Huami Magazine Chicago May/June 2021 by Terry Watson

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May/June 2021

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Awards, Alignment There Are Accolades, No If, Ands,and Or Buts About It! A Letter From The Editor

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

A Letter from the Editor Sometimes I reflect on where I have come from in life. With each reflection, the feelings are always different from one another, and it makes good sense forEditor them to be. There are peaks and valleys; good A Letter from the if tomorrow arrive? All ofwhen your plans, hopes momentsWhat during the valleys,didn’t and even bad ones I thought things should have been great. I guess can describe as aWhat rollerifcoaster ride and dreams wouldn’t haveyou a street to parkiton. that never ends. everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes

happened? would beano reason to save a rainy and dreams There wouldn’t have street to park on. for What if

I am theand second youngest child intoa family six, tomorrow withoftwo additional day, you could someone theofuntil trouble making everything that youspare decided put off never big sisters. With this arrangement, the amount of stories to share promises. What your last happened? Thereif would be opportunity no reason toseemingly save for aexpired rainy are plentiful. Even more, the spare steps that I’ve taken have painted their own today? would you do? day, andWhat you could someone the trouble of making picture, validating my individuality and uniqueness, and eventually promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired revealing what I am purposed for. There is a saying “what you don’t I’ve been that I often today? Whattold would you do? seem like I do too much. know, can’t hurt you”. For me, learning what God has destined for my life Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm and not responding according to His desire is sort of an opposite parallel believer in knowing that God seem wouldn’t put anything on me I’ve been told that I dosupposed too much. to that adage, meaning onceI Ioften learned wholike I was to be, every that I couldn’t handle. sometimes wonder how life would I feelthat likefollowed I amI not doing enough act ofHonestly, disobedience has been painful.and I’m a firm

be if I chose to sit idle and accept whatput it presented believer in knowing that God wouldn’t anything to onme. me I have that beofvery boring. my opinion, opportunity that I found couldn’t handle. Ithings sometimes wonder howacknowledged life would I have taken part in atolot in life.In I have been is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge be if and I chose to sit idle and accept it presented to one me. might I for some, for some, I have not, and inwhat my dusty collection, to meplaques, is an adventure. What is theand worst that can happen? found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity find ahave few trophies, certificates, awards. Though I haven’t If aI do nothing, and if I trythey’re I don’t, but instead learnthat I once is blessing thatI fail, isn’t afforded to everyone. AI challenge received many accolades, yet I know coming. confess something newI about myself. yourcan pride anddon’t in to me is an adventure. What is Relinquish thewhere worstthose that happen? believed they would, am now at a place items just return acquire life. do it for me.nothing, I realized suchand symbols merit have only provided If I do I fail, if I tryofI don’t, but instead learn short moments of enthusiasm, andmyself. any mental record of them is fleeting. something new about Relinquish your pride and in If I have return noThe memory, then it’s likegiven it never best advice ever to happened. me happened when someone acquire life. told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so But when I slowed down allowed my life to aget into alignment I have pressed my wayand through doors with key that only The best advice ever given to me happened when someone with what God has purposed for me, everything that I gave value hopeme provided. have also learned the today. difference between told to makeImy tomorrow happen In doing soto before, I used as a foundation to stand on to obtain that which will never blesses and what cana burden with Iwhat haveGod pressed my me waywith through doorslife with key thatme only lose its value; and that is God’s favor. I realized that when God blesses as well. I compare it toalso knowing when be confident and hope provided. I have learned the to difference between me, the sensations are unending, and the benefits open doors I can when tocan bewill quiet, what God blesses me with and what life burdenbecause me with have open on my own. When I walk with God, and that means allowing may get it confused as well. I compare it to knowingsomeone when to be confident and God to lead me, every desire, want, and need appears to just fall in place. with being when to bearrogant. quiet, because someone it confused I have learned may that get awards and Make you tomorrow with being arrogant. accolades are good but being in happen today, alignment with God hasbut waymost more value. importantly make Make tomorrow What God givesyou us will last,itacount. whole lot Life isanything but a whisper andgives us. today, butworld most longer happen than the we must ourselves in athing importantly make it count. He promises not put to keep any good position to hear what it Life but whisper and from us, andisall wea have to do is is trust in telling us.putloved Him. For me, being by God we must ourselves in isa the purest position form of an and accolade, toaward hear what it is and onetelling the world us. will never be able to duplicate orTerry measure to. L.upWatson

Editor/Founder

TerryL.L.Watson Watson Terry

www.huamimagazine.com Editor In Chief

Terry L. Watson www.huamimagazine.com www.huamimagazine.com Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Editor In Chief

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CONTENTS

MAY/JUNE 2021

CHICAGO

Lady E Specs

Dr. Erika Hendrix

On The Cover

C.C.E. Enterprises LLC Crystal Eatman

V Marie Sparks LLC

Victoria Sparks

VendMe Co.

