Huami Magazine Chicago Nov./Dec. 2022

Madison Elyse Events LLC

www.ladyespecs.com

It seemed like only yesterday when the first edition of Huami Magazine was published. In November 2007, a vision given to me by God became my reality. I have shared the story of publishing Huami Magazine, first having a conversation with God, then taking the leap and stepping out faithfully in response to God’s call. Still, I often reflect on the first edition and become reminded of how awesome God is.

While I was confident in my ability to fulfill the assignment, I admit I didn’t have all the answers initially. Ten years earlier, in 1997, I researched the magazine publishing industry, specifically in the Triad area of North Carolina. I did this to learn more about what is required to publish a magazine, including how to manage a publishing company, etc. Amongst all of the information obtained, I never inquired about how to support my new media company financially. That would eventually pose a problem for me and Huami Magazine.

Finances and their availability is vital to the survival of any business. I self-funded operating costs for quite some time, especially in the first few years of existence. However, all of a sudden, things changed. Huami Magazine would enjoy the love and support from unlikely sources, including individuals who never exhibited an interest in the product. Doors would soon open and opportunities flowed. Things were looking up for Mykel Media Company, LLC.

As the face and founder of Huami Magazine, I worked hard to spread brand awareness. During this time, there were other challenges I would face, but having the support of the magazine wasn’t one of them. Sales were so good that everything needed to keep our doors open, we received it. God saw something good about Huami Magazine and He made provisions to ensure

The message that I want to remind the readers of Huami Magazine is simple. When God gives you an assignment, He will also make provisions for you to see it through. All that we have to do is show up for the assignment.

www.huamimagazine.com

Terry L Watson Publisher

Dorjae’ McClammey Writer

Terry L. Watson Writer

Joy Rogers Writer Monica Montgomery Writer

Tamara Smith

Still Shots Photography Photographer Todd Youngblood Photographer

General Inquiries huami.chicago@gmail.com

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Mykel Media Company LLC Greensboro, NC 2022 All Rights Reserved

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Terry L. Watson

Marcus Boyd

He is using his platform to change lives and bring awareness. Meet the new face of Autism. Atlanta, GA

Also Featured

She is a world traveling photographer. Learn how she captures the beauty of others through her eyes. Phoenix, AZ

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby Laney Williamson

Sophic Solutions LLC Rodney Smith

Caring and Counseling Yohmina Kasey

All-Around Athlete Shana Howard

Madison Elyse Events LLC Qiana Turner

Angelia Malbrew

Steven Grant

Learn more about how he is preparing the youth for the next level. The Village Academy. Jackson, MS

Madison Elyse Events LLC

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Qiana Turner

Qiana Turner is known as the “The Bride Whisperer”. The highly sought-after Event and Design Planner is the owner of Madison Elyse Events, a luxury wedding and event planning firm based in Chicago, IL. Madison Elyse Events is dedicated to mastering the details of every event while providing an assortment of services which include all aspects of planning, coordinating, and executing lavish weddings, posh social gatherings, and upscale corporate and private events.

While they offer Full Wedding and Event Planning Services, Madison Elyse has a partial and wedding management package for couples who want to plan their day themselves. These services include Discovery Consultation, Budget Development and Analysis, creation of theme, colors, design, and decor, assistance with selecting and booking all vendors, Menu and bar planning, and more.

Qiana shares that her company takes pleasure in wedding event planning for all couples. “We embrace every culture, ethnicity, religion, and tradition. Most important, we put our clients’ wishes at the forefront, and every detail is paramount and customized to create magical memories,” she says.

Qiana is a native of Chicago and attended William Howard Taft High School before graduating from Proviso West High School. Later Qiana obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Robert Morris College. In addition to being a successful entrepreneur, she has enjoyed 11 years of marriage with her husband, Kenneth. Together, they share four children.

