CLEVELAND
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July/August 2021 Volume 1 Issue 3
Vanessa &Vatina Cleveland - July/August 2021
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Understanding PowerOr ofButs YourAbout Influence There Are NoThe If, Ands, It! A Letter From The Editor
There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
Now that I amfrom many settled into fatherhood, I sometimes reminisce A Letter theyears Editor on those precious moments when my son was only a baby. Though small and quite fragile, I wanted to make him tough and brawn, selfishly hoping A Letter from the Editor that he would out the hopes and dreams I hadplans, for myhopes life. That Whatlive if tomorrow didn’t arrive? Allthat of your is what dads do, orwouldn’t at least I think do. to Mypark son would eventually and dreams have they a street on. What if grow up right before my eyes to be a very grown man, which I am quite everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes proud of. Still, I reminded of his dependence on me and his mother for happened? would beano reason to save a rainy and dreams There wouldn’t have street to park on. for What if everything while he was a child and our responsibility to understand and day, and you could spare someone theuntil trouble of making everything that you decided to put off tomorrow never provide for his needs.
promises. What your last happened? Thereif would be opportunity no reason toseemingly save for aexpired rainy today? What would you do? day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making As a baby and not yet able to form words, my son cried and made other promises. What if your to lastletopportunity baby sounds when he wanted us know he seemingly was hungry.expired When his I’ve been told that I often seem like I do toohemuch. today? What would you do? diaper was wet, he didn’t say [dad, I am wet]; instead, cried. It was my Honestly, I feel like I am doingthe enough and I’mhea was firmtrying duty to determine his need andnot translate information believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. to share. Thank God I was able to, and my son was fed and caredme for. that I couldn’t handle. sometimes wonder how would Honestly, I feel like Ihow amI not doing enough and I’mlife afor firm Though I can only imagine difficult it would have been him had I behis if Icries chose to situnable idle and accept whatthem. it presented ignored was to understand believer in or knowing that God wouldn’t put anything to onme. me I haveI found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity that couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would As adults and not babies, of communicating our pains, is aifblessing that afforded to what everyone. A challenge be I chose to sitisn’t idleour andmethods accept it presented to me. I wants,have and needs aren’t generally boggled into a baby’s cry. However, to mefound is an adventure. What is the In worst that can opportunity happen? that to be very boring. my opinion, it doesn’t mean that we areand not crying. we prideful If aI do nothing, I fail, if I try to I When don’t, butbecome instead learn and is blessing that isn’t afforded everyone. A challenge shamed, it can be adventure. difficult to express is trulythat hurting us, which something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in to me is an What iswhat the worst can happen? causesIf us to internalize these issues and not let them out. return acquire life. I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in When God blesses His children to be a well or source for others, it The best advice return acquire life.ever given to me happened when someone often comes with some form of influence. With influence, there is power told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so and the ability to impact someone’s life. Not understanding the power I have pressed my way given through me doors with a key that only The best advice happened of your influence is just asever careless astosomeone who is when drivingsomeone a car at 100 hope provided. I have also learned the difference between told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so miles per hour with their eyes closed. blesses and what cana burden with Iwhat haveGod pressed my me waywith through doorslife with key thatme only as well. I compare it toalso knowing when to be influence confident hope provided. I have the difference between Influence attracts the interest oflearned others. Because isand often when to be quiet, because what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with associated with power, it oftentimes attracts weakness. What I am someone may get it confused it is totreating knowing when to you be confident and tryingas towell. share;I compare If someone you wrong feel like you are with being when bearrogant. quiet, because being “hated on”, it might mean that person istoactually crying out and may hurting get it confused cannot someone convey what’s them. As Make youarrogant. tomorrow Christians, webeing can’t ignore these cries. with We should listentoday, with our happen buthearts mostand seek God’s instruction on how to importantly make itrespond. count. Make you tomorrow Life is but a whisper and happen today, but most If youimportantly are in a position of influence, we must putmake ourselves in a fill it count. yourselfLife with the love of God on position what it aisdaily is buttoa hear whisper and basis. I we wasmust able telling us.to putdetermine ourselveswhat in a my son’s needs were only because I position to hear what it loved is him. God’s love gives us power and the telling us. ability to understand the cries and pains Terry L. Watson of others.
