Huami Magazine Cleveland - May/June 2023

Owning Every Opportunity

What Else Could I Say?

On a recent evening, I was invited to sit on a panel alongside a couple of other gentlemen. Our mission was to share our experiences and answer a few questions on the challenges and joys of being a black man and father. Though some questions were shared with us beforehand, I hadn’t prepared much for the event. Little did I know, the night would be full of surprises and lessons learned.

One panelist sitting beside me appeared to be great at public speaking. I determined this by how he held the microphone close to his face so that his voice would project throughout the room of people with clarity and precision. He was good. For me, I consider myself to be an average speaker, and I am not often intimidated when faced with the challenge of speaking publicly. Well, all of that was off the table that evening. While I knew what I wanted to share, I felt a little speechless when it was my turn to speak.

As the evening came to an end, a feeling of regret washed over me. Despite being invited as a panelist to share my thoughts and experiences, I couldn’t help but feel that I had left a lot unsaid. It’s a shame, really, because I know what I felt inside could resonate with someone in that room. After all, isn’t that why we were all there? To share our unique perspectives and shed some light on what being a black man and father is like.

That evening was a valuable lesson in many ways. One of the key takeaways was the importance of preparation before speaking. Another lesson learned was the need to seize every opportunity and own the moment. As the saying goes, you only get one chance to make a first impression. Most importantly, I was reminded of the power of sharing my experiences and how it can change someone’s perspective. It was a great reminder not to waste any opportunity to connect with others and make a positive impact.

Imagine that, me at a loss for words.

Owning Every Opportunity

By Terry L. Watson

Chanitta Westbrooks is a serial entrepreneur. Her brands include the youth organization, Minds With Motives and Owning Opportunity Consulting, where she serves as a Credit Specialist and Business Consultant. She has her own wine brand, Amani Vines, and is the author of Monte Takes The Lead. In her role with With Motives, Chanitta offers one on one mentorship. As an author, her focus is to provide others with leadership development. With Owning Every Opportunity, she helps individuals restore and build credit, assists business owners in obtaining funding, and helps new business owners properly structure their businesses. All of her brands were developed during 2020 and 2021.

Born and raised in Cleveland, OH, Chanitta is the second born of four children. She graduated from Cleveland’s John Hay Early College and recently was inducted into her highschool’s hall of fame. She is also a graduate of Kent State University and a former Division One collegiate track and field athlete.

Chanitta describes himself as a free-spirited person. “I love spending time with my dog, cooking, and being in the kitchen. That’s my time away to relax. I’m also a foodie, so I often travel to try different tasting foods and cultures,” she says.

“Every business I own, I’m able to live out my God-sent purpose, which is to serve,” Chanitta shares. “I get to help individuals in different environments. This involves helping youth to become leaders and assisting others to become first-time home buyers. I love what I do because it brings others joy.”

Photos Provided by Chanitta Westbrooks

“My high school coach

Carmen Priester saved my life while I ran track in high school. After my mom passed away, I felt very confused and alone, yet nothing else mattered when I ran on the track. All I saw was peace.”

With the help of her support system, Chanitta has been able to fulfill her dreams. She credits her grandparents with having the greatest impact on her life. She says, “I have a very supportive family and friends who motivates me to keep going and growing. I have amazing mentors who push me outside of my comfort zone. My high school coach Carmen Priester saved my life while I ran track in high school. After my mom passed away, I felt very confused and alone, yet nothing else mattered when I ran on the track. All I saw was peace. I was able to recognize what peace was for me, and I never looked back!”

Growing and scaling her businesses and brands, Chanitta says, has been one of the biggest hurdles she’s faced in business. “Scaling was difficult. I am still figuring out how to use every marketing platform.” She has also acquired a virtual assistant and shares that running various businesses can be difficult. “As an entrepreneur, you have to make a lot of sacrifices. I’ve missed family functions and stayed up for long hours (especially in the building stages). I have taken losses while trying to figure out what works for my business and what doesn’t. It’s tough but rewarding knowing that I am truly helping people become their best selves”.

As Chanitta described, her journey has come with several ups and downs, but she confesses she wouldn’t change anything about how things have happened. As she moves forward, her hopes and dreams are just as big as the moves she already made. “I believe in manifestation, so I will have a small wine eatery. From May-August 2024, I will conduct wine tours in several states. I am currently connecting with business owners and offering customer servicebased resources, and I am also working on getting wine in grocery stores and blackowned businesses,” she says.

Chanitta also plans to open a youth center within the next 8-10 years to provide a safe and fun learning space for others and offer information about life, financial literacy, self-accountability, self-respect, and more). She is also scheduling an author engagement tour for her children’s book “Monte Takes The Lead”. Her future also involves developing an app that houses all her brands. h

The Emerald Flame Robin Shipp

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Robin Shipp

What does she not do? That is a fair and appropriate question that can be asked about Maryland resident Robin Annette Shipp. On the one hand, the 44-year-old is a multiethnic Creole woman who is an accomplished chef. On another, Robin brandishes a professional career in dance. It is clear that regardless of what arena, she does what is needed to succeed.