So how did Qiana get started? She started her first event planning company, Proposed This Event Planning in 2011. “Like a lot of entrepreneurs who are excited about creating something, I jumped in head first, planned events for a short while, and fell flat on my face. I had no vendor relations or any experience, no anything. I thought that everything would be great, and I failed,” she says.

Qiana didn’t allow her failed attempt to stop her from continuing her journey. In 2013, she gave birth to her daughter, Madison Elyse. In 2016, she had the itch to get back into the field. She educated herself, attended conferences, and built relationships, and in 2017, Qiana was ready to start again. She named her new company after her daughter, Madison Elyse, which means “A Noble Gift of The Lord”.

The way that Qiana does business now is not how she started. “At one time, I would offer my services at a low cost or sometimes at no cost at all, mainly because I was trying to get clients under my belt and show others what I could do. That has changed for sure. Now, my typical clients are seeking a more elegant or luxurious experience. These are couples in their thirties and forties and would like to have a beautiful wedding,” she says. Qiana has even conducted an event in Green Bay, WI, at Lambeau Field, the home of the Green Bay Packers professional football team.

Like most professions, Event Planning comes with its unique share of challenges. Some of the ones Qiana has faced have been separating herself from the competition. “I genuinely love what I do. It is my heart for people and my desire to see others happy. It is not so much the money because I know it will come. Each client is a relational experience, and not transactional,” she says.

Qiana shares that her friends Tawanda Sims, an event planner based in Florida, and Kathy Ramero, her business coach, significantly impacted and inspired her. In 2018, she admitted that she thought about quitting her business, but Tawanda encouraged her to keep pushing. “I was given sound advice by someone who saw something in me. She repaired my broken wing and helped me to fly,” Qiana says. Cathy has shared the knowledge she has about business with Qiana, information she says that has helped her to make her initial investment many times over.

For those who may follow a path similar to her, Qiana’s advice is “do what you are God-led to do.” “I am a firm believer in God, and I believe that every step is strategically ordered. If you feel this is where you should be, I encourage you to do so. If not, then I will encourage you to do something else. When God blesses me, He expects for me to bless someone else, and that is one of my ways of doing that,” Qiana says.

Qiana says the only thing she would have changed about her journey is investing in herself initially. “I didn’t realize how important that is. I wasn’t making a lot of money in the beginning. I was fearful, and that may have slowed me. However, I am grateful for where I am now,” she says.

Qiana plans to get a certification to become a women’s enterprise in the future. That will help her to conduct and host more corporate events. She also plans to acquire her own venue. For the most part, Qiana desires to be an even greater person, mother, and wife. By the sounds of it, she is well on her way to accomplishing all of her dreams.

Please visit her website to learn more about Madison Elyse Events.

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The Village Academy

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Tommie Nicholson

For Steven Grant of Jackson, MS, serving his community is really important. Men are typically not at the forefront in the child-development profession, but Steven is different. He is the owner and founder of The Village Academy, a childcare and enrichment center located in Jackson, whose mission is to care for children utilizing a curriculum designed to help them succeed.

Steven is an Ordained Minister, husband, and father of four. After high school, he enrolled at Jackson State University and later transitioned to Hines Community College. He also has a genuine love for children and says The Village Academy was developed on the belief that it takes a village to raise our children. “God gave me the vision for our center. Everyone in our community is part of the village, including the parents, students, and teachers. It takes everyone working on a collaborative effort to make this thing work,” he says.

Launched in 2020, The Village Academy operates of “Four C’s”, which stand for (Caring, Children, Curriculum, and Community). Steve explains, “The “Four C’s” means we are caring for all children by way of curriculum to enrich our communities and prepare to prepare and grow our children to the next level.”

The current enrollment at The Village Academy is twenty-five children. The ages of the students enrolled are three months old, all the way to five years old at the daycare. The school currently serves students between the ages of six and thirteen. The Village Academy also offers transportation via a bus that accommodates 22 children, along with a twelve-passenger van. They currently have a total of six employees.