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CONTENTS
CLEVELAND
Super Foods For Super Kids
Dr. Trina Pratt
On The Cover
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Lady Vwb Nature LLC Vanessa Butler
Dahlia Rose Wellness
Djuan Short
JULY/AUGUST 2021
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Crescent Surgical Supply
Rueben Hays
Huami Magazine Cutest Baby
Asher Grady
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Also Featured
Hot Sams Detroit Learn how this mens fashion store has made it to 100 years in business. Tony Stovall and Clifford G. Green. Detroit, MI
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Monica Hale Meet the face and founder of Plush Homes Co. Realty. Little Rock, AR
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Ukwensi Chappell Art has always been his passion. Learn more about Gallerie Ukwensi at Ghent. Norfolk, VA
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Vanessa &
Vatina By Dorjae McClammey Photos by CJ Coman
Everything is made with love. Vanessa Williams Butler is the CEO of Lady VWB Nature LLC, an all-natural skincare line that’s formulated in Columbus, OH. Along with her daughter and business partner, Vatina, Vanessa is positioning her company for success. Lady VWB provides an endless amount of products for everybody, such as bath bombs, body scrubs, handmade lotions, body butter, and new oatmeal, a honey milk bath mix that will leave the body feeling soft. There is also an acne cleanser that fights inflammation and dark marks and a clay mask that can be used on both the face and skin. Lady VWB also provides a supreme facial serum made for brightening and tightening, along with hair oil, hair masks, and anti-cellulite cream/oil. There is also a men’s collection that includes a natural beard and mustache oil and wave styling balm. Growing up, Vanessa dealt with terrible skin. After speaking with several doctors, she started to conduct her own research and eventually created a line of skincare products. Vanessa saw remarkable progress and has been using her products for over nine years with amazing results. With her newfound skills and 22 years of experience in hospitality and management, Vanessa has successfully created her own natural skincare business.. “Our mission at Lady VWB Nature is to make sure we are spreading knowledge with recommendations of adapting to a routine format for your life. We want to ensure our clients know how to properly use natural products that have wound healing properties and great health benefits,” she says. Vanessa’s products will not affect the Ph balance. Her products are wonderful for all skin types and can help heal things such as psoriasis and eczema. They have a pleasant, clean smell and feel great on the skin, and help with an endless amount of skin conditions from rashes, psoriasis, eczema, discoloration, and much more. The shelf life for Lady VWB products is a respectful two years.
When asked what she loves most about her company Vanessa credits her daughter Vatina, who helps her create just about every product she sells. She plans to teach Vatina everything so that the business will be passed down to her one day, resulting in generational wealth. Vanessa is also an all-around problem solver. “I like being put on the spot to assist with resolving the issue and ensuring our customers are satisfied. That makes me feel like I’m doing my job,” she says. All the wonderful customers and other entrepreneurs she’s met throughout her journey is what motivates her to keep going. One client even sent her a “before and after” picture, and it almost had her in tears. She was so proud of her work and the results it gave. Yet, of course, all great businesses come with some challenges. Because of the Corona Virus pandemic, a few of her ingredients now take longer to ship, which caused somewhat of an issue. Yet even with the minor shipping glitch, she has still made an abundance of products to supply their pop shops and meet turnaround time quotas. Vanessa also had to come to terms with the fact that she won’t please everyone, especially those looking for an overnight miracle cream. She shares Lady V products are designed to help customers adapt to a routine. “Our motto is nothing will work if you don’t work.” Despite all of the trials and tribulations, Lady VWB still has many rewarding moments. Even though they just started production in October of 2020, they already see a promising profit early on. Vanessa is also proud of how her presence has grown with other entrepreneur vendors, “We have been networking with other vendors as well receiving so much support for every which way.” When asked what her testimony is she stated, “I live a more simple and minimalistic life. Something I’ve always wanted to do was learn why I’ve suffered for so many years with cystic acne and eczema. I finally feel like I’ve come up with a breakthrough, something that works for me. Most importantly, I trusted the process, and I didn’t stop. I was consistent, and I wanted to share this with the world.” In regards to the future, Vanessa plans on advancing by continuing to build her business, teaching her daughter herbalism, chemistry, entrepreneurship, and h growing generational wealth.
Lady VWB Nature www.ladyvwbnature.com 8
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Djuan S hort Dahlia Rose Wellness By Arielle Kilgore Photos by Djuan Short
When you think of stress, you assume the cause of it would be employment or the engagement or involvement with other people. However, the number one leading contributing factor is mental. Djuan Short is a licensed clinical therapist based in Philadelphia, PA, and the owner of Dahlia Rose Wellness. With her practice, she offers individual or child and family therapy sessions. She also takes an EMDR approach which suggests specialty care for those with past traumatic instances. Other services include yoga instruction and online therapy classes such as female entrepreneurship and relationship advice. Furthermore, the option of a holistic approach is available with a holistic psychotherapy session with Djuan. Djuan provides consultations and counseling services for non-profits and businesses, as well. These services are designed to help pilot their staff more efficiently and, in some cases, produce the task more successfully. She believes her techniques for dealing with stress prove that a strong mindset encourages a great life. “I’m a people person at my core. I strive to understand the needs of others and assist with finding solutions for them,” she says. Djuan received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Maryland and Masters in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. “The business was always an afterthought to me. It wasn’t until three years later the thought of Dahlia Rose Wellness Center came to fruition,” Djuan explains. “In 2017, I applied for a program that helped licensed therapists develop and achieve their practice. In May of 2019, the paperwork was filed, and the following January 2020, the doors were opened for business Djuan officially launched to the world, she says a freight train came roaring out of nowhere by the name of Covid. “I didn’t know what to think. I was trying to figure out whether or
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not I’m actually going to be able to have a lucrative business or even have a business at all,” Djuan says. Fortunately, Dahlia Rose Wellness was fruitful and became a beneficial service for people in April 2020, mainly because everyone needed guidance, and Djuan was positioned to provide it. Since launching in 2020, the business has grown significantly, with Djuan being able to service a wide range of women, especially women of color. It’s success can be attributed their commitment to provide the best possible experience every day. Djuan follows up her practices with journaling, yoga, and an emotional advisory team to keep her focused. “Since I’m a big advocate of practicing what you preach, I do the things that I preach to my clients,” she says. “I also invest very heavily in myself. I have a business coach, a book coach, and a money coach. Why? When you think about a business, it’s not just about creating a business to serve other people. You are truly creating a business to service yourself, and the business is only as good as you are in terms of how you take care of yourself at the end of the day.” Consistency, collaboration,self-exploration, and balance are core values that Djuan lives by. Her goal is to show up in her clients’ lives and help them explore who they are and what they want out of life. Finding these things can help produce balance and self-esteem that others dream they could have. For example, a client of hers received a big offer from a job they were practicing for. While trying to hold back tears, Djuan was able to get her client to use her voice and trust herself. “Moments like that make me realize this is why I do what I do. It’s just reassuring and validating that my work is transformative.” Djuan believes that being a constant learner, observer, and seeking wisdom and guidance from other people aids her business and grows it more. To add, this is what makes her work enjoyable. “Being able to be a positive presence and create my own working conditions, makes it all worth it,” she says. Expansion is something that Djuan is considering in the near future. She would love to expand her clientele and staff and develop her coaching program. In addition, she would love to add different sources of income. Djuan short also works with organizations such as ODAAP . She is also a board member on Dacha , which helps promote family planning and addresses teen violence and abuse.