Robin says that around the young age of 18, she realized her love for cooking. “I used to watch television cooking programs like Julia Child, Justin Wilson (I Guarantee), and more. As I got older, the watching quickly turned into study sessions of all the famous cooks that were showcased on cooking programs and networks,” she says. By age 25, Robin began freelance modeling and acting in auditions for small roles and commercial print work modeling such as Model Inc, Audition America, and more.

Robin’s connection to food and all things delicious began to take shape in 2018. Around that time, she started a vendor networking and health and wellness umbrella company entitled “MotherShipp Productions”, also known as MotherShipp Global. MotherShipp Global has a focus on black business recognition.

Robin is the mother to her daughter, Harmony. She graduated from Rockville High School in Rockville, MD. She also attended Savannah State University and studied Industrial Psychology. “I thought it was a good fit for me, but it didn’t sit right. When I put myself back into school online for Information Technology in Visual Communication, I wanted something I could be happy with. However, I never finished those degrees. It took years to decide on what I wanted as a degree or certification. In 2022, I successfully registered and finished my certification as a Clinical (Board Certified) Master Herbalist from Trinity School of Natural Health. I returned the following month to obtain my certification as a personal chef from International Professions Career College,” she shares. “I incorporate both into my food as I feel that food is supposed to taste, look, and feel good. It’s healing. It should bring comfort to all levels. Healthier foods can also be comfort food. It’s meant to heal your mind, body, and spirit.”

“I thought it was a good fit for me, but it didn’t sit right. When I put myself back into school online for Information Technology in Visual Communication, I wanted something I could be happy with. However, I never finished those degrees. It took years to decide on what I wanted as a degree or certification.”

Currently, Robin owns Emerald Flame L.L.C. Her company offers catering and personal chef service for all events. These include breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and small desserts. It also has a focus on certain mini catering items and big pot items. Emerald Flame, L.L.C., ships certain food items and seasonings nationwide. The seasoning brand is called Gyrnd Seasonings. Salad dressings and other sauces, and medicinal food products are soon coming.

The Grynd Health offers a variety of flavors such as Garlic Pepper5, Spicy Turmeric, Lemon-Sage, Honey-Butter, Mushroom-Shallot, and Brown Sugar-Cinnamon-Clove. The Grynd Originals include Robin’s Rajun Cajun, Southwest Smoke, White-Hot Garlic Herb, and Creole Royalty Seafood Boil. Grynd Sauces include Creamy Cajun White Wine Sauce and Applewood Mesquite Whiskey. There is also the Cane City Rubs, named after the city sections of Louisiana that the Creole population mostly lived in. The flavors include Flamin Maple, Spikes Brown Sugar, Mesquite Citrus, and Island Heat.

“I love what I do because food brings people together. From birthdays and whatever holidays people celebrate, a celebration of life ceremony, corporate parties/networking parties, romantic dinners, or the cookout, it starts with food. When you break bread with someone, you come to the table to share each other’s presents. Even when it comes to food, just being in the background while a conference or event takes place, food makes everything better,” Robin says. “My slogan is ‘Food for the soul and health for the body”.

Robin shares that most of her challenges have been financially related as a business owner. “I have learned to keep pushing and believing in my dreams. I want to continue to be the best chef I can be and possibly heal those with my culinary and medicinal products and talents.”

As Robin’s future unravels, she says she plans to concentrate on being a traveling chef. “That is my intention. Even further, being a celebrity and semicelebrity chef. I’ve always wanted to connect with motivational speakers for many reasons besides being their chef. I would also like to start my own foundation to give food to those in need. I love what I do, and my journey has been long. Yet, it continues to strive for heights that I haven’t even thought of, but I know it is on the way.”

Robin Shipp

Detroit Book City &

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Detroit Book City

Located in the big city of Detroit, MI is a small and unique Black-owned, independent bookstore that has been feeding the reading appetites of its community for nearly six years. Detroit Book City offers new, used, and rare books. They also specialize in African-American titles for all ages, including infants, toddlers, and adults. Additionally, they offer cultural apparel, mugs, tote bags, African oils and jewelry, incense, vinyl albums (including 45’s records), posters, postcards, and specialty magazines such as vintage Ebony and Jet Magazines.

The visionaries of Detroit Book City are Janeice and Reginald Haynes. They opened the doors in December 2017 and have been committed to serving the public and promoting, preserving, and sustaining Black literature. While Janeice is considered the store’s brainchild, she says it came to fruition with the full support of Reginald.

Janeice is a native Detroiter. She graduated from Detroit Public Schools and described herself as a lifelong learner. Her professional experience involves Human Resources, youth development, advertising, sales, publishing, graphic design, and books! Early in her career, Janeice spearheaded two teen magazines, Detroit Urban Teen and Louisville Urban Teen. In 2005, she launched The Around D-Town Coupon book, a publication that featured Black businesses and offered coupons, highlighting Detroit’s Black history from the early days to the present. In 2008, she added Around D-Town Promotions, which offered t-shirt and graphics design services. Additionally, she hosted an online directory that hyperlinked to over 500 local websites. The directory, www.metrodetroitte.com, connected high school students with opportunities in enrichment, discovery, athletics, community service, and adventure.