Steven shares that what he loves most about what he does is seeing young children grow and develop into what they dream they can be. “As we shape and mold our children, we must keep the needs of our children in the forefront. Proper planning prevents pisspoor performance. If we plan properly, we will get the necessary performance from our children. The more we keep our kids engaged, the more we can get from them. We are able to accomplish this through proper planning. Planning helps our school to be the best learning facility we can be,” he says.

Some of the partnerships The Village Academy has established include the David Marion team. Steven says David has worked with his staff to help them identify students with behavioral issues and provided direction and information on what to do once doing so. These partnerships are in alignment with Steven’s vision for a collaborative effort. “I believe there is power in numbers and having as many hands on deck, or having as many people involved as possible, will help to ensure their students are successful.

Steven says that he is inspired mainly by his own children and the opportunity to help other children. As a parent, he has always been hands-on with the development of his own children. “I was known as Mr. Mom in the school system. I was part of Dads of Destiny and the Watchdog Dad Committee. Anytime there was an issue with my kids at school, I was the one who showed up. That allowed me to see other kids and how they interacted with one another. I got together with other men and talked about issues within the school system. I wanted to make a difference, and the best way I knew how to do it was to get involved,” he says.

Moving forward, Steven plans to continue to build The Village Academy into one of the top enrichment centers available. His approach to involving the whole community in the development of children is promising, and by the sounds of it, the future of his students looks very bright. To learn more about The Village Academy, please visit their website. h

www.thevillageacademy.org

Sophic Solutions, LLC

By Monica Montgomery Photos Provided by Sophic Solutions, LLC

In 2018, the world was formally introduced to Wakanda. A world where people of color lived and ruled in a modern economic and progressive society of fair trade and collaboration. As portrayed in the fantasy fiction movie Black Panther, Wakanda is a black utopia untouched by the outside world. To most, it was a fantastic work of fiction, but to Rodney and Stephenie Smith, it was as real as you or I, and as possible as starting a simple courageous conversation. Rodney and Stephenie (Steven-ee) Smith have made it their mission and business to create a space where sustainable transformations takes place through courageous conversations about race and equity. The Smiths are working to change society toward racial equity.

Sophic Solutions, LLC is a change management and consulting firm based in Kansas City, Missouri. Sophic provides educational consultation to schools and school districts, offers change management solutions to various organization types, and conducts diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging training for a variety of companies and associations. Sophic also designs educational curriculum, offers professional development sessions, and facilitates team-building activities in addition to several supplementary management improvement services.

“Sophic Solutions was born out of our passion and experiences in our respective professions,” Rodney explains. “Our goal was to overcome our own daily dealings with some of these discriminatory practices. It came from being faced with marginalization in our own professional environments.”

Dr. Rodney D. Smith is also Vice President for Access and Engagement at William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri. As an academic, his natural curiosity caused him to question and investigate how implicit bias became so ingrained in American culture and how to change it. “As an academician, I began to study the origins of the divide we as a country are experiencing. It ushered me into wanting to learn more about how we got here.” These are the questions Sophic Solutions encourage their partners to ask and explore.

Dr. Smith began teaching courses in the area of social justice and equity. As word spread of his knowledgeable and practical approach to this conversation, he received invitations to speak and educate others. Fast-forward to 2018, after leaving a post in the not-for-profit sector, Stephenie assumed the role of managing partner of their business. As a social worker, Stephenie had a front-row view of how unawareness and avoidance affected underserved communities in the area of social equity. Her passion for helping people find efficacy in their lives and community made her stand out.

“Although Sophic Solutions was founded in 2007, I continued to work for outside organizations until 2018. I have always been blessed because while working for majority white social service organizations, I created a safe space for my team and the people we served. I was able to use my role, personality, and the way I lead, to create a “Black” space within those entities,” Stephenie explains. Creating a relevant space wasn’t just about carving out and cultivating an environment where the concerns of black and brown people were heard, but were responded to with a demonstration of cultural humility. It was also essential to how the work was being done and those doing it.