Alvin D. Ford

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Hannah Grace Thomas

Also Featured

Shanel Frazier Meet the face and founder of Wealthy Womans Wardrobe Houston, TX

Mikelange Olbel He’s taking action in the heart of his community. Fort Lauderdale, FL

Chicago - May/June 2021

Secquoyah Lacy It’s all about the hair. Learn more about the face and founder of SuesyCoilCare Milwaukee, WI

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Chicago - May/June 2021

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Crystal Eatman

Most people don’t have the courage or strength to walk by faith and leave the security of a good-paying job to follow their dreams. Crystal Eatman isn’t one of those people, a native of Chicago, Illinois, and an all-around #GirlBoss she is solidifying her path to success. After working in Corporate America for the last 16 years and serving in multiple roles around the healthcare industry including Assistant Director of a pediatric clinic as well as running the ER (Emergency Room) for one of Chicago’s top hospitals, Eatman decided to step away and retire. At the start of the pandemic like many others, Eatman contracted COVID-19. She suffered for a while going in and out of the hospital trying to regain her health. During this terrifying time while battling a deadly virus Eatman says that she realized something. “When I became extremely sick, never once did anyone from my job ever call to check on me or my children, not so much as a get well soon card. I realized that I was just a number to that company. If I would have lost my life to COVID, my position would have been posted to the bulletin to be filled the next day,” says Eatman. She knew that if anything were to happen to her that her children would have been the ones to suffer most, receiving only a cap of the pension that she had been paying for years. That experience was an awakening for her and helped her to realize that she wanted to be in control of how much money she made and handle her business on her own. Eatman is a self-made businesswoman owning not one but two businesses in the Chicago area. She holds a general contracting license and has since started her own construction company CCE Enterprises LLC. Majestic Transportation Corporation, her second business, is a non-emergency fleet of vehicles that transports patients to and from their doctors and dialysis appointments. The construction company specializes in painting and installing drywall for commercial properties and is a signatory to the union. The transportation company initially started with only one vehicle and in a year her fleet has grown to 15 vehicles and an ambulance.

“When I became extremely sick, never once did anyone from my job ever call to check on me or my children, not so much as a get well soon card. I realized that I was just a number to that company.”

Continued on the next page

The construction company was initially started to employ Eatman’s oldest son who had been previously incarcerated. As a mother, it was difficult for her to allow her son to have doors closed in his face for the rest of his life due to one mistake. She made it her mission to create a table of her own for her family so that they would never be denied opportunities to provide for themselves. “That was really big for me, like I said I am a mother of four boys. So, this was something I knew I had to do to make a way and to create a legacy for them,” she says. Something that she values and stresses to people is the importance and significance of pursuing trades. As we know college isn’t for everyone and Eatman believes that schools should encourage more students to pursue the trade industry. There are other lucrative ways for individuals to support themselves rather than working for fast food chains and miscellaneous jobs. “You can climb the ladder at Mcdonald’s but how much does a manager make annually? Working in these trades and being a signatory to the union, you’re making $46 an hour with benefits and that’s something that I’ve always had my eye on,” says Eatman. Pouring into others is where Eatman finds inspiration to continue moving forward. She enjoys helping others create opportunities for themselves as she has done for herself. She describes herself as being a people pusher, “I’ve helped so many of my friends start businesses. No one can tell me what they can’t do because I’m going to find a way to make it happen by any means necessary,” she shares. Understanding that she has the potential to do those things and seeing the impacts of helping others is where she finds her motivation. Majestic Transportation Corporation is on its way to becoming the first Black woman-owned ambulance company in the state of Illinois. Eatman is also working to make sure that CCE Enterprises becomes the top contracting business in the state. Her plans for the future also include expanding both businesses beyond the Chicago area and into different regions. She is also currently looking into starting an apprenticeship program to create jobs and opportunities for communities of color within the trade industry. Make no mistake about it, Eatman is a woman full of finesse! Building black-owned businesses to support her family as well as the community she lives in. h