Reginald has worked as a full-time professional Spray Painter for 27 years. He is the proud owner of Hollywood Tees. This Black-owned print company offers cultural apparel, mugs, African oils, and African jewelry, soaps and shea butter, incense, and men’s watches. Reginald is also the backbone of Detroit Book City, and he manages the off-site book fairs and provides soulful music and sounds at the store’s events in his role as DJ Holly.

Detroit Book City hosts several cultural book fairs throughout the year. These include the A-A Family Book Expo, the Juneteenth Book Fair, the Fall Family Book Fair, and Holiday Book Festival which features Black independent writers. “We take these events to the neighborhoods, and the valuable feedback is profound,” they said. “Detroit Book City amplifies Black voices, and we strive to keep the legacy of Black literature alive in Metro Detroit. We offer space to host book signings at our store and website for independent authors through the Black Indie Author Directory.”

In 2022, Detroit Book City added a new family member, their mascot book dog, Brody. Brody accompanies Detroit Book City BookUp! Literacy Day program at school book fairs. Brody’s goal is to educate kids about the importance of reading.

When asked what she loves most about their store, Janeice shared the obvious; they love books and making them accessible to others. “I love waking up in the morning knowing we provide our people access to Black literature daily. Literacy allows us to initiate and participate in discussions, debates, and decisions related to life and our culture. Having access to books written by African Americans, across all genres for all ages, is priceless,” Janeice said. “I can’t accurately express the happiness I feel when I see new, beautifully written, and illustrated books hit the market, and we’re able to connect readers to them when they walk in our magical bookstore”.

Janeice was blessed with Black women bosses who were great mentors early in her career. “They believed in me and taught me everything they knew. The skills I gained inspired me to want more. My maternal grandmother (deceased) and mother were alpha women. They taught me to be studious and resilient,” she says. “I get inspired reading scholarly Black history that reminds me of what our ancestors have done to pave the way for us to win in life despite the obstacles and disparities we’re faced with.”

Like most business owners, Janeice and Reginald have faced their share of challenges. “Book sales can sometimes be a challenge at the store level. We are aware of our history, as it was once illegal for Blacks to read and write, you understand why the illiteracy rate is so high in the Black community. Books are a low priority on the bucket list. We manage this challenge with faith. We buy a curated collection of A-A books, then sell and give them away to encourage our customers to read,” Janeice says.

The future looks very bright for Detroit Book City. They are planning to add a cultural, heritage tourism platform to the store for their customers who are curious about the Black history of Detroit. They will continue to take the books to the neighborhoods as pop-ups, serving students in the school system and senior citizens. Please visit their store or website to learn more about Detroit Book City.

Cassandra’s Alterations CassandraFaulk

Reviving the Art of Tailoring One Stitch at A Time

By Monica Montgomery - Photos Provided by Todd Youngblood

For Cassandra Faulk tailoring isn’t just a skill; it’s an art and a calling. Cassandra’s Alterations is one of Charlotte, North Carolina’s finest alteration services. In business since 2006, Cassandra and her team of experts are dedicated to demonstrating excellence with every stitch.

As a child, Cassandra had watched her grandmother making clothes and decided she wanted to make clothes too. “I am self-taught,” Cassandra explains. “When I was about ten years old, I asked for and received a sewing machine for Christmas. Then I came down with the flu. Since I couldn’t go to school, I asked my mother to buy me a dress pattern and some materials. I cut it out, read the pattern, and made the dress. I’ve been sewing ever since.” To say that Cassandra was a natural is a major understatement.

By the time Cassandra entered high school, she had reached a level of mastery beyond her years. While her peers were learning to do cross stitches in Home Economics, she made her own clothes and assisted the sewing teacher. “My real first job was doing alterations in a men’s clothing store in my hometown of Lumberton, North Carolina. My sister-in-law ran the alterations department, and I came in under her. That’s where I learned how to do alterations,” Cassandra explains.

After graduating high school, Cassandra left Lumberton for Kings Business College in Charlotte, North Carolina. “I was attracted to Kings College because of its fashion merchandising program. I was interested in designing, making, and altering clothes. The next best step was attending a school where I could indulge my passion and natural gifts. Charlotte was also close to home. But when I got there, I realized it was more on the merchandising side of things,” Cassandra shared. She worked for a while in a department store in the merchandising department. Finally, she decided that was not the place for her.

Cassandra stayed in the Charlotte area because, in the late 1970s, Charlotte had much more to offer a young woman looking to make her way in the world than her hometown of Lumberton. “After realizing that fashion merchandising wasn’t what I wanted, I moved on to the corporate area. I’ve worked in a bank as a teller and done clerical and administrative work. Still, I can’t say I was passionate about any of those jobs,” Casandra explained.

Although it was clear Casandra was a gifted seamstress and tailor, life got in the way, and she found herself stepping away from her first love. “I still made the occasional outfit for myself, but as I tried to balance work and a social life, I found I didn’t have the time to commit to sewing that I had before,” Cassandra said.