Stephenie has leveraged her 20 + years of direct practice and organizational leadership experience to support her partners/clients. As the lead consultant with leaders across several sectors, Stephenie is able to stimulate curiosity about how outcomes are generated. With a belief that outcomes are produced through the system, Stephenie is able to guide teams through examining the Pedagogy, Policy, Practice, and People (Culture) of the organization. Stephenie explains, “Often times when organizations are seeking change, teams stop at simply transforming behaviors. While behavioral modification can be key, it is equally important to ensure the system of that organization does not have policies, practices or a culture that tolerates or promotes inequity.” Therefore engaging in a holistic approach to change is imperative. Stephenie’s approach is very much aligned with her discipline as a Master’s level Social Worker. Her commitment to this value- driven practice creates room for social emotional attention that must accompany the process of change.

In addition to leading Sophic Solutions, Stephenie serves as an adjunct professor at Avila University while also contributing to several community boards. Stephenie reminds us, “It is important to connect the dots in every area of our lives. Meaning this is not just the work that I engage in, but the life that I live.”

As husband and wife business partners and parents to two wonderful children, family is vitally important to the Smiths, “We were both privileged to have parents who are Black professionals that taught us how to seek and use knowledge to further ourselves and our community,” Stephenie explained. “When you have role models in the home that set the standard, you are compelled by those expectations. My mother is a retired educator, and my father is a retired agriculturalist. So, I grew up understanding that I am responsible to my community and that is how Rodney and I have raised our children, and I’m proud to say that they have embraced the idea that it takes action and understanding to move the culture forward.”

With recognition from the community and other entities, Stephenie and Rodney received requests asking them to help create equity-centered schools, companies, and organizational groups.

With, not for is Sophic Solutions’ approach to assisting organizations in achieving their goals of self-sustaining social change. “We strongly believe in working with organizations to help them identify and address the areas of social inequity within their companies or groups,” Stephenie explained.

“Helping companies understand what implicit bias is, that it really exists and that its existence is the cause for the racial inequity that we see in society, is an important first step for the organizations that engage our services,” Rodney explains. “If asked, most of these organizations will say that they are made up of ‘good people.’ So, the next question is, ‘Can good people cause black, brown, and female workers to feel marginalized and overlooked?’ These kinds of questions can open the door to the kinds of courageous conversations that must take place so that change can happen.”

Over the years, Sophic Solutions has been a catalyst for change across a variety of platforms. Their website features many testimonials from partners and individuals who have benefited from their approach to social justice. As a result, Stephenie and Rodney have been recognized by their peers and the community at large.

In 2021, Sophic Solutions received MARC’s Leadership Award. This award honors people and organizations that advocate regional concepts, approaches, and programs; address regional challenges; apply innovative solutions to regional problems; and advance a regional vision of excellence and opportunity. In 2022, Stephenie Smith, MSW, was selected as the Missouri Social Worker of the Year by the Missouri NASW chapter. The duo has been featured on several podcasts that spotlight social change as they continue to get their message of hope, empowerment, and self-efficacy out to the community.

As they move forward, Sophic’s vision continues to grow. “Growth is one of our goals”. Stephenie says, “Within the next two years, we hope to add more associates dedicated to promoting and educating about social justice, equity and inclusion. Although we are based in Kansas City, Missouri, we serve all over the country. We also want to grow how we do the work, so we are excited about the recent launch of Sophic Circles. Sophic Circles are practical engagement workshop opportunities for our peer partners. We refer to our clients as partners, and Sophic Circles allow partners in like industries or organizations to connect and create community. The long-term benefit is that these circles become an ecosystem of change.”