Crystal Eatman C.C.E. Enterprises LLC 312-539-7872 www.cceenterprisesll.com 8

Chicago - May/June 2021

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Chicago - May/June 2021

Virginia’s Favorite Realtor By Jalessa Rogers Photos by Phylicia Parrish Pride and joy in helping people is something that Phylicia Parrish carries with her every single day in her role as a real estate agent. Other attributes that define Phylicia are her discipline, work ethic, honor system, and transparency. Born in Killeen, TX to two active military parents, Phylicia and her older brother spent their younger childhood years in Germany and different parts of Texas, until her parents retired from the military and moved the family to Virginia. Growing up as a military brat, Phylicia credits her parents with being sound role models and instilling within her the importance of being a woman of her word. Combined, her parents served over twenty years in the military, and it would have made perfectly good sense for her to follow in her parent’s footsteps, but life would have a different calling for her. During her teenage years while living in Newport News, VA, she became the “big little sister” to her old brother as she had an inert nature to take care of him and protect him, something that is a big part of her business today. As a real estate agent, it is her goal to assist her clients with whatever needs they may have and ensure they get the best possible experience while working with. While many may see the experience of buying or selling a home as routing, for Phylicia it more than that. She shares how often relationships and bonds are formed with her clients, lasting beyond the moment of closing and the ink dries on the contract.

Continued on the next page

Chicago - May/June 2021

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With a lot of hard work and consistency, Phylicia has enjoyed a lot of success “I have sold millions of dollars in real estate while doing it parttime, but my biggest accomplishment is that every single client is satisfied with my service because I really care about them. My clients walk away knowing I had their back,” she says. So how did the journey begin for Phylicia? After graduating from Woodside High School in 2004, she attended Thomas Nelson Community College until she felt like her time wasn’t being used wisely. So, she decided to get her real estate license instead. The hustle and bustle of being a military brat would again come into play, as it helped her to connect with her clients regarding relocating their family at any moment, something that happens with the purchase or sale of a home. Today, Phylicia is an agent with Keller Williams in Richmond, VA. She says, “If you are looking to buy, sell, lease, invest, commercial property, or anything else, I am the agent for you. My niche is first-time homeowners, and sellers of slightly distressed homes. There is something so personal about helping someone find their very first home. Being able to focus completely on them and finding their dream house at an affordable is one memorable moment that we may never forget.” Phylicia truly exemplifies her tagline “Virginia’s Favorite Realtor”. Her services are available to all of Virginia and Maryland under the Keller Williams Realty umbrella. For further information and if you are looking for a home in any of the areas she services, you can her directly or visit her online. h

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Chicago - May/June 2021

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Community Based Connections 14

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Chicago - May/June 2021

By Ellen Richardson Photos by Community Based Connections

While some may pursue a career path based on salary or notoriety, there are those who chase their dream based on a desire to help others. Growing up watching his family struggle, after migrating from Haiti to the United States, Mikelange Olbel has made it his life’s mission to help families realize that there is always hope and an opportunity for success. The current Executive Director of Community Based Connections, Inc (CBCI) started his life growing up among a family of seven who were living in a van for years following their arrival to Pompano Beach, Florida. Although growing up without a settled home or indoor plumbing, the youngest of five boys found a sense of strength and inspiration as his dream to break the cycle of poverty and crime that plagued his family would begin to take shape. Staying focused on obtaining a good education the boy who was once labeled an underdog, after failing the first grade, would use this label to push himself to graduate from Pompano Beach High School and even become the first person in his family to graduate from college. After becoming an honor graduate with a degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice from the University of Dubuque, in Dubuque, Iowa in 2008, Olbel would continue to see just how important a good education is to a successful future. “After watching my parents struggle so much as both immigrants and as those who didn’t have the opportunity to become well educated, I began to realize that it was important for me to learn as much as I could if I was going to take up the mantle of serving those who are underserved or are being oppressed,” said a very heartfelt Olbel. As this born to be servant continued to take up his cross and follow along the path that he was given as a young child, it would eventually lead him to pursuing a Master of Business Administration in Public Administration and Psychology from Iowa State University. After receiving this prestigious degree in 2010, Olbel would once again find himself between a rock and a hard place. “After graduation I was too scared to go back home because my father had a philosophy that once a man leaves his home, he needed to earn his own way,” said Olbel. “Although it was difficult to once again find myself living in my car, taking showers at my local gym and even brushing my teeth on the job this challenge gave me the resiliency to do whatever it took to do what God had asked me to do.”