Sometimes life can take us on adventures, but destiny can not be denied. Cassandra found this to be true. After years of office work, the sewing bug bit her again.

“In around 1985, I started working in an alterations shop in the Singer Sewing store in Charlotte. I worked there until I had my youngest son, which was about four years. When I started working again, I went back to banking. To be honest, I kind of lost my passion for sewing for a few years,” Casandra shared.

It would be a while before Cassandra dusted off her sewing machine again. When she did, she found she hadn’t lost her passion; it was unfocused. “I realized that although I could sew and make clothes, alterations were what I was passionate about,” she confessed.

“I realized that although I could sew and make clothes, alterations were what I was passionate about.”

You wouldn’t be alone if you wonder about the difference between a seamstress and a tailor. Most people don’t understand the difference between a seamstress or seamster and a tailor. There is actually a big difference. According to MerriamWebster, a seamstress or seamster is someone whose occupation is sewing. A tailor is someone who alters garments.

“A tailor has the challenge of disassembling a garment, then putting it back together after adjusting the size and/or length. All while keeping the original design,” Cassandra said with eagerness. “Love it because it’s like a puzzle. The goal is to make the garment look like it has never been touched.”

In 2000, with a newfound direction, Cassandra focused her natural sewing skills on alterations. “I started with small projects and initially worked out of my bedroom,” Cassandra explained. As she rediscovered her gift as a tailor, word got out. Cassandra found that her side job had outgrown her bedroom. “At the time, I was working for a property management company. I found out they had office space in the building I worked in, so I moved my part-time business doing alterations there. I didn’t want to continue to have clients in and out of my apartment.”

For six years, Cassandra worked both jobs. “Initially, I worked the property management job from 8 AM till 5 PM. Then I would go upstairs and work my business from 5 PM till 9 PM. Eventually, I worked both jobs part-time. Then in 2012, my corporate job gave me an ultimatum saying I needed to return full-time. I had become bored with office work, so it was an easy decision.” Cassandra has never looked back.

“Sewing is therapeutic to me. I would almost say it’s spiritual,” Cassandra explains. “There is just something about doing what you are meant to do that gives you peace.”

Cassandra’s business is booming, and she’s looking to take her tailoring business to the next level. Since rediscovering her calling to work with garments, Cassandra has extended her business to becoming a clothier. As a Clothier, she designs styles and suits for her clients, sends them off to be sewn, then makes any needed alterations. She also has partnerships with two bridal shops because wedding gowns are her specialty.

“The job of a tailor is essential to ensuring that the bride and groom look and feel their best on their special day. I get to be a part of that,” Cassandra says.

With individuality and creativity pouring out of every facet of life, Cassandra sees more reasons for the revival of tailoring. “Most designers don’t do alterations, which makes my job even more important,” Cassandra explains. “I help make those unique suits and gowns personal for the wearer.”

The work is detailed and time-consuming, but Cassandra loves the challenge. She sees herself and others like her as guardians of a lost art. “You’d be amazed at how little people understand the job of a good tailor. Your work speaks for you, and reputation is everything in this business.” Cassandra has two part-time workers, but she does most of the alterations herself. “I would love to hire another tailor, but everyone has their own way of doing things. I can respect that, but if my reputation is on the line, I want to ensure that work holds up,” Cassandra explains.

One way she hopes to bring back the art of alterations is mentoring. “I’ve worked with the local community college and had interns, but I hope to start sewing classes open to the community soon. It would be basic sewing lessons, but I hope to inspire and guide the next generation of designers, seamstresses, and tailors who, like me, have a natural talent and desire to become skilled artisans. I want to build a legacy in the next generation to carry on this kind of work,” Cassandras explains.

She concludes with an attempt to reach the minds and hands of those who may follow her path. “I hope to open a second location, and I’ll need workers who will embrace my vision and follow my design. I won’t always be able to carry the load, but maybe I can help shape future tailors so that they can carry on in excellence.”

To learn more about Cassandra Faulk, please visit her website.

Mari and Mommy

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Crystal Everette

Crystal Everette considers herself to be both simple and complex. Born and raised in Kansas City, she shares her belief that her native city is part of who she is.

Crystal graduated from Lincoln College Preparatory Academy after attending schools in Kansas City Public Schools. Next, she attended Drake University, earning degrees in Public Relations and Sociology. Additionally, Crystal earned a Master of Education from Northern Arizona University. Since 2016, she has enjoyed being married to her husband Marquis; a union that produced their five-year-old daughter, Mari.

One thing that Crystal has found enjoyment in life, besides being a mother, wife, and business owner, is being a children’s book author. Published in September 2022, Mari and Mommy Move It!, is a book about the power of music and movement. “Meet Mari, the curly haired toodler who loves music and movement. She never hesitates to shake it as soon as the beat drops!”

In addition to being a children’s book author, Crystal is the founder and owner of Everett Consulting Group, LLC. With Everette Consulting, she offers consulting services in college and career planning, as well as how to support parents and families. “It was initially founded to support students and families pursuing post-secondary education options. While I still offer support in this area, my focus has shifted to work as a facilitator in parent and family advocacy and ensuring that parents have a voice and power,” Crystal shares.