Sophic Circles brings Rodney and Stephenie’s vision into view. “We know that this work happens best in community. When change agents are isolated, they are less likely to demonstrate the behaviors necessary to perpetuate change. The future of racial equity and inclusion cannot be achieved in silos, but by agents of change working in community to educate ourselves and others.”

So, is Wakanda real? According to Dr. Rodney Smith and Stephenie Smith, with hard work, sacrifice, and a willingness to ask hard questions and then apply practical solutions, the answer is Wakanda is in all of us. We have to be willing to cultivate it.

The son of LaSaudia Moore

Braxton Moore

A Voice For Autism

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Marcus Boyd

As a young boy, Marcus Boyd was perceived as someone without a voice. Today, Marcus’s voice is heard and recognized on various levels and platforms. “I create and make things from nothing,” he says. The young folks say they got it out of the mud, but for me, I made a rose from concrete,” he says.

While he has Autism, Marcus doesn’t allow his condition to slow him down. Eleven doctors once told him in two states that he was brain dead and would never get an education. Those same doctors said to him that he would never talk or function on his own, that he would never cook or do anything for himself, and would rely on the assistance of a caregiver. Yet Marcus has defied their predictions; Marcus Marcus is a leader, a visionary, a goal-getter, a brand hustler, and an empire grinder.

Marcus says his past was horrific and full of challenges. “I was beaten, bullied, I had my ribs broken, I was peed on and even left for dead. He has lived in 17 foster homes, 16 group homes, 16 mental hospitals, and four inpatient centers. He has been homeless and ate from dumpsters as a means to survive. At his lowest point, Marcus tried to commit suicide, but God had other plans for him.

Marcus says he never imagined that he would become a brand and that others would be interested in his life. He knew he wanted to help change lives and help change the status quo of how people perceive Autism. In doing so, he has become an international, five-time award-winning Autism Activist. He works with governors, mayors, city council members, state senators, organizations, and foundations to produce rights, laws, and benefits for Autistic individuals and families in the United States and around the world. “I am using my testimony as a light to give hope to others who may be going through what I did. I want to bring acceptance, inclusion, awareness, justice, and new opportunities for Autistic families,” he says.

So, how did Marcus begin? He shares it was during August 2017. He had already been diagnosed with Autism and rapped about his condition in some of his music. The music was fine, but he knew he had to take it to another level. He connected in Atlanta, GA, with Manisha Holiday, who he calls his Godmother. Manisha, a celebrity PR, encouraged Marcus to focus on sharing his story of being Autistic rather than his music. During that time, Marcus’s interest was music. Still, his ability to survive was more important, so he took Manisha’s advice and began using his platform to bring awareness to Autism and individuals infected by it, and the rest is history.

Marcus shares that he could not do all he does without God’s blessing. “With all the blessings God is allowing me to be a part of and do, I give God all the glory and honor. I worship His holy name because He is the reason for this season,” he says. The platform that Marcus is blessed to utilize, he says, is one of the things he loves most. “I love the amazing, incredible people I meet and the stories I hear. Having Autism and speaking up for Autism and the millions of voiceless individuals and their families is priceless. I spent fourteen years of my life being nonverbal and battling other conditions associated with Autism. Now I get to use my voice to help bring real change,” he says.

Being an Autism activist is not easy work, Marcus shares. “There are autism advocates who advocate for their child, family member, or a friend, and those who are actively on the battlefield operating with limited resources. I come from the projects and the ghetto, where grinding is celebrated, and few are educated, and that presents challenges for me.” One of the essential things Marcus has learned is to invest and believe in himself.

Along with God, Marcus acknowledges his grandmother as his greatest source of inspiration. “I couldn’t put a price on what my grandmother has done for me. She looked past my Autism, loved me, and forced me to tap into my own greatness,” he says. Marcus also says that his best friend, Queen Carter, for showing him how to love. He also says that Queen has greatly impacted his brand and cause. He shares other sources of inspiration: Gary Sinatra, Manisha Holiday, Tracy Bumpers, John Mcclung Jr., Minista Todd, Jacquetta Quashie, Tina Bridges, Veronica Tess Myers, Alexander Myers, Jessica Nash, Kathy Taylor, and Dorothy Carr.