www.dahliarosewellness.com
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To learn more about Dahlia Rose Wellness, please visit their website. h
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Gallerie Ukwensi at Ghent 14
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“Black is not the absence of color, it’s a particular color…there are seven (colors of black). They all may look the same, but when you stack them on top of each other, the variations are more pronounced. That means I have a palette that is just as complex as any other color on the spectrum.” -Kerry James Marshall Artist, from the film Black Art: In the Absence of Light By Gamal Williams Photos by Ukwensi Jones
Black artists and their work have long been marginalized as untrained, uneducated, and lesser than their White counterparts. The terms “Black art” and “Black artists” by definition prove this marginalization. The artist is seen as Black first, and then through a less than approving lens, their work is viewed in its own little box, unworthy of comparison to the likes of a Rembrandt, a Van Gogh, a Picasso, or a Warhol. The aren’t seen as impressionists, abstractists, sculptors, cubists, expressionists, or realists. They are merely Black artists that make Black art that only Black people could understand and appreciate. Ukwensi Chappel sees art as art. In 2018, Ukwensi Chappell opened Gallerie Ukwensi, located in the Ghent District of Norfolk. Ukwensi (he explains it’s pronunciation in his energetic tones as “Oooo, Quincy”), opened Gallerie Ukwensi to do what other gallery’s wouldn’t: expose and educate people to the beauty of art crafted by Black artists. A tour through his gallery reveals something deeper, something powerful and beautiful, rooted in centuries of exclusion. Ukwensi takes the time to greet every customer, young or old, Black, White or purple, rich or poor. He doesn’t just greet people; he engages with them. Ukwensi, or “Uki” as his friends call him, watched as I marveled at the beauty held on his walls. As I leaned in to admire a piece, Uki would offer the story behind the art, revealing something special and personal about the artist that inspired the work. When asked why he knew so much about not only a particular piece, but the artists themselves, he said “Most gallery’s in the area didn’t greet me when I came in, and if they did, they didn’t tell me about the art. But every piece has a story, and every story was an experience by the artist.”
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Ukwensi’s art, rich abstracts made of layers of crushed glass and pigments suspended in clear enamel that form 3-dimensional kaleidoscopes, line the main wall. Uki calls his work “My windows to your imagination.” No matter what you think you see in his work, its correct. I told him I saw a deep sea scape in one piece; an alien world in another. Uki smiled and tilted his head. “If that is what you see, then that’s what it is. It’s your imagination.” As we continued the tour, I was astonished to discover the backgrounds of some of the artists. High school teachers, college students, and working class people’s work hung amongst artists that made their living solely through their art. What was more surprising, was that they weren’t all Black. “Yes, my plan was to become the #1 gallery for Black artists because they don’t get a shot. But I wanted to highlight all artists,” Uki explains. “If their art spoke to me, I wanted them in here. We have Black, White, Asian, and Hispanic artists.” At the conclusion of our tour, Uki offered me a glass of wine or water. He then sat in the soft, leather couch below one of his pieces in the lush seating area in the heart of Gallerie Ukwensi. We were soon joined by two other artists featured in the gallery. Artist Gia Labidi, a dynamic powerhouse of triumph and beauty, and self-taught painter Ralph Thomas, whose infectious energy and slight Southern twang lights up any conversation. Gia and Ralph had no business to conduct. They were merely stopping by, an action I soon found was welcomed in Gallerie Ukwensi. To Uki, Gia and Ralph weren’t just business partners, they were friends, each with a mutual respect and appreciation for the others.