Continued on the next page

The fortitude of this born leader would eventually lead him towards a career in youth development. During his time vehemently serving as a youth worker and mentor, Olbel would begin to explore the wide world of entrepreneurship. This would eventually help the impassioned social worker to found Team Saving Our Youth Incorporated (Team SOY), a nonprofit organization aimed at early childhood education and eradicating juvenile delinquency in South Florida, in 2012. While running this organization, Olbel also became a case manager at another small nonprofit called Community Based Connections, Inc. Founded by a fellow classmate and fraternity brother Brian Johnson, this human service organization focuses on helping children in and around southeastern Florida become socially and academically successful despite the many challenges that they face. Before long, this classmate and Olbel would decide to merge their similar nonprofits to assure continued growth and assistance for youth in need in their local community. “After Brian and I realized that both of our organizations were founded around the same ideals of empowering our local youth to become successful regardless of the many negative influences around them, we decided to combine our efforts to grow one organization into the success that it is today.” Following this merger over 10 years ago, the two passionate servants of the Lord have developed a strong history of implementing and evaluating programs and services that stimulate positive youth development from the cradle to college, provide family strengthening and support services to enhance youth development and provide community programs that are “making connections that improve the odds of youth success”. “Some of these programs include free parenting skills courses for families of youth who are at-risk of abuse/neglect and/or juvenile delinquency, our Safety Management Action Response Team (S.M.A.R.T. Team) that provides intensive services to at-risk families, STEM enrichment, character development, our Learning Together program that provides students experiencing risk of academic under-performance with character development, extra-curricular activities and other support services that target satisfactory classroom performance, improved school conduct, and exposure to enrichment activities, and so many more” explained Olbel.

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Chicago - May/June 2021

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Thanks to programs like these, this large agency with a grassroots touch has yielded results like 97 percent of families seeing improved family functioning, no abuse findings in 100 percent of participating families post program completion, 98 percent of youth at risk for juvenile delinquency remaining crime free while participating in Community Based Connection programs, as well as six months following program completion 100 percent of participating students have showed improvement in school behavioral evaluations or maintained zero external suspensions. “We have also helped families during the trying times of the last year or so. Along with partnering with local food banks to provide food and give away gas cards to families in need, we also raised over $120,000 to provide support such as paying rent, providing materials for home school education, tutoring and so much more,” said Olbel. Thanks to these efforts, CBCI was recently awarded the 211 Youth Collective Impact Award, which is like the Oscars of non-profits in South Florida. Olbel was also nominated as one of Legacy South Florida Magazine’s Topmost Influential and Powerful Individuals in South Florida. Following all this success, what is next for CBCI and its fearless leader? Along with the continuous growth of this organization, which includes a new mental health and substance abuse department, Olbel and those who serve Community Based Connections, Inc. would also like to see programs like this expand into other communities. “There will always be families and children who need our help, especially in the black and brown community,” stated the hopeful visionary. “As a result, it is my goal to advance the mission and vision of this agency in order to propel us to the next level and help others throughout our community and those surrounding.” In order to assure to the future growth and success of this life-altering organization philanthropic supporters and donors are critical. To find out more about Community Based Connections, Inc. or to support its mission visit their website today. h

Community Based Connections LLC 1021 NW 6th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 www.communitybasedconnections.com 954-524-9797

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Chicago - May/June 2021

V. Marie and Company, LLC By Terry L. Watson Photos by Arria Moore Photography

Victoria M. Sparks is the founder and CEO of V. Marie and Company, LLC. She has a passion to help others level up and upgrade their brands and bank accounts. She is a social entrepreneur and focuses on helping students, parents, and business owners reap prosperity all over the world. Though based primarily in Greensboro, N.C., her services are accessible around the globe. She has been featured in multiple media platforms such as Fox 8 Good 4 Her, Tap-IN Magazine, Authority Magazine, Lotus Riche’ Ignites Show, and Huami Magazine. With V. Marie and Company, LLC, she offers Website and Landing Page Design, Website Redesign, Logo and Business Card Design, Banner and Billboard Design, Promotional Videos, Social Media Content Creation, Newsletters, Press and Media Kit Creation, Branding Packages, Business and Scholarship Coaching as well as Physical and Digital Resources. “My business took off full force throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. I primarily help business owners establish a strong brand, all within an affordable budget. From a young age, I have assisted marketing specialists in my parents’ business. I then became a Microsoft Office Specialist while in undergrad. Last year, I saw a great need for my services so I officially opened up shop,” she says. “Many of my clients are well on their way to six figures and beyond, and she shares many have been featured across the nation on daytime tv shows.” Victoria says she has served nearly 75 VIP clients, and her staff and coaches have developed a plan to help her scale her business, allowing her to help as many businesses as possible. While looking forwards, Victoria plans to continue her education and attend graduate school to further explore Marketing. “I see my business reaching across the nation to help students, parents, and business owners in multiple states and countries. I also foresee a small vacation and new products coming soon. Entrepreneurship is in my bloodline and I look forward to making my family and friends proud and more importantly continuing to walk in my purpose,” she says. To learn more about Victoria M. Sparks and her company, please visit her website or contact her directly.