In regard to being an author, Crystal says she has always considered herself a writer for as long as she can remember. “As a kid, journaling about my day was one of my favorite pastimes. I knew I wanted to be a journalist. I even had an opportunity to serve as a staff writer for Teen Star, the teen section of The Kansas City Star. Seeing my name on a byline was everything, especially to my 16-year-old self. My career plans changed once I began my college career, but writing continued to be a passion as I wrote for the campus newspaper. Now, I enjoy writing blog posts and contributing articles to other publications,” she explains.

Crystal’s love for writing has always been an intrinsic part of her identity. From her earliest memories, she fondly recalls the joy of journaling about her day, immersing herself in the world of words. As a young dreamer, she aspired to be a journalist, and her dreams took flight when she seized the opportunity to become a staff writer for Teen Star, the teen section of The Kansas City Star. “The moment I saw my name etched on a byline, it felt like an affirmation for my young 16-year-old self,” she says. In college, her career plans changed, but her writing continued, and she wrote compelling stories for the campus newspaper. Nowadays, she enjoys writing blog posts and sharing her thoughts through contributions to esteemed publications.

When asked what she loves most about being an author, is having the opportunity to share her story and help others. “I also love seeing the impact of my book on children. When I wrote the book, I had my daughter in mind, but I was also thinking about other children that would read the book and see themselves represented. I went to an early learning center to read the book a while ago, and each classroom got a copy. As I was leaving, I saw a little girl holding the class copy, and I heard her say, “I love this book so much!” It melted my heart and was a great reminder about impact, legacy, and how much what I do can affect others.”

Crystal shares that her husband and daughter are absolute inspirations for her. “My husband inspires me as I think about the life we have been intentional about creating. He is the smartest person I know, and his support is everything. My daughter’s ambition and confidence inspire me as well. I love her curiosity and how she moves about the world, full of life.”

There was a period in the production process of her book when Crystal felt like giving up. Gratefully she didn’t and because of her perseverance, the world has been blessed. She shares how the release date was delayed for nearly one year of the original publishing date. “It felt devastating. I wasn’t pleased with the artwork the illustrator created, and I didn’t feel good about putting the book out into the world knowing that. Finally, we were able to work through the illustration challenges and come up with a better solution. The artwork of Mari and Mommy Move It! infuses real photos with illustrations, so to me, there is an understanding that the story is about real people, but it also speaks to young children.”

Her advice to others who may follow a path similar to the one she has is to just go for it. “My idea to publish a book was a passion project, turned into something much greater. I think we often tell ourselves all the reasons why we can’t do something instead of just trying it out. I think that sentiment is far too common with Black women who are also mothers as we try to find balance in caring for ourselves and our families. I encourage anyone interested in writing a book to try it out. There are the technicalities of understanding publishing and which route to choose, but even if you touch one person with your words, you are doing great,” she shares.

Moving forward, Crystal says she plans to publish more children’s books. “I firmly believe in the power of representation, and I love that I can do that with stories that are true to me and my family,” she says. There are also plans to relaunch her podcast, Conversations with Crystal. “Previously, my content focused on education and highlighting voices in that space. I want to take the opportunity to share relatable content, capturing parts of my life that resonate with others.”

“My idea to publish a book was a passion project, turned into something much greater. I think we often tell ourselves all the reasons why we can’t do something instead of just trying it out. I think that sentiment is far too common with Black women who are also mothers as we try to find balance in caring for ourselves and our families.”

John Jenkins

By Dorjae’ McClammey Photos Provided by John Jenkins

John Jenkins of Gulfport, MS, is the founder and CEO of NVision Source Technology.

The focus of NVision Source Technology is to integrate technology that will support other businesses. Their products are designed to serve corporations and organizations throughout the southern region of the United States and abroad. These may include churches, productions, and others that require heavy tech work for major live events. They also specialize in networking infrastructure, architecture, audio, video, and more. John emphasizes that customer satisfaction remains their top priority, and in addition to creating products, they offer customer support around the clock, 24 hours per day, seven days a week.

John’s journey to where he is today began long ago. He had always been interested in technology and electronics and loved working with his hands. Before starting NVTS, he owned a few companies; however, as time went on and the more he worked, he realized there was a considerable need for tech integration and support companies in Mississippi. He shares, “We started out of necessity. I felt there weren’t many opportunities, especially for blacks in Mississippi, and I wanted to change that narrative.” Eventually, he dissolved the previous company, moved to the Gulf of Mississippi, and established NVision Source Technology in 2002. Today, NVTS offers many opportunities for black people in his community who may be interested in tech.

When asked what a typical day at NVision Source Technology involves, John describes the experience with one word, “everything.” Their primary focus is always the clients, helping current ones, finding new ones, and checking in on old clients. “It’s never just one job, and we’re done. It’s so much involved in this business.” John and his team designed almost every product from scratch. Their theme is “We are your technology partner,” meaning they arm clients with all technology needs.