Ukwensi Chappell Gallerie Ukwensi at Ghents 424 W. 21st St. Suite 101 Norfolk, VA 23517 757-756-4480 www. gallerie-ukwensi.com
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“I was driving by on lunch one day and saw the gallery,” Gia Labidi, a sculptor and painter for more than 20 years recalls. “I gave him my card so I could be on the list to be notified of the opening. He called me not too long after and wanted my work.” Gia’s work has been displayed nationally and internationally. “Uki wants to give us a voice. He is endearing and whomever walks through that door, he engages with them.” There was pain in her voice when she spoke that last sentence. When asked why she felt Gallerie Ukwensi was important, the pain is put into words. “The only place we could be seen, was in Black gallery’s. Its irritating that White artists are just artists. They aren’t labeled,” Gia stated, “…and our art isn’t supported. It’s been 20 years since there was a black owned gallery in Ghent.” Ralph Thomas, who taught himself using paint-by-numbers kits, echoes Gia’s sentiments. “Most times, art gallery’s don’t even want to
speak to you if you’re a Black artist. They look at you like ‘Oh, you doin’ Black art.’ I’m like ‘No, I’m doing art that’s just as good as anything you have up in here!’” Uki nods in agreement. Then, the gallery door swings open, and three ladies enter. They are young, Black, maybe in college or attend Maury High School up the road. Uki politely excused himself and his eyes squinted as his smile pushed his cheeks into them. They are a bit surprised that not only were the greeted so fast, but that the towering man that approached them smiled. They smiled back then walked with wide eyes and gaped mouths as Ukwensi highlighted every piece. They were learning, enjoying, experiencing, and it all started with two words from Uki: “Hello. Welcome.”
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Dr. By Ayana Bryant By Santana B Photography
A woman of many talents and titles, Dr. Trina Pratt wears them all well. She is addressed as professor and also CEO. However, the most essential title she has is that of mom. For nearly ten years, Pratt dabbled with the idea of launching her very own line of organic baby food. Last year that small idea became a big reality. Little Chéngers LLC was launched in December 2020 as a subscription service for organic baby food. The company’s motto is “Super Foods for Super Kids”. The line includes eight different flavors options: blueberry spinach, banana strawberry, mango, sweet potato, sweet potato with apple ginger, sweet potato apple and ginger, applesauce, and applesauce with ginger and cinnamon. The subscription offers plans of two or three meals per day by weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly packages. Meals can be purchased individually as well. The premium food selection that Little Chéngers offers is explicitly tailored to enhance a baby’s developmental milestones. Pratt is a proud graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, Temple University, and most recently, The University of North Carolina Greensboro, where she received her Ph.D. in Kinesiology, concentrating in Community Youth Sports Development 2019. After becoming a new mom in 2010 to Ché, Pratt’s life changed forever. With her son as the main focus of her life, she became very conscious of his needs, mainly growing and developing. Continued on the next page
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As the time came for Che’ to start eating solid foods, Pratt says that she headed to the grocery store and purchased a very popular line of baby food like any other new mother. “When I returned home and tried to feed it to Ché, he rejected it. My son normally had a healthy appetite, but I had never seen him do this before, pushing away a spoon full of food,” she says. Initially, she continued to take the advice of others and kept trying to feed it to Che’, hoping that he would eventually begin to like it; but that didn’t go so well.
Mango
Pratt became concerned about her sons’ reaction to the newly introduced baby food. She shares he would eat other things like baby cereal and drink his milk just fine, but he wasn’t a fan of the baby food. Next, she decided to taste the baby food for herself, and after one spoonful, she knew why Che’ didn’t want to eat it. “It was horrible. The food tasted terrible, and I, too, had a difficult time eating it. I knew I had to do something about this,” she says. Pratt then decided to do some research of her own and began discussing food options with some other moms. She wasn’t able to find many mothers who made their children’s food at home, as she knew for busy single mothers like herself, it was easier to pick some up from the grocery store.
Apple Sauce with Ginger and Cinnamon
Running out of resources, she turned to her family for help, consulting with her grandmother, mother, and aunts for some sound advice. “As a child, it was my greatgrandmother who fed me mostly and showed my mother how to take different foods and cut them up very fine, making it suitable for me to eat as a baby. It made sense for me to come back to those who fed me,” she says. It proved to be the right decision for Pratt.
Continued onpage 20
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Sweet Potato, Apple & Cinnamon
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Along with the help of her family and the research she conducted, Pratt became better equipped to cater to her son’s needs. She learned about different additives and ingredients that could assist with things like brain development and overall health. From there, Pratt developed a routine. “Every Friday, after work, I would purchase fresh groceries. On Saturdays, I would go into the kitchen, sit Ché in his stroller, turn on some music, and begin experimenting with new recipes for him to taste, all while learning the things he liked and disliked,” she says. Pratt’s version of research and development was pretty successful, and her son’s eating habits improved as he developed a surprising liking for baby food, his mothers’ batch of baby food. As she got better at creating new foods for Ché, Pratt came up with the great idea of Little Chéngers. That was in 2010, and Pratt’s life, career, and schoolwork wouldn’t allow time for it, so she put the idea on hold. However, ten years later, as fate would have it, a phone conversation with her mother changed everything. “Ché was about to turn ten, and I remember being on the phone with my mother and she said to me “You’ve been talking about this baby food business for over ten years, when are you going to do it?” That was all I needed to get started,” says Pratt.