V. Marie and Company, LLC www.victoriamsparks.com 336-365-8118 arise123shine@gmail.com

Suesy Coils Care 20

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Chicago - May/June 2021

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Suesy Coils Care It’s all about the hair; healthy and beautiful hair. Secquoyah Lacy, also known as SuesyCoils, is a 24-year-old Micro-Influencer and entrepreneur that resides in Milwaukee, WI. Secquoyah was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, IL, and is the middle child of four. Being a business owner, it is hard to believe that she was once a shy, reserved, independent, and protective young person. She shares, as a young girl growing up, I was known for my hair. However, I didn’t realize the true beauty and confidence that accompanied it.” Even with compliments and admiration for her hair, Secquoyah experienced doubt and even hatred at times. She describes it as a love-hate relationship. “I would never wear it in its natural state, though my father encouraged me to and embrace the kinks and coils. Still, I never would. I honestly thought he was crazy. I always feared that it would appear short or ugly, or nappy,” she says. Secquoyah’s viewpoint completely changed as a college student at Illinois State University. There she studied Sociology and due to the lack of attention, care, and resources, the way she saw and handled her hair changed. At Illinois State University she didn’t have her mom to take her to hair appointments every two weeks. She didn’t have a proper diet, nor was she educated on how to keep her hair healthy. She experienced severe hair breakage and allergic reactions to mainstream products. Once she realized the source of the issues she had with her hair, she took matters into her own hands and became a self-described “research queen”. “This is where I fell in love with all things natural. The overload of information about essential oils, herbs, meditation, reflection, and how they can help heal the body sparked a sense of intrigue within me. I found myself constantly sharing tips, remedies, and products I made with things around me. My initial thought was why not get on YouTube and help to inform and inspire others. I knew I wasn’t the only one who lacked the proper information about hair care. I wanted to help everyone I possibly could, and so this is how SuesyCoils was born, to share my knowledge about hair and share natural ways to take care of your body,” she says. The SuesyCoilsCare is a truly diverse line of hair care products and includes the basic essentials for taking care of your hair. There is the Coil Crack™️ Hair System, the Coil King Collection, the SuesyCoilsCare Bonnet, SuesyCoilsCare Skin, and various Coil accessories. The Coil Crack™️ System consists of Shampoo bars, Conditioner, Hair Growth Oil, Edge Control, and Twisting Cream. The products in the Coil Crack™️ Hair System are infused with fenugreek,

rosemary, and other natural ingredients that are designed to relieve dry/ itchy scalp, promote hair growth, stimulate, and repair damaged hair follicles, and rebuild and strengthen hair shafts, thus making detangling easier all while leaving your hair strands moisturized. Secquoyah says “after just one wash, you’ll be addicted. My two best-sellers are the Coil Crack™️ Hair Growth OilRollerBall and the SuesyCoilsCare bonnet.” She shares The Coil Crack™️ Hair Growth Oil- RollerBall stimulates hair growth, moisturizes hair and scalp, may prevent hair loss and breakage, treats dandruff, treats premature graying, kills bacteria on the scalp, and improves scalp health. It is infused with fenugreek, rosemary, lemon, peppermint, tea tree, and lavender. The RollerBall bottle is good for braids (of any kind), short beards, edges, bald spots, and traveling. The massaging from the roller ball helps stimulate growth as well. This application will not leave your fingers oily. The SuesyCoilsCare Bonnet has a satin thick wide stretchy band, good for laying edges. It is big enough to secure braids and will stay on your head all night. So, no more waking up with your hair all over your head. It’s soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic. The SuesyCoilsCare Bonnet has even been worn by celebrity influencer, Dream Doll. Continued on the next page

So how did Secquoyah get started? She shares she launched SuesyCoilsCare in May 2019, right after graduating from Illinois State University. “SuesyCoilsCare literally fell into my lap. It was not my intention to start a business or sell products at all. I solely made products for myself and planned to create tutorials to share with the world on YouTube. Yet, friends and family would request products and encourage me to sell them,” she says. But she hadn’t made the connection yet. Graduation came and she had no idea of what she could do that would bring in reasonable finances. However, something was happening in her dreams while she was sleeping. She shares, “I saw my logo, product labels, recipe ideas and so much more all in my sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, I had dreams and had to wake up and write down the ideas that naturally flowed to me. Soon I started to breathe, live, and dream all things SuesyCoilsCare I knew it was what I was supposed to do. It was my purpose.” Being an entrepreneur, Secquoyah has faced some challenges. One has been scammers who are not playing fair in the world of business. She counters their efforts by carefully researching potential business-related transactions before sending any money out. She is also challenged running a business in itself and understands that it takes a lot of courage and confidence to keep pushing forward. And she is doing that very well.