Through his company, John has made connections all over the world. He’s serviced clients in Canada, Thailand, South America, and more. Even when he’s not on the clock and traveling for himself, he still connects with those in his field. “When it comes to technology, we can’t always limit ourselves to what’s acceptable here,” he says. John strives to help other tech companies, whether it’s brainstorming, consulting, or being hands-on with a project. “The bigger the project, the better the team,” John says.

And while only a few materials utilized in the tech industry are manufactured in the U.S., John uses his connections in other countries to help build his business in Mississippi.

As a small business owner, John has encountered a few challenges here and there. Some have been a lack of acceptance and support, especially from people who don’t fully understand the scope of his capability. “Being a black man from Mississippi, most people judged me and assumed from the outside looking in that I do not have the complete knowledge to run my company,” he says. John’s solution was to let the company speak for him. Rather than label himself as the founder and owner, John runs his business from behind the front line per se. He titled himself the ‘Technology Director’ instead of being recognized as the owner of NVST. “I feel this is a better way to help my company continue to grow and open opportunities for me, my team, and other young black minds wanting to get started in the field. The bottom line is to provide an opportunity or avenue for people to make money, especially those who look like me. Sometimes you have to put yourself in the backseat. If my being out front reduces the opportunities for other people, then what did I really accomplish?”.

Owning his own company is something that John loves. He shares that he loves the ability to build opportunities for others. Growing up, nobody thought that someone who looked like him knew anything, so to create an opportunity and show other young black men that there is no limitation, no matter where or who you are, is confirmation of his purpose.

Tech and electronics are all John knows. It is what keeps him inspired and motivated. Moving forward, John and his team plan to implement several new products and design some of their own. He plans to invest in other tech and marketing forms to keep up with the growing field. He has also partnered with the Mississippi Applied Tech Association to bring awareness to the state’s need for more technological products and jobs. He currently serves as the organization’s president.

If you are looking to follow in John’s footsteps, his advice for you is to remember that this field can become very difficult. “Be ready to work long, hard hours. This industry is constantly changing and may require you to reinvent yourself. Please remember to keep your individuality and stay humble. Most importantly, always know that your drive for change has to outweigh your need for success,” he shares.

To find out more about Mr. John Jenkins and NVision Source Technology, please visit their website.

“Sometimes you have to put yourself in the backseat. If my being out front reduces the opportunities for other people, then what did I really accomplish?”

The H.E.E.A.T. Research Lab

Addressing HIV Prevention in Black Communities

By Dr. Marrissa Dick & Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Still Shots Photography

This is a follow-up story to The H.E.E.A.T. Research Lab article in the Huami Magazine 2022 edition. In this follow-up article, we will reintroduce Dr. Schenita Randolph and her work in sexual health equity for racial/ethnic minority populations and reintroduce Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), share the results of the study, and introduce the beauty industry partners who co-developed the work and helped to inform the research. Finally, we will share her futuristic vision for the HEEAT Lab and how she desires increased health equity and justice for the African American community. The Huami Magazine would like to reintroduce Dr. Schenita Randolph, an Associate Professor at the Duke University School of Nursing. Her mission is to address the root causes of health disparities and promote sexual health equity for racial/ethnic minority populations. Dr. Randolph is currently the Principal Investigator of a project funded by Gilead Sciences to develop a Salon-Based Intervention to promote the awareness and uptake of PrEP among Black women living in the United States South. She is a Fellow in the inaugural Betty Irene Moore Fellowship, where she developed the first nurse-led, web-based application to address the cooccurrence of HIV transmission and racial discrimination among African American male adolescents and young adults.

Notwithstanding, Dr. Randolph has been a nurse for over 25 years and is the founding Director of the HEEAT Research Lab. As a reminder, the H.E.E.A.T. acronym addresses Health disparities through Engagement, Equity, Advocacy, and Trust. The team members working with H.E.E.A.T. are dedicated clinicians, researchers, entrepreneurs, community members, and barber shop and beauty salon owners. These collective groups are vested in breaking down the barriers of implicit biases, health disparities, and inequities in health care delivery and outcomes within African American communities. The H.E.E.A.T. Research Lab is committed to engaging and partnering with the community to find cultural and social ways to address some of these inequities.

Dr. Randolph believes that one way of addressing the disparities is by making the African American community aware of tools in healthcare that have proven to be effective but are less used by those who could benefit from them, such as the Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). This oral or injectable medication is a proven HIV prevention method for people who have taken an HIV test and know they are HIV-negative. PrEP comes in the form of a pill or injectable. In pill form, if taken daily, it is effective at preventing HIV by 99%. The FDA approves PrEP for the United States, but unfortunately, Black women do not see themselves in the messaging that advertises PrEP. According to Dr. Randolph, “PrEP is an FDA-approved oral medication if taken daily, will decrease a persons chances of acquiring HIV. PrEP has been FDA approved since 2012, but less than 1-2 % of African American cis-gendered women know about PrEP.” For those unfamiliar with the term cis gender, it is simply a person who identifies with the gender sex they were born to.

