, formerly The School of Communication Arts; Taking classes in Audio design and Audio Engineering: While attending college, Eman began improving the development of his skills, he also began developing his 2nd album, having acquired the new knowledge and skill through his schooling - as E3 Productions (Entertainment, with the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost - his music production company) was also underway, when he met a few friends in college along with his cousin having likeminds for ministry, who believe the good news of Jesus Christ. He and all of his friends, who also being artists, started producing and writing music, which took them to bigger platforms for shows, travelling to many churches and venues.
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Before finishing his Sophomore album “Salvation Motivation: The Story” Eman was blessed with the opportunity to intern with Loreal Shampoo, doing a background track for a 2007 television ad. While preparing for fall graduation he entered his graphic design for E3 Productions, winning the gallery exhibit for logos. Graduating September 2007, he received the Digital Audio Merit Award - leaving with an outstanding GPA of 4.0. In 2008 Eman released his sophomore album “Salvation Motivation: The Story”, bringing him to playing shows in multiple college universities and in many states, such as North Carolina, South Carolina, Atlanta Georgia, Missouri, Virginia, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Tennessee, Cozumel Mexico, New Jersey and Washington DC. With Salvation Motivation, the song “Blow Out” received so much buzz that it was brought on the Coco Brothers Show 103.9 The light, NC on Play it or Fade it for 3 nights consecutively, and while touring in South Carolina he was picked up to do an interview, with the Bad Boy Radio Brian Seabrook WJNI 106.3 FM, SC - while touring, his song “Changed Man” ended up taking a spot at #3 on Drive at 5, later earning a place at #2, then having its finale at #1 for the day over Kirk Franklin. Meanwhile also achieving the artist spotlight at WKNC 88.1fm at NC State University. Within three years after the release of Salvation Motivation, Tha Profezzor was blessed to gain fellowship and share stages with the likes of Papa San, Rawsrvnt, Jeff Majors, Warren Barfield, Marcus D. Wiley of the Yolanda Adams Morning Show, Grammy nominated Cynthia Jones, Grammy nominated Canton Jones, Grammy nominated Mali Music, Grammy/Dove/ Stellar/Soul Train award winning Israel Houghton. After his previous accomplishments, being discovered by a long time friend and mentor for his dynamic gift in poetic writing; he was given a grand opportunity to partake in a revolutionary idea for invoking youth to inspiration and encouragement in their gifts for the Kingdom of God; the stage was set for his heart for the Gospel to be shed through the art of Spoken Word, at the Church of God of Prophecy International Assembly in Louisville Kentucky held in the Kentucky International Convention Center. The artistic piece he presented is known as “My Powerful People”, viewed by over 500k streaming and in person - Empowering listeners to unchain their God given gifts and seek their purpose in the calling of the Lord. Founded at the top of 2015, Introducing a new flavor to the mix in the ministry of Eman Tha Profezzor, with plans for outreach and youth camps to accompany the silky sound of Eman, as he brings to the world his heart for the Gospel and the winning of souls for the Heavenly Kingdom of God. The world has yet to see what Tha Profezzor shall presents to you by the grace of God in the adventures of the NERD UP Music Group LLC. h
Charlotte - Sept.Oct. 2018
huami MAGAZINE
Cutest Baby
Kaydence Jeffries The daughter of Da’Quan and Sharhonda Jeffries Photo provided by Da’Quan Jeffries
Charlotte - Sept./Oct. 2018
To submit photographs to be placed in the Huami Magazine Cutest Baby feature, please send a detailed email to huami.cutestbaby@gmail.com
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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Apollo Wonex reenville, South Carolina native, Stormi Harmon is the kind of person that is likely to leave a lifelong impression with almost everyone she meets.