www.suesycoilscare.com

She says what she loves most about her business is the chance to help other people fall in love with their hair and gain self-confidence. She also loves the opportunity she has to inspire and encourage others who look like her. “The fact that I can inspire others truly inspires me because I know I have so many people watching and rooting for me. I can’t wait until I am in a position to help other young women pursue their dreams as well. I am also inspired by my father who passed away in January 2019. From day one, he encouraged me to embrace my naturalness and look how far it has gotten me. I am very appreciative of the way my life panned out, but I wish I could have him here on this journey with me. He is my inspiration, and I keep going with that hope that I am making him proud,” she shares. Her advice to anyone who is thinking about starting a business such as hers is to try every single idea. “Make sure you test and trust your products before putting them out. You should always be 100% confident in whatever product or service you offer. Know what you’re talking about and be confident. Always be willing to learn and share what you know. When you put good in the world, good returns back to you,” she says. Moving forward, Secquoyah plans to launch SuesyCoilsCare Skin, which will be a product line of various skincare products, face bars, sugar scrubs, face masks, and more. She will also launch the Kiddie Coils Collection, a product line for children. She is also coming out with a specialty hair oil line that targets a specific problem. These oils will be released and accompanied with educational information to further her initiative to be transparent about what’s in her products. h

To learn more about SuesyCoilsCare, please visit her website.

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Chicago - May/June 2021

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Chicago - May/June 2021

Dr.Erika Hendrix Exclusive Specs for Men and Women By Ayana Bryant Photos by Jarvis Harris Photography Photos by Still Shots Photography

Lady E Specs is the newest signature brand of eyewear to emerge out of Greensboro, NC. Dr. Erika Hendrix, a Greensboro native and minister, developed this eyewear line to provide her community with colorful and daring frames to fit any occasion. After surviving three strokes that impaired her ability to wear contacts, Dr. Hendrix grew interest in wearing unique glasses that fit her personality eventually leading to the birth of Lady E Specs. During her 20’s, Dr. Hendrix enjoyed wearing simple reading glasses but as the years passed her eyes became weaker and she eventually needed prescription glasses. She opted to wear contacts instead, and thoroughly enjoyed wearing them but after suffering a stroke she began to experience chronic dryness in her eyes. This made it impossible for her to continue wearing contacts. However, now it allowed her the opportunity to truly invest in the eyewear that she now wears. She utilized this opportunity to be more expressive in the eyewear that she chose and began purchasing her frames from a local eyewear entrepreneur J. Franklin (IG: @j.franklin_woodyou). Dr. Hendrix fell in love with his designs, even more she liked that she was able to customize all her glasses. She would have him engrave “Lady E” into every pair of frames that she purchased so that they would be personalized specifically to her. After frequently purchasing frames and becoming more acquainted with J. Franklin and his company, she learned that he also worked as an eyewear manufacturer. One day he suggested that she should start her own eyewear line because of her distinct taste and many connections through her work and ministry.

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Chicago - May/June 2021

After taking some time to consider the idea Dr. Hendrix was convinced and decided to move forward with the new opportunity. The name came to her quickly as she remembered that “Lady E” was engraved into each of her frames, so Lady E Specs seemed to be the most fitting. The time to develop the eyewear line took from October 2020 to February 2021 which is when the company initially launched. Due to the pandemic, Dr. Hendrix moved forward with a virtual launch, proving to be a smart decision because of the influx of online shopping taking place during the lockdown. The line launched featuring eight stylish designs in acetate and wooden materials. Dr. Hendrix’s eyewear features customization for each of the Divine 9 fraternities and sororities as well as a featured “Aggie Blue” frame to celebrate her HBCU alma mater, North Carolina A&T State University located in Greensboro, NC. All but two of Lady E Specs designs are unisex, so there are selections for any and everyone. The average cost for a pair of acetate frames from Lady E Specs will range from $95-$110 and the custom wooden frames begin at $250. Lady E Specs also accepts FSA and HSA flex spending funds from your employer as a form of payment. The next launch is scheduled to debut in June of 2021 and will feature a selection for kids. Dr. Hendrix is an allaround businesswoman serving her community in the role of executive pastor of her church, Overcoming Deliverance Center, running multiple businesses including a mental health agency, a group home, a juice bar, and Lady E Specs, as well as publishing a book! When asked what inspires her as an entrepreneur, she says that she finds inspiration in the response that she gets from those she has impacted. Effortlessly, she represents the true definition of a humble servant, as she enjoys helping people and seeing them transform into a better version of themselves. Maintaining a close-knit group of friends is something she values and finds inspiration in. “Coming from a household with being the only girl among all boy siblings, my three best friends who I consider to be my sisters, have impacted my life and career the most. These are friends hold me accountable, encourage me, and guide me. They keep me in check. They tell me things I need to hear like, ‘No Erika I do not think that is a good idea Sis”. They really push me to always continue moving forward,” she shares. Chicago - May/June 2021

Photo by Still Shots Photography

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Coming from a household with being the only girl among all boy siblings, my three best friends who I consider to be my sisters, have impacted my life and career the most. These are friends hold me accountable, encourage me, and guide me.