Pratt says that her son is one of her biggest inspirations. She also credits the work that she has done serving the youth has also impacted her tremendously. From her college students to the children she helped while working as the Executive Director for The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club of Gastonia, she truly enjoys seeing their development and growth throughout her time with them. Pratt’s hope is for Little Chéngers to continue growing and thrive toward success. Despite some of the challenges she has faced, her goal is to expand and market her products nationally and globally, connecting with consumers that may not necessarily look like her. The Little Chéngers brand is for all baby’s, and she hopes to ensure that parents have access to it. “Moving forward, I have no plans of slowing down. I want to be the change I see in the world,” she says. h Continued on page 24
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“As a child, it was my great-grandmother who fed me mostly and showed my mother how to take different foods and cut them up very fine, making it suitable for me to eat as a baby. It made sense for me to come back to those who fed me.”
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Crescent Surgical Supply “Fear is not from God. Fear is of the devil. God did not give us the spirit of fear.” By Gamal Williams Photos by Rueben Hays
The comedian Milton Berle once said, “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” Rueben Hays built that door, and the company it led to, Crescent Surgical Supply. The Los Angelos native, and seven-year Navy veteran where he served as a surgical technician, started his journey when he took a chance. After separating from the Navy, In 2003 Rueben briefly worked as a sales representative for a major surgical device manufacturer. The field was very competetive and severely underrepresented by African-Americans. One day, he learned surplus surgical supplies were being sold on eBay. “I asked myself ‘What is this equipment doing being sold online? It was a different time back then,” Rueben recalls. “You can’t do that anymore. That limitation is how I was able to get into the industry, get buyers and connect with vendors.” As Louis Pasteur said, “chance favors the prepared mind.” Formerly kown as RomeMed Inc. which was founded in 2003, Crescent Surgical LLC was birthed in Greenville, S.C. in August 2019. This represented more than a name change, it represented a new chapter in life and business. A painful divorce set the stage for Rueben’s renewed focus and limitless vision. CSS currently employs eight employees and forty contractors that work throughout the country. Rueben and his CSS team focuses on the medical equipment set to expire and be disposed of if left unused. This is the leverage point CSS uses to acquire said equipment from wholesalers, distributors, and vendors at a lower price point, then resells them at a mark-up but much lower than the retail price. “We sell mostly specialized, one-time use devices: electro-cardio devices, mesh, implants used in hernia surgeries, staples for different types of resections, sutures, and harmonic wound sealing devices, for example,” explains Rueben. “If we don’t buy and resell short dated surplus from hospitals, most often they are thrown away. We also donate all the products that we can’t move,” he shares. According to Allied Market Research, in 2019 the global surgical equipment market was valued at $33.72 billion. By 2027, it is estimated to grow in value by 33% to $44.48 billion. Grand View Research estimates the disposable surgical equipment market will be valued at $5.5 billion this year. Yet even with the high value of these products, in the U.S. alone, its estimated that hospitals spend
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almost $10 billion per year in disposal fees for supplies, equipment and trash.** Rueben has ensured CSS is seizing a piece of that market, with half of the CSS buyers being international. One can understand how Rueben’s medical training, initiative and business acumen have positioned Crescent Surgical Supply to be a key player and large stakeholder in the disposable surgical equipment market, but it was not without obstacles. “There is not another me (African-American person) out there doing what I do. In seventeen years in this business, I have never seen another me.” When asked if entering a market with no African-American representation was difficult, Rueben let out an exasperated sigh. “Of course!” he exclaimed. “It took a while. Luckily, I was able to find a niche market. I don’t have to deal with the end users, like hospitals or clinics. I deal with the distributors. But it was challenging to break in, to get people to trust me. We just ensure that we conduct sound business practices and are trustworthy. That is what has built us into what we are today.” And should a product expire before it can be resold, Rueben has a plan for that as well. “We donate a lot of products, products we cannot move. In the United States, there must be time left on a product in order to resell it. When the expiration date is too close for resale or has expired, we donate it to Partners For World Health.” Partners For World Health, a Portland, ME based charity, has donated over 236 tons of medical supplies worldwide. Rueben ensures CSS donates money and resources to charities in the Greensville area as well. “The biggest thing for me is giving back, philanthropy,” states Rueben. “Most of my donations are focused on the Greenville community.” Some of those charities include Lisa’s Schoolhouse Rocks, which provides camps to teach civics lessons; Vernon Veteran’s Services who help military personnel transition from the military lifestyle to civilian beginnings; Upstate GEMS (Going the Extra Mile for Success) that promotes positive qualities in young ladies; and the “Spread the Love” initiative, a food drive sponsored by Harvest Hope, amongst others. Rueben offers this advice to any young woman or man that recognizes a potential opportunity but is unsure if they should take the chance: “Fear is not from God. Fear is of the devil. God did not give us the spirit of fear. For me, if ever I get afraid of journeying down a path, whether it be in business or in myself, I know that is the devil trying to push me away from what it is that God really has for me,” he said. “I’d tell them to lean into it, even if you fail, failure is not final. You learn some of your best lessons from failing. This wasn’t just a linear track for me. There were ups, there were down. I had many obstacles, much to learn and I didn’t have the privilege of partners or even people that looked like me that really wanted to empower me or educate me. I had to go into places I didn’t know or what to expect. I got ran out of a few places. But I learned h from it. So, I would tell them you have to go for it.”