As life continues to happen for Marcus, there is no telling what will happen next for him and his brand. In the meantime, Marcus will continue to use his voice and testimony to uplift others and fight for those affected by Autism. He encourages those interested to keep watching and believing in God’s plan.

All-Around Athlete

By Joy Rogers Photos Provided by Shana Howard

“Don’t see me, see God” This simple yet powerful command comes from someone familiar with believing in the power of faith.

Huntsville, AL, resident Shana Howard is a mother, educator, author, businesswoman, and source of inspiration for others. As a student of life, Shana has channeled her tragedy into triumph and transformed countless lives.

In 1996, as a sophomore in high school, Shana described her younger self as popular, social, and beautiful. That was Shana before being involved in a motor vehicle accident that would change her life drastically.

The collision left Shana in a coma for a year and paralyzed for a total of two years. Journeying to healing included loss of sight, inability to speak, and eating through a feeding tube. “Everything I worshiped was taken away,” she explains. Even more, depression developed when lasting remnants of the collision appeared in the form of vision impairments and hair loss. Shana says others noticed the imperfections, and she found it challenging to fit in with her previous crowd. She adds the burden of her new circumstances led to loneliness, dark thoughts, and a laden desire to be normal again.

Shana describes the excitement as she began to regain mobility after undergoing a procedure to correct some of her vision impairments. “I began to realize normality is fluid and not definite,” she said. To help Shana regain a sense of normalcy, she was prescribed an array of treatments, such as physical therapy, counseling, and medications.

As her condition improved, Shana wanted to do more. Soon, she had the desire to attend school. However, her neurologist disagreed and informed her parents that her memory would not sustain her academic aspirations due to her traumatic brain injury. Unsatisfied with the limitations placed upon her by man, Shana put her trust in God and enrolled in Lawson State Community College and received an Associate of the Arts Degree in 2001.

“I have to talk, and I’m always working for God. I’m only tired when I’m leaning on my own strength.”

Shana was able to supersede the limitations placed on her. She obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education from Alabama A&M University in 2005, Masters of the Arts in Physical Education from Alabama A&M University in 2010, and an additional Master’s Degree in Leadership in 2018 from Alabama A&M University. “I began to realize my life is my testimony.,” she says.

Although the physicians and clinicians diagnosed Shana with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), she has reimagined and redefined TBI to “Testimony Beyond Imagination”. “I have to talk, and I’m always working for God. I’m only tired when I’m leaning on my own strength,” she says. Even more, her steadfast belief and faith have inspired others, and she shares her story in her book, Brain-E-Yak Wonders.

Swimming has been therapeutic for Shana. As a kid, she always loved to swim. Her passion has helped her to form a program called All-Around Athlete. In 2019, All-Around Athlete was founded in Huntsville. Shana says she initially set out to give kids something to do during the Covid 19 pandemic, and so she decided to train some young individuals how to swim. Word spread quickly, and the rest of the story is still being told.

“My purpose is to give people an awareness of water. Water is created to give a sense of peace. God created more water than land because it is symbolic of Him,” she says. “I believe everything with a purpose in life is attached to water. Trust water, trust God. Don’t be scared of water if you believe in the man that walked on it.”

As if her plate wasn’t already full, Shana has started a nonprofit organization called Swim With Spice. While targeting the North Huntsville, Madison, and Decatur areas of Alabama, the mission of Swim With Spice is to teach people of all ages to swim. It also invokes encouragement through the rigorous movement of the body. Shana has demonstrated through her organization that conditioning the body through swimming can improve the learning process. “Swimming can improve cognition in three ways. It can enhance the mind by increasing awareness, productivity, and engagement. It is also an activity that stimulates nerve cells in ways that allow them to bind to one another while making way for new information to be stored. Lastly, swimming aids in a child’s development by stimulating growth,” Shana says.