For example, a person born a male at birth identifies as a boy or a man. Likewise, a person who was born a female at birth identifies as a girl or a woman. These people are considered cis-gender. Most people would be more familiar with the word heterosexual. Dr. Randolph believes bringing awareness to PrEP is important because African American women represent over 65% of HIV cases and are 17 times more likely to acquire HIV than white women. The H.E.E.A.T. Research Lab has revealed that those who have benefited the most from taking PrEP have been men who have sex with men. Because she understands the barriers that exist for the uptake of PrEP among African American women, including providers not offering it, increasing knowledge and awareness is critical to health outcomes. “I always tell people I am not a PrEP pusher. I want to be clear on that, but I believe that women should know that PrEP exists so they can make informed decisions about their own health based on their needs and personal values. Dr. Randolph and her team are leaving no stone unturned in helping to tear down barriers to acquiring equitable access to health care. For instance, you can access PrEP through an online telehealth service called QCare Plus. This online platform will allow you to speak with a provider, and send HIV testing kits and PrEP discretely to your home, should you decide it is right for you.

Now that you know the type of research The H.E.E.A.T. Research Lab conducted, let’s find out who participated in this study and what was discovered. Barbershops and Beauty salons have historically been staples in our community and the HEEAT Lab is honored to have some of the greatest barbers and stylists partnering with them in this work. One of the main reasons we have engaged our beauty salons and barber shops is because when our men and women go there, they can receive this information. In these establishments, deep conversations are held, and information is shared while sitting in the salon chair getting their hair styled or in the barbershop getting that beard groomed. These conversations flow freely with respected and trusted people within the community. Dr. Randolph says, “That’s why we’re intentional about partnering with the beauty industry.. During COVID-19, the beauty industry was on the front line having COVID testing in their shops. So, this article also allows us to thank the barbers and the stylists, those unspoken heroes and sheroes, who have helped promote good health within our communities.”

Dr. Randolph and her team intentionally partner with the community, ensuring they are at the forefront of every conversation and engaged as community leaders and stakeholders. That’s why on April 30th, her team hosted a brunch to honor the salon owners and participants from Durham County, Wake County, and Guilford County for their engagement and update them on the research study they participated in. This emerging data is a part of Using PrEP and Doing it for Ourselves (UPDOs). The UPDOs Protective Styles is a salon-based intervention developed and tested in partnership with researchers and the community to promote awareness, knowledge, and uptake of PreExposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) among African American women living in the United States South. UPDOs take a comprehensive approach and address the overall health of African American women in the United States.

Dr. Randolph shares, “The idea behind the UPDOs initiative was to develop a series of twenty-minute segments that women can watch in their own private space, highlighting stories of Black women, their lived experiences, and overall health, including awareness of HIV and PrEP. The data revealed that women’s awareness of PrEP did increase, trust around PrEP was strengthened, and women could accept the information because they could see themselves in the mini-series.

Tamica Campbell Hughes

Akili Hester Pink Kotur Hair Salon

Black Wallstreet Barbershop

The research also showed that women are willing to share the information with others in their networks; stigma around PrEP and HIV was also improved. Gains were made in many areas because the storylines were realistic and acceptable, and the information was delivered in a way that could be received. Even in this, women loudly voiced the need for more culturally and socially relevant messaging about health issues that impact them.”

The H.E.E.A.T. Research Lab celebrates the beauty industry partners who are strong leaders and advocates in the community and acknowledges their impact in the mission to address inequities and justice in health care outcomes and delivery.

Akili Hester of Durham, NC, is a single father and barber. He also owns Black Wallstreet Barbershop, HAYTI Barbershop, and Akilithebull.com. When asked about the H.E.E.A.T. Research Lab, he says, “I think it’s necessary that people in my community are given proper information to share throughout the community. It’s important that the faces receiving information look like the faces of the people providing the information. We must know that the information we’re getting is true and factual,” he says.

Akili is a partner with the H.E.E.A.T. Research Lab and serves on the Community Advisory Council. He says his reason for serving is his firm belief that if he eats off of a community, he must also have a positive impact on his community. “Community work is important in maintaining that balance and giving back. Sharing resources and information and having access to resources is important also”.

Akili says that H.E.E.A.T.’s role in his community means a lot because miseducation plays a big role in living in lower-income areas. He says having resources based on facts is important.

Tamica Campbell Hughes is the co-owner of Pink Kotur Hair Salon and the founder of Level Up Parenting, a non-profit organization focusing on single mothers. She has two sons and five loving grandkids. When asked about the H.E.E.A.T. Research Lab, she says it encourages community involvement. “It helps to state the facts and educate people on what is happening in our black community. By being involved, I bring in other salon owners and stylists to engage in the research study. We educate clients that come to the salon on what is happening with the study and how they can participate in the research and survey. As a black woman in the community, it concerns me there isn’t enough information available. I want to learn more so I can share it with others in our community. The lab’s work will definitely help community leaders get it out by providing information,” she says. “The more people have knowledge, the number of black women with HIV will decrease. The information will change lives once it is out there.