1327 Miller Rd – Suite B Greenville, SC 29607 1-888-481-1086 www.crescentsurg.com 27
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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Hot Sams Detroit
In an era where it may be more convenient to purchase causal or formal menswear, a stand-alone clothing store has managed to remain at the top of its game for an astonishing 100 years. Today, Hot Sams Detroit Detroit is enjoying the rewards of perseverance and continues to deliver exceptional products and quality customer service. The Hot Sams Detroit brand has always been synonymous with High Quality Detroit Style. The store has always been planted in downtown Detroit. The story began in 1921, when Sam Freedman, who was Jewish, opened the doors of Hot Sams Detroit to the public. In the beginning, they had a reputation for having the lowest prices in the city, leaving many to assume that their products were stolen or hot; this is where the name “Hot Sams Detroit” originated. As time passed, the Freedman family was joined by current owners Tony Stovall and Cliff G. Green. Both started as salesmen in 1974 and rose to the rank of top salesmen. They both worked there until the opportunity to purchase the store presented itself in 1994, preserving the Hot Sams Detroit Legacy. Hot Sams Detroit Detroit is exclusively a men’s clothing store. There is a tailor shop located on-site and available for both men and women. “We’re known for suits, but as of late, our clients have been those needing casual wear. I have seen an increase in the number of weddings, proms and special occasions, even in the midst of the Covid 19 pandemic. Unfortunately, there has been an increase in business due to funerals for the victims who succumb to the virus,” shares Lauren Stovall, the Business Lead and Legacy Preserver for Hot Sams Detroit. She is also the daughter of Tony Stovall.
Lauren Stovall Business Lead & Legacy Preserver for Hot Sams Detroit
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As a response to the pandemic, Lauren has worked to increase the online presence for Hot Sams Detroit. Their website has been revamped and is more user-friendly. Eventually, the plan is for customers to be able to have an in-store experience online. This means that a client will be able to select fabric, choose the style of button, input their size and fittings, and still have their suit custom made in house. In March 2021, the city of Detroit celebrated with Hot Sams Detroit Detroit on their centennial celebration. The mayor presented them with a key to the city, and the Detroit City Council recognized them with a Hot Sams Detroit Day. On July 10th, the store produced a Black Wall Street alongside the storefront in conjunction with vendors and community members. Tony Stovall serves as the CEO of Hot Sams Detroit Detroit. His leadership and direction have paved the way for the company to survive several decades and remain relevant in the men’s fashion scene. A Detroit native, Tony shares he inherited his fortitude and business savviness from his father. “My father was strong and shaped me into being a strong black man. He taught me that my word is bond. If your word isn’t good, nobody will trust you,” he says. Tony took the lessons and instructions from his father and applied them to his business. By doing so he enjoyed success. After just one year while working with the Freedmans, he became top salesman. He then was promoted to Assistant Manager before rising to the ranks of a buyer. He was so successful that eventually, he received a percentage of the overall profits from the store. One day, he decided to leave Hot Sams Detroit Detroit and open his own store. The owners got word of his decision and decided to make Tony the deal of a lifetime; they wanted him to buy the store. Tony knew that he couldn’t do it all by himself, so he called on the help of now CFO, Clifford. Tony shares how impressed he was with Clifford. Before joining the sales team that existed of five to six people back then, Clifford had owned a tailoring business and obtained a degree in Business from the University of Detroit. He also was a good salesman, and forming a partnership with him made good sense to Tony.
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Clifford was born in Alabama but moved to Detroit at the age of six. In high school, and took a tailoring class and learned to sew and make clothing. While in the 10th grade, he entered a co-op program and worked at a retail store after school. After high school, he attended The University of Detroit and graduated in 1974. He then got a job JL Hudson as a buyer, then became a department manager before leaving to start a tailoring business of his own with someone else. This venture lasted for a while before life guided him to Hot Sams Detroit. “I saw an advertisement for a salesman in the paper. It was interesting. He applied and got the job, and now many years later, I am still here,” he says. To gain ownership of Hot Sams Detroit, in 1994, the duo obtained a business loan. In just a few years, they repaid their loan in full. Each brings something different and unique to the table, helping their company keep the wheels turning and doors open.