She is a wife, mother, home school educator, Doula, Health Educator, Herbalist, Vaginal Steam Facilitator, and healer. She is also the founder and owner of Live 2 Serve, a beautiful umbrella of services and products for everyone. As a Doula, she provides physical, emotional, and educational support to mothers during pregnancy and postpartum. In other words, she works with mothers to help them achieve their best birth. She also offers Prenatal Nutrition, Birth Planning, Breast Feeding education, Postpartum Self Care Sessions, Postpartum Herbal Baths, custom blended Postpartum Vaginal Steams, Postpartum Healing Tinctures for afterbirth pains, Nourishing Meals, Amber Teething Jewelry, Organic Baby Powder, Cloth Diapering Sessions, Baby Wearing Sessions, and more. Doula’s are not just for natural home births. Harmon provides care no matter where they choose to have their baby, whether it be in a hospital, birthing center, home, hallway, car, elevator; wherever they are, there she will be also. While many families are sometimes hesitant in investing in the services that a Doula offers, due to money and other reasons, there is so much scientific proof that says otherwise. “I rest in knowing that what I do is very valuable and historical. Black women were the original Doulas, or Granny Midwives. This is ingrained in us to do this work for our mothers. I just continue to share the benefits and let my work speak for itself,” she says. When it comes to physical support, her focus is to assist her clients through various challenges during the child birthing experience. These include breathing techniques, counter pressure, and many other comfort measures that allow Harmon to “hold space” for the birthing mother and growing family. “Emotionally, I help families feel supported by easing any concerns about their birthing experience and allowing the mother to surrender and listen to her body on this journey,” she says. “In regards to education, I connect families with evidence-based resources so they can ask great questions and always make informed decisions. Doing this allows me to serve as a bridge between families and health care providers, by encouraging them to be advocates for their care.” As a Health Educator, Harmon offers instruction through classes and teaching sessions, food demonstrations, Smoothie Pop-up Shops and more. Additionally, she has created a Smoothie eBook, loaded with over 275 plant-based recipes and educational tools. With her Holistic Nutrition services, Harmon’s focus goes beyond food and seeks ways to serve the whole person. “I help you make realistic, sustainable changes in many aspects of your life. I help you get to the true heart of the matter that may have created the habits you are trying to break. Once that is done, if it even needs to be, we focus on what you consume and provide Nutrition and Herbal consultations for the entire family. This includes Herbal consultations, Pantry swaps- removing foods that are harmful and replacing them with better options, and sustainable changes. I also offer Herbal blends for optimal health which includes Butters for Eczema, joint pain, sleep disorders, muscle pains, and many other imbalances. My custom Herbal Vaginal Steams are designed for women with fibroids, conception issues, chronic infection, and more. My custom herbal blends include Elderberry Syrup Kits, Parasite Cleanses, and Vaccine Detoxes.”
Harmon finds inspiration in her ability to take charge of her health without depending on someone else. She says, “we can do it if someone who truly cares about us will only show the way. I can’t help everyone but I can help anyone who trusts and allows me to help them heal themselves. As black women, the odds are truly against us when it comes to bringing forth life in this country. Black women are four times more likely to die in childbirth or from postpartum. These numbers do not change merely due to economic or social statuses. It does not matter. Hiring a Doula causes these numbers to drop dramatically because you have someone in your corner fighting for you the whole time.” “There are times where birth work can be very exhausting. Birthing a child is very unpredictable. A mother can be in labor for days and often times out of the loop with her family’s needs. Seeing a happy, healthy mama and baby makes it all worth it. It is my job to be there for them. They can count on that.” Her support system includes her husband and her oldest daughter. “My husband encouraged me to take better care of myself. From there it grew beyond anything I could have ever imagined. My daughter turned my life upside down, but in a good way of course. I never wanted any other mother to experience what I went through. After researching, I knew becoming a Doula would be a perfect fit. If she was never given to me, I never would have done any birth work and would have never known how important and valuable the services I provide are,” she says. To learn more about Live 2 Serve and Stormi Harmon, please contact her to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. h
Stormi Harmon - Live 2 Serve 864-901-5172 live2serve@gmail.com - www.live2serve.com
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