The only thing Dr. Hendrix says that she would change about her eyewear business is wishing that she would have done it sooner! “I’ll be 50 in two years so I can only imagine where it would be if I would’ve done this in my 20’s. But everything is in God’s timing” says Dr. Hendrix. The sky’s the limit for Lady E Specs. Dr. Hendrix plans to further her brand to new heights and share her vision around the world. Some of her future plans include launching a line dedicated to senior citizens and expanding into jewelry and apparel. She is currently working with local vendors to have Lady E Specs sold wholesale as well as online through her website. h

Photo by Still Shots Photography

shop@ladyespecs.com www.ladyespecs.com 336-303-9814 FB-LadyE_Specs IG-lady_especs 28

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Chicago - May/June 2021

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Alvin Ford VendMe Co.

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Chicago - May/June 2021

By Ellen Richardson Photos by Alvin Ford

Let’s be honest. Who didn’t love candy and snacks when they were growing up? Certainly not Huami Magazine’s very own real-world candy man, Alvin Ford. The owner of Detroit, MI’s own VendMe Co. vending machine company hails from a long line of entrepreneurs that never relied on other business owners to help them find success in the work world. Beginning with his great great grandmother and grandmother; who owned their own herbal tonic business; as well as his grandfather; who owned a line of small businesses including a couple of bars, a party store and served as a landlord for a couple of rental properties, Alvin Ford knew that he wanted to start his own business that would both lead to success and would make others lives better. This desire led to the birth of Metro Detroit’s premier vending company that supplies candy, healthy snacks and beverages to businesses throughout this growing area. “Seeing my grandparents operate successful businesses while I was growing up inspired me to do the same, so I decided to start selling candy,” said Ford. “I would start out by buying a box of candy and selling individual packages in barber shops, to my family and friends and even classmates as early as middle school.” After continuing his successful candy selling business all the way through high school, Ford would eventually find himself moving into the vending machine business. “I actually stopped selling candy for a little while but was led back in the direction of food sales while I was in college obtaining a business degree. This is where I started learning all about opportunities in the vending machine industry,” he shared. Before long, this born to be tasty treat vendor was investing in vending machines with more than just candy. “When I started setting up vending machines in the Metro Detroit area, I knew that I wanted to provide a product that would do more than just cure a sweet tooth. I also wanted to supply local businesses with machines that offer a wide variety of healthy and traditional foods to choose from,” said Ford.

“Seeing my grandparents operate successful businesses while I was growing up inspired me to do the same, so I decided to start selling candy.”

From one vending machine to two, Ford would eventually give birth to his dream of owning his own small business. Now, just six months after starting VendMe Co., which offers sleek new vending equipment with a full line of healthy and traditional snacks, the newest member of the Ford entrepreneur family is quickly making a name for himself with area businesses, hotels/motels and even a nationally known chain of retail appliance and electronics stores. “It is funny because this business almost started off as a lemonade stand when I was a kid, but after deciding to sell what I love, which was candy, it morphed into something that I love doing now!” exclaimed Ford. “Who would have thought that selling snacks at the barbershop as a kid, then out of my locker in middle school and even out of my backpack in high school would have turned into a vending machine company with contracts and national clients? God amazes me more and more as time goes on.”