Cliff G. Green CFO, Hot Sams Detroit
Tony Stovall CEO, Hot Sams Detroit
In 2004, they moved from 1317 Brush Street into their current location at 127 Monroe Avenue. While the amount of square footed has been reduced, the brand is still held intact. In 2015, they C]celebrated a Grand Reopening with the sponsorship of Bedrock Detroit to reveal new store renovations and a fresh product line, including a new line of suits called Power Collection. Being involved in their community and giving back is very important for Hot Sams Detroit Detroit. In 1996, Hot Sams Detroit began hosting an annual black-tie in-store fundraiser for the Lou Rawls United Negro College Fund (UNCF). The event brought out the “whos who of Detroit,” and they raised $250,000 for the organization over a span of five years. In 1999, Hot Sams Detroit began working with the Detroit Public School system, participating in mentorship programs, career days, and Dress For Success initiatives. Moving forward, both Tony and Clifford plan to keep doing things the same. Lauren’s excitement has brought new energy to Hot Sams Detroit Detroit, and things will only get better from here. To learn more about Hot Sams Detroit h Detroit, please visit their website.
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Steve Gardner & Kaleik Hayes
ChildHoodLost Entertainment Group By Gamal Williams - Photos by ChildhoodLost Entertainment Group
Steve Gardner was one of the lucky ones growing up in South Philadelphia. At age six, his mother fell ill, yet Steve wasn’t swept up into the foster care system, another Black child endlessly waiting for a rescue that rarely comes. Family members, including the mother of his half-brother, Kaliek Hayes, stepped in and raised him. Kaliek’s mother, Regina, offered a safe environment to a child that wasn’t her own. Again, Steve was lucky. Though young, the kindness bestowed upon him instilled a protective, nurturing spirit in Steve. “Growing up, I always tried to look out for my younger brothers and siblings. Be that caretaker. I always tried to put myself in their position, whether it was forced upon me or willingly, I always felt it was important to be that rock for my brothers and sisters.” Kaliek looked up to his big brother. “Steve was always just…” he pauses, trying to gather the words to adequately express his heart, “…he was just that rock. He always looked after me. I remember he would take me with him to his job. I was like 10 and he was 15. It didn’t matter, he always looked out for me.” Steve explains he wouldn’t have it any other way. “I just wanted to make sure he wasn’t on the streets. So, I kept him with me pretty much everywhere I went.” All of that changed when Steve was 17, Kaliek was 12. A boy from the neighborhood brought a gun to the basketball court they were playing on.
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“None of us thought the gun was real, it looked fake,” recalls Kaliek. “We thought it was a starter pistol,” continues Steve. “So, I asked to see the gun, another kid had it, and he fired the gun.” The bullet struck a dear friend of Steve and Kaliek’s, entering the back of his skull and exiting his cheek. The boys watched in horror as their friend died in front of them. “All I could think was ‘I don’t ever want to be in that position again.’ I don’t own a gun, haven’t touched a gun, and this was over thirty something years ago.” Steve says somberly. “It still affects us to this day, it changed us. We went on different paths; me the straight and narrow; Kaliek a more seedy one.” For Kaliek, the trauma, and the inability to express how he felt, started a cycle of self-destruction. “He was a good friend of mine, like, he was someone I could just talk to, ya’ know? After that, and everything that happened after, I just didn’t respect anyone. I was a good kid up until then. I went from doing good in school, making sure the house was clean before my mother got home, to carrying a gun and running the streets. Something just snapped for me.” Kaliek became one of the many children swept up into the trappings of the streets, his childhood lost due to unaddressed trauma. At age 16, his mother put him out when she discovered drugs in their home. By age 18, he was a father of three and in federal prison on drug related charges. Prison is supposed to provide rehabilitation, yet Kaliek found something different; an unexpected mentor presented itself. “I met man in prison. He had a lot of time, but he was so positive. He humbled me, made see things differently. I would write Steve and tell him that when I came home, we needed to do something ‘cause I didn’t want to come back to prison.” Kaliek began writing, telling not only his experiences, but those of friends and acquaintances, humanizing children that looked and sounded and lived like he did. He presented his collection of writings to Steve, who became inspired and began contributing to the stories. When it was done, the brothers released their literary work, a book titled “ChildHood Lost.” “We had no way to advertise it though. We took the book to a brother we knew, Bilal Islam. He was writing and directing plays and he loved it,” states Steve. With Bilal’s help, ChildHood Lost the book, became ChildHood Lost the play. “We write plays about kids, for kids, and talk to the real things they go through,” Kaliek states. According to www.childhoodlostentgroup.com, the ChildHoodLost Entertainment Group has a simple mission, “to passionately using theater to showcase art with a purpose as both an intervention and preventative tool.” ChildHoodLost takes a different approach to the medium of theater. Violence, promiscuity, substance abuse, trauma, and crime are just some of the topics their 14 plays have addressed since debuting in 2012. The play “LEGACY: A Story of Boys that Moved Men” took a unique approach
www.childhoodslostentgroup.com 484-300-5468 on Black History, telling the tale of a man that falls asleep only to meet Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Marcus Garvey, and Malcolm X as teenagers. “After the Eulogy” depicts a support group for parents, trying to cope with the loss of their children after gun violence. “The -N- Word” fostered constructive dialogue about racism. Theater isn’t the only way ChildHoodLost engages with Philadelphia’s youth. Chess Chat, a program where children meet with mentors at the Urban Art Gallery in West Philadelphia (as well as online) to play chess. Chess Chat’s motto? In life, as in chess, forethought wins. “It’s more than just chess. We actually talk with the kids while we play. Talk to them about whatever is on their minds,” Steve proudly explains. It’s a simple, yet powerful concept, harkening to a saying often used in the Black community; Each one, teach one. Steve and Kaliek have used theater and chess as a vehicle to not only reach and teach children, but to set the example for adults as well. As a January 16th, 2020 ChildHoodLost Foundation Facebook post states “If you want to change our city, start with grabbing up ONE youngin’ and teach them All You Know!” Steve and Kaliek don’t need the lights or the cameras. They have taken action! h
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Monica Hale Sold By Monica
Plush Homes Co. Realtors
By Ayana Bryant Photos by Randall Lee
Makeup Artist: Francys Patricia Alanis - Eyelashes: Candace Thompson Stylist: Ty Jackson - Hair: Cierra Vance Yates
At a very young age Monica Hale understood that her life’s calling would be to help people. In what capacity exactly? That was to be determined. However, life experiences, unexpected struggles, and a powerful, prophetic voice would all eventually lead her to finding her true purpose. Today, the wife, mother, and businesswoman is the owner and CEO of Plush Homes Co. Realtors. Monica was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas. After gaining fifteen years of experience in property management, Monica decided that she’d conquered that field and wanted to elevate her career to the next level. In 2013, Monica enrolled herself in real estate school. While this was an exciting time in her life, things didn’t go as planned. When she took the real estate exam, unfortunately, she did not pass the first time around. This hurdle discouraged her, but she didn’t let the dream die there. Monica remained focused on her goals and pressed toward the mark, returning to sit for the exam four years later.