Shana has decided to use her testimony and life experiences to inspire and uplift others. In the future, she hopes to continue uplifting through her vocations as an educator, coach, and motivational speaker. To learn more about Shana and her programs, please visit her website. h

I Can See You

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Felicia Reed Photography

It all comes down to what is seen through her eyes.

Arizona-based photographer Angelia Malbrew describes herself as a woman of God. She is also determined to create a life she loves and a legacy she can be proud of.

Angelia is a loving wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend, mentor, educator, and successful entrepreneur. She is the oldest of two amazing daughters to her parents, whom she says were both solid and dedicated examples.

Angelia attended school in the hospitality state of Mississippi. In 2011, she made a move to Arizona and continued her education. Today, she is the owner of Angelia Malbrew Photography LLC. “I am a traveling luxury portrait photographer with a flare and a passion for making my clients look and feel like celebrities. I offer luxury portrait experiences by rolling out the red carpet and offering a full-on celebrity affair,” she says.

Angelia realized her love for photography many years ago, and making a career out of it only made sense. She shares, “I developed a love of photography when I received my first Polaroid camera when I was around 12 or 14 years old. I began taking photos of my family and friends at school, and little did I know that would be the start of something beautiful. My late father, Clayton, was a huge influence in my life, and watching him take everyone else’s photos at family gatherings is one of the reasons I fell in love with art. My cousin, the late Nate Edwards, motivated me and was never too busy to help or push me to become an amazing photographer.”

The excitement her clients express when they see her work is something Angelia says she loves about photography. “I love how their faces light up like a kid at Christmas when they see the back of my camera. I love how they get excited and cry when they see their images upon delivery. I also love being an artist blessed by God to create art and freeze time. I love what I do more than I could ever articulate, and I know I was born for this,” she says.

Understanding her purpose and being able to enjoy the success she has, Angelia would be remiss not to honor those who have impacted and inspired her the most. Her late grandmother, father, and mother ensured she would be upstanding, successful, and well-rounded. “I do what I do and keep going because God has an amazing purpose for me. My husband and family have been very supportive and kept me going when I needed them most. I owe it to them and myself, as well as other little brown girls that see me as an inspiration to be the best I can be.”

Some of the challenges Angelia says she has faced in business is trying to prove herself to those that aren’t familiar with the process of being photographed professionally. “Luxury isn’t cheap, and cheap isn’t luxury,” she says. Another challenge is educating and advising her clients about how important it is to have professional photographs and legacy portraits. “Sometimes, when people are used to doing things a certain way, it takes a bit of convincing and several connection advances to win them over. That’s ok, and I am here for it all. I welcome challenges.”

In the future, Angelia plans to take the world by storm, create more memorable portraits, and offer exceptional service to all that step in front of her camera. She also plans to continue taking her brand of photography around the globe. “I want to photograph people in every part of the world. My clients, fans, and viewers may miss the chance to travel, so I want to show them the world through my eyes. Keep watching, I am on my way,” she says.

Her advice to those who may follow a path similar to hers is to pray, work hard, pray some more, keep moving, and never give up on your dreams. She also says to stay humble and always find a way to give more than you take. h

Yohmina Kasey

I Consult, I Counsel, I Serve

By Dorjae McClammey Photos Provided by Still Shots Photography

Yohmina Kasey of Greensboro, NC, wears many hats. On the one hand, she is an intelligent social entrepreneur; on the other, she leads a non-profit organization that focuses on improving the lives of young adults.