Dr. Ragan Johnson‘s role with the H.E.E.A.T. Research Lab aligns with the vision of Dr. Randolph. The Memphis, TN, native and Duke University professor has similar interests in HIV prevention in black communities and how barbershops and hair salons were using their platforms to connect with others. “With the current project with hair salons, I help to create the stylist training in collaboration with the communities. Our training is face-to-face and down-to-earth. We try to speak the language of our communities. This approach has been effective mainly because as much as we want to teach our communities, we also hope to learn from them. In academia, we know historically what people think about HIV. Now, we want to teach them about prevention methods, including safe sex practices and PreP, a medication that can prevent exposure to HIV,” she says.

Dr. Ragan Johnson Duke University

Dr. Ragan Johnson got involved in HIV prevention after having a female family member diagnosed with HIV in the 1990s. “Back then, there was a stigma surrounding the disease. It was painted as a gay man’s disease. People affected by the disease often didn’t follow through with care because they didn’t want to be stigmatized. Even more, there wasn’t any information available on how women contracted the disease and how it impacted them. That void of information prompted me to get involved. I wanted to be part of changing the trajectory and preventing HIV in our communities,” she says. “There are more medications available now to treat the disease. As a result of the work that has been done regarding research and education, HIV is no longer a death sentence.”

In the future, Dr. Johnson envisions the program growing nationally. “I see the stylist taking ownership of the program and running with it, with individuals like Dr. Randolph and myself sitting in the background and supporting them,” she says.

Professional Hair Stylist Tasha Crews describes herself as a progressive student of life. The name of her business is WHOLSEOME U (Hair, Health & Wellness Center) dba Hair designs by Tasha. She uses her trade to reach the masses and says that “Every life that takes a seat in my chair is one that is sure to be intentionally impacted. I consider it a privilege to be in anyone’s personal space as I have been.”

Tasha says she believes the work of the HE.E.A.T. Lab to be essential in our community, as it encourages and facilitates positive health solutions. “All of the staff and participants are personally dedicated to joining arms with each other, mainly because we see the disparities first hand. Education is integral to growth and personal development. It also assists us with making better health choices and brings hope to the upcoming generations,” Tasha says. “I am involved. I hit the pavement. I am grassroots to the heart. I compel and gather people who desire better for themselves. By serving on the advisory council and as a consultant with the H.E.E.A.T. Research Lab, I use critical thinking skills and draw out imperative questions and offer tangible solutions in executing the objectives within the council’s guidelines. Suppose I can let people know they have options to assist in maintaining their health. In that case, we are closer to decreasing the health disparity number in our community for HIV, mental illness, violence, and much more. I am helping individuals have a better quality of life. In turn, they help their families have a better quality of life.”

Tasha says she believes things can improve in our communities when everyone realizes they are an integral part of our “thrival”. “Every individual has something to give back to our community. Each person must see themselves as important to our survival. Self-love and awareness are needed, and holding ourselves accountable for our personal decisions is necessary to pinpoint the culprit to our current condition. I look forward to witnessing the impact for the greater good of our communities. I love the team we have. Everyone is genuine. That’s where I like to be, with genuine people, serving from the heart and making a positive difference. I plan to serve with them and facilitate in any capacity needed to bring about that positive change. Starting in July we are partnering with the H.E.E.A.T. Research Lab on a project to offer COVID testing in our shops and engaging the community to understand the barriers and facilitators to effective health communications and messaging.”

Gene Blackmon of Greensboro, NC, is a business owner, barber, barber instructor, mentor, and community advocate. Gene is the founder of Prestige Barber College and Establishing Safe Cultures, a non-profit organization which focuses on addressing issues affecting youth in his community. The most important roles that he serves are that of father, son, and brother.

Gene shares, “The H.E.E.A.T. Research Lab is an awesome concept and gives our community the tools to educate our community on sexual health. I’m a consultant, and I’ve helped share information for studies and been a community advisory council member. I’ve chosen to be involved because I understand that there are disparities, and many of them exist because of a lack of knowledge and understanding and a lack of resources. The H.E.E.A.T. Research Lab works to address both of those disparities. Things can improve with this model of the H.E.E.A.T. Research Lab being spread further throughout our community. We need to get it into multiple places in our community; schools, after-school programs, churches, community recreational centers, barbershops, and beauty salons. We should see an improvement in healthy sexual practices in our community.

The data discovered in this initial study will continue with Dr. Randolph’s next phase of research, expanding to Mecklenburg County, Forsyth County, and Cumberland County because those counties have a prevalence of HIV. She believes that provider awareness is equally critical. She advocates for provider awareness because “you can’t blame women for their inequities when this information isn’t disseminated equitably. In particular, African American women over 55 have seen a seven percent increase in acquiring an HIV diagnosis. So, providers must be mindful of the implicit biases and perceptions they carry into the clinical setting.” We know that knowledge is power. Now that you know The H.E.E.A.T. Research Lab, PrEP, and UPDOs, what will you do with your Power?

Tasha Crews

Gene Blackmon

Prestige Barber College

WHOLSEOME

MAGAZINE Zoelle Alaiya Scott

Cutest Baby

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The daughter of Charita Jackson