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In 2016, Monica met a woman who she said “prophesied over her life.” “This woman spoke love and light into me, giving me the encouragement and confidence that I needed to realign myself with God and my true purpose,” she shares. That prophetic word was just the push Monica needed to restart her journey for her real estate license. After many nights of studying along with a sincere determination to succeed, Monica passed her real estate exam in July 2017 and began working at her first brokerage. The remaining pages of Monica’s story would now start. Within the first thirty days at the brokerage firm, Monica sold her first home. She continued to push herself and eventually became the top producing agent as she continued her real estate journey with another brokerage. While still working in property management and working at the brokerage part time, Monica decided it was time to commit to her dreams fully and follow her purpose. So, in August 2019, she quit her fulltime job and began her journey to becoming an Executive Broker. Three months later, she passed the Arkansas Real Estate Broker Exam and began building her legacy. As Monica set her sights on her future, things began to happen pretty fast. In June 2020, she launched Plush Homes Co. Realtors, operating as its Principal Broker. Things were set in place and Plush Homes Co. Realtors immediately claimed
its place in the real estate arena. With a growing staff of 25+ agents, this brokerage is well equipped to handle any future home buyer’s needs. They currently offer commercial property leasing, credit repairs, transactions with both sellers and buyers, and listings. When asked what she loves most about her company, her answer was “building it from the ground up.” “I enjoyed starting from scratch. From picking the name of the company to finding an IT (Information Technology) person, and even securing the location; the whole experience was more rewarding than franchising another company,” says Monica. Although the Covid 19 pandemic negatively impacted many businesses and industries, real estate wasn’t necessarily one of them. Monica says the pandemic was more helpful than anything for her company and ironically gave her business a boost. “All of a sudden, there were so many buyers that surfaced, mainly due to the low-interest rates,” says Monica. The demand eventually became more significant than the supply leading to a shortage in inventory within the real estate market, not only in Arkansas but also around the country. This trend has continued as the inventory of homes remains lower than the number of prospective buyers searching for homes.
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“I enjoyed starting from scratch. From picking the name of the company, to finding an IT (Information Technology) person, and even securing the location; the whole experience was more rewarding than franchising another company.” While her journey has involved a few challenges, Monica says she wouldn’t have it any other way. “The journey I’ve traveled hasn’t been easy, but it has been rewarding. This profession isn’t for everyone; however, if you can commit yourself to pushing through the difficult times, you can and will be successful,” she shares. “The biggest piece of advice that I would give to anyone who is considering a career as a Realtor is to stay encouraged. It’s important to always congratulate and reward yourself for your accomplishments. You may have to work harder than others at times, but don’t give up. If you fail at something today, it doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road. Pick up the pieces, dust yourself off, and try again.” Moving forward, Monica hopes to expand Plush Homes Co. Realtors throughout the United States. “I won’t name what states we are considering at this time, but there are a few specific places that we have our eyes on,” she says. “Who knows, Plush Homes Co. Realtors might even become a franchised company one day. Let’s see what God has in store for us!” While Monica is the owner and CEO of Plush Homes Co. Realtors, she wanted to give a huge thank you to her co-CEO’s Destinee and Delvin Hale. They were the driving force behind her motivation to start this amazing business! She shared that if it had not been for her daughter and husband, there would be no Plush Homes Co. Realtors. To find your dream home or for more information on this great black-owned business, visit their website or contact them directly.
415 N. McKinley Suite 1020 Little Rock, AR 72205 501-817-8511 www.plushhomesco.com 40
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MAGAZINE
Cutest Baby 42
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Asher Grady The son of Jessica and Justyn Grady
Cleveland - July/August 2021
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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