Born and raised in Penhook, VA, Yohmina received a Bachelors Degree in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Next, she followed that feat by acquiring her Masters of Social Work from the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC. Not finished, Yohmina decided to plant her roots, transition back to Greensboro, and jump-start her career.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Yohmina started her own practice, Peculiar Counseling and Consulting, nearly 12 years ago. Peculiar Counseling and Consulting is a group of private practice licensed therapists, social workers, and counselors. Together, they assist individuals, couples, and families with life challenges. They have years of experience and training in mental health counseling services.

The name “Peculiar” came from Yohmina wanting her agency to be unique regarding the quality of services provided and how each therapist is genuinely passionate about the therapy they deliver. She says “As the owner, I always wanted to be accessible to every client that walks through our doors no matter how big we get.”

In 2014, Yohmina wanted to expand her practice by providing services that would fill the gaps in clinical services. She answered this yearning with the development of the Selfless Foundation. Its mission is to provide innovative services and solutions to address social issues related to poverty, education, and healthcare. It provides transitional living services and intensive recovery support for young adults.

Intensive recovery support services, also know and the “Selfless Souls” program provides help for single mothers who are recovering from substance use. We help them find employment, housing, childcare and provide lasting support to assist them with maintaining their sobriety,” she shares. “Our goal has always been to decrease child abuse with Selfless Souls because we know that much child abuse and neglect occurs when parents are involved with substance use.”

Another component offered by the Selfless Foundation is Exposed Transitional Living Services. This resource helps young adults between the ages of 16 to 21 transition to adulthood. This includes individuals who’ve faced certain hardships, such as homelessness, and need assistance with learning how to live independently. Yohmina’s team of Social Workers work with these young adults to provide much needed support to prevent homelessness, assist them with becoming employable while exposing them to different opportunities outside their current situation. Selfless Foundation also has ‘Skills on Wheels and the ‘Tutor Bar,’ a mobile tutoring service for lowincome households. Fundraising efforts are underway, and Yohmina plans to launch these new services in 2023.

Like any other business, Peculiar Counseling and Consulting has faced challenges. This includes learning how to manage her company and understanding the protocols that come along with it. Whatever the challenge, Yohmina has been committed to working through them in order to continue to serve. “As a Clinical Social Worker, people do not come to you because life is going great, they come to you because there are serious challenges presenting in their life. You have to really be passionate about this work in order to have longevity in this field. Having good work life balance for myself, helps me provide the best service I can to the people I serve.” she says.

Yohmina says she loves working in a field that keeps her grounded and connected with life and everyday people. “There is never a dull day,” she stated, but her services are needed by someone everyday.

Yohmina’s main inspiration comes from seeing the difference that Social Workers make in people’s lives. “I can not see myself doing anything but Social Work, mainly because there is so much to do. Finding a career you love is nothing to take for granted, and I am glad I found my passion early in life,” she says.

As a Clinical Social Worker, Yohmina finds inspiration in the opportunity to work with individuals from all walks of life. She says, “The broadness of my chosen field leaves much room to impact lives in any direction. Social Workers exist because there is a need in every social institution, we survive because of the various ways that we impact lives. Getting it right and truly making a difference is what keeps me going.”

If you’re looking to follow in Yohmina’s footsteps, her advice is to try everything. “Because the field of Social Work is so broad, it is very important that you try to work wit h a variety of populations in order to find your spot. Finding out what you don’t like in this field is just as important as finding out what you do like, so try everything,” she says.

Moving forward, Yohmina says you can expect Peculiar Counseling and Consulting, as well as Selfless Foundation, to expand across the rural areas of North Carolina. She says the exact needs in Guilford County also exist in surrounding counties, and her team is prepared to serve.

Finally, Yohmina shares a quote upon which she has built her brand and life, which clearly defines her perspective of service. “Doing unto others is part of the solution. Selflessness is the solution to many of the problems in the world we’re facing.”

Please visit their website to learn more about Peculiar Counseling and Consulting and Selfless Foundation.

I can not see myself doing anything but Social Work, mainly because there is so much to do. Finding a career you love is nothing

take for

and I am glad I found my passion early in life