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Along with becoming one of the newest small business success stories in his home city of Detroit, MI, Ford and his company are also doing their part to give back to others within his community. “Part of this company’s mission is to help others who are interested in starting their own vending machine business,” said Ford. “When I started this business, I knew that I wanted to be the kind of inspirational mentor that my grandparents and even my parents, were to me, so we also provide both mentorship and training for those who are interested in starting their own vending machine business. In fact, I often assist people in setting up locations and even help them get the proper machines for these businesses to get them started.” Along with giving birth to his own vending machine franchise, this business oriented young man is currently serving as a Business Analyst for the Nation’s No. 1 Wholesale Mortgage Lender - United Wholesale Mortgage Company and is preparing to graduate with his Master of Business Administration from The University of Detroit Mercy. After which, Ford will be joining the world’s largest e-commerce retail giant, Amazon, as an area manager. “It is kind of cool that I will be working at Amazon and running the vending machine company simultaneously because I believe that one day these companies can someday work together to grow worldwide,” stated Ford. You would think that a man with both a full and part-time job as well as completing a master’s degree would be satisfied with just focusing on himself and his career. If that were true, we would not be talking about Alvin Ford. Along with a heart for providing tasty treats and owning his own business, this real-life candy man also has a passion for leading others to the restoration power of Jesus Christ. “I know that I have a lot going on in my life, but I also know how important it is to follow a calling that I received when I was a young man - helping others find Christ,” said Ford. After starting this journey by becoming a minister at his family’s small church, Ford would eventually decide that he wanted to share the good news of Jesus Christ with more people. This desire would lead him to yet another mentor - Bishop Clarence Langston. As this successful, yet humble businessman would begin his tutelage under the Founder and Senior Pastor of Word in Action Christian Center he would continue to rise through the ranks to become a well-known minister at the famed Detroit church. As he continues to walk this road of success, Ford has just one suggestion for those who are walking a similar path. “No matter what your dream or calling is, do it scared and have faith that God will make a way,” said Ford. “Be sure to also invest in yourself by finding the right people and knowledge to help you get down the road further and faster than you could ever imagine.”

www.VendMeCo.com 844-836-3669 32

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To learn more about Alvin Ford visit him on social media at @AlvinDFord. For more information about VendMe Co, check out VendMeCo.com or look for this business on Facebook and Instagram at @VendMeCo. h

Chicago - May/June 2021

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Chicago - May/June 2021

Wealthy Woman’s Wardrobe

By teyah Glenn Photos by ShotbyCandi

Shanel Frazier has an equal love for people and fashion. She is the owner of a fashion line called Wealthy Woman’s Wardrobe, an online boutique designed for the FABULOUS, FEMININE, and FREE Woman! Currently residing in Houston, TX, Shanel shares her life with her husband Shannon Frazier, and their two teenage sons, Seth and Josiah. In addition to managing Wealthy Woman’s Wardrobe, she serves as a nurse’s aide at a charter school. Shanel and Shannon serve as Pastor and First Lady of Abiding Faith Church of Baytown located in Baytown, TX. Balancing ministry and working full time is something that comes naturally for Shanel. So, as a means to add new challenges to her life, she decided to launch out into entrepreneurship. “I was not 100% sure I was doing exactly what God had called me to do, so I decided to completely walk into my purpose and launch Wealthy Woman’s Wardrobe,” she says. While her decision has been totally faith-based, the response from her clients has been confirming. Shanel was born and raised in Edgard, Louisiana, and is the youngest of three children. Once she moved to Houston, she attended the University of Houston. Growing up, Shanel shares she was always a picture person and possessed a genuine love for fashion. “I felt that I had a different style from others. I shopped for neutral colors, and looked for dresses with pockets, sweatsuits and wore plain pieces complimented it all with accessories,” she says. There were a lot of questions about her attire from her family, but she was frequently complimented by other women for her taste of fashion. Continued on the next page

Fully embracing her uniqueness and individuality, she decided to start her boutique during the peak of the Covid 19 pandemic. “I wanted to provide clothing options for other women, and even myself. I wanted for me pieces to help people feel fabulous, feminine, and free; that’s exactly how each woman should feel when they put them on.,” she says. In doing so, Shanel offers a comfortable and classy look that is very versatile. Shanel says her business was developed from doing what she felt her heart and purpose were to do. She considers her style different from most women who serve as First Lady. “Most people are used to seeing them in the big hats and colored suits, but I wanted a style that is opposite of that,” she says. She has the Sassy Collection, which offers more comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for women, and Shop Wealthy Collection, which offers clothing that’s a little more fitting to those who like fitted clothing. “The whole idea of “shopping wealthy” is not about the money, but more so about the character of a person and living the life that God intended for you to live,” she says. Providing great customer service is especially important for Shanel, considering she handles everything on her own. She wants her customers to feel greatly appreciated and ensure that they are enjoying the products they purchase. Shanel shares her two inspirations are her sons. “They challenge me to think outside of the box. They are always asking questions. I am fully aware of the impression I have on them. Not only do they do what I say, but they are seeing what I am saying,” she says. Shanel’s plans for the future are to expand her business and product line. She wants women to walk into their wealthy place and shop wealthy. “I want to give the world what God has given me,” she says. Some advice that Shanel would offer to entrepreneurs in her footsteps is to stay in your lane, do exactly what God has called you to do, and continue to walk in your purpose. “One thing that I’ve learned is to follow the Holy Spirit and let Him guide me to exactly what He has for me,” she says. To shop classy and wealthy, you can visit her website. h

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MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

Hannah Grace Thomas The daughter of Vakaya and Marcus Thomas

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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Exclusive Specs for Men and Women

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